Seroepidemiological survey of Toxoplasma infections of mentally retarded children

Toxoplasmosis is a widespread infection in the world. Although the infection by Toxoplasma gondii is widely prevalent in humans and animals, the disease is uncommon and most of the acquired infections are asymptomatic. The important aspect of this parasitic infection is the probable danger of congenital transmission and its severe effects on the fetus. In the present descriptive study, a total of 353 samples from mentally retarded children and adolescents in rehabilitation centers in Tehran, were examined from 2001 to 2002. In order to determine the Toxoplasma antibodies, the samples were tested using an IFA technique and in some cases ELISA technique was applied as well. Fourteen percent of the examined samples were positive. In this research Toxoplasma antibody titer in 36 cases were reported as 1:100 and it was found to be 1:200, 1:400 and 1:800 in 9,1 and 3 cases, respectively. In three cases for which the titer was reported 1:800, samples were tested applying Ig-M, ELISA technique in order to determine if there was an acute infection but all tests were negative. In the current study, we did not find any significant differences in the prevalence rate between the genders, but the prevalence significantly increases with age. We used standard questionnaires for causative relation in congenital toxoplasmosis within sero-positive children and 3 cases of infection were documented during the mother's pregnancy period

Geochemical And Mineralogical Studies Of Sedimentary Alluviums - A Case Study In The City Of Omidiyeh In The Southwest Of Iran.

Alluvial fans are cone-shaped deposits that are known to be important deposits of minerals and water resources. An accurate knowledge of alluvial deposits not only provides access to many natural resources, but also prevents various environmental risks, including the transfer of various toxic elements. To date, many methods have been introduced for the investigation of alluvial deposits, but this study presents for the first time geochemical methods that can significantly reduce costs and investigation time in areas associated with alluvial deposits. This study was carried out in the southwest of Iran and near the city of Omidiye on 120 sediment samples from various alluvial conifers. In this study, the samples collected through petrographic and geochemical studies were carefully analyzed, and in addition to determining the major and minor elements in these samples, the primary origin of the sediments, the primary tectonic position of these sediments, and the nature of the constituents were also determined for the first time using geochemical data. In addition to the geochemical investigations, detailed hydrochemical studies were carried out to determine the relationship between the properties of the groundwater and the type of sediments on the surface. These studies can be seen as a model for similar studies around the world

The effect of marine fish cage culture on benthic communities using BOPA index in Ghazale Creek

The present work has been carried out to investigate the probable effects of fish cage culture on benthic communities as a pollution and stress indicator and to evaluate the biotic health condition using BOPA index, in Ghazale Creek (Khowre-Mussa - Persian Gulf). Monthly sampling from 4 stations was carried out from June 2007 to March 2008 (during nine months). Stations were selected from under the cage to 400 m distant (as control site) in Ghazale Creek. Three samples were taken at each station for macrobenthos and one for sediment grain size and total organic matter (TOM), using a 0.0125 m2 van veen grab. Also physical-chemical parameters sampling from three stations was done (during nine months). Stations were under cage station, 50 m and 400 m far from cages in Ghazale Creek.The percentage of total organic matter (TOM) in sediment ranged from 6.11 to 23.26 and the range of silty-clay percentage was from 4.76 to 97.47. The dominant macrobenthos groups were Polychaets (60.62%), Mulluska (19.67%), Crustacea (16.49%). Macrobenthic abundance, biomass and diversity index values in the under cage station were less than that in the control station. Comparing the results of BOPA with the guidelines shows that all stations had bad environmental conditions. The under cage station was more polluted than the control station. The range of physical-chemical parameters in water were: DO ­(6.5-11.43) ppm,­ BOD ­(1.5-10.9) ppm, Salinity (43-45.6) ppt, NO2- (0.006-0.29) ppb, NO3- (3.98-32.2) ppm, Turbidity (14-70)­ NTU temperature (11.8-32.5) ° C

Modeling extra-deep electromagnetic logs using a deep neural network

Modern geosteering is heavily dependent on real-time interpretation of deep electromagnetic (EM) measurements. We have developed a methodology to construct a deep neural network (DNN) model trained to reproduce a full set of extra-deep EM logs consisting of 22 measurements per logging position. The model is trained in a 1D layered environment consisting of up to seven layers with different resistivity values. A commercial simulator provided by a tool vendor is used to generate a training data set. The data set size is limited because the simulator provided by the vendor is optimized for sequential execution. Therefore, we design a training data set that embraces the geologic rules and geosteering specifics supported by the forward model. We use this data set to produce an EM simulator based on a DNN without access to the proprietary information about the EM tool configuration or the original simulator source code. Despite using a relatively small training set size, the resulting DNN forward model is quite accurate for the considered examples: a multilayer synthetic case and a section of a published historical operation from the Goliat field. The observed average evaluation time of 0.15 ms per logging position makes it also suitable for future use as part of evaluation-hungry statistical and/or Monte Carlo inversion algorithms within geosteering workflows.POCTEFA 2014-2020 PIXIL (EFA362/19) MTM2016-76329-

Application of Industry 4.0 in the Procurement Processes of Supply Chains: A Systematic Literature Review

The fourth industrial revolution has significantly changed the traditional way of managing supply chains. The applications of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in different processes of supply chains have assisted companies to improve their performance. Procurement can be considered a critical process in supply chain management since it can provide novel opportunities for supply chains to improve their efficiency and effectiveness. However, I4.0 applications can be costly and may not be reasonably affordable. Therefore, the benefits of implementing these technologies should be clarified for procurement managers before investing in the digitalization of the procurement process. Despite the importance of this issue, few papers have attempted to address the effects of I4.0 technologies and smart systems in procurement. To fill this gap, a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) on the applications of I4.0 technologies in procurement has been used in this study. By reviewing 70 papers through appropriate keywords, a conceptual framework is developed to classify different value propositions provided by the different applications of I4.0 technologies in procurement processes. Results reveal nine value propositions that can provide a better understanding for the procurement department to analyze the benefits of implementing the related I4.0 technologies in different activities. Finally, findings and future study opportunities are concluded

Species composition monitoring in artificial reefs area in Khuzestan coastal waters

This study was carried out in continuation of previous studies on artificial reefs monitoring in Khozestan coastal waters. The main purpose was the zoo species composition on and around the artificial reefs. Sampling was done from May 2012 to April 2013, from 4 stations in artificial reefs area. Reef structures were sampled by scuba diving. Physical and chemical parameters were measured and water quality status was determined by using WQS index. Zooplankton and macrozooplankton communities were sampled by 100 and 300 micrometer mesh size nets respectively. Benthic animal's samples from sediments around of the reefs body were collected by Ekman grab. Sediment characters, TOM and grain size were analyzed by using ignition loss and size series sieves methods respectively. Secondary production of macrobenthic animals based on dominant species length classes was estimated. Ichthyological information recorded by diver (census and video recording) and Gargoor traps were used for fishing effort calculation .Except for nitrite parameter (p<0.05) in different stations and silica parameters (p<0.05) in different months, other parameters were not shown significant differences in studied stations and months. The mean of zooplankton density was (914±52) N/m^3 and the Copepoda species were the most abundant group (235 ±10) N/m^3.Anosim analysis showed no significant differences in reefs specie composition. Different Crustacean groups were included more than 82 percent of macrozooplanktons communities. Among macrozooplankons, the mean density of decapoda, branchiopoda and copepoda were 302, 296 and 191.5 N/m3 respectively. The mean density of macrobenthic animals was 418±90.26 N/m^2 and mollusk, crustacean and polychaets were the most abundant benthic animals respectively. During the study period, total macrobenthos biomass 11.37 g-wet/m^2 and its mean value 2.84 g -wet /m^2, were estimated. Annual production for polychaets and crustacean groups 154g-wet/m^2 and 182 g-wet/m^2 were estimated respectively. Annual production of total macrobenthic animals was about 675 g-wet/m^2/y. According to sediment analysis, the range of silt-clay (8.7-95.6)% and seasonal mean TOM (4.47-13.25)% were calculated in studied stations. According to attached organisms biomass (wet weight), Cnidarian Anthozoa class with (88)% was the most abundant and then sponge (10)%, Cnidarian Hydrozoan class and arthropoda each one with 1% were included total attached organisms. Due to high biomass of Anthozoa species the most abundant mean was observed in spring season. The Malacostraca group especially Crustacean (72)% was the main mobile animals on reef bodies and then Echinodermata (Ophiurida and marine Orchids) (18)%, Mollusca (Bivalves and Gastropods) (4)% and Polychaets (3)% were the main mobile organisms. The range of Shannon diversity index was (3.22-3.46) and (2.44-3.38) in studied stations and months respectively. Totaly in studied area, the number 15 fishes species were observed and Sparidae family with 3 species were the diverse fish family. The fish Hamour (Epinephelus coiodes,Seranidae) (87)% was presented in all studied months and stations. After Hamour the Neopomacentrue sindensis and Diplodus sargus Kotschyi were the most abundant fishes. The maximum and the minimum of hamour catch per unit effort were in reef B in spring and reef C in autumn respectively .Data comparing showed that except for nitrite the other physical and chemical parameters were observed in the same range by 2005-2007 study. According to obtained results, Zoo communities in different part of ecosystem showed greater diversity than to past years and in comparing to mudflat coastal waters in Khozestan waters, new ecosystem has been created in the region. High diversity of different animal groups that were disperses in water column in early phases of its life and need to settlement to substrate to continuing the life were observed in area. Attached animals plays an important role in biological and ecological characters in the coastal area

Environmental impact assessment for Indian carp introduction to Azadegan fish pond

Azadegan aquaculture site is located 25 km south of Ahvaz in southern of Khuzestan plain. Primary study of Azadegan aquaculture site was done in 1992 with the aim of developing feasibility of warm water aquaculture and the second phase was done in 1996-1998 by Mohandesin Moshaver Pandam. Now, cyprinus carpio, Hypophthalmichthys nobilis, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Ctenopharyngodon idella), Barbus grypus) and Mesopotamichthys sharpeyi rear in this site. Considering special traits of Indian carps such as different level of production in earth pool, diet diversity, and more favorability for consumers, possibility of alternation with common carps, adaptability, growth and maturity in Khuzestan climate, this species can increase the efficiency of Khuzestan aquaculture industry as one of the poles of production in country. In this study the environmental impact assessment of the region was done because of the importance of Shadegan wetland as receiving waste area. Leopold matrix was used for assessment and quantifying environmental impacts of India carp aquaculture. Identification and prediction of effects were done based on the matrix. In using phase, 101 effects were identified which 34 were negative and 67 were positive. 18.8 percentage of effects were physic-chemical, 25.7% was biologic and ecologic and 55.5% was in socio-economic environment. In the operation phase, from all of the anticipated effects in physic-chemical environment 5 effects were positive and 14 effects were negative and in ecologic-biologic environment 17 effects were negative and 9 effects were positive. In socio-economic environment from 56 effects 3 were negative and 53 were positive. In order to summarizing the scores in environmental impact assessment matrix, final scores concluded from weighted scores of different environments including physic- chemical, ecological-biological and socio- economic environments. These scores showed that physical activities will have negative effects due to sewage production and negative effect on water resources. However, because of positive effects in socio-economic and ecologic environments, the final score in +83 that shows general result will be positive especially in economic and social environment. Due to the positive effects of the project on the economic and social conditions such as improving living conditions, creating job opportunities due to culturing this species and changing patterns of employment, increasing income levels at local, provincial and even national scale, increasing the price of land, supporting lateral and related industries, including hatcheries, fish-producing industries, manufacturing and processing industries and conversion, marketing and export, as well as the pharmaceutical industry (veterinary drugs), education development of specialized human resources and its role in the development of aquaculture projects in compliance with the recommendations of management and control is permitted