An Enhanced Indirect Video-Based Measurement Procedure for Dynamic Structural System Identification Applications

A video-based indirect sensing procedure for dynamic identification purposes is presented. To overcome major limitations of video-based methods in real on-site measurements, a novel three step pre-modification, magnification, post-modification process is developed. This process includes revision of the initial input video record in order to delete disturbing objects, utilizing a magnification method to filter the frequency content of the monitored motion and using a revision step for elimination of noises generated during magnification process. Finally, a set of digital signal and image processing analyses are performed on the modified video using virtual visual sensor technology. Based on the results of this research, motion signals of the monitored object are detected. The proposed approach has been used for identification of dynamic characteristics of two historic masonry minarets in Istanbul. Results shows that the proposed procedure is able to assess the dynamic characteristics of the monitored structure with a high-level of accuracy

Genetic and morphological diversity in Chara vulgaris L. (Characeae)

Chara vulgaris L. (Characeae) is a highly polymorphic species that plays an important ecological role in aquatic ecosystems. It grows in different regions of Iran and forms several geographical populations. Genetic diversity studies are very limited in algal taxa of the country and there is no detailed information about the genetic diversity present in C. vulgaris. Therefore, the present investigation was performed to study the population structure of 89 plant specimen collected from 11 geographical populations of C. vulgaris in Iran. Genetic diversity parameters were determined in each population based on ISSR molecular markers. AMOVA test revealed significant genetic difference among the studied populations. Mantel test revealed significant correlation between genetic distance and geographical distance of the studied populations. However, STRUCTURE analysis revealed that some common ancestral alleles exist among these populations. ANOVA test revealed significant differences in quantitative morphological characters among the studied populations. UPGMA tree and PCoA plot revealed morphological variability of these populations as the members of each population were scattered in different groups. Therefore, in spite of genetic differences of the studied populations, they are not morphologically differentiated

Upconverting nano-engineered surfaces: maskless photolithography for security applications

The two complementary technologies of colloidal upconverting nanoemitters and maskless photolithography are exploited to fabricate nanoengineered optically active surfaces for anticounterfeiting applications based on the multiphoton absorption phenomenon in lanthanide nanocomposites with a visualization wavelength in the NIR. It is demonstrated that the unique optical, thermal, and temporal characteristics of these versatile upconverting surface distinguishes them from their counterparts. A unique behavior that is captured is the ability to actively tune their emission color by modifying the pumping power, temperature, and excitation frequency. A new low-cost negative photoresist is employed for implementation of maskless photolithography of single- and double-color labels using two efficient upconverting nanocomposites based on NaYF4:Yb3+, Er3+ and NaYF4:Yb3+, Tm3+ nanoemitters. In addition, it is shown that the detectability of the proposed anticounterfeiting approach can be carried out using just a smartphone. Each of the emission peaks of the upconversion nanoparticles is associated with a different multiphoton absorption mechanism and their thermosensitivity varies from one peak to another. Furthermore, their photoluminescent color changes by scanning the excitation beam impinging on the surfaces composed of both upconversion nanoparticles doped in the UV-curable resist. Long-term photostability of these surfaces under continuous excitation by a high power laser makes them a promising nanoemitters for the next generation of anticounterfeiting labels

The effects of a strengthening exercise program with EMG biofeedback to correct patellar alignment and reduce knee pain in women with patellofemoral pain syndrome

Background and aims: EMG biofeedback as a relatively new tool in helping to relieve muscle dysfunction has been proposed. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a strengthening exercise program with electromyographical biofeedback on the alignment corrections of the patella and the knee pain in patients with patella-femoral pain syndrome. Methods: This research was a clinical trials study. 22 participants with patella-femoral pain syndrome were randomly divided into two equal groups (n=11). The first group underwent a strengthening exercise program with biofeedback electromyography. The second group also recieved a strengthening exercise program without biofeedback electromyography. Using VAS questionnaire, the knee pain was assessed. Radiography technique was also applied to evaluate the knee alignments including Sulcus, congruence and tilt angles and Q angle assessed by clinical tests. Pair t-test and Independent t-test with SPSS were used for statistical analysis. Results: The results showed that the knee pain, congruence and Q angle had significant decrease after the therapy in both groups (P<0.05). However, the patellar tilt displayed a significant decrease only in the strengthening exercise program in the biofeedback electromyography group (P<0.05). In between group comparisons, pain and Q angle reduction after strengthening exercise program with biofeedback electromyography group was significantly more than strengthening exercise program without biofeedback electromyography group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Muscular strengthening exercise with electromyographical biofeedback displayed a better treatment outcome for pain reduction and correction of knee alignment. It seems that the provision of electromyographic biofeedback be preferred in comparison with the muscular strength training method without electromyographic biofeedback by creating more motivation for performing the exercises precisely and it can be used as a supportive tool in rehabilitation

Particle swarm optimization of friction tuned mass dampers subjected to ground motion records

Friction tuned mass dampers (FTMDs) are widely used to control the displacement of structures located in seismically active areas. Typically, the frequency and friction ratios of FTMDs are tuned up during design, but this task is complex if real ground motion records are considered. This article proposes a novel and accurate approach to calculate optimum parameters of FTMDs for controlling the displacements of both single degree of freedom (SDOF) systems and multi-story structural frames subjected to real ground motion records. In this study, the SDOF displacement and two FTMD parameters (frequency ratio and friction ratio) are first optimized simultaneously using a Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm. A series of sensitivity analyses are then carried out to examine the effect of different structural features (damper movement, variations of optimized parameters and damping) on the optimized SDOF displacements and FTMD parameters given by the PSO. It is shown that, compared to a more established method available in the literature, the PSO algorithm reduces the SDOF displacements by an additional 21% on average. The PSO is then used to obtain optimum parameters of FTMDs and TMDs connected to four moment-resisting frames, and the results from the frames are compared to those from equivalent SDOF systems. This article contributes towards providing more suitable optimization tools for structures fitted with FTMDs, which in turn can lead to more efficient design methods for dampers

Efficiency of partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing as molecular marker for phylogenetic study of cyanobacteria, with emphasis on some complex taxa

At present, the analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences is the most commonly used molecular marker for phylogenetic studies of cyanobacteria. However, in many studies partial sequences is used. To evaluate the performance of this molecular marker, phylogenetic relationship of several taxa from this phylum, especially some intermixed taxa, was studied. We analyzed a data set consisting of three categories of cyanobacterial strains, traditionally classified in three orders, by morphological and phylogenetic analyses. The phylogenetic analyses were performed with an emphasis on partial 16S rRNA gene sequences (600 bp) and the phylogenetic relationships were assessed using Maximum Parsimony, Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Inference. In morphometric study, numerical taxonomy was performed on several morphospecies, and cluster analysis was performed using SPSS software. Based on the findings of this study, unlike the morphological analysis which was useful in several taxonomic ranks, this molecular marker is recommended for use only in high taxonomic levels such as order and family, because, contrary to our expectations, using partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing in the lower taxonomic levels, even in the genus level, was not necessarily successful. Inefficiency of this molecular marker in taxonomy of some genera, especially intermixed taxa, was another finding of the present study, which represents the genetic similarity of these taxa

The Sensitivity of H. Pylori in Gastric Tissue Samples of Children and Adolescents to Various Antibiotics in Center of Iran

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), is the major known infectious cause of gastric diseases in children and adults. The rate of antibiotic resistance to H. pylori treatment regimens has rapidly increased. We aimed to determine the sensitivity of helicobacter pylori in gastric tissue samples of children and adolescents to various antibiotics in Isfahan, Center of Iran. Materials and Methods: Data set included children and adolescents, aged 5 to 16 years, who have been referred to Imam Hossein Children Hospital in Isfahan, Iran,over 2015 to 2018 due to dyspepsia symptoms. Endoscopy was advised by Pediatric gastroenterologist. Then, Rapid Urease Test (RUT), and one biopsy specimen from antrum, body, andcardia were given and placed into the transfer medium. If RUT became positive, transfer media was transported to the laboratory and keep under 4oC temperature till adding to culture media (Colombia agar- Germany) under special conditions. After appearance of H. pylori on culture media, antibiogram was done. We used Epsilometer test (E-test) to determineH. pylori sensitivity and resistance to antibiotics as clarithromycin, amoxicillin, metronidazole, tetracyclin, ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin. Results: Out of 102 patients, E-test of H. pylori was positive in 47.1% (n=48) of patients. The highest susceptibility rate was 89.6 % for tetracycline, and 75% for levofloxacin, respectively. Metronidazole had the lowest susceptibility to H. pylori (14.6%). Also, the sensitivity of amoxicillin was low (43.8%). Conclusion: In this study resistance to primary antibiotic therapy for H.pylori eradication (Amoxicillin, Metronidazole, and Clarithromicin) was relatively high in children and adolescents in Center of Iran. Thus, it seems updated treatment strategies based on susceptibility tests are required

Prediction of Hydropower Generation Using Grey Wolf Optimization Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System

Hydropower is among the cleanest sources of energy. However, the rate of hydropower generation is profoundly affected by the inflow to the dam reservoirs. In this study, the Grey wolf optimization (GWO) method coupled with an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) to forecast the hydropower generation. For this purpose, the Dez basin average of rainfall was calculated using Thiessen polygons. Twenty input combinations, including the inflow to the dam, the rainfall and the hydropower in the previous months were used, while the output in all the scenarios was one month of hydropower generation. Then, the coupled model was used to forecast the hydropower generation. Results indicated that the method was promising. GWO-ANFIS was capable of predicting the hydropower generation satisfactorily, while the ANFIS failed in nine input-output combinations

Effect of Intermediate-Dose vs Standard-Dose Prophylactic Anticoagulation on Thrombotic Events, Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Treatment, or Mortality among Patients with COVID-19 Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit: The INSPIRATION Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance: Thrombotic events are commonly reported in critically ill patients with COVID-19. Limited data exist to guide the intensity of antithrombotic prophylaxis. Objective: To evaluate the effects of intermediate-dose vs standard-dose prophylactic anticoagulation among patients with COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Design, Setting, and Participants: Multicenter randomized trial with a 2 � 2 factorial design performed in 10 academic centers in Iran comparing intermediate-dose vs standard-dose prophylactic anticoagulation (first hypothesis) and statin therapy vs matching placebo (second hypothesis; not reported in this article) among adult patients admitted to the ICU with COVID-19. Patients were recruited between July 29, 2020, and November 19, 2020. The final follow-up date for the 30-day primary outcome was December 19, 2020. Interventions: Intermediate-dose (enoxaparin, 1 mg/kg daily) (n = 276) vs standard prophylactic anticoagulation (enoxaparin, 40 mg daily) (n = 286), with modification according to body weight and creatinine clearance. The assigned treatments were planned to be continued until completion of 30-day follow-up. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary efficacy outcome was a composite of venous or arterial thrombosis, treatment with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, or mortality within 30 days, assessed in randomized patients who met the eligibility criteria and received at least 1 dose of the assigned treatment. Prespecified safety outcomes included major bleeding according to the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (type 3 or 5 definition), powered for noninferiority (a noninferiority margin of 1.8 based on odds ratio), and severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count &lt;20 �103/µL). All outcomes were blindly adjudicated. Results: Among 600 randomized patients, 562 (93.7) were included in the primary analysis (median interquartile range age, 62 50-71 years; 237 42.2% women). The primary efficacy outcome occurred in 126 patients (45.7%) in the intermediate-dose group and 126 patients (44.1%) in the standard-dose prophylaxis group (absolute risk difference, 1.5% 95% CI,-6.6% to 9.8%; odds ratio, 1.06 95% CI, 0.76-1.48; P =.70). Major bleeding occurred in 7 patients (2.5%) in the intermediate-dose group and 4 patients (1.4%) in the standard-dose prophylaxis group (risk difference, 1.1% 1-sided 97.5% CI,-� to 3.4%; odds ratio, 1.83 1-sided 97.5% CI, 0.00-5.93), not meeting the noninferiority criteria (P for noninferiority &gt;.99). Severe thrombocytopenia occurred only in patients assigned to the intermediate-dose group (6 vs 0 patients; risk difference, 2.2% 95% CI, 0.4%-3.8%; P =.01). Conclusions and Relevance: Among patients admitted to the ICU with COVID-19, intermediate-dose prophylactic anticoagulation, compared with standard-dose prophylactic anticoagulation, did not result in a significant difference in the primary outcome of a composite of adjudicated venous or arterial thrombosis, treatment with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, or mortality within 30 days. These results do not support the routine empirical use of intermediate-dose prophylactic anticoagulation in unselected patients admitted to the ICU with COVID-19. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04486508. © 2021 American Medical Association. All rights reserved

Measuring universal health coverage based on an index of effective coverage of health services in 204 countries and territories, 1990–2019 : A systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background Achieving universal health coverage (UHC) involves all people receiving the health services they need, of high quality, without experiencing financial hardship. Making progress towards UHC is a policy priority for both countries and global institutions, as highlighted by the agenda of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and WHO's Thirteenth General Programme of Work (GPW13). Measuring effective coverage at the health-system level is important for understanding whether health services are aligned with countries' health profiles and are of sufficient quality to produce health gains for populations of all ages. Methods Based on the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019, we assessed UHC effective coverage for 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2019. Drawing from a measurement framework developed through WHO's GPW13 consultation, we mapped 23 effective coverage indicators to a matrix representing health service types (eg, promotion, prevention, and treatment) and five population-age groups spanning from reproductive and newborn to older adults (≥65 years). Effective coverage indicators were based on intervention coverage or outcome-based measures such as mortality-to-incidence ratios to approximate access to quality care; outcome-based measures were transformed to values on a scale of 0–100 based on the 2·5th and 97·5th percentile of location-year values. We constructed the UHC effective coverage index by weighting each effective coverage indicator relative to its associated potential health gains, as measured by disability-adjusted life-years for each location-year and population-age group. For three tests of validity (content, known-groups, and convergent), UHC effective coverage index performance was generally better than that of other UHC service coverage indices from WHO (ie, the current metric for SDG indicator 3.8.1 on UHC service coverage), the World Bank, and GBD 2017. We quantified frontiers of UHC effective coverage performance on the basis of pooled health spending per capita, representing UHC effective coverage index levels achieved in 2019 relative to country-level government health spending, prepaid private expenditures, and development assistance for health. To assess current trajectories towards the GPW13 UHC billion target—1 billion more people benefiting from UHC by 2023—we estimated additional population equivalents with UHC effective coverage from 2018 to 2023. Findings Globally, performance on the UHC effective coverage index improved from 45·8 (95% uncertainty interval 44·2–47·5) in 1990 to 60·3 (58·7–61·9) in 2019, yet country-level UHC effective coverage in 2019 still spanned from 95 or higher in Japan and Iceland to lower than 25 in Somalia and the Central African Republic. Since 2010, sub-Saharan Africa showed accelerated gains on the UHC effective coverage index (at an average increase of 2·6% [1·9–3·3] per year up to 2019); by contrast, most other GBD super-regions had slowed rates of progress in 2010–2019 relative to 1990–2010. Many countries showed lagging performance on effective coverage indicators for non-communicable diseases relative to those for communicable diseases and maternal and child health, despite non-communicable diseases accounting for a greater proportion of potential health gains in 2019, suggesting that many health systems are not keeping pace with the rising non-communicable disease burden and associated population health needs. In 2019, the UHC effective coverage index was associated with pooled health spending per capita (r=0·79), although countries across the development spectrum had much lower UHC effective coverage than is potentially achievable relative to their health spending. Under maximum efficiency of translating health spending into UHC effective coverage performance, countries would need to reach $1398 pooled health spending per capita (US$ adjusted for purchasing power parity) in order to achieve 80 on the UHC effective coverage index. From 2018 to 2023, an estimated 388·9 million (358·6–421·3) more population equivalents would have UHC effective coverage, falling well short of the GPW13 target of 1 billion more people benefiting from UHC during this time. Current projections point to an estimated 3·1 billion (3·0–3·2) population equivalents still lacking UHC effective coverage in 2023, with nearly a third (968·1 million [903·5–1040·3]) residing in south Asia. Interpretation The present study demonstrates the utility of measuring effective coverage and its role in supporting improved health outcomes for all people—the ultimate goal of UHC and its achievement. Global ambitions to accelerate progress on UHC service coverage are increasingly unlikely unless concerted action on non-communicable diseases occurs and countries can better translate health spending into improved performance. Focusing on effective coverage and accounting for the world's evolving health needs lays the groundwork for better understanding how close—or how far—all populations are in benefiting from UHC