Effect of exercise on Mesencephalic astrocyte derived neurotrophic factor levelsin the striatum of rats suffering from Parkinsons

Background and aims: The aim of this study, regarding the results of the previous researches and the effects of voluntary exercise on neurotrophic factors in treating PD, was to evaluate changes MANF level of rats` stratum exposed to neurotoxin injected by the stereotaxic surgery following the four weeks of treadmill running. Methods: Twenty four rats were divided into four groups: Sham, Parkinson control, Parkinson exercise, and healthy control. Exercise group exercised for 4 weeks, 5 days per week and 2 15-minute sessions having at least 1 h interval. The purpose of injecting 6-OHDA into the brain striatum was to create an experimental model of PD. Three weeks after the injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), Apo morphine rotational test was carried out in order to verify the rats with Parkinson latest. MANF levels in the striatum were measured by ELISA. Data was analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey post-hoc test. Results: The findings showed that there is a significant difference in the striatum MANF level of Parkinson control group (26.91±9 pg/mg) compared to the healthy control group (45.22±2 pg/mg) (P≤0.05). Furthermore, the striatum MANF level in Parkinson exercise group (29.35±2 pg/mg) had an increase in comparison with the Parkinson control group (26.91±9 pg/mg), but the difference was not significant (P=0.997). Conclusion: This research has shown that performing treadmill running program cannot increase the MANF level of striatum. Therefore, we cannot decisively consider a neural protective role for this training protocol and it necessitates further studies

Numerical Analysis of the Effect of Nanoparticles Size and Shape on the Efficiency of a Micro Heatsink

In this paper, two novel micro heat sinks (MHSs) were designed and subjected to thermal analysis using a numerical method. The fluid used was Boehmite alumina–water nanofluid (NFs) with high volume fractions (VOFs). Studies were conducted to determine the influence of a variety of nanoparticle (NP) shapes, such as platelet brick, blade, cylinder, and Os. The heatsink (HS) was made of copper, and the NFs entered it through the middle and exited via four outlets at the side of the HS. The finite element method was used to simulate the NFs flow and heat transfer in the HSs. For this purpose, Multi Physics COMSOL software was used. The maximum and middle values of HS temperature (T-MAX and T-Mid), thermal resistance (TH-R), heat transfer coefficient (h), FOM, etc., were studied for different NP shapes, and with Reynolds numbers (Re) of 300, 1000, and 1700, and VOFs of 0, 3, and 6%. One of the important outcomes of this work was the better thermal efficiency of the HS with rectangular fins. Moreover, it was discovered that a rise in Re increased the heat transfer. In general, adding NPs with high VOFs to MHSs is not appropriate in terms of heat. The Os shape was the best NP shape, and the platelet shape was the worst NP shape for high NPVOF. When NPs were added to an MHS, the temperature of the MHS dropped by an average of 2.8 or 2.19 K, depending on the form of the pin-fins contained inside the MHS (circular or square). The addition of NPs in the MHS with circular and square pin-fins enhanced the pressure drop by 13.5% and 13.3%, respectively, when the Re = 1700.National Research Priorities funding programPeer Reviewe

First report of the tomato leaf miner, Tuta absoluta (Lep.: Gelechiidae), from Iran

Following the appearance of a quarantine pest, tomato leaf miner, Tuta absoluta (Povolny), in Europe, monitoring of this species in Iran was started by the cooperation of the Plant Protection Organization of Iran and the Iranian Research Institute of Plant Protection. According to the surveys, the first emergence of this pest was detected in October 2010 in Azerbaijan-e-Gharbi province

Machine Learning-Based Approach for Modeling the Nanofluid Flow in a Solar Thermal Panel in the Presence of Phase Change Materials

Considering the importance of environmental protection and renewable energy resources, particularly solar energy, the present study investigates the temperature control of a solar panel using a nanofluid (NFD) flow with eco-friendly nanoparticles (NPs) and a phase change material (PCM). The PCM was used under the solar panel, and the NFD flowed through pipes within the PCM. A number of straight fins (three fins) were exploited on the pipes, and the output flow temperature, heat transfer (HTR) coefficient, and melted PCM volume fraction were measured for different pipe diameters (D_Pipe) from 4 mm to 8 mm at various time points (from 0 to 100 min). Additionally, with the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning, the best conditions for obtaining the lowest panel temperature and the highest output NFD temperature at the lowest pressure drop have been determined. While the porosity approach was used to model the PCM melt front, a two-phase mixture was used to simulate NFD flow. It was discovered that the solar panel temperature and output temperature both increased considerably between t = 0 and t = 10 min before beginning to rise at varying rates, depending on the D_Pipe. The HTR coefficient increased over time, showing similar behavior to the panel temperature. The entire PCM melted within a short time for D_Pipes of 4 and 6 mm, while a large fraction of the PCM remained un-melted for a long time for a D_Pipe of 8 mm. An increase in D_Pipe, particularly from 4 to 6 mm, reduced the maximum and average panel temperatures, leading to a lower output flow temperature. Furthermore, the increased D_Pipe reduced the HTR coefficient, with the PCM remaining un-melted for a longer time under the panel.Deanship of Scientific Research at Najran UniversityPeer Reviewe

Investigating the Effect of Tube Diameter on the Performance of a Hybrid Photovoltaic–Thermal System Based on Phase Change Materials and Nanofluids

The finite element (FEM) approach is used in this study to model the laminar flow of an eco-friendly nanofluid (NF) within three pipes in a solar system. A solar panel and a supporting phase change material (PCM) that three pipelines flowed through made up the solar system. An organic, eco-friendly PCM was employed. Several fins were used on the pipes, and the NF temperature and panel temperature were measured at different flow rates. To model the NF flow, a two-phase mixture was used. As a direct consequence of the flow rate being raised by a factor of two, the maximum temperature of the panel dropped by 1.85 °C, and the average temperature dropped by 1.82 °C. As the flow rate increased, the temperature of the output flow dropped by up to 2 °C. At flow rates ranging from low to medium to high, the PCM melted completely in a short amount of time; however, at high flow rates, a portion of the PCM remained non-melted surrounding the pipes. An increase in the NF flow rate had a variable effect on the heat transfer (HTR) coefficient.The Deanship of Scientific Research at Najran UniversityPeer Reviewe

Assessment of economic, thermal and hydraulic performances a corrugated helical heat exchanger filled with non-Newtonian nanofluid

Improved heat transfer efficiency with considering economic analysis in heating systems is an interesting topic for researchers and scientists in recent years. This research investigates the heat transfer rate (HTR) and flow of non-Newtonian water-Carboxyl methyl cellulose (CMC) based Al2O3 nanofluid in a helical heat exchanger equipped with common and novel turbulators using two-phase model. The requirements for dimensions and cost reduction and also energy saving in thermal systems are the main goal of this study. According to gained results usage of corrugated channel in helical heat exchanger has a considerable influence on thermal and hydraulic performance evaluation criteria (THPEC) index of helical heat exchanger and can improve the THPEC index. Thus, Re = 5000 is obtained as an optimum value, in which the maximum THPEC value is achieved. As it is found in this paper, in case of using novel heat exchanger instead of the basic smooth system, the thermal properties (by considering Nusselt number) increases about 210%, the hydraulic performance (friction factor) reduces about 28%, performance evaluation criteria index increases about 57% and the material consumption (in case of similar THPEC) decreases about 31%. In another word, with considering economic analysis for the basic and novel system which has same efficiencies, the novel one has lower length and consequently 31% lower material

Rheological, physicochemical, and microstructural properties of asphalt binder modified by fumed silica nanoparticles

Warm mix asphalt (WMA) is gaining increased attention in the asphalt paving industry as an eco-friendly and sustainable technology. WMA technologies are favorable in producing asphalt mixtures at temperatures 20–60 °C lower in comparison to conventional hot mix asphalt. This saves non-renewable fossil fuels, reduces energy consumption, and minimizes vapors and greenhouse gas emissions in the production, placement and conservation processes of asphalt mixtures. At the same time, this temperature reduction must not reduce the performance of asphalt pavements in-field. Low aging resistance, high moisture susceptibility, and low durability are generally seen as substantial drawbacks of WMA, which can lead to inferior pavement performance, and increased maintenance costs. This is partly due to the fact that low production temperature may increase the amount of water molecules trapped in the asphalt mixture. As a potential remedy, here we use fumed silica nanoparticles (FSN) have shown excellent potential in enhancing moisture and aging susceptibility of asphalt binders. In this study, asphalt binder modification by means of FSN was investigated, considering the effects of short-term and long-term aging on the rheological, thermal, and microstructural binder properties. This research paves the way for optimizing WMA by nanoparticles to present enhanced green asphalt technology

Age-related variations in corneal biomechanical properties

Purpose To determine age-related changes in corneal viscoelastic properties in healthy individuals. Methods This observational cross-sectional study was performed at the Department of Ophthalmology, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Ahvaz, Iran and included 302 healthy individuals in 6 age decades (range: 10�69 years). After complete ocular examination, corneal viscoelastic properties were measured by ocular response analyzer and central corneal thickness (CCT) by an ultrasonic pachymeter. Our main outcome measures were corneal viscoelastic properties in different age groups. Results Corneal hysteresis (CH) and corneal resistance factor (CRF) showed a significant negative correlation with age (P < 0.001 for both, r = �0.353 and r = �0.246, respectively). Female gender had significantly higher CH (P = 0.017) and CRF (P = 0.019). CH and CRF were significantly correlated (P < 0.001, r = 0.821). CCT showed a biphasic pattern with significantly higher thicknesses before 20 and after 50 years of age. CH and CRF were significantly correlated with CCT (P < 0.001 for both, r = 0.21 and r = 0.26, respectively) and intraocular pressure (IOP) (P < 0.001 for both, r = �0.474 and r = 0.598, respectively). Corneal-compensated IOP (IOPcc) was significantly higher after age 40 compared to age group <20 (p < 0.045). Goldmann-correlated IOP (IOPg) was significantly correlated with CCT (P = 0.001, r = 0.193), while IOPcc showed no correlation with CCT (P = 0.265, r = 0.062). CH was significantly higher in hyperopic eyes compared to emmetropic eyes (P = 0.009) and myopic eye (P < 0.001). Conclusions In this study, there was a decrease in CH and CRF with an increase in age. Hyperopia and female gender are associated with higher CH and CRF. CCT is higher toward the extremes of life and is significantly correlated with CH and CRF. © 2016 Iranian Society of Ophthalmolog

Age-related variations in corneal biomechanical properties

Purpose To determine age-related changes in corneal viscoelastic properties in healthy individuals. Methods This observational cross-sectional study was performed at the Department of Ophthalmology, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Ahvaz, Iran and included 302 healthy individuals in 6 age decades (range: 10�69 years). After complete ocular examination, corneal viscoelastic properties were measured by ocular response analyzer and central corneal thickness (CCT) by an ultrasonic pachymeter. Our main outcome measures were corneal viscoelastic properties in different age groups. Results Corneal hysteresis (CH) and corneal resistance factor (CRF) showed a significant negative correlation with age (P < 0.001 for both, r = �0.353 and r = �0.246, respectively). Female gender had significantly higher CH (P = 0.017) and CRF (P = 0.019). CH and CRF were significantly correlated (P < 0.001, r = 0.821). CCT showed a biphasic pattern with significantly higher thicknesses before 20 and after 50 years of age. CH and CRF were significantly correlated with CCT (P < 0.001 for both, r = 0.21 and r = 0.26, respectively) and intraocular pressure (IOP) (P < 0.001 for both, r = �0.474 and r = 0.598, respectively). Corneal-compensated IOP (IOPcc) was significantly higher after age 40 compared to age group <20 (p < 0.045). Goldmann-correlated IOP (IOPg) was significantly correlated with CCT (P = 0.001, r = 0.193), while IOPcc showed no correlation with CCT (P = 0.265, r = 0.062). CH was significantly higher in hyperopic eyes compared to emmetropic eyes (P = 0.009) and myopic eye (P < 0.001). Conclusions In this study, there was a decrease in CH and CRF with an increase in age. Hyperopia and female gender are associated with higher CH and CRF. CCT is higher toward the extremes of life and is significantly correlated with CH and CRF. © 2016 Iranian Society of Ophthalmolog

Numerical study of natural convection of biological nanofluid flow prepared from tea leaves under the effect of magnetic field

The heat transfer of a biological nanofluid (N/F) in a rectangular cavity with two hot triangular blades is examined in this work. The properties used for nanoparticles (N/Ps) are derived from a N/P prepared naturally from tea leaves. Silver N/Ps are distributed in a 50–50 water/ethylene glycol solution. The cavity’s bottom wall is extremely hot, while the upper wall is extremely cold. The side walls are insulated, and the enclosure is surrounded by a horizontal magnetic field (M/F). The equations are solved using the control volume technique and the SIMPLE algorithm. Finally, the Nu is determined by changing the dimensions of the blade, the Rayleigh number (Ra), and the Hartmann number (Ha). Finally, a correlation is expressed for the Nu in the range of parameter changes. The results demonstrate that an increment in the Ra from 103 to 105 enhances the Nu more than 2.5 times in the absence of an M/F. An enhancement in the strength of the M/F, especially at the Ra of 105, leads to a dramatic reduction in the Nu. An increase in the height of the triangular blade intensifies the amount of Nu in weak and strong convection. The enlargement of the base of the triangular blade first enhances and then decreases as the Nu. The addition of 5% silver biological N/Ps to the fluid enhances the Nu by 13.7% in the absence of an M/F for high Ras.http://www.mdpi.com/journal/processespm2022Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineerin