OBJECTIVE:Whole brain radiotherapy(WBRT)provides benefit for patients with b rain metastases but may result in neurological toxicity for patien ts with extended survival times.Ste reotactic radiosurgery in combination...OBJECTIVE:Whole brain radiotherapy(WBRT)provides benefit for patients with b rain metastases but may result in neurological toxicity for patien ts with extended survival times.Ste reotactic radiosurgery in combination with WBRT has become an important approach,but the value of WBRT has been questioned.As an alternative to WBRT,we managed patients with stereotactic radiosurgery alone,evaluated pati ents’outcomes,and assessed prognostic factors for survival and tumor c ontrol.METHODS:One hundred seventy-two patients with b rain metastases were managed with ra diosurgery alone.One hundred twent y-one patients were evaluable with follow-up imaging after radiosurgery.The median patien t age was 60.5years(age range,16-86yr).The mean marginal tumor dose and volume were 18.5Gy (range,11-22Gy )and 4.4ml (range,0.1-24.9ml ).Eighty percent of patients had soli tary tumors.RESULTS:The overall median survival time was8months.The median survival time in patients with no evidence of primary tumor disease or stable disease was 13and 11months.The local tumor contr ol rate was 87%.At 2years,the rate of local control,remote brain control,and total intr acranial control were 75%,41%,and 27%,respectively.In multivariate a nalysis,advanced primary tumor status(P=0.0003),older age(P=0.008),lower Karnofsky Performance Scale score(P=0.01),and malignant melanoma (P=0.005)were significant for poorer surviva l.The median survival time was 28mon ths for patients younger than 60years of age,with Karnofsky Performance Scale score o f at least 90,and whose primary tumor status showed either no evidence of disease or stable disease.Tumor volume (P=0.02)alone was significant for local tumo r control,whereas no factor affecte d remote or intracranial tumor contr ol.Eleven patients developed complica tions,six of which were persistent.Nineteen(16.5%)of 116patients in whom the cause of death was obtained died as a result of cause s related to brain metastasis.CONCLUSION:Brain metastases were controlled we ll with radiosurgery alone as initial thera py.We advocate that WBRT should not be part of the initial treatment proto col for selected patients with one or two tumors with good control of their primary cancer,better Karnofsky Performance Scale score,and you nger age,all of which are predictors of longer展开更多
The physical properties of soil on two hill slopes of 35% and 55% in orange orchard cultivated by the Mro tribe of Chittagong Hill Tracts （CHTs） were evaluated and compared with those of bushy hill forests. Soil sam...The physical properties of soil on two hill slopes of 35% and 55% in orange orchard cultivated by the Mro tribe of Chittagong Hill Tracts （CHTs） were evaluated and compared with those of bushy hill forests. Soil samples were collected from three different depths （0-5 cm, 5-15 cm and 15-30 cm）, digging three profiles in each land use for determining moisture content, organic matter content and particle density. Maximum water holding capacity, field capacity, dry and moist bulk density and porosity were determined only for the surface soils. Moisture content at all the soil depths was significantly higher （p≤ 0.05） in orange orchard than in forest on both the slopes. Orange orchard contained lower mean soil organic matter than forest on 55% slope, while it contained higher values on 35% slope compared to forest. The highest value of the above two properties was found at surface soil in both the land uses on both the slopes, decreasing with the increase of soil depth. On both the slopes maximum water holding capacity and porosity of surface soil and particle density at all soil depths were lower in orange orchard compared to those in forest. Field capacity values of surface soil did not show consistency in trend for the differences between the two land uses on both the slopes. Bulk density value of moist and dry surface soil was higher in orange orchard than in forest on both the hill slopes.展开更多
Previous studies reported that some plants, including butternut squash, exert positive effects on the brain. However, few studies have examined the effects of butternut squash on learning, memory, and neurogenesis. Th...Previous studies reported that some plants, including butternut squash, exert positive effects on the brain. However, few studies have examined the effects of butternut squash on learning, memory, and neurogenesis. This study studied the effects of butternut squash extract on spatial learning and cell proliferation in the dentate gyrus of healthy male rats. Thirty-five male Wistar rats were intraperitoneally injected with 0, 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg butternut squash extract once daily for 2 months. After the last administration, rat＇s spatial memory was studied using the Morris water maze. Finally, rats were sacrificed and hippocampal sections were prepared for light microscopy and bromodeoxyuridine immunohistochemistry studies. The results revealed that escape latency and swim distance decreased in all treatment groups compared with the control rats, and that the number of bromodeoxyuridine-positive cells in the dentate gyrus was significantly increased in the treatment groups compared with the controls. These findings suggest that butternut squash extract improves the learning and memory abilities of male rats, and increases the proliferation of dentate gyrus cells.展开更多
In this paper the use of lime stabilized subgrade for low volume roads in two regions with high mountains and different frost penetration conditions in Türkiye was investigated in terms of design,performance,and ...In this paper the use of lime stabilized subgrade for low volume roads in two regions with high mountains and different frost penetration conditions in Türkiye was investigated in terms of design,performance,and cost.Pavements on unstabilized and stabilized subgrade were designed for two regions(Izmir and Van),covering all climate variations.The resilient modulus of the lime stabilized subgrade with different soil pulverization levels for non-freezing and freezing conditions were taken from a previous laboratory study.Frost effects were considered in pavement design using two different approaches,including limited subgrade frost penetration method and reduced subgrade strength method.Detailed application and evaluation were performed for all steps.Lime stabilized subgrades significantly reduced the thickness of base courses,and the benefit of lime stabilization was highly dependent on soil pulverization level.A detailed cost analysis on the unstabilized and stabilized cases found that the use of lime stabilization in the subgrade provided significant initial cost savings.Comparative analysis by using the AASHTO(1993)method and KENPAVE software,and quantity effect of soil pulverization level on the performance of low volume roads from a service life perspective,show that subgrade resilient modulus can be estimated.It is also possible to make correct performance estimation in the field.The results of the study show that lime stabilization is a good solution for low volume roads in the mountainous regions of Türkiye.展开更多
This work proposes to study the effective elastic properties(EEP)of a wood-plastic composite(WPC)made from polyethylene terephthalate(PET)and Chilean Radiate pine’s wood our,using nite element simulations of a repres...This work proposes to study the effective elastic properties(EEP)of a wood-plastic composite(WPC)made from polyethylene terephthalate(PET)and Chilean Radiate pine’s wood our,using nite element simulations of a representative volume element(RVE)with periodic boundary conditions.Simulations are validated through a static 3-point bending test,with specimens obtained by extruding and injection.The effect of different weight fractions,space orientations and sizes of particles are here examined.Numerical predictions are empirically conrmed in the sense that composites with more wood our content and bigger size,have higher elastic modulus.However,these results are very sensitive to the orientation of particles.Voigt and Reuss mean-eld homogenisation approaches are also given as upper and lower limits.Experimental tests evidence that exural strengths and ultimate tensile elongations decrease respect to 100%PET,but these properties can be enhanced considering particle-size distributions instead of a xed size of wood our.展开更多
In order to investigate the likely allelopathic potential of an aqueous extract and powder of Achillea （,4chillea santolina） on the germination and seedling growth of pea （Cicer arietinum）, safflower （Carthamus t...In order to investigate the likely allelopathic potential of an aqueous extract and powder of Achillea （,4chillea santolina） on the germination and seedling growth of pea （Cicer arietinum）, safflower （Carthamus tinctorius L.） and wheat （Triticum sativum）, an experiment was carried out at the laboratory and greenhouse of agriculture faculty of Sho3hid Bahonar University of Kerman, Iran, from October 2009 to March 2010. A completely randomized design with three replicates using five extract concentrations of achillea plant including 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 g Ll and four amounts of powder of it including 0, 7.5, 15 and 30 g kg1 of soil was employed in laboratory and greenhouse experiments, respectively. All extract concentrations of achillea except 25 g Ll inhibited pea and wheat seed germination significantly, but had no inhibitory effect on the germination of safflower, The powder of mature achillea plants affected the fresh and dry weight and shoots length in these crops negatively compared with the control in all levels. Therefore use of this plant should be prevented in rotation or intercropping with these three crop plants. Further research conducted in the analytical laboratory as well as in the field is needed before a practical application of the extract and powder as weed inhibiting agent can be recommended.展开更多
Silicon is a beneficial element that can mitigate abiotic stresses, such as ammonium toxicity. The objective herein was to evaluate the effects of silicon (Si) on mitigating toxicity caused by excess ammonium in maize...Silicon is a beneficial element that can mitigate abiotic stresses, such as ammonium toxicity. The objective herein was to evaluate the effects of silicon (Si) on mitigating toxicity caused by excess ammonium in maize plants grown in nutrient solution. An experiment was conducted with maize plants (cultivar DKB 390 VT Pro II) grown in a greenhouse in pots (8 L) in a hydroponic system. The treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial, consisting of two ammonium concentrations (30 and 60 mmol·L-1) in the absence and presence of Si (10 mmol·L-1), arranged in a completely randomized design with six repetitions. At 28 days after applying the treatments the dry mass of shoots and roots was evaluated, along with accumulation of silicon and nitrogen in the shoots. The use of silicon resulted in increases in the studied variables, regardless of ammonium concentrations. Silicon reduced the effect of toxicity caused by ammonium excess in maize plants, resulting in greater growth and dry matter accumulation.展开更多
To paraphrase the Greek philosopher Heraclitus, change is the only constant in construction projects. Changes in scope occur as projects progress from design through practical completion. FIDIC General Conditions Clau...To paraphrase the Greek philosopher Heraclitus, change is the only constant in construction projects. Changes in scope occur as projects progress from design through practical completion. FIDIC General Conditions Clause 13 [1] is one of the most important terms and implementing. It is also major factor for project success. Once all project parties understand and fairly use this clause, the impact will be minimising the expected disputes by 50% at least. Thus, this paper is considering illustrated variation order clause by flow chart technique to ensure that all the engineers are handling easily those subclasses.展开更多
On one hand,the diversity of activities and on the other hand,the conflicts between beneficiaries necessitate the efficient management and supervision of coastal areas.Accordingly,monitoring and evaluation of such are...On one hand,the diversity of activities and on the other hand,the conflicts between beneficiaries necessitate the efficient management and supervision of coastal areas.Accordingly,monitoring and evaluation of such areas can be considered as a critical factor in the national development and directorship of the sources.With regard to this fact,remote sourcing technologies with use of analytical operations of geographic information systems(GIS),will be remarkably advantageous.Iran’s south-eastern Makran coasts are geopolitically and economically,of importance due to their strategic characteristics but have been neglected and their development and transit infrastructure are significantly beyond the international standards.Therefore,in this paper,with regard to the importance of developing Makran coasts,a Multi-Criterion Decision Analysis(MCDA)method was applied to identify and prioritize the intended criteria and parameters of zoning,in order to establish new maritime zones.The major scope of this study is to employ the satellite data,remote sensing methods,and regional statistics obtained from Jask synoptic station and investigate the region’s status in terms of topography,rainfall rate and temperature changes to reach to a comprehensive monitoring and zoning of the coastal line and to provide a pervasive local data base via use of GIS and MCDA,which will be implemented to construct the coastal regions.In this article,while explaining the steps of coastal monitoring,its main objectives are also explained and the necessary procedures for doing so are presented.Then,the general steps of marine climate identification and study of marine parameters are stated and the final achievements of the coastal monitoring process are determined.In the following,considering that this article focuses on the monitoring of Makran beaches,the method of work in the mentioned region will be described and its specific differences and complexities will be discussed in detail.Also,the impact of such projects on future research results will be discussed.展开更多
Mango is one of the most popular fruits in the world due to its attractive color, delicious taste, and excellent nutritional properties. Mango is among the most economically and culturally important tropical fruits. M...Mango is one of the most popular fruits in the world due to its attractive color, delicious taste, and excellent nutritional properties. Mango is among the most economically and culturally important tropical fruits. Mangos have become a standard food crop in south Iran. Quality determination of fruits is at present characterized by the overwhelming use of sensory. Quality indices include primarily external properties, such as appearance, size, shape, colour, texture, and flavour. Mangoes are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants are really necessary for human diet and a healthy and longer life. Numerous phytochemicals are present in mango peel and pulp, such as the triterpene, lupeol which is under basic research for its potential biological effects. Thus high quality will attract people to the high consumption of fruits. Cultivars prepared with the origin of the Iran, India, Pakistan, and the Philippines. In this study, 10 cultivars were compared in terms of some indicators of quality in Ahvaz. One of the mango quality evaluation methods is sensory laboratory evaluation (panel test). This research carried out at 2013 in Chamran University, Ahvaz, Iran. The result indicated that the most quality was related to Alphonso cultivar. On this basis, fruit features such as mango flesh and skin color are an important component role in consumer acceptability.展开更多
Doxorubicin is associated with adverse effects on organs like liver. This study was done to find the effects of doxorubicin on liver of wistar albino rats. Sixty healthy wistar albino rats were taken for the study. Th...Doxorubicin is associated with adverse effects on organs like liver. This study was done to find the effects of doxorubicin on liver of wistar albino rats. Sixty healthy wistar albino rats were taken for the study. The rats were randomly divided in to 4 groups （2 experimental groups; group AI and A2, and 2 control groups;group Bland B2 each containing 16 rats）. The experimental groups were given a single dose of doxorubicin i.e. 10 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally and sacrificed after 7 days and 14 days for each group. Rats under control groups were given a single intraperitoneal dose of 2.5 ml/kg body weight normal saline and sacrificed with their respective experimental groups. A significant difference （p 〈 0.001） and （p = 0.005） in final body weight was observed among group A1 experimental and BI control rats, and among group A2 experimental and B2 control rats. As compared to group B2 control, group A2 experimental rats had significantly （p = 0.043） lower liver weight. Diameter ofhepatocyte （p 〈 0.001 for both groups） and nucleus （p=0.004 for group A1 and control BI, and p 〈 0.001 for group A2 and control B2） was significantly higher in experimental rats as compared to their respective controls. Cross-sections of the liver of both control groups had normal architecture. However, there was progressive destruction of liver architecture across the experimental groups. Doxorubicin causes the disruption of normal architecture of liver in rats. Thus care needs to be taken during doxorubicin chemotherapy to minimize effects on river.展开更多
One of the most important issues related to natural gas hydrate which discussed in both terms of problems and opportunities is considering the volume of natural gas as hydrate or blockage the pipelines. This study exa...One of the most important issues related to natural gas hydrate which discussed in both terms of problems and opportunities is considering the volume of natural gas as hydrate or blockage the pipelines. This study examined the natural gas of an Iranian field with hydrate formation in the presence and absence of the different magnetic fields. For this purpose, an equilibrium diagram of hydrate formation was drawn and the effects of 1000G (Gaussian), 2000G, 3000G, and 4000G on hydrate formation were investigated. The results indicated an inhibition effect for the presence of magnetic field. The results show the following changes: at temperatures exceeding 15℃, decreasing the magnetic field increased the hydrate formation inhibition, and at temperatures below 15℃, increasing the magnetic field decreased the hydrate formation inhibition. Indeed, the most suitable value of magnetic field in the tested magnetic field is 2000 Gauss.展开更多
Dear editors The worldwide burden of cancer is rising,leading to significant premature deaths and productive life-long loss.Cancer-related mortality is disproportionately higher in low-income and middle-income countri...Dear editors The worldwide burden of cancer is rising,leading to significant premature deaths and productive life-long loss.Cancer-related mortality is disproportionately higher in low-income and middle-income countries(LMICs;estimated at 72%–75%)than in high-income countries(HICs;estimated at 46%).The nursing workforce is essential to cancer control.展开更多
The soil conservation movement in Brazil has been a major driving force in the continuing search for agricultural farming systems that are more sustainable than what we have today,particularly in tropical and subtropi...The soil conservation movement in Brazil has been a major driving force in the continuing search for agricultural farming systems that are more sustainable than what we have today,particularly in tropical and subtropical areas.The development and adoption of Zero Tillage Conservation Agriculture(ZT/CA)was the key to the success of this movement,generating agricultural,environmental,and societal benefits.Adoption of the ZT/CA philosophy and technologies is currently practiced on more than 50%of the annual crop area.This is due to the work and innovations of pioneering farmers,agronomists,researchers,and consultants that were and are involved in these efforts.This extensive adoption of ZT/CA occurred after many unsuccessful efforts to mitigate against the devastating effects of soil erosion that were threatening the entire agricultural industry in Brazil.Technicians and farmers realized that erosion control required continual cover of the soil to guard against the torrential rain storms common to these regions.This triggered the efforts of soil conservation pioneers at different points in time and regions of Brazil.In southern Brazil,Herbert Bartz,watched his topsoil eroding away in torrents of runoff.This set him thinking and searching for alternatives,resulting in his adoption of ZT/CA farming in 1972.Ten years later in Brazil’s centre-western savannah(Cerrado biome),farmers,researchers,crop consultants and agro-industry initiated efforts to expand cultivation into the very difficult production region of the Cerrados.This was successfully achieved through the pioneering work of agronomist John Landers,bringing experience from the ZT/CA farmer association networks in the south.These were the turning points in the sustainable development of annual crop farming in Brazil.Today,society recognizes the role of these pioneers as key to achieving social,economic and environmental sustainability.ZT/CA reversed the historically accelerating degradation of soil organic matter and soil structure by abandoning conventional tillage,thus improving soil physical and chemical characteristics.This was achieved by promoting cover cropping and permanent soil cover with crop residues,crop rotations,and complementary,environmentally suitable soil management technologies.展开更多
INTRODUCTION Recent development has seen a drastic increase in energy use trends in Saudi Arabian buildings leading to a demand for an effective course of action for energy conservation and production.A case study-bas...INTRODUCTION Recent development has seen a drastic increase in energy use trends in Saudi Arabian buildings leading to a demand for an effective course of action for energy conservation and production.A case study-based research initiative explor-ing near-zero energy potential in Saudi Arabia was undertaken.A 4-bedroom detached single-family faculty residence at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals(KFUPM)representing common regional housing design trends was utilized.A base case simulation model of the house was developed and val-idated using short-term and real-time energy consumption data.Three sets of strategies:passive design strategies,representative codes and standards,and renewable technology were employed in the new design of the house.Passive strategies com-prised a green roof,a ventilated wall system,a sloped roof,and insulation for thermal bridges.These alternatives helped reduce the annual energy consumption of the house by 17.2%.The most recent version of the International Energy Conserva-tion Code(IECC 2012)was also incorporated along with ASHRAE Standard 62.2 for ventilation.The code and standard together reduced the annual energy consumption by 31.1%.Solar PV was then utilized to reduce grid utilization for the remainder of the house energy loads.This strategy provided 24.7%of the total energy consumed annually.A combination of strategies showed a 70.7%energy consumption reduction,thereby decreasing the energy index of the house from 162.9 to 47.7 kWh/m^(2)/yr.The Zero Energy Building(ZEB)concepts and strategies utilized in this study demonstrate a socially responsible approach to achieving near-zero energy performance for an existing house.展开更多
文摘OBJECTIVE:Whole brain radiotherapy(WBRT)provides benefit for patients with b rain metastases but may result in neurological toxicity for patien ts with extended survival times.Ste reotactic radiosurgery in combination with WBRT has become an important approach,but the value of WBRT has been questioned.As an alternative to WBRT,we managed patients with stereotactic radiosurgery alone,evaluated pati ents’outcomes,and assessed prognostic factors for survival and tumor c ontrol.METHODS:One hundred seventy-two patients with b rain metastases were managed with ra diosurgery alone.One hundred twent y-one patients were evaluable with follow-up imaging after radiosurgery.The median patien t age was 60.5years(age range,16-86yr).The mean marginal tumor dose and volume were 18.5Gy (range,11-22Gy )and 4.4ml (range,0.1-24.9ml ).Eighty percent of patients had soli tary tumors.RESULTS:The overall median survival time was8months.The median survival time in patients with no evidence of primary tumor disease or stable disease was 13and 11months.The local tumor contr ol rate was 87%.At 2years,the rate of local control,remote brain control,and total intr acranial control were 75%,41%,and 27%,respectively.In multivariate a nalysis,advanced primary tumor status(P=0.0003),older age(P=0.008),lower Karnofsky Performance Scale score(P=0.01),and malignant melanoma (P=0.005)were significant for poorer surviva l.The median survival time was 28mon ths for patients younger than 60years of age,with Karnofsky Performance Scale score o f at least 90,and whose primary tumor status showed either no evidence of disease or stable disease.Tumor volume (P=0.02)alone was significant for local tumo r control,whereas no factor affecte d remote or intracranial tumor contr ol.Eleven patients developed complica tions,six of which were persistent.Nineteen(16.5%)of 116patients in whom the cause of death was obtained died as a result of cause s related to brain metastasis.CONCLUSION:Brain metastases were controlled we ll with radiosurgery alone as initial thera py.We advocate that WBRT should not be part of the initial treatment proto col for selected patients with one or two tumors with good control of their primary cancer,better Karnofsky Performance Scale score,and you nger age,all of which are predictors of longer
文摘The physical properties of soil on two hill slopes of 35% and 55% in orange orchard cultivated by the Mro tribe of Chittagong Hill Tracts （CHTs） were evaluated and compared with those of bushy hill forests. Soil samples were collected from three different depths （0-5 cm, 5-15 cm and 15-30 cm）, digging three profiles in each land use for determining moisture content, organic matter content and particle density. Maximum water holding capacity, field capacity, dry and moist bulk density and porosity were determined only for the surface soils. Moisture content at all the soil depths was significantly higher （p≤ 0.05） in orange orchard than in forest on both the slopes. Orange orchard contained lower mean soil organic matter than forest on 55% slope, while it contained higher values on 35% slope compared to forest. The highest value of the above two properties was found at surface soil in both the land uses on both the slopes, decreasing with the increase of soil depth. On both the slopes maximum water holding capacity and porosity of surface soil and particle density at all soil depths were lower in orange orchard compared to those in forest. Field capacity values of surface soil did not show consistency in trend for the differences between the two land uses on both the slopes. Bulk density value of moist and dry surface soil was higher in orange orchard than in forest on both the hill slopes.
基金a grant from the Research Institute for Islamic and Complementary Medicine (RICM),Tehran University of Medical Sciences,No. p26/m/t/1088
文摘Previous studies reported that some plants, including butternut squash, exert positive effects on the brain. However, few studies have examined the effects of butternut squash on learning, memory, and neurogenesis. This study studied the effects of butternut squash extract on spatial learning and cell proliferation in the dentate gyrus of healthy male rats. Thirty-five male Wistar rats were intraperitoneally injected with 0, 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg butternut squash extract once daily for 2 months. After the last administration, rat＇s spatial memory was studied using the Morris water maze. Finally, rats were sacrificed and hippocampal sections were prepared for light microscopy and bromodeoxyuridine immunohistochemistry studies. The results revealed that escape latency and swim distance decreased in all treatment groups compared with the control rats, and that the number of bromodeoxyuridine-positive cells in the dentate gyrus was significantly increased in the treatment groups compared with the controls. These findings suggest that butternut squash extract improves the learning and memory abilities of male rats, and increases the proliferation of dentate gyrus cells.
基金a joint venture project between Istanbul University and the Turkish General Directorate of Highways by project number KGM-ARGE/2012-25funded by Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa Scientific Research Projects under Project No:ACIP 54739。
文摘In this paper the use of lime stabilized subgrade for low volume roads in two regions with high mountains and different frost penetration conditions in Türkiye was investigated in terms of design,performance,and cost.Pavements on unstabilized and stabilized subgrade were designed for two regions(Izmir and Van),covering all climate variations.The resilient modulus of the lime stabilized subgrade with different soil pulverization levels for non-freezing and freezing conditions were taken from a previous laboratory study.Frost effects were considered in pavement design using two different approaches,including limited subgrade frost penetration method and reduced subgrade strength method.Detailed application and evaluation were performed for all steps.Lime stabilized subgrades significantly reduced the thickness of base courses,and the benefit of lime stabilization was highly dependent on soil pulverization level.A detailed cost analysis on the unstabilized and stabilized cases found that the use of lime stabilization in the subgrade provided significant initial cost savings.Comparative analysis by using the AASHTO(1993)method and KENPAVE software,and quantity effect of soil pulverization level on the performance of low volume roads from a service life perspective,show that subgrade resilient modulus can be estimated.It is also possible to make correct performance estimation in the field.The results of the study show that lime stabilization is a good solution for low volume roads in the mountainous regions of Türkiye.
基金support from the Chilean Regional Government of Maule through the FIC-R project“Valorization of recycled waste through the creation of new materials for the manufacture of marketable products”,code BIP 30.481.945。
文摘This work proposes to study the effective elastic properties(EEP)of a wood-plastic composite(WPC)made from polyethylene terephthalate(PET)and Chilean Radiate pine’s wood our,using nite element simulations of a representative volume element(RVE)with periodic boundary conditions.Simulations are validated through a static 3-point bending test,with specimens obtained by extruding and injection.The effect of different weight fractions,space orientations and sizes of particles are here examined.Numerical predictions are empirically conrmed in the sense that composites with more wood our content and bigger size,have higher elastic modulus.However,these results are very sensitive to the orientation of particles.Voigt and Reuss mean-eld homogenisation approaches are also given as upper and lower limits.Experimental tests evidence that exural strengths and ultimate tensile elongations decrease respect to 100%PET,but these properties can be enhanced considering particle-size distributions instead of a xed size of wood our.
文摘In order to investigate the likely allelopathic potential of an aqueous extract and powder of Achillea （,4chillea santolina） on the germination and seedling growth of pea （Cicer arietinum）, safflower （Carthamus tinctorius L.） and wheat （Triticum sativum）, an experiment was carried out at the laboratory and greenhouse of agriculture faculty of Sho3hid Bahonar University of Kerman, Iran, from October 2009 to March 2010. A completely randomized design with three replicates using five extract concentrations of achillea plant including 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 g Ll and four amounts of powder of it including 0, 7.5, 15 and 30 g kg1 of soil was employed in laboratory and greenhouse experiments, respectively. All extract concentrations of achillea except 25 g Ll inhibited pea and wheat seed germination significantly, but had no inhibitory effect on the germination of safflower, The powder of mature achillea plants affected the fresh and dry weight and shoots length in these crops negatively compared with the control in all levels. Therefore use of this plant should be prevented in rotation or intercropping with these three crop plants. Further research conducted in the analytical laboratory as well as in the field is needed before a practical application of the extract and powder as weed inhibiting agent can be recommended.
文摘Silicon is a beneficial element that can mitigate abiotic stresses, such as ammonium toxicity. The objective herein was to evaluate the effects of silicon (Si) on mitigating toxicity caused by excess ammonium in maize plants grown in nutrient solution. An experiment was conducted with maize plants (cultivar DKB 390 VT Pro II) grown in a greenhouse in pots (8 L) in a hydroponic system. The treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial, consisting of two ammonium concentrations (30 and 60 mmol·L-1) in the absence and presence of Si (10 mmol·L-1), arranged in a completely randomized design with six repetitions. At 28 days after applying the treatments the dry mass of shoots and roots was evaluated, along with accumulation of silicon and nitrogen in the shoots. The use of silicon resulted in increases in the studied variables, regardless of ammonium concentrations. Silicon reduced the effect of toxicity caused by ammonium excess in maize plants, resulting in greater growth and dry matter accumulation.
文摘To paraphrase the Greek philosopher Heraclitus, change is the only constant in construction projects. Changes in scope occur as projects progress from design through practical completion. FIDIC General Conditions Clause 13 [1] is one of the most important terms and implementing. It is also major factor for project success. Once all project parties understand and fairly use this clause, the impact will be minimising the expected disputes by 50% at least. Thus, this paper is considering illustrated variation order clause by flow chart technique to ensure that all the engineers are handling easily those subclasses.
文摘On one hand,the diversity of activities and on the other hand,the conflicts between beneficiaries necessitate the efficient management and supervision of coastal areas.Accordingly,monitoring and evaluation of such areas can be considered as a critical factor in the national development and directorship of the sources.With regard to this fact,remote sourcing technologies with use of analytical operations of geographic information systems(GIS),will be remarkably advantageous.Iran’s south-eastern Makran coasts are geopolitically and economically,of importance due to their strategic characteristics but have been neglected and their development and transit infrastructure are significantly beyond the international standards.Therefore,in this paper,with regard to the importance of developing Makran coasts,a Multi-Criterion Decision Analysis(MCDA)method was applied to identify and prioritize the intended criteria and parameters of zoning,in order to establish new maritime zones.The major scope of this study is to employ the satellite data,remote sensing methods,and regional statistics obtained from Jask synoptic station and investigate the region’s status in terms of topography,rainfall rate and temperature changes to reach to a comprehensive monitoring and zoning of the coastal line and to provide a pervasive local data base via use of GIS and MCDA,which will be implemented to construct the coastal regions.In this article,while explaining the steps of coastal monitoring,its main objectives are also explained and the necessary procedures for doing so are presented.Then,the general steps of marine climate identification and study of marine parameters are stated and the final achievements of the coastal monitoring process are determined.In the following,considering that this article focuses on the monitoring of Makran beaches,the method of work in the mentioned region will be described and its specific differences and complexities will be discussed in detail.Also,the impact of such projects on future research results will be discussed.
文摘Mango is one of the most popular fruits in the world due to its attractive color, delicious taste, and excellent nutritional properties. Mango is among the most economically and culturally important tropical fruits. Mangos have become a standard food crop in south Iran. Quality determination of fruits is at present characterized by the overwhelming use of sensory. Quality indices include primarily external properties, such as appearance, size, shape, colour, texture, and flavour. Mangoes are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants are really necessary for human diet and a healthy and longer life. Numerous phytochemicals are present in mango peel and pulp, such as the triterpene, lupeol which is under basic research for its potential biological effects. Thus high quality will attract people to the high consumption of fruits. Cultivars prepared with the origin of the Iran, India, Pakistan, and the Philippines. In this study, 10 cultivars were compared in terms of some indicators of quality in Ahvaz. One of the mango quality evaluation methods is sensory laboratory evaluation (panel test). This research carried out at 2013 in Chamran University, Ahvaz, Iran. The result indicated that the most quality was related to Alphonso cultivar. On this basis, fruit features such as mango flesh and skin color are an important component role in consumer acceptability.
文摘Doxorubicin is associated with adverse effects on organs like liver. This study was done to find the effects of doxorubicin on liver of wistar albino rats. Sixty healthy wistar albino rats were taken for the study. The rats were randomly divided in to 4 groups （2 experimental groups; group AI and A2, and 2 control groups;group Bland B2 each containing 16 rats）. The experimental groups were given a single dose of doxorubicin i.e. 10 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally and sacrificed after 7 days and 14 days for each group. Rats under control groups were given a single intraperitoneal dose of 2.5 ml/kg body weight normal saline and sacrificed with their respective experimental groups. A significant difference （p 〈 0.001） and （p = 0.005） in final body weight was observed among group A1 experimental and BI control rats, and among group A2 experimental and B2 control rats. As compared to group B2 control, group A2 experimental rats had significantly （p = 0.043） lower liver weight. Diameter ofhepatocyte （p 〈 0.001 for both groups） and nucleus （p=0.004 for group A1 and control BI, and p 〈 0.001 for group A2 and control B2） was significantly higher in experimental rats as compared to their respective controls. Cross-sections of the liver of both control groups had normal architecture. However, there was progressive destruction of liver architecture across the experimental groups. Doxorubicin causes the disruption of normal architecture of liver in rats. Thus care needs to be taken during doxorubicin chemotherapy to minimize effects on river.
文摘One of the most important issues related to natural gas hydrate which discussed in both terms of problems and opportunities is considering the volume of natural gas as hydrate or blockage the pipelines. This study examined the natural gas of an Iranian field with hydrate formation in the presence and absence of the different magnetic fields. For this purpose, an equilibrium diagram of hydrate formation was drawn and the effects of 1000G (Gaussian), 2000G, 3000G, and 4000G on hydrate formation were investigated. The results indicated an inhibition effect for the presence of magnetic field. The results show the following changes: at temperatures exceeding 15℃, decreasing the magnetic field increased the hydrate formation inhibition, and at temperatures below 15℃, increasing the magnetic field decreased the hydrate formation inhibition. Indeed, the most suitable value of magnetic field in the tested magnetic field is 2000 Gauss.
文摘Dear editors The worldwide burden of cancer is rising,leading to significant premature deaths and productive life-long loss.Cancer-related mortality is disproportionately higher in low-income and middle-income countries(LMICs;estimated at 72%–75%)than in high-income countries(HICs;estimated at 46%).The nursing workforce is essential to cancer control.
文摘The soil conservation movement in Brazil has been a major driving force in the continuing search for agricultural farming systems that are more sustainable than what we have today,particularly in tropical and subtropical areas.The development and adoption of Zero Tillage Conservation Agriculture(ZT/CA)was the key to the success of this movement,generating agricultural,environmental,and societal benefits.Adoption of the ZT/CA philosophy and technologies is currently practiced on more than 50%of the annual crop area.This is due to the work and innovations of pioneering farmers,agronomists,researchers,and consultants that were and are involved in these efforts.This extensive adoption of ZT/CA occurred after many unsuccessful efforts to mitigate against the devastating effects of soil erosion that were threatening the entire agricultural industry in Brazil.Technicians and farmers realized that erosion control required continual cover of the soil to guard against the torrential rain storms common to these regions.This triggered the efforts of soil conservation pioneers at different points in time and regions of Brazil.In southern Brazil,Herbert Bartz,watched his topsoil eroding away in torrents of runoff.This set him thinking and searching for alternatives,resulting in his adoption of ZT/CA farming in 1972.Ten years later in Brazil’s centre-western savannah(Cerrado biome),farmers,researchers,crop consultants and agro-industry initiated efforts to expand cultivation into the very difficult production region of the Cerrados.This was successfully achieved through the pioneering work of agronomist John Landers,bringing experience from the ZT/CA farmer association networks in the south.These were the turning points in the sustainable development of annual crop farming in Brazil.Today,society recognizes the role of these pioneers as key to achieving social,economic and environmental sustainability.ZT/CA reversed the historically accelerating degradation of soil organic matter and soil structure by abandoning conventional tillage,thus improving soil physical and chemical characteristics.This was achieved by promoting cover cropping and permanent soil cover with crop residues,crop rotations,and complementary,environmentally suitable soil management technologies.
文摘INTRODUCTION Recent development has seen a drastic increase in energy use trends in Saudi Arabian buildings leading to a demand for an effective course of action for energy conservation and production.A case study-based research initiative explor-ing near-zero energy potential in Saudi Arabia was undertaken.A 4-bedroom detached single-family faculty residence at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals(KFUPM)representing common regional housing design trends was utilized.A base case simulation model of the house was developed and val-idated using short-term and real-time energy consumption data.Three sets of strategies:passive design strategies,representative codes and standards,and renewable technology were employed in the new design of the house.Passive strategies com-prised a green roof,a ventilated wall system,a sloped roof,and insulation for thermal bridges.These alternatives helped reduce the annual energy consumption of the house by 17.2%.The most recent version of the International Energy Conserva-tion Code(IECC 2012)was also incorporated along with ASHRAE Standard 62.2 for ventilation.The code and standard together reduced the annual energy consumption by 31.1%.Solar PV was then utilized to reduce grid utilization for the remainder of the house energy loads.This strategy provided 24.7%of the total energy consumed annually.A combination of strategies showed a 70.7%energy consumption reduction,thereby decreasing the energy index of the house from 162.9 to 47.7 kWh/m^(2)/yr.The Zero Energy Building(ZEB)concepts and strategies utilized in this study demonstrate a socially responsible approach to achieving near-zero energy performance for an existing house.
