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Aims: How to design spaces in cities can have different effects on citizens. The objectives of this study can be to examine the impact of biophilic urban space on the stress of people.
Methods: The research method is quasi-experimental. The statistical population of the study consists of 20 bachelor and master students in the field of architecture and urban planning at Tabriz University of Islamic Arts in the academic year 1400. First, students' health was identified using a call announcement and a demographic questionnaire, and these individuals were quantified for stress with the help of a smart wristband while viewing images of biophilic and non-biophilic urban spaces with the help of virtual reality glasses.
Findings: Analysis of the results shows that the average change in stress of individuals while viewing non-biophilic images was approximately 5/2 units higher than biophilic ones in the second minute. p-Value is significant between individuals with education in biophilic state and rest in 1 minute and non-biophilic in 2 minutes. The difference between stress number in non-biophilic state and biophilic in 2 minutes is significant (p-value = 023/0) and shows the positive effect of biophilic approach on reducing stress that this efficiency can be considered in the design of future urban spaces.
Conclusion: Special attention of urban designers on the structure of spaces and the use of extraction measures from the biophilic model in different scales cause the design or organization of spaces that significantly reduce the stress of people living in cities

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The issue of job absenteeism as a critical factor for organizations brings significant financial losses. The absence is one of the all-consuming challenging and time consuming problems organizations could face and in economic point of view, one of the factors increasing the cost of production. These issues are more common in estate owned organizations. Given the need to identify causes of absenteeism and staff desertion, this study, with scientific and realistic analysis on the causes of absenteeism, try to find solutions and ways to overcome these issues. Reviewing experiences of some management scientists and sociologists, Q-methodology used to identify important factors causing employees absenteeism which those factors were finalizing using factor analysis. Statistical population was staff of the case study where three of the specialists interviewed, 40 Q identified and prioritized by the participants. 5 factors were identified, which collectively illustrate the importance of performance-based pay, developing systematic indicators to evaluate performance, enriching jobs by redefining the identity, awareness and transparency in the formulation and implementation of organizational structure.

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The toxicity of garlic is confirmed on some agricultural pests. The aim of this study was to comparatively evaluate the sensitivity of Podisus maculiventris (Say) to garlic extract and two insect pests: Mediterranean flour moth Ephestia kuehniella (Zeller) and Colorado potato beetle Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say). LC₅₀ was calculated at 8.02% for E. kuehniella. The results showed toxic compounds in garlic extract delayed all developmental stages and reproduction parameters of L. decemlineata. In contrast, there were no considerable negative effects on many of the biological parameters of the predatory insect, P. maculiventris. The results suggest that garlic, as a green pesticide, could be considered an environmentally suitable alternative in pest management programs. 

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Objective: Because of the necessity of more effective treatments for the nervous system injuries and considering the role of survivin in cellular proliferation and apoptotic cell death, we have monitored survivin gene expression changes during the course of regeneration in injured sciatic nerves and also L4-L6 segments of spinal cord. Materials and Methods: We used adult male NMRI mice as a model. After anesthetizing the animals, the right sciatic nerve was transected and at the indicated times (3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 96 and 144 hours) the animals were sacrificed and both distal and proximal segments of the transected sciatic nerve, intact left sciatic nerve and L4-L6 segments of spinal cord were dissected. The total RNA was extracted from each sample and semi-quantitative RT-PCR with specific primers for survivin and also 2-microglobulin genes, as an internal control, was performed. To determine cellular distribution of survivin protein, 6 days (144 hours) after the axotomy, survivin protein expression was evaluated using immunohistochemistry technique. Results: Our results demonstrated the expression of both survivin140 and survivin40 in distal and proximal segments of sciatic nerve with different intensity, where the expression of survivin140 was higher than survivin40. In spinal cord segments, only survivin140 expression was detected. In Immunohistochemistry analysis of spinal cord segments, both the nuclear and cytoplasmic distribution of survivin protein was observed. In contrast, survivin protein has not been detected in either distal or proximal segments of sciatic nerve. Conclusion: Our data suggest that survivin is differentially expressed and spliced during the course of regeneration in damaged nerve and spinal cord. It seems that manipulation of expression and/or splicing of survivin could potentially affect the process of regeneration in nerve and/or spinal cord injuries.

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α-crystallin is a member of small heat shock protein family (sHSP) which shows both structural and chaperone functions. This protein plays important role in eye lens transparency and indicates protective function in the other tissues. The lenticular levels of copper ions significantly enhance in diabetic patients, aged and cataractous lenses. In eye lenses, the free copper ions induce ascorbic acid auto-oxidation, leading to formation of dehydroascorbic acid and other oxidative products as well as reactive oxygen species. The oxidized forms of ascorbic acid along with the reducing sugars enter into pathological reactions with the eye lens proteins, forming toxic advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). As one of the main components of eye lens antioxidant defense mechanism, glutathione could scavenge the copper ions, inhibiting the formation of reactive oxygen species in eye lenses.
In the current study, the structural and functional properties of human αB-crystallin were assessed using different spectroscopic methods. In the presence of copper ions, αB-crystallin exhibited important alterations in both structure and chaperone activity which upturned in the presence of glutathione. Moreover, incubation of human αB-crystallin with copper resulted in significant increase in the protein oligomeric size distribution which largely prevented upon simultaneous incubation with glutathione.
Overall, glutathione may scavenge free copper ions in the lenticular tissue, inhibiting their damaging effects on crystallin proteins and other redox-sensitive molecular targets such as ascorbic acid. Our results may introduce a new protective role for glutathione which is highly important in diabetic and aged lenses showing increased levels of copper ions.  

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Objective: Evaluation of the effects of Toxoplasma gondii infection on spermatogenesis in male rats. Materials and Methods: The RH strain of T. gondii tachyzoites were injected interaperitoneally in an infected group of 35 rats, while 21 rats were used as controls. Each ten days from 10- 70 days of post-infection (PI), 5 rats from infected group and 3 rats from control group were scarified. The percentage of body weight to testis weight ratio (BTR) as well as sperm parameters and fructose levels in seminal vesicles and coagulating glands (SVCG) were investigated. An IgG ELISA kit was designed for serologic diagnosis of infection in the rats. Results: All rats injected with T. gondii tachyzoites were infected from 10-70 PI. Sperm motility from 10-70 PI, sperm viability from 10-60 PI and sperm concentration from 20-60 PI were significantly decreased in the infected group (P<0.05); sperm abnormality was significantly increased in the infected group on days 30, 40 and 50 PI (P < 0.05). BTR in the infected group was not significantly changed compared to control group (P>0.05). Fructose level in SVCG in the infected group was significantly decreased on days 10-50 PI (P < 0.05) compared to control. Conclusion: According to the results, toxoplasmosis can cause impermanent impairment on the spermatogenesis in the male rats.

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This study aimed at identifying required competencies for the labor market by the graduates majoring in the agricultural extension education field. The study population included undergraduates, faculty members, and employers, as related to bachelor level in three extension and education departments at Bu Ali Sina, Tehran, and Shiraz Universities of Iran. The study has employed both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. The quantitative research method used to collect data consisted of a questionnaire and the qualitative research method was semi-structured interviews. According to results, a combination of skills, mechanisms, supportive and collaborative systems with focus on self employment and entrepreneurship should be considered in order to improve students’ situation for labour market.

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Objective: The goals of the study are evaluation the effect(s) of food deprivation as a social stress on testis structure. We also investigated the effects of melatonin treatment as an antioxidant component and inequality on the effect(s) of food deprivation. Methods: We investigated the improving effects of melatonin and social stress (food deprivation) on 42 male rats in 7 groups including control, sham, melatonin received (M), food deprivation (1/3 of control daily food) plus observation (FD), FD + melatonin (FDM), isolated FD (FDi), and FDi + melatonin (FDMi) groups. After 14 days, rats' testes were studied using immuno histochemistry and TUNEL assays to determine the number of apoptotic cells. Biochemical evaluation was taken on malodialdehide (MDA) and glutathione (GSH). ANOVA and Tukey's tests were done to analyse the data. PResults: The results of sham group was declined for similarity to results of control group. In FD group, MDA was increased significantly (PConclusion: Food deprivation can induce oxidative stress which is associated with increasment of apoptotic cells in testis. Isolation can compensate these effects. These results refer to inequality. Since melatonin is recognized for its anti-oxidative and improving effects, we have shown involvement of oxidative stress mechanisms on the stress of food deprivation with inequality.

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Objective: This study presents a simple method for isolation, expansion and purification of neonatal mouse spermatogonial stem cells. Methods: We used enzymatic digestion to isolate a cell suspension of spermatogonia and Sertoli cells from neonatal 2-day-old mice. The cells were cultured in DMEM/F12 that contained 10% serum for two weeks. Sertoli and spermatogonia cell characteristics were confirmed by examining for the presence of vimentin and PLZF proteins, respectively. To assess the rate of spermatogonia stem cell expansion, the area and number of colonies were measured during the two weeks of culture. At the end of the second week, we detected spermatogonia cell-specific expressions of the Stra8, Piwill2, DAZL, and Mvh genes. Results: Current results indicated that isolated Sertoli and spermatogonia cells were immunopositive for specific markers. During the culture period, a significant difference was seen in the number and area of spermatogonial stem cell colonies (PConclusion: Our study showed that co-culture of spermatogonia and Sertoli cells from same source provides a convenient and efficient environment. This co-culture, without the addition of external growth factors and chemical manipulations, can be used for proliferation of spermatogonia stem cells.

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Objective: Antioxidants are essential for sperm motility. Calligonum extract possesses the important antioxidants catechin and quercetin. This study investigates the effects of calligonum extract on sperm parameters and the rate of apoptosis in testes of aging male mice. Methods: We initially performed a dose response test with using three doses of calligonum (10 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg). A total of 25 aging male mice (11-13 months) were divided into the following groups of five mice each: control, sham and three experimental groups. The experimental groups received IP injections of calligonum extract (10 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg) weekly for up to five weeks. The sham group received IP injections of DMSO. At the end of the injection period, mice were sacrificed and sperm parameters analyzed. To determine apoptosis in testes, we performed TUNEL staining. Results: Our results showed that after calligonum treatment, there were improved sperm parameters in the 30 mg/kg-treated group compared to the other groups (P≤0.05). Conclusion: Calligonum extract (30 mg/kg) can improve sperm parameters and decrease apoptosis in the testes of aging male mice. This herbal extract can be employed as an antioxidant component for clinical usage.

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Objective: Diabetic neuropathy leads to axonal transport abnormalities. However its mechanism and the beneficial effects of exercise on these abnormalities are not well documented. The present study aims to investigate KIF1B mRNA in spinal cord sensory neuron tissue of Wistar male rats with diabetic neuropathy following endurance training. Methods: We randomly assigned 12 male Wistar rats into three groups: diabetic trained, diabetic untrained and healthy control. Intraperitoneal injection of a STZ (streptozotocin) solution (45 mg/kg) was used to induce diabetes. At two weeks after STZ injections, the mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia tests demonstrated the presence of diabetic neuropathy. A moderate endurance training protocol was performed for a six-week period. At 24 hours after the final training session, the rats were sacrified and the L4-L6 sensory neurons of the spinal cord tissue were removed. KIF1B mRNA expression was performed using real time-PCR. Results: Diabetic neuropathy led to increased KIF1B gene expression in the diabetic untrained group compared with the intact control group (p=0.03). Compared with the diabetic untrained group, training significantly decreased KIF1B gene expression (P<0.05) and blood glucose levels (P=0.0001) in the diabetic trained group. Conclusion: KIF1B mRNA up-regulation in sensory neurons of STZ-diabetic rats is a factor which can be involved in abnormal axonal transport. Endurance training as a non-pharmacotherapy strategy can modulate and return KIF1B to approximate normal levels.

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Objective: This study presents an efficient, cost-effective method to improve proliferation and colonization of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in vitro. Methods: Isolated SSCs from neonate mice were cultured in DMEM culture medium with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS). In the first phase of the study, the temperature was controlled by low intensity pulsed ultrasound stimulation (LIPUS) of the plate that contained the culture medium. In the next phase, SSCs were stimulated by LIPUS with 200 mW/cm² with 20% and 40% duty cycle for five days. Proliferation and colonization of SSCs were on the seventh day. Results: LIPUS treatment of mouse SSCs increased the proliferation rate and colonization of SSCs in the experimental groups compared to the control group. Average proliferation rate in the 20% duty cycle group was 1.46±0.06, in the 40% duty cycle group it was 2.00±0.1 and for the control group, it was 1.26±0.06. The average number of colonies in the 20% duty cycle group was 24±7.7, whereas the 40% duty cycle group had 62±1.4 colonies and the control group had an average of 19±5.5 colonies. Average colony diameters were as follows: 186.6±2.07 µm (20% duty cycle group), 185.3±4.4 µm (40% duty cycle group) and 190.0±2.0 µm (control group). Our results showed a significant increase in proliferation rate and number of colonies in the experimental groups compared to the control group (P<0.05), whereas no significant differences were observed between groups in colony diameters. Conclusion: These results suggested that LIPUS treatment can be an efficient, cost-effective method to improve proliferation and colonization of SSCs during in vitro culture.

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Objectives: This study investigated the possible synergistic effect of simultaneous treatment of bone morphogenic protein (BMP)-4 as a chemical stimulator and static magnetic field (SMF) as a physical stimulator on viability percent and proliferation rate in rat bone marrow stem cells. Methods: Passage 5 cells were trypsinized, and a cell suspension prepared after which the cells were counted and cultured in 25 cm² flasks. Cells were incubated for one day and washed with phosphate-buffered saline. We added BMP-4 at the optimum concentration of 25 ng/ml at different times (24, 48 and 96 h) into the medium. The cells were exposed at an optimum intensity of 4 mT of the SMF at different exposure times (24, 48, and 96 h). Subsequently cells were washed with phosphate-buffered saline, trypsinized, and separate cell suspensions were prepared from each flask. We investigated the viability and proliferation rates of treated cells by staining them with Trypan blue and performed cell counts with an optical microscope. The mean numbers of whole cells and living cells were considered to be the proliferation and survival rates, respectively. Results: Increased SMF exposure and BMP-4 increased the viability percent and change in proliferation rate in the treated groups compared with their corresponding controls. The maximum increased viability was observed in the group that was treated with BMP-4 for 96 h. Conclusion: Our results have supported the hypothesis that SMF alters the viability and proliferation rate of treated BMSCs, which was enhanced when the cells were treated simultaneously with SMF and BMP-4.

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In this paper, boundary layer control technique is investigated on the NREL-5MW offshore baseline wind turbine blade with numerical simulation of linear DBD plasma actuator in a three-dimensional manner. This wind turbine uses pitch control system to adjust its generated power above its rated speed; but below that the controller is not in function. In the current study, operating condition is set such that the control system is off. Plasma actuator consists of two electrode and dielectric material. One of these electrodes is connected with the air and the other one is encapsulated with the dielectric material. When the necessary high-level AC voltage is applied to electrodes, electric field forms around the actuator and an induced wall jet forms with the ionization of the air around the actuator. Electrostatic model is applied to simulate the effects of plasma actuator and the resulted body force is inserted into flow momentum equations. In the present study, three different control cases are studied. Results show that in all cases, using this actuator leads to improvement of the velocity profile in controlled section, which influences on pressure distribution and results in rotor torque increment. Finally, increasing in torque leads to grows in produced power of the wind turbine. The most increment in output power occurs, when the actuator installed near the root of the blade in the spanwise direction and before low-speed region in the chordwise direction.

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Objective: It is hypothesized that stem cells have the capability to form tumors after transplantation. Spermatogonial stem cells have proliferation potency and colonization ability related to express pluripotency genes such as c-Myc. The primary aim of this study is to investigate tumorigenicity ability of these cells after in vitro cultivation and inoculation in athymic animals. Methods: Spermatogonial stem cells from 3-5 day-old neonatal mice testes (NMRI) were cultured following two-step enzymatic digestion. After one month of culturing the spermatogonial stem cells, the obtained colonies were identified by Oct4 and PLZF markers. Expressions of Nanog, Oct4 and c-Myc pluripotency genes were subsequently studied. We subcutaneously inoculated 5 x 10⁶ cells into athymic mice and assessed tumor formation after 8 weeks. Mouse embryonic stem cells (CCE line) were used as the positive control. Generated tumors were measured by a caliper. Results: The colonies expressed Oct4 and PLZF proteins. Ratio of pluripotency gene expressions in these cells compared to embryonic stem cells significantly decreased (P≤0.05). Mouse embryonic stem cells formed tumors however the spermatogonial colonies did not form any tumors. Conclusion: Mouse spermatogonial stem cells in comparison with embryonic stem cells are not capable of forming tumors in vivo. We have observed that the tumorigenic ability of these cells decreased significantly with down regulation of pluripotency gene expressions, particularly c-Myc. However, this study should be reassessed by using human tissue samples.

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In this work, a new friction spot welding process called “Threaded Hole Friction Spot Welding” was introduced to join aluminum and short-carbon-fiber-reinforced polypropylene composite sheets. The new process was based on the filling of the pre-threaded hole on the metallic sheet by the melted polymer. Mechanisms of bonding were investigated using macro/micro structural investigation of the joints. The effects of the tool rotational speed on the mechanical strength and fracture energy of the joints were also studied. The results showed that the hole is completely filled with the melted polymer. Formation of a reaction layer composed mostly of Al, C and O as well as mechanical locking between the threaded hole and the re-solidified polymer inside the hole was effective on the joint strength. Maximum shear-tensile strength of the joints reached to ~80 percent of the strength of the polymeric composite sheet. Moreover, strength and fracture energy of the joints increased with enhancement of the tool rotational speed. Variation of the joint strength was explored at the light of the fracture surface features as well as the hardness of the re-solidified polymer inside the hole.

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Energy carriers including elasticity play central roles in development of societies. In this paper, we estimate residential electricity demand among the selected counties of Tehran province, i.e., Tehran, Varamin, Firouzkooh, Damavand, using dynamic panel data model over the period 2000- 2014. The most effective variables which explain demand for residential electricity are per capita income, natural gas real price, weather coldness and hotness index and electricity real price. The estimation results of the short run model reveal that demand for electricity decreases by 0.42 percent for one percent increase in electricity real price. The price of substitute energy carrier such as natural gas is of low effect on electricity demand. There is a positive and significant relationship between electricity demand and household's income. The last period electricity demand is the key effective factor in explaining the current electricity demand with a coefficient of 0.65. The estimation results of the long run model show that one percent change in electricity price changes the demand for electricity by -1.2 percent. In addition, demand for electricity increases by 0.1 percent with one percent increase in income.
 

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Objective: Oxidative stress as a consequence of aging can induce infertility in males. In this study, we have investigated the effects of aging on sperm parameters, intra-spermatic water soluble antioxidants, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and in vitro blastocyst formation. Methods: We chose 5 older NMRI male mice (10-12 months) and 5 younger NMRI male mice (2-3 months). Sperm parameters, ROS, soluble antioxidants level and in vitro fertilization rate were assessed in both groups. The results were analyzed by the independent sample and chi square tests. A correlation test was performed between ROS generation and soluble antioxidant levels. Results: Our data showed a significant decrease (P≤ 0.05) between sperm count, progressive motility and normal morphology. There was no significant difference in percent rate of in vitro fertilization, blastocyst formation rate, ROS and water soluble antioxidant levels between the two groups. We observed a significant difference (P≤0.01), linear and inverted relation between both groups in terms of ROS and water soluble antioxidant levels. Conclusion: Aging causes a significant decrease in sperm count, progressive motility and normal morphology. The relationship between intra-spermatic oxidant and anti-oxidants is significant, linear and inverted in both young and aging mice. Thus, high levels of water soluble antioxidants are followed by decreased ROS levels. This study has shown that age of the male mouse did not affect the percent rate of in vitro fertilization and blastocyst formation.

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This paper aims at investigating the effect of heat input in resistance spot welding on microstructure and mechanical behavior of 2304 duplex stainless steel, as a promising candidate for automotive application. The results showed that due to rapid cooling rate inherent to resistance spot welding, the ferrite-austenite phase balance is destroyed and nitride-type precipitates are formed within the ferrite grains. The amount of austenite in the weld nugget was a function of welding current, as the most important factor affecting welding heat input. Increasing welding current increased the austenite volume fraction from 4 to 18%. Moreover, the nitride precipitation was reduced upon using higher welding currents. Investigation of weld mechanical performance during the tensile-shear loading showed that increasing welding current enhances both load bearing capacity and energy absorption capability. The maximum achievable peak load and energy absorption of 2304 duplex stainless steel resistance spot welds were 25 kN and 40 J indicating a superior weldability.

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In current study turbulent flow around a 3D square cylinder is modeled using large eddy simulation and shear stress k-ω turbulence modeling for three values of Reynolds numbers 5000, 46000 and 69000. The flow and sound field simulations are conducted by using fluent commercial software. Sound pressure level in the acoustical far field and on the surface of the square cylinder at incidence are evaluated for six angles of attack. Flow induced sound at far field is predicted by employing FWH analogy while sound pressure level over the surface model is directly estimated by measuring the unsteady surface pressures. The results of the present study showed good agreement with the available experimental results. The fluctuating lift and drag forces acting on the square rod and flow turbulence are the main sources of the acoustic field generation. It is noticed that the minimum of drag coefficient, mean and root mean squared (rms) value of lift coefficient, and sound pressure level in acoustical far field occurred at 13 angle of attack. The maximum Strouhal number occurred at 13o angle of attack. The Strouhal number for all angles of attack is noticed to be independent of the flow Reynolds number. Both turbulence models considered in this study predict the acoustic and flow features within an acceptable accuracy.