Estimating Population Size and Detection Probability of the Lorestan Newt,Neurergus kaiseri (Schmidt, 1952) using an Integrated Method

Russian Journal of Ecology - Robust estimates of species population abundance are necessary for the success of conservation plans and species management strategies. In the present study, our main...     

Differential growth,nutrition, physiology,and gene expression in Melissa officinalis mediated by zinc oxide and elemental selenium nanoparticles

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Regarding the rapid progress in the production and consumption of nanobased products, this research considered the behavior of Melissa officinalis...     

Fetoscopic laser photocoagulation versus expectant management for stage I twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis

To investigate the outcomes of asymptomatic stage I twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (stage I TTTS) among patients treated with fetoscopic laser photocoagulation (FLP) versus expectant management. Databases such as PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus were systematically searched from inception up to March 1st, 2022. The primary outcome was at least one fetal survival at birth and secondary outcomes included gestational age at delivery, preterm premature rupture of membranes < 32 weeks, preterm birth < 32 weeks, and single and dual fetal survival. Five studies were included in the meta-analysis. There was no significant difference in terms of at least one survival (odds ratio (OR) = 1.40, 95%CI= (0.26, 7.43), P = 0.70), single survival (OR = 0.87, 95%CI= (0.51, 1.48), P = 0.60) and dual survival (OR = 1.63, 95%CI= (0.74, 3.62), P = 0.23) among FLP and expectant groups. Gestational age at delivery (mean difference = 1.19, 95%CI= (−0.25, 2.63), P = 0.10), the risk of PTB<32 weeks (OR = 0.88, 95%CI= (0.50, 1.54), P = 0.65), and pPROM<32 weeks (OR = 1.80, 95% CI= (0.41, 7.98), P = 0.44) were also comparable between the groups. Routine FLP of the placental anastomoses before 26 weeks of gestation is unlikely to be beneficial among asymptomatic stable stage I TTTS patients without cervical shortening as the procedure does not offer a survival advantage compared with expectant management.     

The use of some plant-derived products as effective alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters in organic poultry production: a review

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Improving poultry production, increasing poultry immunity, and reducing the disease spreading can be achieved by adding various potentially valuable...     

Selection and performance estimation of Green Lean Six Sigma Projects: a hybrid approach of technology readiness level,data envelopment analysis,and ANFIS

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Nowadays budget and schedule constraints have forced organizations to select six sigma projects based on pre-defined success criteria. Also,...     

Alteration of body total antioxidant capacity and thiol molecules in human chronic exposure to aluminum

The physiological role of aluminum (Al) is not yet known. Exposure to Al may cause many human disorders. The aim of this study was to explore how occupational human exposure to Al might affect the body oxidative stress. The relation between Al toxicity and oxidative stress was studied in blood samples obtained from 45 primary Al production workers, with a minimum work history of three years in the age range of 29–52 years. They were evaluated for oxidative stress biomarkers including thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) indicator of lipid peroxidation, ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) indicator of total antioxidant capacity, total thiol molecules and Al level in blood. The results showed that workers have significantly higher blood Al levels and concomitant lower blood FRAP and total thiol molecules in comparison to controls. Smokers had lower total thiol molecules than non-smokers. The subjects who had a previous history of disease had lower FRAP levels. It is concluded that Al induces oxidative stress in primary Al production workers. Supplementation of workers with antioxidants may have beneficial effects.     

Application of ANN and ANFIS models for reconstructing missing flow data

Hydrological yearbooks, especially in developing countries, are full of gaps in flow data series. Filling missing records is needed to make feasibility studies, potential assessment, and real-time decision making. In this research project, it was tried to predict the missing data of gauging stations using data from neighboring sites and a relevant architecture of artificial neural networks (ANN) as well as adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). To be able to evaluate the results produced by these new techniques, two traditionally used methods including the normal ratio method and the correlation method were also employed. According to the results, although in some cases all four methods presented acceptable predictions, the ANFIS technique presented a superior ability to predict missing flow data especially in arid land stations with variable and heterogeneous data. Comparing the results, ANN was also found as an efficient method to predict the missing data in comparison to the traditional approaches.     

Landfill site selection using multi criteria decision making: Influential factors for comparing locations

Although a lot of research has focused on energy recovery and recycling of valuable materials from wastes to reduce loads on landfills, landfilling is still an inseparable part of solid waste management. Since landfills potentially pose a risk to human health and the surrounding environment, landfill site selection is an important endeavor that has to be carried out with great care. Choosing a suitable location for landfills depends on several factors and is a complicated procedure. In this paper, a comprehensive review of landfill site selection methods, with an emphasis on multi criteria decision making (multiple criteria decision analysis) has been presented. Assessments indicate that the most frequently used methods are weighted linear combination (WLC), ordered weighted averaging (OWA), analytic hierarchy process (AHP), fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (F-AHP), TODIM, fuzzy TODIM, analytic network process (ANP), fuzzy-analytic network process (F-ANP), and grey systems theory, each of which is discussed. The most widely used factors for selecting a landfill site are groundwater depth, surface water vicinity, elevation, land slope, soil permeability, soil stability, flooding susceptibility, lithology and stratification, faults, land use type, nearby settlements and urbanization, cultural and protected site vicinity, wind direction, roads, railways, proximity to building materials, pipelines and powerlines, and proximity to airports.     

Workstation design in carpet hand-weaving operation: guidelines for prevention of musculoskeletal disorders.

Carpet weavers suffer from musculoskeletal problems mainly attributed to poor working postures. Their posture is mostly constrained by the design of workstations. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of 2 design parameters (weaving height and seat type) on postural variables and subjective experience, and to develop guidelines for workstation adjustments. At an experimental workstation, 30 professional weavers worked in 9 different conditions. Working posture and weavers' perceptions were measured. It was shown that head, neck and shoulder postures were influenced by weaving height. Both design parameters influenced trunk and elbows postures. The determinant factor for weavers' perception on the neck, shoulders and elbows was found to be weaving height, and on the back and knees it was seat type. Based on the results, the following guidelines were developed: (a) weaving height should be adjusted to 20 cm above elbow height; (b) a 10 degrees forward-sloping high seat is to be used at weaving workstations.