Morphometric measurements of the thalamus and interthalamic adhesion by MRI in the South-East of the Caspian Sea border

Objectives: To assess the gender differences and the age-related morphometrical changes of the thalamus, interthalamic adhesion, and the right-left differences of the thalamus of the native Fars ethnic group in the South-East of the Caspian Sea border Methods: This descriptive study was carried out on 97 patients (44 males and 53 females) without neuropathologic changes and symptoms admitted to the Kowsar MRI center in the South-East of the Caspian Sea border (Gorgan City, Northern Iran) in 2006. Thalamic dimensions were measured by MR images. The vertical lengths of the thalami and interthalamic adhesion were measured in the coronal sections, while the anteroposterior and transverse length measurements of the thalami and interthalamic adhesion were obtained in the axial plane. The data were assessed by SPSS 11.5 statistics program. Results: Thalamic dimensions were longer in males. There was no significant correlation between size of thalamus and interthalamic adhesion regarding age; however, we found that thalamic dimensions increase a little with age until the 31-40 years group, and decreased after that. There was no correlation between age and gender groups and dimensions of the interthalamic adhesion. Conclusion: This study showed that there are no significant differences between right and left sides of the thalamus, however, the left-side thalamic dimensions were a little longer than the right

The intertidal Decapods of Bushehr, northern part of the Persian Gulf

This work was carried out to identify decapods of the Bushehr interidal zone, northern coast of the Persian Gulf. Specimens were collected from eight stations along the coast. During this survey, twelve species were identified, including one alpheid shrimp (Alpheus lobidens), three Anomura (Petrolisthes rufescens, Porcellana persica, Clibanarius signatus) and eight Brachyura (Portunus pelagicus, P. sanguinolentus, Eurycarcinus orientalis, Metopograpsus messor, Leptodius exaratus, Pilumnopeus vauquelini, Carpilus convexus and Ocypode rotundata)

Risk assessment of blasting operations in open pit mines using FAHP method

Purpose. In the mining blasting operation, fragmentation is the most important output. Fly rock, ground vibration, air blast, and environmental effects are detrimental effects of blasting operations. Identifying and ranking the risk of blasting operations is considered as the most important stage in project management. Methods. In this research, the problem of identifying and ranking the factors constituting the risk in blasting operations is considered with the methodology of the Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP). Criteria and sub-criteria have been determined based on historical research studies, field studies, and expert opinions for designing a hierarchical process. Findings. Based on FAHP scores, non-control of the sub-criterion of health and safety (C3), blast operation results (C18) and knowledge, and skill and staffing (C2) with a score of 0.377, 0.334, and 0.294 respectively are the most effective sub-criterion for the creation of blasting operations risk. According to the score, the sub-criterion C18 is the most effective sub-criterion in providing the blasting operations risk. Effects and results of blasting operations (D8), with a score of 0.334 as the most effective criterion, and natural hazards (D10), with a score of 0.015, were the last priorities in the factors causing blasting operations risk. Originality. Regarding the risk rating of blasting operations, the control of the sub-criteria C3, C18, and C2, and the D8 criterion, is of particular importance in reducing the risk of blasting operations and improving project management. Practical implications. The evaluation of human resource performance and increase in the level of knowledge and skills and occupational safety and control of all outputs of blasting operations is necessary. Therefore, selecting the most important project risks and taking actions to remove them is essential for risk management.Мета. Визначення ризиків проведення вибухових робіт та їх оцінка на основі використанням нечіткого методу аналізу ієрархій (НМАІ) для покращення управління якістю проектів. Методика. В рамках даного дослідження, проблеми визначення та оцінки ризиків вибухових робіт розглядалися із застосуванням нечіткого методу аналізу ієрархій. На базі аналізу історичних даних і польового дослідження з урахуванням експертних оцінок були визначені критерії та підкритерії для побудови ієрархій. Результати. За результатами НМАІ, неконтролюючий підкритерій здоров’я та безпеки (С3), підкритерій результатів вибухових робіт (С18), знань, умінь і кадрів (С2) зі значеннями 0.377, 0.334 і 0.294 відповідно найбільш ефективні в появі ризику проведення вибухових робіт. Підкритерій С18 чинить найбільший вплив на ризик проведення вибухових робіт. Критерій результатів і наслідків вибухових робіт (D8) з найефективнішим значенням 0.334 та критерій природних катастроф (D10) зі значенням 0.015 є останніми пріоритетами серед чинників, які визначають ризик проведення вибухових робіт. Наукова новизна. Отримав доповнення та подальший розвиток науково-методичний підхід до визначення ризиків при проведенні вибухових робіт, заснований на їх ранжуванні з використанням системи виявлених критеріїв і підкритеріїв методом НМАІ. Практична значимість. Для успішного керування проектом важливо визначати найсерйозніші ризики проекту й вжити заходів щодо їх усунення. Відносно ранжирування ризиків проведення вибухових робіт управління підкритеріями C3, C18 і C2, а також критерієм D8, особливо важливо для зниження цих ризиків та покращення якості управління проектом.Цель. Определение рисков проведения взрывных работ и их оценка на основе использования нечеткого метода анализа иерархий (НМАИ) для улучшения управления качеством проектов. Методика. В рамках данного исследования, проблемы определения и оценки рисков взрывных работ рассматривались с применением нечеткого метода анализа иерархий. На базе анализа исторических данных и полевого исследования с учетом экспертных оценок были определены, критерии и подкритерии для построения иерархий. Результаты. По результатам НМАИ, неконтролирующий подкритерий здоровья и безопасности (С3), подкритерий результатов взрывных работ (С18), знаний, умений и кадров (С2) со значениями 0.377, 0.334 и 0.294 соответственно наиболее эффективны в появлении риска проведения взрывных работ. Подкритерий С18 оказывает самое большое влияние на риск проведения взрывных работ. Критерий результатов и последствий взрывных работ (D8) с самым эффективным значением 0.334 и критерий природных катастроф (D10) со значением 0.015 являются последними приоритетами среди факторов, которые определяют риск проведения взрывных работ. Научная новизна. Получил дополнение и дальнейшее развитие научно-методический подход к определению рисков при проведении взрывных работ, основанный на их ранжировании с использованием системы выявленных критериев и подкритериев методом НМАИ. Практическая значимость. Для успешного руководства проектом важно определять самые серьезные риски проекта и предпринять действия по их устранению. В отношении ранжирования рисков проведения взрывных работ управление подкритериями C3, C18 и C2, а также критерием D8, особенно важно для снижения этих рисков и улучшения руководства проектом.The authors would like to thank Mining Engineering Department, Islamic Azad University (South Tehran Branch) for supporting this research

Load flow calculation and short circuit fault transients in AC electrified railways

A load flow and short circuit fault simulation of AC electrified railway distribution systems is presented with DIgSILENT PowerFactory software. Load flow of electrified railways distribution system with concerning multi train lines and dynamic characteristics of train load is studied for different time laps. The dynamic characteristics of train load in starting and braking conditions with different starting and stopping times and its moving positions makes the load flow complicated so there is a great need in studying the effects of electrified railways on load flow. Short circuit fault transients is also studied and simulated for both power system or traction distribution system and their effects on the operation of the train sets is investigated

Power quality improvement of dispersed generation systems using hybrid filter

A hybrid filter constructed of a shunt active filter and distributed passive filters used for power quality improvement in dispersed generation system is presented. The distribution system consists of two wind turbines using induction generators for producing the required active power and several dynamic nonlinear loads. The power quality problems of dispersed generation LV or MV systems are introduced and the necessity of using hybrid filters instead of active or passive filters alone are discussed. The simulation is done with PSCAD/EMTDC software for a distribution system with dynamic nonlinear loads and wind turbines without any filters, with usage of just shunt active filter or passive filters and the hybrid filter structure, introduced in the paper. Studying and comparing the waveforms, frequency spectrums, harmonic contents and THD of the system current with different filter structures mentioned, proves power quality improvement by the applied hybrid filter

Effect of carboxymethyl cellulose-based coatings incorporated with Zataria multiflora Boiss. essential oil and grape seed extract on the shelf life of rainbow trout fillets

To prolong the shelf life of seafood products, lipid oxidation and growth of microorganisms should be retarded. The objective of the current study was evaluating the potential application of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) coatings incorporated with Zataria multiflora Boiss. essential oil (ZMEO) and grape seed extract (GSE) on chemical (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N)), microbial (total viable count, lactic acid bacteria and Pseudomonas spp.) and organoleptic attributes of rainbow trout fillets during refrigerated storage for twenty days. GCeMS analysis showed that ZMEO is rich in monoterpene phenols such as thymol and carvacrol. The following results were obtained after 20 days of storage: The minimum level of TVB-N was measured in the fillets coated with CMC + 2 v/v ZMEO + 0.5 v/v GSE. The minimum number of total viable bacteria, lactic acid bacteria and Pseudomonas spp. were determined in the fillets coated with CMC + 2 v/v ZMEO + 1 v/v GSE. The fillets coated with CMC + 1 v/v ZMEO + 1 v/v GSE showed the best organoleptic properties. Our results revealed that CMC-based coatings incorporated with ZMEO and GSE could improve chemical, microbial and sensorial characteristics of rainbow trout fillets during cold storage. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd

Adjustment and Completion of BASNEF Model to Provide a New Model for Educating Large Populations in Relation to Cutaneous Leishmaniasis

Background: Educational models that have been created for educating small populations do not have enough efficacy for educating large populations, so based on this premise and also high prevalence of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) in the Islamic Republic of Iran and lack of efficient methods for CL control, this study was designed and done with the aim of applying BASNEF model to provide a new model for educating large populations in relation to Cutaneous Leishmaniasis. Methods: In a quasi-experimental study, 60 Volunteer Health Workers (VHWS) and 120 households that were resident in endemic areas of CL in Yazd were selected through census and multi-stage sampling method, respectively. Then, educational intervention was designed and implemented on the basis of BASNEF model. After educating VHWS based on BASNEF model, they were asked to educate households on the basis of BASNEF model. Before and after 3 months of VHWS training activities, data were collected in intervention and control groups via valid and reliable questionnaires and were analyzed with the SPSS software. Results: The mean score of knowledge, attitude, behavioral intention, enabling factors, behaviors and influence of subjective norms after educational intervention in households in experimental were significantly increased (P<0.05) while the changes in control group were not significant. Conclusions: This educational program led to empowering of VHWS and a change in their educational behavior which in turn led to preventive measures in households under study region. It can be concluded that the new educational model presented in this research, formed based on the BASNEF model, is able to educate a large population. Keywords: BASNEF Model, Volunteer Health Workers, Health Education, Cutaneous Leishmaniasi

Dietary effects of seaweed Sargassum ilicifolium on reducing cholesterol level of white leg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

In this research, the nutritional effects of Sargassum ilicifolium Chabahar Bay, Oman Sea, on cholesterol levels of white-leg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) were studied. The seaweed was collected from coastal areas, rinsed, dried, powdered and the nutritional values were measured in the laboratory. A part of protein resources of shrimp feed replaced with seaweed powder in four treatments (D: as control without any replacement) C: with 5%, B: 10 % and A: 15% seaweed replacement, each with three replicates in order to obtain isonitrogenus 33% CP., and Isocaloric (13% fat and 15% carbohydrate) feed. Dried diets were used according to the daily need of shrimp, calculated after each 10 day biometry. Water stability and absorption capacity of the pellets in sea water were measured and compared statistically. Juvenile shrimps (Initial body weight=3 g) were acclimated for one week under hatchery conditions and were fed 3-5% of their body weight. Abiotic parameters, weight and length biometry were measured on day two and day 10, respectively. After 45 days final biometry, body analysis were measured, and muscle colorimeter were conducted using HPLC. There were no significant differences (p>0.05) between body lipid among treatments, but cholesterol content (mg/100gWW) showed significant differences (p<0.05), the lowest (121.68±12.12) was in treatment A, and the highest in D (147.92±11.02). Treatments A and B showed color changes to pink-partial orange and pink in shrimp muscle with no differences compared to white and no color in shrimp in treatments C and D. It seems that this color change plays a major role in market acceptability

Load flow calculation and short circuit faults transients in dispersed generation systems

Load flow and short circuit fault transients of a power distribution system with wind turbines as dispersed generation units is presented. Usage of renewable energies such as wind is already a small part of total installed power system in medium and low voltage networks. In this paper, a radial power distribution system with wind turbines is simulated using DIgSILENT PowerFactory software for their influence on load flow and short circuit fault transients. Short fault occurring in dispersed generation systems causes some problems for the system and costumers such as fault level increase or the problems of sudden fluctuations in the current, voltage, power and torque of the double fed induction machine utilized in the wind turbines which have been studied and investigated

Using Oman Sea Sargassum illicifolium meal for feeding white leg shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei

The brown seaweed Sargassum illicifolium is abundant along the Iranian coastline of the Oman Sea in which is rich in nutrients. The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis which it can be used as a source of protein in shrimp diets. The experiment was conducted in a laboratory, 2013, where 3g shrimp juvenile acclimation in a 5000L tank. They were then kept in plastic tank containing 300L sea water and 30 shrimp juveniles in which were fed daily (3% of biomass) in four equal portions with one of four different diets in four repetitions for a period of 45 days. All diets contained 33% crude protein (isoprotein) and 355 kcal 100 g^−1 (isocaloric), with different percentages of Sargassum powder: Diet “A” 15%, Diet “B” 10%, Diet “C” 5%, and Diet “D” (Control) without seaweed. Final biomass values ranged from 120.89 to 128.66 g. L^−1; weight gains in biomass ranged from 106.49 to 124.36 g L^−1, and SGR ranged from 4.68 to 5.68% exhibited no significant differences between treatments (p>.05). Survival rate 95.2 to 97.0% was almost equal under the four experimental conditions (p>.05). Diets “A” and “B”, with a greater content of algae, exhibited better feed conversion (1.15:1 and 1.17:1) than diets “C” and “D” (1.30:1 and 1.33:1) (p<.05). The physicochemical variables of the water showed no significant variation and remained within the standards necessary for the wellbeing of the animals. If sufficient biomass of beached algae can be practically and economically collected, it can be used as a component in the making of shrimp feed