Population of sand goby (Neogobious fluviatilis pallasi) in southwest coasts of the Caspian Sea using morphological characteristics

Caspian sand goby, Neogobius fluviatilis pallasi belongs to Gobiidae family. Because of their abundance in Caspian Sea, they have important role in the sea food chain in this area. This study was conducted from October 2005 to September 2006 in southwest coasts of the Caspian Sea in Guilan province. Samples were collected monthly from four stations (Astara, Anzali, Chamkhaleh and Chaboksar coasts) from coastal areas to waters l5 meters deep using bottom trawl. Result of differential function analyses on corrected morphometric statistic showed three functions 51.3%, 28.4% and 20.3%, respectively, and sum of differentiative function percentage was 80% which proved difference among groups. The functions showed that samples in Astara station were completely different from other regions while they were similar to Anzali station only in some sampling points. Chamkhaleh and Astara stations were the same but Chaboksar station was a separated group. Analysis of differential functions for studied characteristics included on average 86.3% of the population with most of it belonging to Astara station (93.3%) and Anzali (90%). The minimum amount belonged to Chamkhaleh with 79.3%. The results showed that Neogobius fluviatilis pallasi probably has three different populations in Astara, Anzali, Chamkhaleh and Chaboksar populations

Structural and microstructural phase evolution during mechano-synthesis of nanocrystalline/amorphous CyAlMn alloy powders

Cataloged from PDF version of article.The formation mechanism of Cu-11.5Al-4Mn alloys by mechanical alloying (MA) of pure elemental powders was investigated. During milling, the powder sampling was conducted at predetermined intervals from 1 h to 96 h. The quantitative phase analyses were done by X-ray diffraction and the particles size and morphology were studied by scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, the microstructure investigation and phase identification were done by transmission electron microscopy. Concerning the results, the nanocrystalline Cu solid solution were formed at short milling times and, by milling evolution, the austenite-to-martensite (2H) phase transformation occurred. Moreover, the formation of considerable amount of amorphous phase and its partial transformation to crystalline phases during the milling process were revealed. It was also found that, by milling development, the powder morphology changes from lamellar to semi-spherical and their size initially increases, then reduces and afterward re-increases. (C) 2013 The Society of Powder Technology Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. and The Society of Powder Technology Japan. All rights reserve

Effects of probiotic (Pediococcus acidilactici) on growth and survival of kutum (Rutilus kutum) fingerlings

In the present study effects of different levels of probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici, on growth performance and survival rate of Rutilus kutum fingerlings were investigated. Kutum fingerlings with a mean weight of 1±0.235 g were reared for 8 weeks in 500-l fiberglass tanks (15 fish per tank) with 4 diet treatments (3 replicates for each). Treatments included 1×10^9, 2:1×10^9, 3×10^9 CFU kg^-1 dry food and a control without probiotic. At the end of the study, specific growth rate (SGR) and survival rate (SR) were significantly higher in treatments supplemented with probiotic compared to the control (p<0.05), while the fish fed with probiotics showed lowest food conversion ratio (FCR) (p<0.05). The results indicated that the use of 3× 109 CFU kg^-1 dry food probiotics improved growth parameters and survival rate in R. kutum fingerlings

Flying doughnut terahertz pulses generated from semiconductor currents

The ability to manipulate the space-time structure of light waves diversifies light-matter interaction and light-driven applications. Conventionally, metasurfaces are employed to locally control the amplitude and phase of light fields by the material response and structure of small meta-atoms. However, the fixed spatial structures of metasurfaces offer limited opportunities. Here, using quantum control we introduce a new approach that enables the amplitude, sign, and even configuration of the generated light fields to be manipulated in an all-optical manner. Following this approach, we demonstrate the generation of flying doughnut terahertz (THz) pulses. We show that the single-cycle THz pulse radiated from the dynamic semiconductor ring current has an electric field structure that is azimuthally polarized and that the space- and time-resolved magnetic field has a strong, isolated longitudinal component. As a first application, we detect absorption features from ambient water vapor on the spatiotemporal structure of the measured electric fields and the calculated magnetic fields. Quantum control is a powerful and flexible route to generating any structured light pulse in the THz range, while pulse compression of cylindrical vector beams is available for very high-power magnetic-pulse generation from the mid-infrared to near UV spectral region. Pulses such as these will serve as unique probes for spectroscopy, imaging, telecommunications, and magnetic materials

Family carers' perspectives of managing activities of daily living and use of mHealth applications in dementia care: A qualitative study

Calleja, P ORCiD: 0000-0001-5674-1404Aim: To examine the needs, barriers and challenges experienced by family carers of people with dementia concerning the management of their care recipients' functional disabilities, and their experiences and opinions of using mobile health (mHealth) applications in health information seeking. Background: Functional disability is a significant problem among people with dementia and management can be challenging for family carers. Evidence suggests that mHealth applications can support knowledge needs of patients and families. Design: A qualitative descriptive exploratory study. Methodology: In-depth interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of family carers using a semi-structured interview guide. An inductive thematic analysis method was used. The COREQ reporting guideline was followed. Results: Five spousal and five child carers participated in this study. Four key themes were identified: (a) Challenges faced that contribute to psychological distress and burden; (b) Essential role of support systems in dementia care; (c) Information and educational needs of family carers, and (d) Experiences and attitudes of mHealth applications as an educational and supportive resource. Conclusion: Providing functional care is demanding, challenging and stressful, and leads to carer burden. The complexity of dementia is a barrier in the organisation of functional care and access to a support network is vital to care provision. The information needs of family carers can potentially be addressed through an mHealth application. Relevance to clinical practice: This study provides important information on family carers' needs, and the barriers and challenges related to functional care for people with dementia. Findings from this study can assist nurses and other health professionals in the planning of educational and supportive programs for family carers. Furthermore, the use of mHealth applications could positively contribute to the delivery of these programs. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons Lt

Barriers to Family Caregivers’ Coping With Patients With Severe Mental Illness in Iran

The broad spectrum of problems caused by caring for a patient with mental illness imposes a high burden on family caregivers. This can affect how they cope with their mentally ill family members. Identifying caregivers’ experiences of barriers to coping is necessary to develop a program to help them overcome these challenges. This qualitative content analysis study explored barriers impeding family caregivers’ ability to cope with their relatives diagnosed with severe mental illness (defined here as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorders, and bipolar affective disorders). Sixteen family caregivers were recruited using purposive sampling and interviewed using a semi-structured in-depth interview method. Data were analyzed by a conventional content analytic approach. Findings consisted of four major categories: the patient’s isolation from everyday life, incomplete recovery, lack of support by the mental health care system, and stigmatization. Findings highlight the necessity of providing support for caregivers by the mental health care delivery service system.The study was supported by Grant TBZMED·REC.5825 from the deputy of research in Tabriz University of Medical Sciences

Limnological survey of Anzali Wetland data during 1990-2003 by use of GIS system

Anzali wetland at south west of Caspian located along of North West and southeast and with its unique feature were add on the Ramsar convention list in 1975. There were recorded a high rich of fauna and flora including 276 plant species, 23 reptiles and amphibians, 60 fishes, 26 mammals and 195 birds. Anzali wetland were encountered with numerous disorder with the eutrophication and the early dismissing. The first studies on Anzali wetland started by many international institutions in 1964. In this study the data of biotic and abiotic factors in Anzali wetland analyzed which belongs to different sites (15 to 38 stations) during 1991 to 2000 and were sampled seasonally or monthly in different years. The results showed the increasing trend of phytoplankton abundance from 7.9 to 66 million C./l. and the western part had the most abundant. The Cyanophyta had the most development than other 7 phylum observed in the area. In Anzali wetland identified 143 phytoplankton genus that 9 genus dominated in more than 80 % replicates and 7 genus had the abundance of more than 5 million cell/l. The Zooplankton abundant increased from 580 to 2200 ind./l. The Rotatoria had the most abundant followed by Copepoda. There was identified 104 zooplankton genus that 5 genus were dominated in more than 80 % replicates and 11 genus had the abundance of more than 30 ind./L. The chlorophyll a varied from 8.8 to 50.2 μg/l. and had a increasing trend after 1996, meanwhile it was measured higher than 25 μg/l in most of the stations. The results of benthic study showed that the Chironomidae and Tubificidae were observed more than other organisms which comprised 12.2 to 23.5% of total biomass of benthic organisms in studied period. The range of biomass was 1.1 to 7.8 g/m2. The ichthyologic survey showed presence of 60 species that 11 species were exotic. 28 species belong to freshwater, 17 species were anadromous and 8 species were resident in estuary. The highest and lowest fish catch were 640 and 288 ton in 1994 and 1999 respectively and it was about 500 ton at the end of period. The hydrochemical factors had the various fluctuation so that the nutrients parameters had a significant difference over studied period. Total nitrogen was varied from 0.78 to 1.41 mg/l and total phosphorus varied from 0.05 to 0.1 μg/l.. The oxygen dissolved amount was from 4.6 to 8.7. EC was between 3 to 5 ms/cm during September and October that indicated of Caspian water projection. According to geographic position of station, all biotic and abiotic data, were arranged. The data bank is used by Idrisi software to produce of necessary maps. Analysis of data showed that there must be a responsible department with a vast authority. Conservation and eutrophication prevention of Anzali wetland connect to special attention to catchment area and landuse management of the wetland. Also there is an urgent need for well-developed technologies and managements to reduce the organic pollution and its environmental impacts on the Anzali Lagoon

Global burden of 87 risk factors in 204 countries and territories, 1990–2019 : a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background Rigorous analysis of levels and trends in exposure to leading risk factors and quantification of their effect on human health are important to identify where public health is making progress and in which cases current efforts are inadequate. The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019 provides a standardised and comprehensive assessment of the magnitude of risk factor exposure, relative risk, and attributable burden of disease. Methods GBD 2019 estimated attributable mortality, years of life lost (YLLs), years of life lived with disability (YLDs), and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) for 87 risk factors and combinations of risk factors, at the global level, regionally, and for 204 countries and territories. GBD uses a hierarchical list of risk factors so that specific risk factors (eg, sodium intake), and related aggregates (eg, diet quality), are both evaluated. This method has six analytical steps. (1) We included 560 risk-outcome pairs that met criteria for convincing or probable evidence on the basis of research studies. 12 risk-outcome pairs included in GBD 2017 no longer met inclusion criteria and 47 risk-outcome pairs for risks already included in GBD 2017 were added based on new evidence. (2) Relative risks were estimated as a function of exposure based on published systematic reviews, 81 systematic reviews done for GBD 2019, and meta-regression. (3) Levels of exposure in each age-sex-location-year included in the study were estimated based on all available data sources using spatiotemporal Gaussian process regression, DisMod-MR 2.1, a Bayesian meta-regression method, or alternative methods. (4) We determined, from published trials or cohort studies, the level of exposure associated with minimum risk, called the theoretical minimum risk exposure level. (5) Attributable deaths, YLLs, YLDs, and DALYs were computed by multiplying population attributable fractions (PAFs) by the relevant outcome quantity for each age-sex-location-year. (6) PAFs and attributable burden for combinations of risk factors were estimated taking into account mediation of different risk factors through other risk factors. Across all six analytical steps, 30 652 distinct data sources were used in the analysis. Uncertainty in each step of the analysis was propagated into the final estimates of attributable burden. Exposure levels for dichotomous, polytomous, and continuous risk factors were summarised with use of the summary exposure value to facilitate comparisons over time, across location, and across risks. Because the entire time series from 1990 to 2019 has been re-estimated with use of consistent data and methods, these results supersede previously published GBD estimates of attributable burden. Findings The largest declines in risk exposure from 2010 to 2019 were among a set of risks that are strongly linked to social and economic development, including household air pollution; unsafe water, sanitation, and handwashing; and child growth failure. Global declines also occurred for tobacco smoking and lead exposure. The largest increases in risk exposure were for ambient particulate matter pollution, drug use, high fasting plasma glucose, and high body-mass index. In 2019, the leading Level 2 risk factor globally for attributable deaths was high systolic blood pressure, which accounted for 10.8 million (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 9.51-12.1) deaths (19.2% [16.9-21.3] of all deaths in 2019), followed by tobacco (smoked, second-hand, and chewing), which accounted for 8.71 million (8.12-9.31) deaths (15.4% [14.6-16.2] of all deaths in 2019). The leading Level 2 risk factor for attributable DALYs globally in 2019 was child and maternal malnutrition, which largely affects health in the youngest age groups and accounted for 295 million (253-350) DALYs (11.6% [10.3-13.1] of all global DALYs that year). The risk factor burden varied considerably in 2019 between age groups and locations. Among children aged 0-9 years, the three leading detailed risk factors for attributable DALYs were all related to malnutrition. Iron deficiency was the leading risk factor for those aged 10-24 years, alcohol use for those aged 25-49 years, and high systolic blood pressure for those aged 50-74 years and 75 years and older. Interpretation Overall, the record for reducing exposure to harmful risks over the past three decades is poor. Success with reducing smoking and lead exposure through regulatory policy might point the way for a stronger role for public policy on other risks in addition to continued efforts to provide information on risk factor harm to the general public

Global burden of 369 diseases and injuries in 204 countries and territories, 1990–2019 : a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background In an era of shifting global agendas and expanded emphasis on non-communicable diseases and injuries along with communicable diseases, sound evidence on trends by cause at the national level is essential. The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) provides a systematic scientific assessment of published, publicly available, and contributed data on incidence, prevalence, and mortality for a mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive list of diseases and injuries. Methods GBD estimates incidence, prevalence, mortality, years of life lost (YLLs), years lived with disability (YLDs), and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) due to 369 diseases and injuries, for two sexes, and for 204 countries and territories. Input data were extracted from censuses, household surveys, civil registration and vital statistics, disease registries, health service use, air pollution monitors, satellite imaging, disease notifications, and other sources. Cause-specific death rates and cause fractions were calculated using the Cause of Death Ensemble model and spatiotemporal Gaussian process regression. Cause-specific deaths were adjusted to match the total all-cause deaths calculated as part of the GBD population, fertility, and mortality estimates. Deaths were multiplied by standard life expectancy at each age to calculate YLLs. A Bayesian meta-regression modelling tool, DisMod-MR 2.1, was used to ensure consistency between incidence, prevalence, remission, excess mortality, and cause-specific mortality for most causes. Prevalence estimates were multiplied by disability weights for mutually exclusive sequelae of diseases and injuries to calculate YLDs. We considered results in the context of the Socio-demographic Index (SDI), a composite indicator of income per capita, years of schooling, and fertility rate in females younger than 25 years. Uncertainty intervals (UIs) were generated for every metric using the 25th and 975th ordered 1000 draw values of the posterior distribution. Findings Global health has steadily improved over the past 30 years as measured by age-standardised DALY rates. After taking into account population growth and ageing, the absolute number of DALYs has remained stable. Since 2010, the pace of decline in global age-standardised DALY rates has accelerated in age groups younger than 50 years compared with the 1990-2010 time period, with the greatest annualised rate of decline occurring in the 0-9-year age group. Six infectious diseases were among the top ten causes of DALYs in children younger than 10 years in 2019: lower respiratory infections (ranked second), diarrhoeal diseases (third), malaria (fifth), meningitis (sixth), whooping cough (ninth), and sexually transmitted infections (which, in this age group, is fully accounted for by congenital syphilis; ranked tenth). In adolescents aged 10-24 years, three injury causes were among the top causes of DALYs: road injuries (ranked first), self-harm (third), and interpersonal violence (fifth). Five of the causes that were in the top ten for ages 10-24 years were also in the top ten in the 25-49-year age group: road injuries (ranked first), HIV/AIDS (second), low back pain (fourth), headache disorders (fifth), and depressive disorders (sixth). In 2019, ischaemic heart disease and stroke were the top-ranked causes of DALYs in both the 50-74-year and 75-years-and-older age groups. Since 1990, there has been a marked shift towards a greater proportion of burden due to YLDs from non-communicable diseases and injuries. In 2019, there were 11 countries where non-communicable disease and injury YLDs constituted more than half of all disease burden. Decreases in age-standardised DALY rates have accelerated over the past decade in countries at the lower end of the SDI range, while improvements have started to stagnate or even reverse in countries with higher SDI. Interpretation As disability becomes an increasingly large component of disease burden and a larger component of health expenditure, greater research and development investment is needed to identify new, more effective intervention strategies. With a rapidly ageing global population, the demands on health services to deal with disabling outcomes, which increase with age, will require policy makers to anticipate these changes. The mix of universal and more geographically specific influences on health reinforces the need for regular reporting on population health in detail and by underlying cause to help decision makers to identify success stories of disease control to emulate, as well as opportunities to improve