Determining physical and aerodynamic properties of garlic to design and develop of a pneumatic garlic clove metering system

This study was conducted to investigate some moisture-dependent physical and aerodynamic properties of garlic cloves (Allium Sativum L.). A completely randomized design (CRD) with five replications was chosen for the experimental layout. The data were analyzed by SAS program version 9.1 and means comparison were done by Duncan’s multiple range test (DMRT). Regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between physical and aerodynamic properties, and their moisture contents. The average length, width, thickness, geometric and arithmetic mean diameter of garlic cloves were 32.0, 21.8, 20.9, 24.4 and 24.9, respectively. The average of the surface area, projected area, one thousand kernel mass, volume and bulk density of garlic cloves increased from 1718.3 to 2029.1 mm2, 546.6 to 644.3 mm2, 6783.0 to 8159.3 g, 5916.5 to 7356.0 mm3 and 476.3 to 567.4 kg/m3, respectively, with increasing moisture content from 35.8% to 60.5% w.b. Studies showed that as moisture content increased, the true density decreased from 1146.4 to 1109.3 kg/m3. Within the same moisture range, the terminal velocity of garlic cloves increased linearly from 15.6 to 16.7 m/s. Finally, a vacuum seed metering system (a unit of pneumatic planter) for planting garlic cloves were designed and developed based on physical and aerodynamic properties of garlic cloves

Selection of fertilization method and fertilizer application rate on corn yield

Abstract: A field experiment was carried out on the silty clay soil of Lack-Lack agricultural research field during two years to select the most suitable fertilization method (fertilizer broadcasting, fertilizer pouring in the furrow, fertilizer banding placement in one side and both sides of seedling) and application rate (30, 60 and 90 kg of net nitrogen from source of urea fertilizer/ha) on corn yield and yield components in Hamedan province in Iran.  Corn yield components evaluated were plant height, corn height, percentage of corncob, thousand-kernel mass and net yield.  A factorial experiment with 12 treatments (four methods × three levels) was replicated three times in 36 test plots.  By analysis of variance and comparison of treatment means using DMRT (Duncan’s new Multiple Range Test), application methods had no significant effect on plant height, corn height and percentage of corncob, but net yield and thousand-kernel mass were highly influenced.  In addition, effect of fertilizer application rate on plant height, corn height, and percentage of corncob was not significant but was highly significant on net yield and thousand-kernel mass.  Interactional effects of method × level on plant height, corn height, percentage of corncob and thousand-kernel mass were not significant but their effects on net yield were very significant.  In this study, fertilizer banding on one side of seedling with 60 kg of nitrogen/ha applied 10 cm from the seedling at 5 cm soil depth was selected as the most suitable treatment.   Keywords: fertilization methods, nitrogen, fertilizer application rates, corn, placement fertilizer, Ira

Design of a vacuum seed metering system for kenaf planting

In this study, a vacuum seed metering system was designed and developed based on physical and aerodynamic properties of kenaf seeds (Hibiscus cannabinus L.). The kenaf vacuum seed metering system was evaluated in the laboratory by using kenaf seeds. For laboratory tests, a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications was chosen. The data were analyzed by Statistical Analysis Software (SAS) program version 9.1 and means separation test were done by using Duncan’s multiple range test (DMRT). The study results showed that the most suitable opening diameter and opening angle for planting kenaf seeds were 2.5 mm and 120°, respectively, which having the minimum missing and multiple indices with optimum quality of feed index

Effectiveness of acceptance and commitment group therapy on postpartum depression and psychological flexibility

Background and aims: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common and disabling psychosocial disorder that it suffers 10% to 15% women during the first year after delivery. PPD is a public health problem with negative consequences for both mother and infant. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment group therapy on postpartum depression and its effect on psychological flexibility. Methods: The current study was a clinical trial on 32 women who refereed to Gynecology Clinic in Isfahan, Iran. Participants were randomly divided in two groups of experiment and control, 16 women in each group. The instruments of research included Beck depression inventory, Edinburgh postpartum depression inventory and Acceptance and Action questionnaires. These were completed by both groups in three stages: Pre-test, post-test and the follow up stage after a 2- month intervention. Interventions were conducted in 8 sessions, 2 hours in a week. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance with repeated measures. Results: The results showed that Acceptance and commitment therapy, was significantly reduced the rate of depression and increased the psychological flexibility, compared with the control group (P=0.001). Conclusion: According to the results, use of this therapy approach is recommended by clinical psychology specialists to women with PPD

A Reflection of Nature Philosophy in Architecture with a Metaphysical Perspective

This paper indicates that the absence of nature as a great source of energy causes daily tensions in architecture and the fabric of life itself. It directly implies that this loss of contact with the source causes abnormalities in society. The discovery of metaphysical forces of nature and their impacts on human souls opened a chapter for such energies to be used in quotidian life. Considering the relation between human and nature from one side and the architecture and nature’s metaphysics interaction, this research was after finding the righteous application of such elements in architecture and through that in society. Conclusions and findings are represented on relation between human soul and nature. Keywords: Tension, Metaphysics, Nature, Architecture DOI: 10.7176/ADS/87-04 Publication date: November 30th 202

Low dose tranexamic acid effect on post-coronary artery bypass grafting bleeding

Objective: This study investigated the effects of low-dose tranexamic acid on post-coronary artery bypass surgery bleeding. Background: Diffuse microvascular bleeding is still a common problem after cardiac procedures. This study was designed to evaluate the hemostatic effects of low-dose tranexamic acid in on-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Methods: In this prospective randomized placebo-controlled study, 150 patients who were candidates for coronary artery bypass were enrolled and randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups (tranexamic acid or placebo). Total drainage volume and the need for transfusion as well as surgical complications were recorded and compared in the 2 groups. Results: There was significantly less mediastinal chest tube drainage up to 48 h in the tranexamic acid group (432±210 mL) compared to the placebo group (649±235 mL, p=0.006). In the placebo group, 43 (58) patients were given allogeneic blood during hospital stay compared to 22 (25) in the tranexamic acid group (p<0.001). No significant difference in postoperative complications was seen. Conclusion: The use of low-dose tranexamic acid can significantly reduce blood loss and need for transfusion, with no increase in complications. © The Author(s) 2012 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav

Conflict resolution in the multi-stakeholder stepped spillway design under uncertainty by machine learning techniques

publishedVersio

Gastroenteritis Related Seizure with or without Fever: Comparison Clinical Features and Serum Sodium Level

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics and serum sodium level in children with gastroenteritis related seizure with or without fever. Methods: 165 patients aged 6-60 months with gastroenteritis related seizure were studied. Demographic, seizure and gastroenteritis characteristics and laboratory findings were recorded.Results: Among the 165 children 47.3% were female and 52.7% were. Vomiting was 2.7±2.6 and 3.9±1.9 times in febrile and afebrile group. Duration of diarrhea was 1.8±1.8 day and 2.1±1.3 day in febrile and afebrile group (p=0.014). 36% in febrile group and 6.4% in afebrile group experienced seizure within the first 24 hours of gastroenteritis (p&lt;0.001). Seizure in 99.1% in febrile and 93.6% in afebrile group was generalized (p&gt;0.05). Seizure was more than 5 minutes in 51.4% in febrile and 57.4% in afebrile group (p&gt;0.05). Drowsiness after seizure was seen in 72.9% and 60% in febrile and afebrile group (p&gt;0.05). The serum level of sodium was 137.6±3.98 mEq/L and 138.5±3.78 mEq/L in febrile and afebrile group (p&gt;0.05). 26.3% in febrile group and 8.5% in afebrile group had hyponatremia (p=0.012). There was no difference in seizure duration between hyponatremic patients and others (p&gt;0.05). Conclusion: Type, duration of seizure and drowsiness after seizure had not any difference in febrile and afebrile cases. Vomiting and duration of diarrhea before admission was lower in febrile group. Seizure within the first 24 of gastroenteritis was higher in febrile group. Mild hyponatremia in febrile group was higher than afebrile group. No difference in duration of seizure was detected between hyponatremic patients and others

Spinal subdural hematoma revealing hemophilia A in a child: A case report

BACKGROUND: Intraspinal bleeding especially in the form of subdural hematoma is rare in hemophiliacs. In the present case, we report a neglected hemophilic A child with such a problem and discuss its management options. CASE PRESENTATION: A 9-year old hemophilic A boy presented with quadriparesis, confusion and meningismus after a fall 4 days previously. There was no sign of direct trauma to his back. His CT Scan and MRI showed spinal extramedullary hematoma extended from C5 to L2. We corrected the factor VIII level, but two days later, the patient's lower limbs weakened to 1/5 proximally as well as distally. We performed a laminectomy from T11 to L2, according to the level of the maximal neurological deficit and recent deterioration course. The subdural hematoma was evacuated. The hematoma in other spinal levels was managed conservatively. In the week following the operation, the patient's neurological status approached normal. CONCLUSION: This case calls attention to the clinical manifestation, radiological features and management options of the rarely reported intraspinal hematoma in hemophilic children. Although this case has been managed operatively for its hematoma in the thoracolumbar region, at the same time it can be considered a successful case of conservative management of intraspinal hematoma in the cervicothoracic region. Both conservative and surgical management could be an option in managing these patients considering their neurological course