Size optimization of the grid-connected solar-wind hybrid system in Net Zero Energy Buildings: A case study

This study proposes a hybrid renewable energy system consisting of photovoltaic panels and a wind turbine to supply the total or part of the demand of a grid-connected residential building and presents the optimal system size using a genetic algorithm. Wind speed, solar irradiance, and electricity demand are monitored in 15 min intervals over a year. It is found that the optimal values for PV panels’ area, rated power of the wind turbine, and the tower height are 148.5 m2, 1.5 kW, and 20 m, respectively. These optimal values lead to a total system cost of EUR 42,218 over 20 years

Seroepidemiological study of toxoplasmosis in childbearing age women in Bushehr City, south west of Iran in 2009

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease caused by an intracellular protozoan, Toxoplasma gondii and congenital form is one of the most important clinical aspects of this disease. Seroepidemiological studies among women of childbearing age could provide appropriate approaches to design prevention measures to prevent congenital Toxoplasmosis. In this study, 303 blood samples were collected from women of childbearing age who referred to the health center clinics for premarital examinations in Bushehr city. Sera were tested for anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies by using ELISA method. 71 cases (23.4%) were seropositive and 232 (76.6%) serum samples were seronegative for anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibody, 10 samples (3.3%) were seropositive and 293 samples (96.7%) were seronegative for antiToxoplasma IgM antibody. According to the results, there was no significant association between seropositivity and age groups, area of residency, history of contact with cat, educational levels and nutritional behaviors. Most women of childbearing age in Bushehr City do not have immunity against Toxoplasmosis. These women are at risk of acquired Toxoplasmosis in their pregnancy period. It is recommended to health managers to design the educational measures to prevent congenital Toxoplasmosis

Seroepidemiological study of toxoplasmosis in childbearing age women in Bushehr City, south west of Iran in 2009

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease caused by an intracellular protozoan,Toxoplasma gondii and congenital form is one of the most important clinical aspects of this disease. Seroepidemiological studies among women of childbearing age could provide appropriate approaches to design prevention measures to prevent congenital Toxoplasmosis. In this study, 303 blood samples were collected from women of childbearing age who referred to the health center clinics for premarital examinations in Bushehr city. Sera were tested for anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies by using ELISA method. 71 cases (23.4%) were seropositive and 232 (76.6%) serum samples were seronegative for anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibody, 10 samples (3.3%) were seropositive and 293 samples (96.7%) were seronegative for anti-Toxoplasma IgM antibody. According to the results, there was no significant association between seropositivity and age groups, area of residency, history of contact with cat, educational levels and nutritional behaviors. Most women of childbearing age in Bushehr City do not have immunity against Toxoplasmosis. These women are at risk of acquired Toxoplasmosis in their pregnancy period. It is recommended to health managers to design the educational measures to prevent congenital Toxoplasmosis.Keywords: Toxoplasma gondii, premarital women, seroepidemiolog, ELISAAfrican Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 9(36), pp. 5809-5812, 6 September, 201

Air- and Dust-Borne Fungi in Indoor and Outdoor Home of Allergic Patients in a Dust-Storm-Affected Area

Despite the recent increases in fungi-induced allergic diseases there is no report yet in the region of the Persian Gulf on concentration levels of fungi in relationship with health state. Therefore, our aim was to measure fungi prevalence as well as to evaluate the relationships between air- and dust-borne fungal genera and allergic diseases. A matched case-control study was carried out including 45 allergic cases and 45 age- and gendermatched controls for each individual. Indoor and outdoor dust and indoor air samples were collected from participant homes during May to October 2015. A Quick Take 30 Pump and sterile wet swab were used to determine fungal types and their amounts in the air (CFU/m3) and dust (CFU/100 cm2) samples, respectively. A significant reverse association was found between indoor dust-borne Alternaria and asthma (Odds ratio (OR) = 0.14, 95% CI = 0.02–0.86). Contrarily, increased levels of indoor airborne Aspegillus fumigatus (OR = 2.00, 95% CI = 0.37–10.55) and Alternaria (OR = 3.00, 95% CI = 0.34–25.83) were correlated with asthma development. Also, correlation analysis showed a significant relation between indoor air-borne Penicillium levels and reactivity to skin prick test in asthmatic patients (p = 0.04). Our findings support the notion that fungal exposures can either cause or prevent the development of allergic diseases. Accordingly, appropriate measures should be taken for a better management of fungi-induced allergic disease

Size Optimization of a Grid-Connected Solar–Wind Hybrid System in Net Zero Energy Buildings: A Case Study

This study proposes a hybrid renewable energy system consisting of photovoltaic panels and a wind turbine to supply the total or part of the demand of a grid-connected residential building and presents the optimal system size using a genetic algorithm. Wind speed, solar irradiance, and electricity demand are monitored in 15 min intervals over a year. It is found that the optimal values for PV panels’ area, rated power of the wind turbine, and the tower height are 148.5 m2, 1.5 kW, and 20 m, respectively. These optimal values lead to a total system cost of EUR 42,218 over 20 years