Importance-performance analysis of port’s services quality form perspective of containerized liner shipping

One of the important issues in port services is to evaluate the performance of the services. Without evaluating port services and their related components, these services cannot be considered desirable and its quality cannot be enhanced. However, the evaluation and the quality assurance of port services should be accomplished based on a scientific framework and a coherent framework to have desirable results. The importance-performance analysis model is an appropriate framework where each component is evaluated in terms of two dimensions of importance and performance. This study performs performance-importance analysis of ports’ services quality form perspective of containerized liner shipping in the Imam Khomeini port. In this exploratory study, 150 shipping lines experts are chosen, randomly in 2012. The study identifies 28 components of quality in port services and shipping lines’ experts are requested to evaluate these components in terms of two dimensions of importance and performance. Results reveal that there is a gap between the importance and performance of all port services components except three components of 6, 19 and 24. In addition, the results indicate that Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) model is capable of evaluating and assuring quality in port services and can precisely identify the strengths and weaknesses of the seaport system and provide guidance for strategy formulation for quality improvement

Fopid Controller Design for Robust Performance Using Particle Swarm Optimization

Mathematics Subject Classification: 26A33; 93C15, 93C55, 93B36, 93B35, 93B51; 03B42; 70Q05; 49N05This paper proposes a novel method to design an H∞ -optimal fractional order PID (FOPID) controller with ability to control the transient, steady-state response and stability margins characteristics. The method uses particle swarm optimization algorithm and operates based on minimizing a general cost function. Minimization of the cost function is carried out subject to the H∞ -norm; this norm is also included in the cost function to achieve its lower value. The method is applied to a phase-locked-loop motor speed system and an electromagnetic suspension system as two examples to illustrate the design procedure and verify performance of the proposed controller. The results show that the proposed method is capable of improving system responses as compared to the conventional H∞ -optimal controller while still maintains the H∞ -optimality of the solutions

Therapeutic Possibilities of Ceftazidime Nanoparticles in Devastating Pseudomonas Ophthalmic Infections; Keratitis and Endophthalmitis

As the number of contact‐lens wearers rises worldwide, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) keratitis is attracting more attention as a major public health issue. Corneal lesions of PA, being the most intimidating complication of contact‐lens wearer, can progress rapidly in spite of local antibiotic treatment, and may result in perforation and the permanent loss of vision. One of the explanations proposed for the evasion of the pathogen from immune responses of the host as well as antibacterial treatment is the fact that invasive clinical isolates of PA have the unusual ability to invade and replicate within surface corneal epithelial cells. In this manner, PA is left with an intracellular sanctuary. Endophthalmitis, albeit rare, is another ophthalmic infection faced by the challenge of drug delivery that can be potentially catastrophic. The present hypothesis is that nanoparticles can carry anti‐pseudomonas antibiotics (e.g. ceftazidime) through the membranes, into the “hidden zone” of the pathogen, hence being an effective and potent therapeutic approach against pseudomonas keratitis and endophthalmitis

Application of TOPSIS method in evaluation and prioritization of social stability in rural areas (Case Study: Zidasht Basin)

In recent years, terms sustainability has been becoming a main study field of too many interdisciplinary sciences. Also, it included suitability theory framework on which every planning designed by taking sustainable development should offer a multidimensional image from the study area. Meanwhile, social sustainability serves as one of the sustainable development components along with qualitative aspects which are evaluated by some concepts like human life and welfare feeling in an ambient. The present study deals with social sustainability level and prioritizes them in three rural centers of the Zidasht basin through six indices (Demographic Index, Literacy Index, Poverty Index, Nutrition Index and Food Security, Index Justice and Equality, Ownership Index) and 18 variables. TOPSIS, as one of the multicriteria decision-making method, was used to prioritize social sustainability. In order to assign weights to corresponding criteria, 20 expertise were used. The result showed that Kalanak has the highest priority with the respective value of 0.7456, followed by Zidasht (0.6003) and Sangbon (0.2303). So that, findings from field studies and observation are in line with these results. Therefore, usage of TOPSIS is suggested in other study areas to prioritize social sustainability.Keywords: prioritization, social sustainable, TOPSIS method, Zidasht basin, rural sustainable developmen

Evaluation of central venous pressure in ruminants

Central venous pressure is determined by complex interactions of blood volume, cardiac pumping action and alteration in vascular bed. The CVP was measured in 10 sheep, 10 goats and 13 cattle of both sexes. Animals were clinically healthy and measurement was made through jugular vein in standing position (sheep, goat and cattle) and right lateral recumbency (sheep and goat). The sternal manubrium and scapulo-humeral joint were used as zero reference point in lateral recumbency and standing position, respectively. Each measurement was repeated three times. Measured CVP was significantly higher in sheep (3.40 ± 0.15 cm H2O) compared to cattle (2.31 ± 0.15 cm H2O) and goat (1.25 ± 0.14 cm H2O). The interspecies difference was also significant. The CVP was significantly higher in female animals (P<0.05). No significant difference was found between lateral recumbency and standing position. CVP measurement in animals suffering from dehydration or heart failure has provided useful information regarding disease status. Approximately 40 jugular catheterizations were performed in this study without any side effects or complications. CVP measurement is a simple procedure and requires no sophisticated equipment. It can provide information regarding cardiovascular disease, evaluation of treatment and prognosis

Techniques of Eyebrow Lifting: A Narrative Review

None of brow lift techniques are completely satisfactory because of their limited effectiveness, lack of longevity, and potential complications. The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive review of the literature on the pros and cons of the most popular techniques in brow and forehead lift. Relevant original articles in the PubMed database (English language) were sought using the search terms “eyebrow lift”, “forehead lift”, ”periorbital rejuvenation”, ”eyebrow ptosis”, ”blepharoplasty and eyebrow change”, ”surgical eyebrow lift”, and ”non-surgical eyebrow lift”, No date limitation was considered. Titles and abstracts were scanned to include the most pertinent articles. Subsequently, full texts of included articles (111 articles) were skimmed and finally 56 references were selected for the review. A narrative synthesis of data was finally undertaken with particular attention to the indications, techniques, and common complications of the eyebrow lift procedures. Ten popular techniques including two nonsurgical methods (Botulinum toxin A and soft tissue fillers) were reviewed in this article. In general, non-surgical methods of forehead/brow lift are temporary, need less experience and correction would be easier should any complication occur. Surgical methods are divided into three categories: trans-blepharoplasty eyebrow lift, direct eyebrow lift, and trans-forehead eyebrow/forehead lift. Currently, the most popular method is the endoscopic forehead lift approach even though its longevity is limited. Direct brow-lift is particularly useful in patients with facial palsy and those who are more likely to be accepting of the scar (male gender, high forehead hair line)

Hepatitis B Seroprevalence and Risk Factors in Adult Population of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province in 2013

Background: Hepatitis B virus is one of the important viral causes of liver inflammation with high worldwide prevalence and important hepatic and extra hepatic complications. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis B in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, Iran. Patients and Methods: For this descriptive, analytical, population-based study, 3000 participants older than 15 years were enrolled according to the clustering method. After obtaining written informed consent and taking required blood samples, we gathered data on demographic status and probable transmission routes of disease using questionnaire between 2012 and 2013. The data was analyzed using SPSS software (descriptive parameters and chi-square). P value below 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: The mean age of participants was 38.4 +/- 16.3. The seroprevalence rate of hepatitis B was found to be 1.3% (95% CI, 0.95%-1.81%). Prevalence of HBeAg among HBsAg positive participants was 2.5% (only 1 of 40). Seroprevalence was higher in male group (2.5 times higher than women), age group of over 55 years, farmers, and non-public occupations. Positive seroprevalence was associated with a history of renal disease, familial transmission, transfusion, surgery in hospital, circumcision, contact with hepatitis B infected individuals, imprisonment, intravenous (IV) drug abuse, and smoking (P < 0.05). Nevertheless, the highest odds ratio (OR) was obtained for history of renal disease (OR = 7.64: 3.01-18.4), followed by imprisonment (OR = 5.4: 1.86-15.7) and IV drug abuse (OR = 5.68: 1.3-24.7). Conclusions: Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province could be categorized as a low endemic region for hepatitis B infection, with a seroprevalence similar to that in other provinces of western Iran. Vaccination seems to influence its decrease, especially in adolescents and youth. More surveillance and attention to risk factors are suggested to identify high-risk groups and to implement vaccination

Therapeutic Possibilities of Ceftazidime Nanoparticles in Devastating Pseudomonas Ophthalmic Infections; Keratitis and Endophthalmitis

As the number of contactâ€lens wearers rises worldwide, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) keratitis is attracting more attention as a major public health issue. Corneal lesions of PA, being the most intimidating complication of contactâ€lens wearer, can progress rapidly in spite of local antibiotic treatment, and may result in perforation and the permanent loss of vision. One of the explanations proposed for the evasion of the pathogen from immune responses of the host as well as antibacterial treatment is the fact that invasive clinical isolates of PA have the unusual ability to invade and replicate within surface corneal epithelial cells. In this manner, PA is left with an intracellular sanctuary. Endophthalmitis, albeit rare, is another ophthalmic infection faced by the challenge of drug delivery that can be potentially catastrophic. The present hypothesis is that nanoparticles can carry antiâ€pseudomonas antibiotics (e.g. ceftazidime) through the membranes, into the “hidden zone†of the pathogen, hence being an effective and potent therapeutic approach against pseudomonas keratitis and endophthalmitis

Dynamics of bacteriophages as a promising antibiofilm agents

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an ubiquitous organism which has emerged as a major threat in the hospital environment. Overuse of antibiotics has also significantly increased the emergence of antimicrobial multiresistant bacteria. P. aeruginosa has an innate ability to adhere to surfaces and form virulent biofilms. Bacteriophage might represent one attractive solution to this problem. In this study, P.aeruginosa phage were utilized to Biofilm inhibition and remove.Sample collected from University sewage. Isolation was done according to Martha.R.J.Clokie protocol. Serial dilution prepared, then equally incubated with bacteria to investigate Biofilm inhibition potential. Biofilm formed base on Microplate Biofilm Assay. The effect of isolated phage investigated on biofilm remove of Pseudomonas putida, E.coli and Acinetobacter baumanii. P.aeruginosa biofilm had OD: 1.688 in 492n.m. Pure phage, 10-2 and 10-3 diluted phage decreased OD to 1.587, 1.341 and 1.461, respectively. Isolated phage dramatically decline OD of Biofilm of all strains.Phages have various affinity to attach to hosts, thereby it is supposed to phages compete for their receptors. Therefore it is supposed phages have most efficiency in optimum concentration to remove biofilm or growth inhibition

Therapeutic potential of genistein in ovariectomy-induced pancreatic injury in diabetic rats: The regulation of MAPK pathway and apoptosis

Objective(s): Genistein, as a phytoestrogen found in legumes, has several biological activities in general and anti-diabetic activity particularly. In this study, we investigated the effect of genistein on proteins involved in β-cell proliferation, survival and apoptosis to further reveal its anti-diabetic potential in the ovariectomized diabetic rat. Materials and Methods: We used three-month-old female Wistar rats that either underwent ovariectomy (OVX) or received a sham surgery (Sham). In a subsequent series of experiments, OVX rats received high-fat diet and low dose STZ to induce diabetes (OVX.D) and genistein treatment (OVX.D.G). Western blot analysis was used for the assessment of phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and AKT and expression of Bcl-2 and caspase-3 in pancreas tissue. Hematoxylin-Eosin (H&E) staining was used for histopathological assessment. Results: Genistein induced AKT and ERK1/2 phosphorylation protein expression of Bcl-2 in the pancreas. In addition, genistein suppressed protein level of caspase-3. Administration of genistein significantly improved hyperglycemia in ovariectomized diabetic rat, concomitant with improved islet β-cell morphology and mass. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the beneficial antidiabetic effect of genistein partially mediated by directly modulating pancreatic β-cell function via activation of the AKT, ERK1/2, and Bcl-2, as cell survival and anti-apoptotic factors, and decreasing of proapoptotic caspase-3