Predicting sediment yield is an important task for decision-makers in environmental monitoring and water management since the benefits of applying non-linear, artificial intelligence (AI) models for ...optimal prediction can be far reaching in real-life decision support systems. AI-based models are considered to be favorable predictive tools since the nonlinear nature of suspended sediment data series warrants the utilization of nonlinear predictive methods for feature extraction, and for accurate simulation of suspended sediment load. In this study, Artificial Neural Network (ANN) approaches are employed to estimate the monthly sediment load where the two-phase Feed-forward Neuron Network Particle Swarm Optimization Gravitational Search Algorithm (FNN-PSOGSA) is developed, and then evaluated in respect to 3 distinct algorithms: the Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS), Feed-forward Neuron Network (FNN) and the single-phase Feed-forward Neuron Network Particle Swarm Optimization (FNN-PSO). The study is carried out using the monthly rainfall, runoff and sediment data spanning a 10 year period (2000–2009) where about 75% of data are used in model training phase, 25% in testing phase. Three statistical performance criteria namely: the mean absolute error (MAE), Nash-Sutcliffe coefficient (NSE) and the Willmott’s Index (WI) and diagnostic plots visualizing the tested results are used to evaluate the performance of four AI-based models. The results reveal that the objective model (the two-phase FNN-PSOGSA model) and the single-phase FNN-PSO model yielded more precise results compared to the other forecast models. This result accorded to an NSE value of 0.612 (for the FNN-PSOGSA model) vs. an NS value of 0.500, 0.331 and 0.244 for the FNN-PSO, FNN and ANFIS models, and WI = 0.832 vs. 0.771, 0.692 and 0.726, respectively The study also demonstrated that the FNN model generated slightly better results than the ANFIS model for the estimation of sediment load data but overall, the two-phase FNN-PSOGSA model outperformed all comparison models. In light of the superior performance, this research advocates that the fully-optimized two-phase FNN-PSOGSA model can be explored as a decision-support tool for monthly sediment load forecasting using the rainfall and runoff values as the predictor datasets.
The purpose of this study was to determine reference interval intraocular pressure (IOP) values in 8 different species of companion birds. One hundred and nineteen companion birds (238 eyes) from a ...captive colony were examined: 21 pigeons (Columba livia; 18%), 17 African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus; 14%), 22 common mynahs (Acridotheres tristis; 18%), 24 cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus; 20%), 12 zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata; 10%), 9 budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus; 8%), 6 domestic canaries (Serinus canaria domestica; 5%), and 8 ring-necked parakeets (Psittacula krameri; 7%). Intraocular pressure was measured by rebound tonometry (TonoVet) avoiding induced, undesired pressure on the head, neck, or eyes. Mean IOP values varied by species. Mean (± SD) IOP values determined for each species were pigeon (5.42 ± 2.06 mm Hg), African grey parrot (4.93 ± 1.91 mm Hg), common mynah (6.22 ± 2.04 mm Hg), cockatiel (5.08 ± 1.76 mm Hg), zebra finch (5.90 ± 2.11 mm Hg), budgerigar (5.88 ± 2.31mm Hg), canary (5.83 ± 1.60 mm Hg), and ring-necked parakeet (6.25 ± 1.75 mm Hg). No statistically significant differences were found in IOP values between right and left eyes for the species studied (P > .22), with the exception of the ring-necked parakeet (P = .001). The results of this study provide representative IOP values measured using rebound tonometry in 8 different species of companion birds.
Avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is causing major economic losses to the poultry industry. The analysis of the S1 gene has been used to determine IBV genotype. The aim of this study was ...genotyping of IBVs circulating among the Iranian broiler flocks in the period between 2015 to 2017. Trachea samples from 278 broiler flocks were collected from broiler farms in eight provinces of Iran. After Real-time RT-PCR, IBV-positive samples were further characterized based on S1 gene. The results of the Real-time RT-PCR showed that 52.16% of flocks were IBV positive. Four genotypes were detected and the frequency of occurrence rates of IS-1494-like, 793/B, QX and Massachusetts IBV genotypes were 70.34%, 19.31%, 7.58% and 2.75%, respectively. Sequence analysis revealed that nucleotide identities within IS-1494-like group ranged between 98.86–100%, while each of the QX, Massachusetts and 793/B groups were 98.05–100%, 98.20–100% and 93.29–100% respectively. These results show that the IS-1494-like IBV is the dominant IBV genotype in Iran. Proper control strategies are essential to overcoming the high frequency of occurrence of IS-1494-like IBV. The phylogenetic relationship of the strains with respect to different sequences and geographical regions displayed complexity and diversity. Further studies are needed and should include the isolation and full-length molecular characterization of IBV in Iran.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of acute swimming stress on plasma corticosterone and leptin levels in female and male rats. Thirty- seven adult male (n=20) and female (n=20) ...Sprague Dawley rats (200-250 g weight) were used. The leptin and corticosterone levels were measured following swimming stress (10 minutes) or no stress. Plasma leptin and corticosterone were measured by ELISA system. The plasma leptin and corticosterone levels were significantly increased in female and male rats by swimming stress. Plasma leptin level was not correlated significantly with plasma corticosterone in all groups. There were no sex differences in leptin level among stressed and non stressed rats. The results suggest that changes in plasma leptin level could not be associated with stimulation of corticosterone secretion from adrenal glands and leptin secretion is not sex dependent.
A novel method of oxide semiconductor nanoparticle synthesis is proposed based on high-voltage, high-current electrical switching discharge (HVHC-ESD). Through a subsecond discharge in the HVHC-ESD ...method, we successfully synthesized zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods. Crystallography and optical and electrical analyses approve the high crystal-quality and outstanding optoelectronic characteristics of our synthesized ZnO. The HVHC-ESD method enables the synthesis of ZnO nanorods with ultraviolet (UV) and visible emissions. To demonstrate the effectiveness of our prepared materials, we also fabricated two UV photodetectors based on the ZnO nanorods synthesized using the subsecond HVHC-ESD method. The UV-photodetector test under dark and UV light irradiation also had a promising result with a linear ohmic current–voltage output. In addition to the HVHC-ESD method’s excellent tunability for ZnO properties, this method enables the rapid synthesis of ZnO nanorods in open air and water. The results demonstrate the preparation, highlight the synthesis of fine hexagonal-shaped nanorods under a second with controlled oxygen vacancies, and point defects for a wide range of applications in less than a second.
We report a case of multiple myeloma that presented with anorexia, fatigue, high erythrocyte sedimentation rate, bone marrow plasmacytosis of more than 30%, polyuria,and low urine specific gravity. ...This unusual presentation was diagnosed as nephrogenic diabetes insipidus secondary to a proximal tubular dysfunction. The tubular functional disturbance appeared to be related to thepresence of lambda-type light chains. The patient was treated withdesmopressine without response. After one month of treatment with thalidomide and dexamethasone for myeloma there was a dramatic response with decreased urine output.
Infectious bronchitis (IB) is a viral avian disease with economic importance in the world, including Iran. S1 gene sequencing has been used for molecular epidemiological studies and genotypic ...characterization of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV). A total of 118 IBV isolates were obtained from tissue samples from chickens with clinically suspected IB from Iranian broiler farms (eight provinces, 200 samples). The isolates were confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and characterized by sequencing the spike glycoprotein gene. The isolates formed six distinct phylogenetic groups (IS/1494/06 Var2 like, 4/91-like, IS/720-like, QX-like, IR-1 and Mass-like) that were related to variants isolated in the region. The most frequently detected viruses were of the Var2-like (IS/1494/06-like) genotype, with an overall prevalence of 34 %. Twenty-one percent of the isolates formed a cluster together with the 4/91 IBV type, 10 % were of the QX genotype, and 8 % were of the IS/720 genotype. In addition, 4 % and 3 % of the isolates belonged to the Massachusetts and IR-1 genotype, respectively. For the first time, we have isolated and characterized IBV variants from broiler farms in different provinces of Iran. This study demonstrates a constant evolution of IBV in Iran, demonstrating the need for continuous monitoring and development of new vaccines based on indigenous viruses.
Lakes are primitive water holding geographic structures containing most the fresh water on the Earth’s surface, but the recent trends show that climate change can potentially lead to a significant ...aberration in the Lake water level and its overall pristine state, and therefore, could also threaten the source of freshwater. The ability to forecast the lake water is a paramount decision-making and risk-reduction task, and this is required to retain the sustainability of the natural environment, and to reduce the risk to the local and global food chain, recreation activities, agriculture and ecosystems. In this study, we have designed and evaluated a new hybrid forecasting model, integrating the gravitational search algorithm (GSA), as a heuristic optimization tool, with the Multilayer Perceptron (MLP-GSA) algorithm to forecast water level in Winnipesaukee and Cypress Lakes in the United States of America. The performance of the resulting hybrid MLP-GSA model is benchmarked and compared with the traditional MLP trained with Levenberg–Marquadt back propagation learning algorithm, two other intelligent hybrid models (MLP-PSO and MLP-FFA) and also two stochastic models namely, ARMA and ARIMA models. In this case study, the monthly time scale water level data from 1938 to 2005 and 1942 to 2011 for the Lakes Winnipesaukee and Cypress, respectively, were applied to train and evaluate the MLP-GSA model. The best input combinations of the standalone (MLP) and the hybrid MLP-GSA forecasting models were determined by sensitivity analysis of historical water level training data for 1-month lead forecasting. The hybrid MLP-GSA model was evaluated independently with statistical score metrics: coefficient of correlation, coefficient of efficiency, the root mean square and relative root mean square errors, and the Bayesian Information Criterion. The results showed that the hybrid MLP–GSA4 and MLP-GSA5 model (where the ‘4 and 5 months’ of lagged input combinations of Lake water level data were utilized as the model inputs) performed more accurately than the ARIMA, ARMA, MLP4, MLP-PSO4 and MLP-FFA4 models for the Cypress Lake and ARIMA, ARMA, MLP5, MLP-PSO5 and MLP-FFA5 models for the Winnipesaukee lake, respectively. This study ascertained the robustness of hybrid MLP-GSA over ARMA, ARIMA, MLP, MLP-PSO and MLP-FFA for the forecasting of Lake water level. The high efficacy of the hybrid MLP-GSA model over the other applied models, indicate significant implications of its use in water resources management, decision-making tasks, irrigation management, management of hydrologic structures and sustainable use of water for agriculture and other necessities.
This study evaluated the effect of fiber inserts combined with composite resins on enamel and dentin margin microleakage. The fiber inserts were used with high- (x-tra fil) and low-viscosity (x-tra ...base) bulk-fill composite resins and as well as conventional composite resins (Grandio and Grandio Flow). In 96 sound, recently extracted molars, 2 standardized Class II cavities were prepared. The teeth were randomly divided into 8 groups of 12 teeth each, based on composite resin type and presence or absence of fiber inserts: groups 1 and 2, x-tra fil with and without fiber inserts, respectively; groups 3 and 4, x-tra base with and without fiber inserts; groups 5 and 6, Grandio with and without fiber inserts; and groups 7 and 8, Grandio Flow liner (gingival floor)/Grandio (remainder of cavity) with and without fiber inserts. In all the groups, a 2-step etch-and-rinse adhesive was used. The specimens were processed in a dye penetration technique to determine microleakage percentages. Data were analyzed with analysis of variance, Tukey, and t tests. There was significantly less leakage at the enamel margins than the dentin margins. Fiber reinforcement significantly decreased enamel microleakage in all the groups, with no significant differences among the groups. Concerning dentin microleakage, there were no significant differences among the 4 groups without fiber inserts, while a significant difference was detected in groups 2 (x-tra fil plus fiber) and 8 (Grandio Flow plus fiber/Grandio). Fibers significantly improved dentin sealing in groups 2 and 8. These findings suggest that a fiber insert reinforcing bulk-fill and conventional composite resins might improve enamel sealing in shallow Class II cavi-ties. The effect of fiber reinforcement on the dentin margins of deep cavities depended on the viscosity of the composite resins; fiber reinforcement was effective for flowable bulk-fill and conventional composite resin restorations.
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