Field studies to investigate the eutrophication problem in the Anzali wetland

Background: In the recent years, eutrophication has become a serious challenge for many of the water ecosystems. It has affected the environmental and economical aspects of the Anzali Wetland, which is known as one of the significant ecosystem. Due to the increase of the nutrient loadings from the industrial, agricultural and human activities, the wetland’s health is faced many serious problems. Therefore, in this study the wetland condition is evaluated through the field measurements and sampling from various regions of the wetland; then the data obtained were analyzed in order to review this conditions from the Eutrophicational point of view that is one of the most important conditional indexes of the lakes and wetlands. Methods: In this research, in addition to use the field measurements to determine the wetland quality status related to the nutrient loadings, the results from total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) measured parameters of 21 stations in the study area were transferred to the Geographical Information System (GIS) and then the Eutrophication condition of the wetland was determined in comparison to international standards. Findings: This study illustrated that since the wetland has received more nutrients loading comparing to the few past years, so most of the wetland regions have high levels of TN and TP. Also, performing more investigations using Nurnberg method based on TN and TP depicted that hypertrophic status is dominated in all over the wetland. Conclusion: although the procedure used in this research was very simple and with the least computational cost to determine the hypertrophic status of the Anzali Wetland, but the findings gained from the study is in compliance with the previous results achieved

The relationship of Parental Pain Catastrophizing with Parents Reports of Children’s Anxiety, Depression and Headache Severity

Abstract:Introduction: Parental pain catastrophizing is a construct which is recognized to have a significant impact on experience and report of pain in both children and parents. The main aim of the current research is to investigate the probable relationship of parental pain catastrophizing with the parent reports of children’s anxiety, depression and headache severity amongst Iranian parents of children with chronic or recurrent headache.Method:In this study 212 parents (120 mothers and 92 fathers) of children with chronic or recurrent pain participated and completed the Pain Catastrophizing Scale; Numeric Pain Rating Scale, asking for the average of pain severity in last three months before the research, and the Anxiety and Depression subscales of the Children Behavioral Check List. Findings:The mean age of parents was 35.41 (SD= 5.58) and the mean age of children were 9.83 (SD= 2.77). A total of 72 girls and 60 boys participated in this study with a mean pain severity for headache in last three months before the research of 4.99 (SD=2.63). Probable sex differences according to pain catastrophizing, pain severity, anxiety and depression were assessed. In the next step, the predictability of pain severity from parental pain catastrophizing was evaluated. Results indicated a significant relationship in maternal pain catastrophizing and estimates of pain intensity by mothers.Conclusions:These findings represent the importance of parent’s cognitive factors affecting their reports of their children’s pain and related emotional disturbances

Relationship between oral temperature and sleepiness among night workers in a hot industry

      Night work can have a significant impact on health, well-being, performance and occupational safety of workers. Night workers often complain about the sleep disorder characterized by excessive sleepiness.  The aim of the study was to determine the level of sleepiness among night workers and investigate its relationship with oral temperature in a hot industry. This cross-sectional study involved 80 night workers. Stanford Sleepiness Scale (SSS) has been used to measure the level of sleepiness. Oral temperature and SSS were recorded at different hours of night shift (23 pm to 4 am) for two consecutive nights. The analysis of results showed that there was a positive linear trend in the sleepiness scale (Pvalue<0.001) and an increasing trend in the oral temperature between 23pm and 1am. Then a decreasing trend has been observed after 1am for both of them (Pvalue <0.001).  Comparison of the results for two nights indicated that the mean sleepiness index in the second night is higher than the first (Pvalue <0.001), but the mean oral temperature in the second night was equal to that in the first night. Findings suggest a weak negative association between sleepiness and oral temperature. (r=-0.24, Pvalue =0.03). A substantial proportion of subjects were working while sleepy, especially at late night and early morning hours. The combination of heat stress and sleepiness can lead to impaired performance. The growing amount of sleepiness index indicates the high risk of sleep disorders and the other possible problems related health among night shift workers

Design and Evaluation Framework for Modular Hybrid Battery Energy Storage Systems in Full-Electric Marine Applications

In the context of the maritime transportation sector electrification, battery hybridization has been identified as a promising manner of meeting the critical requirements on energy and power density, as well as lifetime and safety. Today, multiple promising battery hybridization topologies have been identified, while there is not a level playing field enabling comparison between different topologies. This study bridges this gap directly by proposing a generic hybrid battery energy storage system (HBESS) design and evaluation framework in full-electric marine applications that accounts for the key design requirements in the system topology conceptualization phase. In doing so, generalized key component models, such as battery cell models, aging models, power converter models, and thermal models, are established. Additionally, given the selected key requirements in this study, the case study comparing one baseline monotype design and two HBESS topologies has shown the clear advantage of battery hybridization. Furthermore, we find that, depending on the topology selection and the specific load scenario being considered, power converter devices can also worsen the key performance indexes. Keywords: hybrid battery energy storage system; modular battery system; design and evaluation frameworkDesign and Evaluation Framework for Modular Hybrid Battery Energy Storage Systems in Full-Electric Marine ApplicationspublishedVersio

Comparison of Psychometric Properties of the Original and Brief Version of the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia

Introduction: Some accurate tools exist to assess fear-avoidance behavior, such as the Tampa scale for kinesiophobia (TSK) in individuals with musculoskeletal problems. The current research aims to compare the psychometric characteristics of the original 17-items TSK questionnaire and its 11-item brief version in chronic non-specific low-back pain (CNSLBP). Materials and Methods: In this test development study, 295 patients with CNSLBP referred to the physiotherapy clinic of Milad Hospital in Tehran city, Iran were evaluated. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and α Cronbach was conducted to assess the validity and reliability of the original and brief version of the TSK, respectively. For goodness-of-fit, the Χ2/df, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA), goodness-of-fit index (GFI), and comparative fit index (CFI) indices were used. Results: Internal consistency specified by Cronbach’s α was 0.949 for the original version of the questionnaire and 0.927 for the brief one. Based on the CFA findings, the goodness-of-fit indices for the brief version were GFI=0.921, RMSEA=0.078 (90% confidence interval (CI), 0.062%-0.094%), comparative fit index (CFI)=0.981, and Χ2/df=2.791. These indices for the original one were 0.882, 0.066 (90% CI, 0.055%-0.076%), 0.983, and 2.270, respectively. A significant correlation was found between these two versions (P<0.001). These findings confirm the adequacy of the brief version of the TSK. Conclusion: The brief version of TSK can be considered a reliable and valid tool to evaluate somatic focus and activity avoidance in patients with CNSLBP

A Study and Criticism of the eternal life in the Hell, Based on the foundations of transcendent wisdom and Its Adaptation to the Ethical Principles from the Perspective of the Holy Quran

زمینه و هدف: خلود دوزخیان به معنی ماندگاری ابدی در دوزخ می‌باشد که از دیرباز مورد بحث مفسران و دین‌پژوهان بوده است. در پژوهش حاضر به نقد خلود دوزخیان بر اساس مبانی حكمت متعالیه و آیات قرآن، پرداخته خواهد شد. مواد و روش‌ها: مقاله حاضر با روش توصیفی ـ تحلیلی و با استفاده از منابع کتابخانه‌ای انجام می‌گردد. یافته‌ها: نباید چنین پنداشت که هیأت‏های پست و شقاوتمندانه، راسخ در نفس گردد و در نتیجه آن نوع مجرد جدیدی در انسان به وجود می‏آید كه همواره وجود خواهد داشت و مجرد مزبور است که به صورت ابدی در عذاب خواهد بود. نتیجه‌گیری: به عبارتی، علی‌رغم این‌که خلود در عذاب یا به تعبیری جاودانگی عذاب یکی از مسلمات اعتقادی است که اساساً با اصول اخلاقی منافاتی ندارد، اما در عین حال باید توجه داشت که اگر اخلاق رذیله و حالات زشت صورت، در نفس راه نیابد و ملائم ذات آن نباشد، یعنی نفس از نفوس سعید بوده و بالعرض حالات و هیأت‏های شقاوتمندانه‏ای به خود گرفته است، مانند نفوس مؤمنان گنهكار، چنین نفسی، بالاخره آن صورت را رها می‏كند و آن حالات از او زایل می‏گردد، زیرا حالات مزبور در واقع یک حالت قسری و غیر طبیعی است.Background and Aim: The eternal life of the infernal means eternal retention in hell, which has long been discussed by commentators and religious scholars. In the present study, the constantly of torment of the infernals will be criticized based on the principles of the Hekmate Motealiye and from the Perspective of the Holy Quran. Materials and Methods: In this article, a library study is performed using descriptive-analytical method. Findings: It should not be assumed that low and cruel delegations are hard on the soul, and as a result, a new kind of singleness arises in human beings who will always exist, and that singleness will be tormented forever. Conclusion: Despite the fact that eternity in torment, or in other words, the immortality of torment, is one of the certainties in believes which is not essentially inconsistent with moral principles; but at the same time, it should be noted that if vile morals and ugly facial expressions do not enter the soul and not to be associated with its essence, that is, the soul is inherently pure and on a temporary basis, it has taken on ugliness and cruelty like the sinful believers, Such a spirit finally abandons that face and those states disappear from it; Because these status are in fact partial and unnatural. &nbsp; Please cite this article as: Fedakar Langroudi M, Batahi SH, Akbarzadeh R, Dadjoo Y. A Study and Criticism of the Immortality of Hell on the Basis of the Sublime Theosophy and Its Adaptation to the Ethical Principles from the Perspective of the Holy Quran. Bioethics Journal, Special Issue on Bioethics and Citizenship Rights 2020; 23-37

The Effect of Diabetes on Induced Pain of Formalin and Baclofen Analgesia in Rats

One of the side effects of dibetecs epidemics today in the world is painfulneuropathy, the reasons and treatments of which are unknown. Duo to the importance of problem of pain treatment as on of the harmful phenomena in life, this research studies the effect of continued diabetes on the formalin induced pain and baclofen analgesia in rats. Moreover the effect of baclofen as a non-opiate, analgesic drug on the increased pains in the quiescent phase as the model of diabetic pain is investigated. The method is experimental, evaluating the pain level through conducting the formalin test in 3 groups of rats. The first group was divided to control (injection normal salin) and diabetc (injection aloxan 100mg per kg) which were tested, after one to four weeks from the begining of diabetes, the second one was divided to a new control and diabetic group, and before performing formalin test, the baclofen(10mg per kg) was injected to them. And the third one was divided to two diabetics groups that received baclofen and normal salin and then the pain of the quiescent phase was compared in them. The results indicate that diabetes increases formalin induced pain and remained with continud diabetes. It also indicate that diabetes establishes increased pain in the quiscent phase , yet, it has had no influene  on the baclofen analgesic effect on the first phase of formalin test but increased it on the second phase. Moreover baclofen can quiet the increased pain in quiscent phase very well. Duo to the results of this study it seems that diabetes, with changes in the centeral and peripheral pathways of the pain and also pain control, increases the pain. More studies are required to determining its mechanisms. These changes are accompanied with weakening the internal antipain systems such as Gaba ergic, which can be treated with baclofen . Diabetes has no intraction with the baclofen  analgesics effect, so, baclofen may be recommended as an effective drug to comfort painful diabetic neurophathy.  

Pegylated niosomal nanoparticles loaded with vincristine: Characterization and in vitro evaluation

Purpose: To investigate the effect of pegylated niosomal vincristine (VCR) on enhanced performance, drug resistance and prolonged blood circulation time.Methods: Pegylated niosomal VCR was synthesized by reverse phase evaporation. The mean diameter, size distribution, and zeta potential of pegylated niosomal VCR were evaluated using a Zetasizer. The half-maximal concentration (IC50) values of pegylated niosomal VCR and standard VCR were determined using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The impact of pegylated niosomal VCR on apoptosis and cell cycle of BCL1 lymphoma cancer cells were investigated.Results: The mean diameter, size distribution and zeta potential of pegylated niosomal VCR were 220 nm, 0.4, and –18.8 mV, respectively. Cell proliferation was evaluated using the MTT assay. The IC50 values of pegylated niosomal VCR and standard VCR were 1.6 and 3.5 μg/mL, respectively, after a 24-h incubation. The cytotoxicity of pegylated niosomal VCR was twice that of standard VCR. Furthermore, flow cytometric analysis of the cell cycle showed that pegylated niosomal VCR induced greater mitotic arrest than did standard VCR.Conclusions: The findings demonstrate the effective antitumor activity of pegylated niosomal VCR compared with standard VCR.Keywords: Niosome, Anti-tumour, Polyethylene glycol, Vincristine,   Encapsulation, Lymphom

Psychometric properties of Persian version of wound-QOL questionnaire among older adults suffering from chronic wounds

BackgroundPatients with chronic wounds experience various biopsychosocial problems which severely affects their quality of life (QoL). Thus, a Persian instrument to assess the QoL of these patients is required. This study aimed to determine the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the wound-QOL questionnaire.MethodsThis methodological study was performed on Iranian patients during 2021–2022. The translation was carried out via forward-backward method. Face validity was addressed with 10 patients and content validity with 12 wound specialists. Construct validity was also assessed by performing exploratory factor analysis (EFA) (n = 100) and convergent validation with EQ-5D-3L plus Pain VAS Score and known-groups validity. The reliability was assessed by internal consistency using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and test–retest.ResultsA total of 100 patients with chronic wounds were included in the study. Two factors with cumulative variance of 65.39% were extracted during EFA. The results revealed a significant and high correlation between the total scores of wound-QOL questionnaire, the Persian version of EQ-5D-3L (p = 0.000, r = 0.502), and Pain score (0–10; p = 0.000, r = 0.627). The Cronbach’s alpha was 0.743 and stability of the questionnaire (α = 0.872) was confirmed. In confirming the known-groups validity, the results showed that this tool can differentiate the QOL of patients with different wounds.ConclusionThe Persian version of the wound-QOL questionnaire is a valid and reliable questionnaire which can measure the QoL of patients with chronic wounds. This instrument can be used in clinical evaluation as well as research purposes across the Iranian population