20 research outputs found
SBW Hervalidatie piping HP3. Gedrag van klei
No full textCentraal in dit rapport staat de stabiliteit van erosiekanalen die ontstaan bij het pipingproces. De stabiliteit van erosiekanalen is belangrijk bij het begrijpen van het pipingproces onder bestaande dijken en daarmee voor de toetsing van waterkeringen op piping. Indien de erosiekanalen niet worden dicht gedrukt kan accumulatie van erosie bij opeenvolgende hoogwaterperioden optreden. Dit wordt in de huidige toetsing niet mee genomen. Indien tijdens het erosieproces de kanaaltjes dichtdrukken, wordt het piping proces beinvloed. Onduidelijk is of dit een gunstig of ongunstig effect heeft. Doel van het onderzoek is na te gaan of met behulp van berekeningen kan worden aangetoond dat erosiekanaaltjes die tijdens het piping proces onder dijken zijn ontstaan, door het dijklichaam in de loop van de tijd worden dichtgedrukt. Dit is van belang omdat nog niet duidelijk is wat de invloed van voorgaande hoogwaters op het pipingproces is. In deze eerste aanzet voor het berekenen van de vervormingen rondom de erosiekanalen is gekozen voor een kwalitatieve analyse aan de hand van een aantal orienterende berekeningen. Aan de hand van de berekeningen kunnen geen definitieve conclusies worden getrokken. Wel kunnen er tendensen worden waargenomen. Op basis van de berekeningen mag worden verwacht dat de kleine erosie kanalen die aan het begin van het pipingproces ontstaan niet worden dichtgedrukt. De grote erosiekanalen die aan het einde van het proces zich ontwikkelen zullen wel worden dichtgedrukt. De tijd die hier voor nodig is, is kort. Naar verwachting treden de vervormingen op direct na het optreden van piping tot 1 a 2 maanden na afloop. Hieruit volgt de verwachting dat tijdens het dichtdrukken van de erosiekanalen het pipingproces niet beinvloed. Op basis van deze resultaten kunnen praktijkproeven op dit punt gerichter worden uitgevoerd. De resultaten dragen niet bij aan de toetsregel zelf. Ze kunnen wel goed bijdragen aan de discussie met de dijkbeheerders over de mechanismen die een rol spelen bij het pipingproces. Om de resultaten van het onderzoek beter te onderbouwen wordt experimenteel onderzoek aansluitend aan de IJkdijkproef aanbevolen. Een beschrijving van en dergelijke proef opzet is gegeven in hoofdstuk 5.SB
The TRV Improvement of Fast Circuit Breakers Using Solid-State Series Superconducting Reactor
No full textUtilizing superconducting technology in fault current limiters for power grid applications is a practical solution to achieve a more modern and efficient power system. This is due to their low-loss profile, high efficiency, and ability to transmit about 5x more power in the same footprint compared to conventional counterparts. In addition, the integration of renewable energy resources into power grids makes the use of fast circuit breakers essential. However, the Transient Recovery Voltage (TRV) of fast mechanical circuit breakers stays a concern. This paper studies the TRV of a fast circuit breaker during a fault condition. Then the effect of a solid-state superconducting series reactor (SSSR) on the TRV of the circuit breaker is investigated and compared using an analytical model, simulation studies, and experimental testing. The results prove that an SSSR significantly diminishes the TRV of the fast breaker and offers an effective superconducting solution for modern power grids.Green Open Access added to TU Delft Institutional Repository 'You share, we take care!' - Taverne project https://www.openaccess.nl/en/you-share-we-take-care Otherwise as indicated in the copyright section: the publisher is the copyright holder of this work and the author uses the Dutch legislation to make this work public.Intelligent Electrical Power Grid
Effect of Counseling on Preventive Behaviors of Osteoporosis in Women Referred to Health Centers in Hamedan, Iran in 2015
No full textBackground and Objectives: Osteoporosis is a most common metabolic bone disease that increase the risk of bone fracture by creating a structural abnormality in the bone. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of counseling based on Health Belief Model (HBM) on preventive behaviors regarding osteoporosis in women referring to health centers in Hamadan city, Iran in 2015.
Materials and Methods:This quasi-experimental before and after study was conducted among 80women, which were stratified randomly into two -40member groups of case and control. Then, through three stages (before, immediately after, and two month after intervention), these groups were evaluated. Analyzing the data was performed by SPSS-18, using t-test, χ2, Fisher’s exact and repeated measurement tests.
Results:There were significant differences between the two groups in terms of age, menarche age, education, job, and body mass index (BMI). No significant differences between the mean scores of the various structures of this model were observed among the two groups before the intervention. The mean scores of the awareness and various structures of the model (perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers and performance) increased significantly in the case group over time (before, immediately after and two months after intervention) (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:Although HBM is effective for planning programs to prevent disease or accidents, it seems that it is not suitable for the promotion of behaviors, particularly long-term behavioral change and behaviors that depend on economic and social factors
Evaluation of the effectiveness of a serious game titled “Kookism” on the receptive lexicon in 4-9-year-old autistic children
No full textBackground: Autistic children often face difficulties with semantic skills such as receptive lexicon. Games based on behavioral principles have been emphasized for treating autistic children. Serious Games are a new and effective way to alleviate deficits in autistic children. Objectives: The present study aimed to design and investigate the efficiency of a Serious Game titled “Kookism” on the receptive lexicon of autistic children. Methods: The empirical study with a pretest-posttest design, and a two-months follow-up, involved 30 children (aged 4–9) at Birjand and Zahedan, Iran. The participants were selected by convenience sampling and randomly divided into experimental and control groups (each 15 participants). The control group received the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), while the experimental group received a treatment consisting of the ABA plus the “Kookism” game. The 20-min sessions were held every other day for two months. Data were collected using MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventories. After confirming the essential assumptions for the covariance analysis, ANCOVA was used to analyze the data. Results: The findings showed a significant difference between the experimental and control groups in the increase in the participants’ receptive lexicon after eliminating the effects of the covariate (p 0.05). Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate that Serious Games significantly improved the receptive lexicon of autistic children. This result remained for up to two months
Trends in Production, Consumption, Trade, and Research of Dry Beans Across the Globe and Canada
No full textDry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are known as a significant component of global agri-food systems, in regions such as Southern Asia, Eastern Africa, and South America, where they also serve as a valuable source of feed. Over the past few decades, global production has grown significantly, driven by rising demand, technological advancements, improved yields, and expanded cultivation areas. Canada, in particular, has become a significant player in the dry bean industry, leveraging its rich agricultural landscape and advanced agricultural technologies. Canadian research initiatives, financially supported by both governmental and private funding, have concentrated on developing new bean varieties with higher yields, resistance to pests and diseases, better adaptation to local growing conditions, and improved nutritional profiles. This study reviews trends in dry bean production, consumption, and international trade over the past decades, emphasizing the implications for research on both global and Canadian scales. Collaborative efforts between Canadian institutions and international research organizations have facilitated the exchange of genetic resources and agronomic techniques, thereby enhancing productivity and sustainability. By investing in these innovative endeavors, Canada not only bolsters its strengthened agricultural sector but also contributes significantly to global food security and the achievement of sustainable development goals.The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the pdf file of the accepted manuscript may differ slightly from what is displayed on the item page. The information in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript reflects the original submission by the author
The Evaluation of the Neuroprotective Effect of a Single High-Dose Vitamin D3 in Patients with Moderate Ischemic Stroke
No full textIntroduction. Vitamin D insufficiency is highly prevalent and is a negative predictor for survival in ischemic stroke patients. We evaluated the effect of a high dose of vitamin D3 on the Neuron-Specific Enolase (NSE) level, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and Barthel Index (BI) scoring system in moderate ischemic stroke patients. Methods. This prospective, double-blind, randomized clinical trial (RCT) study was conducted from April 2020 to March 2021. Patients with moderate ischemic stroke (NIHSS 5 to 15) who had vitamin D deficiency (serum 25-OH vitamin D ≤30 ng/mL) were recruited and randomized into intervention and control groups. Subjects in the intervention group received a single dose, intramuscular (IM) injection of 600000 international unit (IU) vitamin D3, in addition to the standard treatment. NSE level and NIHSS were evaluated at baseline and 48 hours after the intervention. The BI was monitored three months after discharge. Results. During the study period, 570 patients were assessed; finally, forty-one patients completed the study. Except for the age which was higher in the control group (p=0.04), there were no statistically significant differences in other baseline characteristics between the two groups. After 48 hours, the NIHSS score was significantly lower in the intervention group (median 8 vs. 6.5, p=0.008 in the control and intervention groups, respectively), but there was no significant difference in the NSE level (p=0.80). Three months after discharge, the BI was significantly higher in the intervention group (median 8 vs. 9, p=0.03 in the control and intervention groups, respectively). Conclusions. Administration of a single 600000 IU of vitamin D3 could have neuroprotective effects in patients with moderate ischemic stroke, according to its significantly positive effects on functional clinical outcomes (NIHSS and BI), but this effect on the biomarker related to neural damage (NSE) was not significant
Prevalence and risk factors of Low Birth Weight in Fars province, south of Iran, 2014
No full textBackground/Objective: This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of low birth weight and its risk factors in Fars province, south of Iran, 2014.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we collected data of 3,600 neonates through multi-stage random sampling. At first, we divided the hospitals into two strata, private and public. Then by stratified random sampling, we selected the neonates from delivery list in each hospital. In univariate analysis, the variables in which the p-value was less than 0.2 were entered into multivariate logistic regression analysis model for adjusting. Two-sided p values <0.05 were statistically considered significant.
Result: The prevalence of low birth weight in Fars province was 8.7% (95% CI: 7.8% - 9.7%). In term birth, factors such as mother’s age > 35 years, multiple birth and duration < 24 months with previous pregnancy were risk factors of low birth weight (P <0 .05) and just the father’s literacy was a protective factor for low birth weight.
Conclusion: The prevalence of low birth weight in Fars province was low in comparison to that of the world and other districts of Iran. But we should plan for reduction of low birth weight to achieve world health organization’s goal. Variables of pregnancy interval of less than 2 years, multiple births, mother’s age over 35 years and father’s level of education could predict low birth weight of the neonates
Association between exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textSome studies have shown that exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is a dangerous factor for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to clarify this relationship, and to collect and analyze all the relevant evidences in published reports of epidemiologic studies. PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were searched through September 31, 2018. The study quality was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Moreover, fixed- and random-effect models were used. The data in this meta-analysis were presented as adjusted odds ratio (AOR). From 959 articles, six articles were included in the systematic review, and for meta-analysis, one study (that was not AOR) was excluded. The participants included in the studies were 2799 with the age range of 5�15 years old, and 93.6 were living in America. Four of the studies were placed in one group, due to having a common author (Perera). Moreover, a significant association was found between PAH exposure and ADHD in these studies (odds ratio = 2.57, 95 CI = 1.75�3.78); however, in all studies, there was no significant association between PAH exposure and ADHD for children (overall odds ratio = 1.99, 95 CI = 0.96�4.11) with low heterogeneity (I2 = 28.73; P value < 0.001). This study provided a systematic review and meta-analytic evidence for the association between PAH exposure and ADHD by a small number of studies. Further research study can be conducted in various countries. Figure not available: see fulltext.. © 2020, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature
The preference of Iranian women to have normal vaginal or cesarean deliveries
No full textBackground: The cesarean section (C-section) has higher risk compared to normal vaginal delivery (NVD). The aim of this population-based study was to evaluate the frequency of mothers′ tendency toward the mode of delivery and the factors that can affect this inclination. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2011 to June 2012 in Fars Province, Iran, and comprised mothers in their 20 th to 30 th weeks of pregnancy. A questionnaire was designed to include, sociodemographic information, maternal knowledge, main sources of knowledge, attitude of the mother, husband, parents, close friends, and gynecologist, regarding the route of delivery, convenience factors, and barriers to choosing NVD, and mother′s preference for the route of delivery. Results: Of 6921 participants, 2197 (31.7%) preferred C-section and 4308 (62.2%) favored NVD while 416 (6%) had no idea regarding the preferred route of delivery. Score of knowledge in 904 (13.1%) participants was zero, and 1261 women (18.2%) achieved an acceptable level of knowledge. Using binary logistic regression, positive history of previous abortion and/or infertility, higher education level of mother and husband, mother′s unacceptable level of knowledge regarding complications of C-section, and mother′s and husband′s positive attitude toward C-section were determinant factors in choosing C-section as a preferred route of delivery. Conclusion: Appropriate measures should be taken to raise awareness and knowledge of mothers and all families about complications of the C-section. Establishment of clinics for painless NVD and assuring mothers of benefits and lower complications of NVD can reduce the tendency for C-sections
Assessment of COVID-19 control strategies in a steel industry using a SWOT matrix
No full textAccording to the health regulations, industrial environments due to the gathering of people are considered as one of the highest-risk places during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, planning with regard to health concerns can decisively help in infection control and continuity of businesses during the pandemic. The aim of this study was to evaluate the COVID-19 control management measures in the Sepid-farab Kavir Steel Complex (SKS complex) located in Isfahan province (Iran) using strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) matrix. After a literature review and field surveys, all weak, strong, threatening, and opportunity points were collected and were listed using the internal factor evaluation (IFE) and external factor evaluation (EFE) matrices and then were prioritized and weighted. Next, given the sum of scores of IFE and EFE, the SWOT matrix was constructed, the disease prevention and control strategies in the complex was determined, and finally, experts proposed corrective measures to improve the current situation. The results of the IFE matrix (IFE) analysis showed that in terms of corona control, there are more weaknesses than strengths within the company (the score of this matrix was 201.12). Also the score of 165 on the EFE matrix indicated that external threats were predominant, compared to external opportunities of company. SWOT analysis showed that despite some external problems and challenges, the existence of a favorable internal decision-making system had an important role in developing appropriate health strategies and implementing effective prevention measures in SKS complex against the COVID-19. © The Author(s) 2021
