Generalized Misner-Sharp energy in the generalized Rastall theory

Employing the unified first law of thermodynamics and the field equations of the generalized Rastall theory, we get the generalized Misner-Sharp mass of spacetimes for which $g_{tt}=-g^{rr}=-f(r)$. The obtained result differs from those of the Einstein and Rastall theories. Moreover, using the first law of thermodynamics, the obtained generalized Misner-Sharp mass and the field equations, the entropy of the static spherically symmetric horizons is also addressed in the framework of the generalized Rastall theory. In addition, by generalizing the study to the flat FRW universe, the apparent horizon entropy is also calculated. Considering the effects of applying the Newtonian limit to the field equations on the coupling coefficients of the generalized Rastall theory, our study indicates $i$) the obtained entropy-area relation is the same as that of the Rastall theory, and $ii$) the Bekenstein entropy is recovered when the generalized Rastall theory reduces to the Einstein theory. The validity of the second law of thermodynamics is also investigated in the flat FRW universe.Comment: 4 pages, accepted by Can. J. Phys (2019

Application of research-inspired assessment to enhance students learning in civil engineering

The relationship between teaching and research has become a highly challenging issue due to evidence of synergy between them and complexity of integrating them. As reported by Locke [1], the separation of research and teaching could be the result of policy and operational decisions to distinguish the way these activities are funded, managed, assessed and rewarded. However, this would not necessarily excuse higher education institutions from a commitment to optimise the beneficial relations between teaching and research. For example, research conducted by Posch and Steiner [2] at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zurich on innovation for sustainability, concludes that appropriate integration of research and teaching activities leads to mutual benefits for both higher education institutions and students. In this study an approach introducing research activities in Civil Engineering subjects to enable students to develop skills within critical and creative thinking and being lifelong learners has been developed and evaluated. Research based activities/assessments in two major Civil Engineering subjects at undergraduate level have been introduced, and students? learning process has been monitored and evaluated. The results of this project indicate that by incorporating research components in subjects, research-based learning culture among Civil Engineering students were developed. This clearly gave more satisfaction to the students about the learning experience. Statistical analysis of results indicated that students with better performance in mini-projects performed better in the final exam, which was a totally independent assessment task. In addition, the averaged final exam mark of students with good quality projects was higher than the one for other students

Core promoter short tandem repeats as evolutionary switch codes for primate speciation

Alteration in gene expression levels underlies many of the phenotypic differences across species. Because of their highly mutable nature, proximity to the +1 transcription start site (TSS), and the emerging evidence of functional impact on gene expression, core promoter short tandem repeats (STRs) may be considered an ideal source of variation across species. In a genome-scale analysis of the entire Homo sapiens protein-coding genes, we have previously identified core promoters with at least one STR of ≥6-repeats, with possible selective advantage in this species. In the current study, we performed reverse analysis of the entire Homo sapiens orthologous genes in mouse in the Ensembl database, in order to identify conserved STRs that have shrunk as an evolutionary advantage to humans. Two protocols were used to minimize ascertainment bias. Firstly, two species sharing a more recent ancestor with Homo sapiens (i.e. Pan troglodytes and Gorilla gorilla gorilla) were also included in the study. Secondly, four non-primate species encompassing the major orders across Mammals, including Scandentia, Laurasiatheria, Afrotheria, and Xenarthra were analyzed as out-groups. We introduce STR evolutionary events specifically identical in primates (i.e. Homo sapiens, Pan troglodytes, and Gorilla gorilla gorilla) vs. non-primate out-groups. The average frequency of the identically shared STR motifs across those primates ranged between 0.00005 and 0.06. The identified genes are involved in important evolutionary and developmental processes, such as normal craniofacial development (TFAP2B), regulation of cell shape (PALMD), learning and long-term memory (RGS14), nervous system development (GFRA2), embryonic limb morphogenesis (PBX2), and forebrain development (APAF1). We provide evidence of core promoter STRs as evolutionary switch codes for primate speciation, and the first instance of identity-by-descent for those motifs at the interspecies level. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc

Effects of probiotic (Pediococcus acidilactici) on growth and survival of kutum (Rutilus kutum) fingerlings

In the present study effects of different levels of probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici, on growth performance and survival rate of Rutilus kutum fingerlings were investigated. Kutum fingerlings with a mean weight of 1±0.235 g were reared for 8 weeks in 500-l fiberglass tanks (15 fish per tank) with 4 diet treatments (3 replicates for each). Treatments included 1×10^9, 2:1×10^9, 3×10^9 CFU kg^-1 dry food and a control without probiotic. At the end of the study, specific growth rate (SGR) and survival rate (SR) were significantly higher in treatments supplemented with probiotic compared to the control (p<0.05), while the fish fed with probiotics showed lowest food conversion ratio (FCR) (p<0.05). The results indicated that the use of 3× 109 CFU kg^-1 dry food probiotics improved growth parameters and survival rate in R. kutum fingerlings

The study and feasibility of down stream area of Yamchi Dam for aquaculture development in Ardabil Province

The research conducted for finding of aquaculture potential and appropriate areas of Yamchi dam downstream river and estimate of its production in 2010-2012. This research done by using of available information and data obtained from the monthly and seasonally sampling. Results showed that river access routes of left side to right were more suitable. The maximum distance of infrastructure facilities was one kilometer. Climate and weather data suggests that downstream area Yamchi dam was not suitable for warm water species aquaculture, while it was ideal for coldwater aquaculture. Also, physical and chemical results showed that almost all of the factors were suitable for growing trout. Heavy metals amounts were measured in the standard limit and iron, cupper, zinc, lead, chromium, cadmium and nickel had highest values, respectively. Bacillariophyta branch abundance of phytoplankton was dominant as showed suitable water quality. Benthos investigation demonstrated that the aquaculture activities is acceptable. In ichthyology studies identified 5 species Cyprinidae and 1 species Nemacheilidae family. Investigation of available underground wells and geophysical studies showed that alluvium area is made up from two parts of clayey surface ground and underground with good permeability and the lower part is affected from the upper part. In areas where both part of the alluvium formed there is a water layer about 20 to 30 meters thick as it is possible to build wells. But in areas without lower part faced with unreliable surface water layer that affected from river flows. Totally, varius method suggested for trout culture include of race way, octagonal pond and semi-recircultaion. In the present condition of Yamchi river the amount of trout production is predicted at least 65 ton by race way to maximum 1750 ton by semi-recircultaion method. Whiles, if 2 cubic meters of water from Yamchi dam outlet allocated to aquaculture can be predicted at least 580 ton by race way to maximum 4000 ton by semi-recircultaion method

The effect of various concentrations of dietary calcium and phosphorus on biological and culture characteristics of juvenile freshwater crayfish, Astacus Leptodactylus

This study was performed to investigate the effect of Ca and P on rearing and biological indices of crayfish (Astacus leptodactylus). Twenty-five isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were used. The experimental diets were made of the basal diet that was contained casein and gelatin. The basal diet was supplemented with five levels of calcium (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 %) from calcium chloride and five levels of phosphorus (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2%) from natrium phosphate monobasic. The study was conducted in two phases and four experiments. In each experiment the diets with three replicates, totally in the 75 culture tanks containing 100l were used for feeding crayfish with average weights 1-2g and 8-9g for 80 days. In the first and second experiments, 5 and 3 indivisiual crayfish (miniatures) with average weights 1.22±0.21g and 1.31±0.29 g respectively and during the third and fourth experiment 10 and 4 indivisiuals crayfish with the average weights 8.48 ±1.03g and 9.06±1.41g respectively were stocked in each cultural tanks. The physicochemical factors of water (temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH as daily and hardness, nitrite, nitrate and phosphate as weekly) were measured for monitoring the condition of farming. The crayfish were fed about 5% of body weight for 3 times per day. The graded levels of Ca did not affect the growth indices. In crayfish (1-2g), weight gain and specific growth rate was significantly affected by the phosphorus levels. The average weight gain, survival, biomass increment in the different treatments was significantly affected by the graded levels of phosphorus. The crayfish were fed with diet containing calcium with 3-4% and phosphorus 1% showed the better growth. In the both group of experimental crayfish, were showed the graded levels of dietary Ca were caused the reduction the body ash and P values were increased. The clear correlation was not observed between the dietary levels of P and body ash and phosphorus in crayfish (1-2g). However, high levels of dietary phosphorus developed the body calcium. In Crayfish (8-9g) showed strong and negatively correlation between the dietary P levels and body ash and calcium. The graded dietary levels of Ca and P were caused increase in molting frequency and weight increment in molting. The optimum dietary levels of Ca and P were analyzed by broken –line regression showed 3-4%, 1% for crayfish 1-2g and 2-3, 1 -1.5% for crayfish 8-9g respectively. The results showed the presence of Ca and P are necessary for normal growth and molting in both group of crayfish. The proper growth was obtained at levels of 2-3% Ca and level of 1% P. Furthermore, the Ca and P ration in diet could not describe the interaction between Ca and P levels on growth function. So the determined Ca and P ratio were not obtained base of growth indices in the freshwater crayfish, Astacus leptodactylus

Genetic Variants of Cytochrome b-245, Alpha Polypeptide Gene and Premature Acute Myocardial Infarction Risk in An Iranian Population

Background: Oxidative stress induced by superoxide anion plays critical roles in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD) and hence acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The major source of superoxide production in vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells is the NADPH oxidase complex. An essential component of this complex is p22phox, that is encoded by the cytochrome b-245, alpha polypeptide (CYBA) gene. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of CYBA variants (rs1049255 and rs4673) and premature acute myocardial infarction risk in an Iranian population. Methods: The study population consisted of 158 patients under the age of 50 years, with a diagnosis of premature AMI, and 168 age-matched controls with normal coronary angiograms. Genotyping of the polymorphisms was performed by the polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Results: There was no association between the genotypes and allele frequencies of rs4673 polymorphism and premature acute myocardial infarction (P>0.05). A significant statistical association was observed between the genotypes distribution of rs1049255 polymorphism and AMI risk (P=0.037). Furthermore, the distribution of AA+AG/GG genotypes was found to be statistically significant between the two groups (P=0.011). Conclusions: Our findings indicated that rs1049255 but not rs4673 polymorphism is associated with premature AMI

Evaluation of Silicon Supplementation for Drought Stress under Water-Deficit Conditions: An Application of Sustainable Agriculture

Drought is a key abiotic stress that confines agriculture development worldwide. Silicon (Si) is commonly considered to be a valuable element for resistance against drought and for sustainable agriculture. To investigate the morpho-physiological and biochemical characteristics of Gerbera jamesonii plants, a pot experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions and exposed to water stress (60% FC) and well-watered (100% FC) conditions. Foliar application of Si was carried out after ten days (48 days after sowing) of drought treatment and was repeated weekly, while well-water was regarded as control. Water deficiency significantly abridged the morphological attributes, pigments, and stress-related metabolites and negatively affected the photosynthetic apparatus in drought-stressed gerbera plants. However, Si supplementation by 40 mg L-1 produced increased leaf area (31%), stem length (25%), flower diameter (22%), plant fresh biomass (17%), total chlorophyll (48%), and concentration of carotenoids (54%) in water-stressed plants. Similarly, the accretion of a total free amino acid (41%) and the activities of peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, glycinebetaine, total soluble proteins, total free proline, and malondialdehyde were enhanced by 44%, 31%, 53%, 33%, 330%, 61%, 51%, and 66%, respectively, under drought stress in comparison with control conditions. Meanwhile, the photosynthetic rate (89%), the transpiration rate (12%), and stomatal conductance (55%) were significantly enhanced in water-deficit gerbera leaves with Si supplementation. This study proposes that the foliar application of Si is a viable and convenient method of improving the performance of elegant gerbera flower plants in regions of the world that are facing severe water deficiency

Endobronchial Valve (Zephyr) Treatment in Homogeneous Emphysema:One-Year Results from the IMPACT Randomized Clinical Trial

RATIONALE: The long-term safety and effectiveness of bronchoscopic lung volume reduction with Zephyr endobronchial valves in subjects with severe homogeneous emphysema with little to no collateral ventilation beyond 3 months have yet to be established. METHODS: Ninety-three subjects were randomized to either bronchoscopic lung volume reduction with Zephyr valves or standard of care (SoC) (1:1). Zephyr valve subjects were assessed at 3, 6, and 12 months. SoC subjects were assessed at 3 and 6 months; they were then offered crossover to Zephyr valve treatment. RESULTS: The mean group difference (Zephyr valve − SoC) for change in FEV1 from baseline to 6 months was 16.3 ± 22.1% (mean ± SD; p < 0.001). Secondary outcomes showed the mean between-group difference for the six-minute walk distance of +28.3 ± 55.3 m (p = 0.016); St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire, −7.51 ± 9.56 points (p < 0.001); modified Medical Research Council, −0.42 ± 0.81 points (p = 0.019); BODE index, −0.85 ± 1.39 points (p = 0.006); and residual volume of −430 ± 830 mL (p = 0.011) in favor of the Zephyr valve group. At 6 months, there were significantly more responders based on the minimal clinically important difference for these same measures in the Zephyr valve versus the SoC group. The clinical benefits were persistent at 12 months. The percentage of subjects with respiratory serious adverse events was higher in the Zephyr valve group compared to SoC during the first 30 days post-procedure but not statistically different for the Zephyr valve and SoC groups from 31 days to 6 months, and stable in the Zephyr valve group out to 12 months. There were 2 deaths in the SoC group in the 31-day to 6-month period and none in the Zephyr valve group out to 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction with Zephyr valves in subjects with severe homogeneous emphysema and little to no collateral ventilation provides clinically meaningful change from baseline in lung function, quality of life, exercise capacity, dyspnea, and the BODE index at 6 months, with benefits maintained out to 12 months

Physico-chemical survey of balikhly Chi River from outlat of Yamchi dam

These studies were conducted seasonally in 9 sampling period 1n 1991 to assess the physico-chemical parameter status of water of Balikhly chie river (the region after yamchi dam) of Ardabil Provence in relation to its potential for aquaculture development. Water samples were collected by rutner sampler and analyzed for temperature, turbidity, conductivity, total hardness, chloride, COD, CO_3 , HCO_3,Ca, mg ,TSS ,PO_4, NH_4 ,NO_2 ,NO_3, SiO_2, DO, SO_4 . The water quality showed temporal and spatial variation in this study .The result revealed that the water were slightly alkaline with high total hardness and bicarbonate alkalinity which indicate high buffering capacity to pH changes .the ranged of dissolve oxygen concentration were beetwin7.6 to 13.7 mg/l with mean value of 10.98mg/l which were above the permissible oxygen cocentratio over all study site. the mean water temperature was 17.79 and ranged between 1.6 to 19.6 that is suitable for cold water fish culture while seasonal temperature variation showed that winter is desirable for hatcheries and other seasons for culture practices. Electrical conductivity value ranged between 873 to 1502 with mean of 1135 falls within the limits of suitable salinity ranges for rainbow trout culture. The turbidity and TSS ranged between 20-60FTU and 60168mg/l respectively The level of TSS concentration were little higer than80 ppm lmits.The values obtained for physicochemical parameters in Balikhly chie river were in conformity with recommended values for fresh water fish farming standared. The fish production potential based on water divertion and oxygen concentration over four study site from yamchi dam to downstream without applying any aeration systems were 38.6, 27, 59 and 27 metric tons respectively