Using Node Combination Method in Time-expanded Networks

This study concerns the problem of finding shortest paths in time-expanded networks by repeatedly combining the source nodes nearest neighbor, time-expanded network is derived from dynamic network G= (V,A,T) and contains one copy of the node set of the underlying static network for each discrete time step (building a time layer). we use node combination (NC) method in networks which arc costs can vary with time, each arc has a transit time and parking with a corresponding time-varying cost is allowed at the nodes. The NC algorithm finds the shortest paths with three simple iterative steps: find the nearest neighbor of the source node, combine that node with the source node, and modify the costs on arcs that connect to the nearest neighbor. The NC algorithm is more comprehensible and convenient for programming as there is no need to maintain a set with the nodes distances

Causality between Energy Consumption and Economic Growth in Pakistan

The objective of this study is to examine the causality between energy consumption and economic growth in Pakistan over the period of 1991 to 2006. Pakistan has been facing severe energy crises in the current period and the condition is deteriorating day by day. By applying technique of Granger causality and unit root test, the results infer that electric power consumption is granger causing GDP growth. The implications of the study are that energy conservation policy regarding consumption of energy would not lead to any side-effects on economic growth in Pakistan. The country needs a quantum jump in electricity generation in medium-term scenario to revert the possibilities of load shedding in future due to shrinking gap between demand and supply of electricity. Keywords: Granger test, GDP, energy consumption

Finding the Shortest Path in Dynamic Network using Labeling Algorithm

Abstract This study concerns the problem of finding shortest paths from one node to all other nodes in networks for which arc costs can vary with time, each arc has a transit time and parking with a corresponding time-varying cost is allowed at the nodes. it show that this problem is equivalent to a classical shortest path problem in a timeexpanded network. The label correcting algorithm is used for finding shortest paths. Keywords: Dynamic shortest paths, time-expanded network, label correcting algorithm. Introduction In congested transportation networks, arc travel times change over time due to time-of-day variations in traffic congestion. Even if one can account for these time-of-day variations, future travel times can at best be known a priori with uncertainty due to unforeseen events, such as poor roadway conditions, vehicle breakdowns, traffic accidents, and driver behavior. In this work, we develop path search techniques that explicitly consider the inherent time-varying nature of future travel times. Recent studies have focused on time-dependent graphs Review of the shortest path proble

A Survey of Graduate and Postgraduate Students’ Perspective on the Use of E-learning Technology in Kerman University of Medical Sciences in 2017

Background: E-learning is one of the new methods of education that helps to increase people’s knowledge and performance by using new technologies. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the attitude of graduate and postgraduate students of Kerman University of Medical Sciences toward using e-learning technology. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out among graduate and postgraduate students of Kerman University of Medical Sciences in autumn 2017. The data were collected by a researcher-made questionnaire whose validity and reliability was verified (α = 0.82). Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical tests (including t-test, ANOVA, and Spearman correlation) to investigate the relationship between the mean score of e-learning usefulness and students’ demographic information in SPSS software. Results: About 80% of e-learning students found it a good tool for the exchange of information and educational content between faculty and students at different universities and more than 40% believed that e-learning could improve the quality of education. About 57% of the participants were interested in using the technology. More than 70% of the students reported e-learning to be useful. Also, there was a significant relationship between the mean score of the usefulness of e-learning with age (P = 0.049), computer use skill (P = 0.025), and mobile use skill (P <0.001). Conclusion: From the students’ perspective, using e-learning technology is useful and it saves time and costs and improves the quality of their education. It also makes it easier for students to answer their questions later. Therefore, it may be better to use this technology besides the traditional method to make it more effective. Keywords: Electronic learning, Online education, Perspective, Student

Rolling up the pieces of a puzzle: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in Iran

Toxoplasmosis is a neglected parasitic disease with global distribution in warm-blooded vertebrates and high prevalence among different human societies. We contrived a systematic review and meta-analysis on the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in Iran. Following the general methodology recommended for systematic reviews and meta-analysis, four English and three Persian electronic databases were explored up to April 2016. Out of 105,139 examined samples of different hosts, the weighted overall prevalence was 37% (95% CI = 31–43). Due to the significant heterogeneity (I2 = 81.9%) the random-effects model was used. The pool estimated prevalence of toxoplasmosis in human intermediate hosts, animal intermediate hosts, and definitive hosts was 43% (95% CI = 38–47), 26 (95% CI = 17–35) and, 34% (95% CI = 22–46), respectively. Our results represent that regular inspection in food industries, improved screening programs using standard diagnostic assay as well as distinguishing toxoplasmosis condition in other zoonotic hosts are extremely recommended for better disease management in Iran.Keywords: Toxoplasma gondii, Prevalence, Iran, Systematic review, Meta-analysi

Use Of Apitherapy: A Sweet Approach To Bony Healing Of Extracted Tooth Socket

Objective: To determine the effect of honey in enhancing the height of bony socket healing after tooth extraction. Methods: This Quasi-experimental study includes 100 patients had were selected through convenience sampling and divided into two groups, i.e. 50 each. A tooth radiograph was taken both preoperatively and postoperatively followed by nonsurgical extraction of tooth. The experimental group was provided with honey and instructed to apply it 3 times daily for the next 10 days using an I/V syringe so that honey reached up to the depth of the socket during the initial healing phase. On the 90th postoperative day, patients were repeated with the periapical radiograph. The bony outline of the extracted tooth socket was traced on a tracing paper on the preoperative radiograph and the 90th postoperative day of the radiograph and compared for wound healing by overlapping and measuring the height through a ruler. Hence, the post-operative height of the socket was evaluated in both groups. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 17.0. Results: The mean age was 30.76 ± 6.57 and 31.02 ± 5.97 years in the non-honey and honey group respectively. A total of 24 (48%) subjects were male in the honey group compared with the non-honey group 19 (38%). Females were 26 (52%) and 31 (62%) in the honey group and non-honey group. Statistically significant  (p-value 0.001) was observed between the radiological Height of the socket on 90 days in honey and non-honey groups. Conclusion: It has been determined that honey is significantly efficient honey in enhancing the height of bony socket healing after tooth extraction. To encourage adequate socket repair after tooth extraction, it may be given as a postoperative treatment.

Synthesis and Characterization of Ciprofloxacin-loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles for Eradication of Pseudomonas aeroginosa Biofilm

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm is one of the problems in antibiotic treatment of infections. Nanomedicines, such as chitosan (CS) can carry multiple drugs and improve the therapeutic effects of antibiotics. Objectives: This study aimed at the synthesis and characterization of ciprofloxacin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles for eradication of P. aeroginosa biofilm. Methods: Cipro-CS microparticles were prepared by ionic gelation method and their size, zeta potential, and drug release pattern were determined. MBEC and MBIC of different groups of antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, ciprofloxacin-PAβN, CS ciprofloxacin, and CS ciprofloxacin-PAβN) were performed on biofilm samples of P. aeroginosa.  Results: Ciprofloxacin loading efficiency was 35.51%, and encapsulation efficiency was 55.06%. Released ciprofloxacin from CS nanoparticles was 80% after 24 hours. Biofilm production was positive in 96.7% of the isolates while 30.1% of the samples had strong biofilm. The best result for MBIC was CS ciprofloxacin, CS ciprofloxacin-PAβN, ciprofloxacin- PAβN, and ciprofloxacin, respectively. For MBEC the result was slightly different and from the best to better CS Ciprofloxacin-PAβN, CS Ciprofloxacin, Ciprofloxacin-PAβN, and ciprofloxacin. Conclusion: Today, with increasing antibiotic resistance, there are many challenges in treating infections. Due to the role of biofilm in antibiotic resistance, researchers are looking for new antibiotics to treat infections

Psychometric evaluation of Persian version of Diabetes Acceptance Scale (DAS)

Background: Acceptance of diabetes is a psychological adaptation to the potential limitations of the disease. Poor acceptance of diabetes impairs efective self-management of diabetes, leading to worsening metabolic control. This study aimed at determining the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Diabetes Acceptance Scale. Methods: This cross-sectional methodological study was performed on diabetic patients in Iran in 2021. The ques tionnaire consisted of two parts: demographic characteristics and Diabetes Acceptance Scale. The questionnaire was translated into Persian through the forward–backward translation method. The face validity and content validity were performed qualitatively and quantitatively. Exploratory (n=200) and confrmatory (n=200) factor analysis were performed to evaluate the validity of the structure. Internal consistency and temporal stability were estimated to determine reliability. Results: Exploratory factor analysis on the polychoric correlation matrix obtained three factors: Rational dealing, Resentment and Avoidance, which explained 68.8% of the total DAS variance. Confrmatory factor analysis showed that the 3-fractor model had a good ft to a second independent data set. Finally, Ordinal Cronbach’s alpha coefcient was 0.96, 0.94 and 0.93, respectively for the Rational dealing, Resentment, and Avoidance factor. Also, using intraclass correlation coefcient, the stability of the instrument was 0.97. Conclusion: Based on the fndings of this study, the Persian version of DAS has sufcient validity and reliability to measure the admission of Iranian diabetic patientsinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Oral manifestations of COVID-19 and its management in pediatric patients: a systematic review and practical guideline

Objectives: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a respiratory infection that has spread worldwide and is responsible for a high death toll. Although respiratory symptoms are the most common, there is growing evidence that oral signs of COVID-19 can also be seen in children. The purpose of this systematic review is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the available data on the oral manifestations of COVID-19 in children and to recommend appropriate methods of diagnosis and treatment. Methods: A systematic search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was done to discover relevant papers published between their establishment and January 2023. Articles detailing oral symptoms in pediatric patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection were included, and data on clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes were extracted and evaluated. Results: A total of 24 studies involving 2112 pediatric patients with COVID-19 were included in the review. The most common presentations are oral lesions, taste and smell disorders, oral candidiasis, hemorrhagic crust, tongue discoloration, lip and tongue fissuring, gingivitis, and salivary gland inflammation. These manifestations were sometimes associated with multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) or Kawasaki disease (KD). Management strategies varied depending on the severity of the oral manifestation and ranged from symptomatic relief with topical analgesics to systemic medications. Conclusion: Oral symptoms of COVID-19 are relatively prevalent in juvenile patients and can be accompanied by severe systemic diseases, such as MIS-C or Kawasaki illness. Early detection and adequate care of these oral symptoms are critical for the best patient results. Understanding the underlying pathophysiology and developing targeted treatments requires more investigation.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio