Protective and modulatory effects of royal jelly used against the induced changes in silver nanoparticles on the hippocampus of male rats

Objective (s): Silver nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted considerable attention owing to their important properties, including antimicrobial and anti-oxidative stress effects. However, high concentrations of silver NPs have been reported to have toxic effects. The present study aimed to evaluate the modulatory and protective effects of royal jelly (RJ) against the harmful effects of silver NPs on hippocampal functions, such as learning and memory. Materials and Methods: This experimental study was conducted on 40 male Wistar rats. The animals were divided into four groups of 10, including the control group (no silver NPs and RJ), RJ group, silver NPs plus RJ, and silver NPs. Some functions of the hippocampus (e.g., learning and memory) were evaluated using Morris memory function tests for four consecutive days. In addition, the relative expression of TRPV1 was assessed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). At the final stage, hippocampal tissues were collected for histological studies.Results: Levels of learning and memory, relative gene expression ratio of TRPV1, and the histological changes in the hippocampus were significantly different in the groups receiving silver NPs compared to the groups administered with RJ. Conclusion: According to the results, RJ may be the effective in the protection against the adverse effects of silver NPs and improve the function of the hippocampus

Experimental verification of smart grid control functions on international grids using a real-time simulator

The drastic increase in distributed energy resources (DERs) leads to challenges in the operation of distribution systems worldwide. While several solutions for grid monitoring and control are available on the market and in literature, this research is the first of its kind aiming to supervise the grid by providing a modular configurable unified hardware and software architecture. The control algorithms are configured using data models according to IEC 61850-7-3 and IEC 61850-7-4. The novel system architecture is a portable, modular and flexible architecture that aggregates smart grid control functions onto a standardised hardware platform, emphasising the need for hardware independence. The central controller contains several smart grid control functions and the various field devices are distributed across the distribution grid. This paper deals with the simulation of different real-world distribution grids on the Real-Time Simulator (RTS) and experimental verification of the control algorithms. Smart grid control functions such as Coordinated Voltage Control (CVC) and Optimal Power Flow (OPF) are experimentally verified on a German grid. The grid dynamics are compared when the central controller executes the CVC against the OPF implementations. The experimental results, advantages and challenges of each control are presented here. The results also showed the variation in grid behaviour when the control parameters were varied. The paper also shows that the algorithm and the choice of the control parameters depend upon the distribution grid's complexity and the system operator's individual needs. The results illustrate the potential of such a universal distribution automation solution for system operators worldwide

Investigation of channel shear connectors for composite concrete and steel T-beam

This paper evaluates the behavior of channel shear connectors, embedded in a concrete slab, with different concrete materials. The results of a series of limited push-out specimens were presented and discussed. The push-out tests comprise of channel shear connectors in different types of concrete. Reinforcement was included in some specimens, as well. The results showed that using reinforcements in concrete slab, enhances the ductility and shear capacity of the composite system and using channels embedded in unconfined normal concrete, has a brittle performance. The channel shear capacity is less in the lightweight aggregate concrete, compared to the normal ones. Adequate ductility was reported for the channel shear connectors in most of the concrete types. In addition, it was verified that the channel connector presents a very rigid behavior, during the primary phase of loading. Using channel connectors with longer length can increase the ductility of the system. In general, the channel shear connector showed a ductile behavior. The results verified using channel shear connectors, embedded in tested concrete, in composite structures. The results also discussed the effect of different concrete types, on the ductility and load–displacement performance of the specimens

The State and the Problematic of Social Control in Iran under 1st Pahlavi

Purpose:Before the establishment of the Pahlavi Dynasty, the Iranian Society relied on entities and associations that were independent to a significant degree; this paper tries to explain the relations between society of Iran and its antagonistic opposition with the government in in the era of Pahlavi emergence. From this point of view, before the establishment of the Pahlavi Dynasty, the Iranian Society relied on entities and associations that were independent to a significant degree and Social control were prevented by them. In this regard, for example the Shi’i scholars had the opportunity to criticize the governmental actions due to their financial independence and having the mosque tribunes under their control as well as having the exclusive right to interpret the religious rules. Therefore, Reza Shah who was aware of the power of opposition gradually started to show a negative reaction to them. Therefor Government to achieve its modernization goals did not bear the power of social networks. Using case studies and revision political actions and combining the social Control theories, this paper tries to explain the relations and Competition between the society and oppressive government on social control, in the era of Pahlavi. Design/Methodology/Approach:Case study research is a methodology which refers to the in depth analysis of some historical facts before the establishment of the Pahlavi Dynasty and some facts about society of Iran in the era of Pahlavi emergence. Findings: The concepts of social control and governance are closely related, from this point of view Reza Shah who was aware of the power of the society in Iran gradually started to show a negative reaction to the oppositions against his suppressive and secular policies and in place of reinforcing a legal authority, he tried to suppress the social movements through threatening, dual game, assassination, conspirators as well as using the militaristic powers. Therefor Government to achieve its modernization goals did not bear the power of social networks. This policy not only was based on Iran cultural and social condition but also created many fundamental problems and specially caused antagonism between tradition and modernity in Iran. Originality/Value: Along with the emergence of modern states, the concept of social control has undergone a fundamental transformation and governmental approaches were ruled to governmental surveillances. This article reviews the concept of social control to re-reading the history of the modern state in Iran. From this point of view, before the establishment of the Pahlavi Dynasty, the Iranian Society relied on entities and associations that were independent to a significant degree and Social control were prevented by them. Using case studies and revision political actions and combining the social Control theories, this paper tries to explain the relations and Competition between the society and oppressive government on social control, in the the era of Pahlavi

Behavior of V-shaped angle shear connectors: experimental and parametric study

In this paper a new shear connector called V-shaped angle shear connector for steel–concrete composite system is proposed. This shear connector was proven to improve some mechanical properties of shear connectors, including high shear transfer, uplift resistance, sufficient ductility, and strength degradation resistance under cyclic loading, as well as to being cost effective compared with similar shear connectors, such as C-shaped channel and angle shear connectors. A total of 14 push-out tests were performed on composite beams with these connectors under monotonic and low cyclic loading. The failure mode, shear resistance, and ductility of the push-out specimens were investigated. The study also comprises of finite element and parametric analysis using an effective numerical model of the experimental push-out tests using the program ABAQUS. The finite element models were validated against the test results presented in experimental tests. Results showed that V-shaped angle shear connector has excellent behavior in terms of both shear strength and ductility. In addition, high resistance under cyclic loading was exhibited since the shear resistance of this connector was almost similar in both monotonic and cyclic loadings. Finite element results show good agreement with experimental results. The results discussed on the ductility and strength of this connector with different size and slope of inclination. In addition, the channel and angle shear connectors were compared with V-shaped angle shear connectors. V-shaped angle shear connectors behave much better than other similar connectors, such as normal angle shear connectors, and are superior to channel shear connectors in most specimens.</p

The Scales of Asian Football Confederation and the Success of Countries’ Representatives in Asian Champions League

AbstractNowadays, the International Federation of Football (FIFA) has 208 members, and Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is responsible for organizing and developing football as the most important organization in the old continent. Asian Champions League (ACL) is a football high level competition in Asia. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the criteria of AFC and the success of countries’ representatives in ACL. This study was casual-comparative and applied. The statistical population included 32 clubs that participated in the 10th preliminary round of ACL. The statistical sample consisted of 11 countries which have representatives in this event. The data gathered from official website of AFC (www.the-afc.com), and the official magazine of Iran Pro League Federation “The Vision of Soccer”. For analysing the data, we utilized K-S, Pearson Correlation Coefficient and Stepwise Multi Regression. The results indicated that there was a significant positive relationship between AFC criteria and the success of countries’ representative in Asian Champions League (ACL). Also, technical standards predict the success of countries’ representative in ACL significantly (p < 0.0001, β = 0.88). It seems that more attention to the technical standards will bring better results for the next seasons

An Investigation into the Relationship of Psychological Capital and Social Capital with Organizational Virtue in the Light of Islamic Lifestyle

The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship among organizational virtue, social capital, psychological capital, and Islamic lifestyle in the form of a causal model. The purpose of this study is applied and it, which is based on the structural equation modeling, is a descriptive-correlational research in terms of collecting the data. The population was Research Institute of Petroleum Industry's employees who were selected by the simple random sampling. 165 questionnaires were distributed and the data were analyzed by SPSS software and SmartPLS. According to the results, Islamic lifestyle has a positive and significant effect on psychological capital. There is not a positive and significant relationship between Islamic lifestyle and social capital. Psychological capital has a positive and significant effect on social capital. There is a positive and significant relationship between social capital and organizational virtue. There is a positive and significant relationship between psychological capital and organizational virtue

Dynamic mix design optimization of high-performance concrete

High performance concrete (HPC) depends on various parameters such as the type of cement, aggregate and water reducer amount. Generally, the ready concrete company in various regions according to the requirements and costs, mix design of concrete as well as type of cement, aggregates, and, amount of other components will vary as a result of moment decisions or dynamic optimization, though the ideal conditions will be more applicable for the design of mix proportion of concrete. This study aimed to apply dynamic optimization for mix design of HPC; consequently, the objective function, decision variables, input and output variables and constraints are defined and also the proposed dynamic optimization model is validated by experimental results. Results indicate that dynamic optimization objective function can be defined in such a way that the compressive strength or performance of all constraints is simultaneously examined, so changing any of the variables at each step of the process input and output data changes the dynamic of the process which makes concrete mix design formidable

Behaviour of novel stiffened angle shear connectors at ambient and elevated temperatures

This paper presents experimental studies to investigate the behaviour of stiffened angle shear connectors subjected to isothermal fire loading. Push-out tests were conducted on 48 specimens covering various geometries of stiffened angle shear. The specimens were initially heated at room temperature, which gradually increased to target temperatures, and loaded up to failure for the assessment of their shear resistance at high temperatures. The behaviour of these connectors at ambient and high temperatures was compared. Results showed that the full-length stiffened angle shear connectors exhibited higher shear resistance compared with the half-length ones, whereas the ductility of the half-length stiffened shear connectors was greater than that of the full-length ones; the connector fracture governed the failure mode. Although heating exerted a substantially destructive effect on the resistance of the shear connectors, it led to increased ductile behaviour