Important Factor In Effectiveness Research Articles

Analysis of thermophysical characteristic of SiO2/water nanofluid and heat transfer enhancement with field synergy principle

Nanofluid is one of the most popular and promising heat-transfer fluids. SiO2/water nanofluid suspension stability and their thermophysical characteristics were investigated. Specifically, the suspension stability of the nanofluid was characterized using a Malvern Zetasizer Nano Instrument. The thermal conductivity of the nanofluid was studied at different temperatures and particle sizes. The results indicated that the thermal conductivity of the nanofluid with a mass fraction of 5% increased to 6.8% compared with the water based fluid. Meanwhile, the mean field synergy angle of the spiral microchannel radiator with different properties of the nanofluid was simulated based on different structure microchannel sizes to evaluate the heat transfer performance according to the velocity and the temperature field. The results indicated that the mean field synergy angle was proportional to the nanoparticle size while inversely to the mass fraction of the nanofluid, and their strengthening heat transfer effect was enhanced. The structure size of the microchannel was one of the important effect factors on the mean field synergy angle.

A 60 Hz uniform electromagnetic field promotes human cell proliferation by decreasing intracellular reactive oxygen species levels.

Previously, we showed that exposure of human normal and cancer cells to a 6 mT, 60 Hz gradient electromagnetic field (EMF) induced genotoxicity. Here, we investigated the cellular effects of a uniform EMF. Single or repetitive exposure to a 6 mT, 60 Hz uniform EMF neither induced DNA damage nor affected cell viability in HeLa and primary IMR-90 fibroblasts. However, continuous exposure of these cells to an EMF promoted cell proliferation. Cell viability increased 24.4% for HeLa and 15.2% for IMR-90 cells after a total 168 h exposure by subculture. This increase in cell proliferation was directly correlated with EMF strength and exposure time. When further incubated without EMF, cell proliferation slowed down to that of unexposed cells, suggesting that the proliferative effect is reversible. The expression of cell cycle markers increased in cells continuously exposed to an EMF as expected, but the distribution of cells in each stage of the cell cycle did not change. Notably, intracellular reactive oxygen species levels decreased and phosphorylation of Akt and Erk1/2 increased in cells exposed to an EMF, suggesting that reduced levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species play a role in increased proliferation. These results demonstrate that EMF uniformity at an extremely low frequency (ELF) is an important factor in the cellular effects of ELF-EMF.

Be fearless: Positive affect as a mediator between venturesomeness and self-efficacy in future entrepreneurs and managers

Introduction and objectivesSelf-efficacy, personality and different affect states in entrepreneurs and managers are important factors for effectiveness and well-being. The aim of the study was to examine in young adults during entrepreneurship-related education, the relationships between venturesomeness and self-efficacy, and the mediating effects of positive affect and positive emotions (joviality, self-assurance, attentiveness) on these relationships. MethodOne hundred and fifty-three participants (mean age 22 years) completed questionnaires that assessed venturesomeness, general self-efficacy, positive affect (measured as a state), and positive emotions. Bootstrapping analyses with simple and multiple mediators were conducted, controlled for gender, to estimate the indirect effects of positive affect and positive emotions on venturesomeness and general self-efficacy. ResultsVenturesomeness was significantly correlated with self-efficacy. Positive affect (model 1), joviality and self-assurance, but not attentiveness (model 2), were complete mediators in the relationship between venturesomeness and self-efficacy. ConclusionThe present study provides new evidence that heightened venturesomeness is related to higher levels of positive affect, self-assurance and joviality. Venturesomeness, therefore, may strengthen self-efficacy in young people during entrepreneurship-related education, and positive emotions may lead to an aware use of resources, including self-efficacy. These results may stimulate young people to be brave and to try new experiences.

Analyzing drought history using Fuzzy Integrated Drought Index (FIDI): a case study in the Neyshabour basin, Iran

In arid to semi-arid climates, monitoring drought is very complicated because of different hydrometeorology variables effect on it. It is proposed in this paper to develop Fuzzy Integrated Drought Index (FIDI) which combines most important effective factors in developing drought. At first, Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) model calibrated simulated runoff to outlet basin runoff data for years 1993–1995. Results represent high performance of model in simulating runoff of outlet basin. Then, Precipitation Anomaly Percentage Index (PAPI), actual Evapotranspiration Anomaly Percentage Index (EAPI), Runoff Anomaly Percentage Index (RAPI), and Soil Moisture Anomaly Percentage Index (SMAPI) were constructed. FIDI was compared with the PAPI, RAPI and SMAPI for the period of 1985 to 2014. The results indicate that (1) the FIDI has more ability in determining start and persistence of drought event compared with PAPI, RAPI, and SMAPI; (2) in the low time scales, PAPI and SMAPI have high correlation with FIDI, and in the higher time scales, RAPI has the high correlation with FIDI; (3) spatially, the middle, west, and portion of north have higher drought risk in the Neyshabour basin.

Preparation and evaluation of functionalized goethite nanorods coated by molecularly imprinted polymer for selective extraction of bisphenol A in aqueous medium

Molecular imprinting method is widely used to recognize various templates. Recognition of bisphenol A (BPA) as a harmful template is important. Herein a novel BPA molecular imprinted polymer nanoparticles (BMIPN) is reported by core-shell surface molecular imprinting technology. In this process, BPA was imprinted by polymerizing methacrylic acid (MAA) as functional monomer, in presence of ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as a cross-linker and goethite nanorods (GNR) functionalized with fumaric acid. The formation of different materials in different steps was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), the size and surface morphological of material was observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The BMIPN structure was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The important effective factors on adsorption process such as pH, contact time, amount of GNR, initial concentration of BPA, release and reusability and selectivity of BMIPN were studied. The excellent selectivity behavior of BMIPN was evaluated in the presence of phenol (Ph), 4, 4′-biphenol (BPh), hydroquinone (HQ) and 2, 2′-Bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)butane (BPB), as interferences. Based on the isotherm and kinetic studies, the experimental data obey Langmuir isotherm and the pseudo-second-order kinetic models. The results showed that BMIPN had excellent properties for adsorbing BPA in a short time even in the presence of analogous.

The role of Ag, Ca, Zr and Al in strengthening effects of ZK series alloys by altering G.P. zones stability

The density of precipitates is the most important factor in the strengthening effects of alloys by aging. We here use first-principles calculation to reveal the mechanism of increasing density of precipitates by adding alloying elements for Mg-Zn alloys. The Guinier-Preston (G.P.) zones, which begin to occur during the early stage of precipitation, play an important role in the strengthening of the Mg-Zn alloys. To reveal the mechanism of formation of G.P. zones in Mg-Zn alloys with different alloying elements, we have undertaken systematic calculations to investigate the influence of Ag, Ca, Zr and Al on the stability of G.P. zones in Mg-Zn alloys. We find that the formation energies of Zn G.P. zones with Ag and Ca are much lower than that of pure Zn G.P. zones, while the formation energies of Zn G.P. zones with Zr and Al are slightly higher than that of pure Zn G.P. zones. It indicates that the effects of Ag and Ca to enhance the stability of G.P. zones are much stronger than these of Zr and Al, which is consistent with the experimental observation that Ag and Ca can promote efficiently the density of precipitation of G.P. zones in Mg-Zn alloys, but Zr and Al cannot. We also find that the combined addition of Ag and Ca not only enhances the stability of G.P. zones but also decreases the difference of formation energies of G.P. zones parallel to different habit planes, which provides conditions for increasing nucleation sites for G.P. zones that corresponds better strengthening effect. Furthermore, we analyze electronic structures to understand the different roles of these alloy elements in alteration of stability of G.P. zones.

Environmental interventions based on the Health Belief Model and the Ecological-social model in the continuation of consumption of rice, free from toxic metals.

Background and aimContinuation of healthy nutritional behaviors is one of the important factors in effectiveness of educational intervention programs. The aim of this research is to compare the Health Belief Model and the Ecological-social model in reducing consumption of rice contaminated with toxic metals after completion of environmental intervention and continuation of consumption of healthy rice.MethodsThis research was the implementation of a six-month randomized controlled trial interventional program in two groups’ interventions along with a control group, with 80 people for each group totally, amounting to 240 women, between 18 and 50 years of age in Ilam, Iran in 2014. The questionnaires of the three groups consisted of demographic information, knowledge, the constructs of the models, performance of rice consumption. Friedman test and repeated measures used for data analysis with SPSS (version 20), and confidence interval of 95% were considered.ResultsThe results of the Friedman test indicated a significant increase in the number of women consuming healthy rice over six months after intervention in both intervention groups (p<0.001). Women in the ECO group consumed healthy rice 27.5% more than the HBM group (p<0.001). The results of repeated measures analysis of variance suggested greater improvement in the consumption of healthy rice in the ECO group in comparison with the HBM group over six months after intervention (p<0.05).ConclusionsBoth educational environmental intervention methods caused the altered diet of people regarding consumption of healthy rice over six months after the intervention. Increased social support also probably had a more effective role in continuation of healthy diet among the people.

Presenting a conceptual pattern of HSE performance of oil trucks.

Accidents are among the main problems in the oil product supply chain. The most important effective factors in these events are the kind of trucks used and their health, safety, and environment (HSE) condition. The aim of this study was to present a conceptual pattern of the HSE performance of oil trucks in oil industries. In this study, 20 truck models (with fixed tanks), in use over different periods of time, were investigated. In this regard, the criteria and sub-criteria were first determined in two parts-carrier and tank-and weighted by fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP). The results showed that the most important sub-criteria regarding the HSE factors of the carrier were resistance and strength of the front and rear shields, the brake system, and the ventilation system. The most important sub-criteria regarding the HSE factors of the tank were tank shell thickness and a good tank design shape with respect to portable material. It should be noted that the weight of the criteria with each other and sub-criteria with each other are not equal. This issue is important for decision-making. The main reason for the use of trucks with the lowest score in developing countries is the lack of attention by managers to safety issues and international standards and agreements such as the ADR.

A Dynamic Model of Effective Factors on Open Innovation in Manufacturing Small and Medium Sized Companies

Open Innovation is a key to improve SMEs' performance in a dynamic marketplace. This article aims to present a dynamic model based on causal relationships among the most important effective factors on Open Innovation in manufacturing SMEs by using system dynamics modelling approach. To study the most important factors, the data collected by questionnaires filled by 275 experts, and analyzed by SPSS and PLS. Causal relationships among studied factors and efficacy coefficients of each factor were identified by fuzzy DEMATEL technique, the data collected from 12 experts and analyzed by MATLAB and EXCEL. Finally, the dynamic model was plotted by VENSIM. According to the results, only strategy of organization has a single loop of causality and effects on itself directly. Economic factors are the most important causal factor that has the highest influence on the other factors. Strategy of organization takes the highest effect from the system and organizational learning is in the next rank. Besides, partners are the most important effected factor and ecological issues as an effected factor has no influence on the others.

Optimization of Fermentation Process Parameters for Ginsenoside Re Bioconversion by Plackett-Burman and Box-Benhnken Design

In this work, Plackett-Burman (PB) and Box-Behnken (BB) experiment design were used to investigate the medium components of fermentation forth of ginsenoside Re bioconversion to ginsenoside Rh1. Firstly, nine variables including cultivation time, temperature, pH, reactant concentration, inoculum’s size, peptone, MgSO4*7H2O, K2HPO4 and NaNO3 were screened. The most important effective factors were estimated according to the statistical regression. Subsequently, the steepest ascent experiment was used to approach the optimum response range for each effective factor. Then Box-Benhnken Design (BBD) was finally used to analyze the response surface of the screened factors for further optimization. The optimized conditions for the influential factors were: ginsenoside Re 1.0 g/L, pH 4.5 and 7 days. The bioconversion of ginsenoside Re to Rh1 could reach up to 51.76 %.

The simultaneous effect of electromagnetic and ultrasound treatments on Escherichia coli count in red grape juice

Introduction: The thermal pasteurization is a common method for maintaining fruit juice and increasing shelf life, but the thermal processing changes the flavor and color of the products. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a new method of combining heat and ultrasound on the number of the Escherichia coli present in grape juice.Methods: In this study, the effects of the microwave power, temperature, ultrasound power and ultrasonic exposure time were evaluated on E. coli count of red grape juice. In order to determine the microbial inactivation by microwave and ultrasound, E. coli at a concentration of 6×106 per mL was inoculated to red grape juice.Results: The effects of microwave power, grape juice temperature, ultrasound power and ultrasonic exposure time on the reduction of E. coli were significant (P < 0.05). The model showed that in reducing E. coli the importance of the final temperature of the juice was higher than the microwave power. In addition, the ultrasonic power was more effective in E. coli reduction as compared to the microwave power.Conclusion: Both sample temperature and ultrasonic duration were important independent variables and effective factors on E. coli reduction.

Implementing Accountable Care Organizations: Lessons From a Qualitative Analysis of Four Private Sector Organizations.

Accountable care organizations (ACOs) are emerging across the healthcare marketplace and now include Medicare, Medicaid, and private sector payers covering more than 24 million lives. However, little is known about the process of organizational change required to achieve cost savings and quality improvements from the ACO model. This study applies the complex innovation implementation framework to understand the challenges and facilitators associated with the ACO implementation process. We conducted four case studies of private sector ACOs, selected to achieve variation in terms of geography and organizational maturity. Across sites, we used semistructured interviews with 68 key informants to elicit information regarding ACO implementation. Our analysis found challenges and facilitators across all domains in the conceptual framework. Notably, our findings deviated from the framework in two ways. First, findings from the financial resource availability domain revealed both financial and nonfinancial (i.e., labor) resources that contributed to implementation effectiveness. Second, a new domain, patient engagement, emerged as an important factor in implementation effectiveness. We present these deviations in an adapted framework. As the ACO model proliferates, these findings can support implementation efforts, and they highlight the importance of focusing on patients throughout the process. Importantly, this study extends the complex innovation implementation framework to incorporate consumers into the implementation framework, making it more patient centered and aiding future efforts.

Investigating the Effective Factors on the Occurrence of Smuggled Goods in Iran

This study aims to examine the economic and social factors affecting emergence of smuggling goods and government's approach toward it. The crime of smuggling goods is one of the most important economic crime factors causing irreparable damage to the country’s economic system and also is seriously threatened social and cultural principles and values that govern the society. Other studies have determined the emergence of smuggling goods due to multiple factors of economic, social, and cultural, which are surveyed in this research as the most important effective factors on occurrence of smuggling goods. The aim of this research is to focus on economic and cultural factors existing in this field. In this study, we will conclude how cultural factors and consumption patterns cause the phenomenon of smuggled goods.

Efficacy of a Model Nano-TiO2 Sunscreen Preparation as a Function of Ingredients Concentration and Ultrasonication Treatment

Background: TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) which are used in sunscreen formulations are able to block ultraviolet (UV) radiation with a higher efficiency compared with micro-scale particles. The concentration of corresponding particles is an important factor in UV attenuation effects as well as cell toxicity profiles. Herein, TiO2 NPs were dispersed using ultrasonication treatment and a sunscreen cream was prepared using TiO2 NPs. Methods: The effect of TiO2 concentration (i.e. a physical barrier) and octocrylene (i.e. a chemical UV filter) as well as sonication time (i.e. aggregation preventer) were studied on UVB blocking efficiency of the preparation by measurement of sun protection factor (SPF). Response surface methodology was employed to investigate the effect of the inputs (independent parameters) on the output (dependent parameter). Results: Findings indicated that maximum amount of nano-TiO2 and octocrylene make the preparation most effective. The effect of ultrasonication in breaking the agglomerates was however dominated by the effect of concentration of octocrylene, possibly due to hydrophobic interactions between NPs and octocrylene. Also, TiO2 NPs showed a significant increase in cytotoxicity profile of the preparation. Conclusion: In conclusion, introduction of the nanoparticles, as the dominant factor, to the sunscreen product increased both efficacy and cytotoxicity of the product.

MicroRNA-15b Suppresses Th17 Differentiation and Is Associated with Pathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis by Targeting O-GlcNAc Transferase.

IL-17-producing Th17 cells have gradually become considered as key factors in the pathogenesis of many autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS). Although the involvement of certain microRNAs in the development of MS has been reported, their role in Th17-driven autoimmunity is still poorly understood. In this study, we identified microRNA (miR)-15b as an important factor in Th17-associated effects and determined that the expression of miR-15b is significantly downregulated in MS patients and in mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Overexpression of miR-15b alleviated experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, whereas knockdown of miR-15b aggravated it. We demonstrated that miR-15b suppressed Th17 differentiation both in vivo and in vitro. We also found that O-linkedN-acetylglucosamine transferase is a potential target of miR-15b, enabling it to affect the transcriptional regulation of retinoic acid-related orphan receptor γT through O-linkedN-acetylglucosamine glycosylation of NF-κB. These results contribute to the importance of miR-15b in Th17 differentiation and the pathogenesis of MS.

Cardioprotective effects of calcitonin gene-related peptide in isolated rat heart and in H9c2 cells via redox signaling

The calcitonin-gene-related-peptide (CGRP) release is coupled to the signaling of Angeli's salt in determining vasodilator effects. However, it is unknown whether CGRP is involved in Angeli’s salt cardioprotective effects and which are the mechanisms of protection. We aimed to determine whether CGRP is involved in myocardial protection induced by Angeli’s salt. We also analyzed the intracellular signaling pathway activated by CGRP. Isolated rat hearts were pre-treated with Angeli’s salt or Angeli’s salt plus CGRP8-37, a specific CGRP-receptor antagonist, and subjected to ischemia (30-min) and reperfusion (120-min). Moreover, we studied CGRP-induced protection during oxidative stress (H2O2) and hypoxia/reoxygenation protocols in H9c2 cardiomyocytes. Cell vitality and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔYm, MMP) were measured using MTT and JC-1 dyes. Angeli’s salt reduced infarct size and ameliorated post-ischemic cardiac function via a CGRP-receptor-dependent mechanism. Pre-treatment with CGRP increased H9c2 survival upon challenging with either H2O2 (redox stress) or hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R stress). Under these stress conditions, reduction in MMP and cell death were partly prevented by CGRP. These CGRP beneficial effects were blocked by CGRP8-37. During H/R stress, pre-treatment with either CGRP-receptor, protein kinase C (PKC) or mitochondrial KATP channel antagonists, and pre-treatment with an antioxidant (2-mercaptopropionylglycine) blocked the protection mediated by CGRP. In conclusion, CGRP is involved in the cardioprotective effects of Angeli’s salt. In H9c2 cardiomyocytes, CGRP elicits PKC-dependent and mitochondrial-KATP-redox-dependent mechanisms. Hence, CGRP is an important factor in the redox-sensible cardioprotective effects of Angeli's salt.

Long term effect of vaginal delivery and cesarean section on female sexual function in primipara mothers.

IntroductionPregnancy and birth giving are two of the most important and common effective factors influencing female sexual function. Sexual dysfunction can affect women’s quality of life and marriage. This research tried to determine the relation between labor type and long term sexual function in primipara women of Sabzevar, Iran.MethodsThis cross-sectional study took place in Sabzevar healthcare system in 2014. Study population was chosen by random sampling from every primipara woman who had delivered 2 years ago, in Sabzevar Hospitals. A total number of 177 primipara women were enrolled in this study after signing an informed contest. Sexual function of mothers was determined by validated Persian version of female sexual function index (FSFI). SPSS statistical software version 19 and descriptive and inferential statistics such as percentage, mean, standard deviation, Chi square, student t-test and fisher exact test were used to analyze data.ResultsAmong the study population, 69.5% had natural vaginal delivery (NVD) and 30.5% had caesarean section (C/S). The overall FSFI score was not significantly different in women undergoing NVD or C/S (p=0.23). Also, no significant relation was found between delivery method and urinary (p=0.07) and fecal incontinency (p=0.6). Female sexual function was prominent in women with urinary (p=0.015) and fecal incontinency (p=0.018).ConclusionThe results of present study showed that delivery method has no long-term effect on female sexual function and appropriate education about the sexual issues after delivery and effect of birth giving on sexual function are necessary for this group of society.

Suppression of cytokine production by glucocorticoids is mediated by MKP-1 in human lung epithelial cells

Mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase 1 (MKP-1) expression is induced by inflammatory factors and serves as an endogenous p38 MAPK suppressor to limit inflammatory response. Glucocorticoids are very effective anti-inflammatory drugs and they are used for the treatment of many inflammatory diseases, such as asthma and COPD. We investigated the role of MKP-1 in the inhibition of cytokine production by dexamethasone in human A549 bronchial epithelial cells. We found that dexamethasone increased MKP-1 expression, inhibited p38 MAPK phosphorylation, and suppressed TNF and MIP-3α production in A549 cells. Interestingly, the suppression of p38 MAPK phosphorylation and the inhibition of TNF expression by dexamethasone were attenuated in cells, where MKP-1 expression was silenced by siRNA. In conclusion, these data suggest that dexamethasone increases MKP-1 expression and this results in the suppression of p38 MAPK signaling leading to the inhibition of cytokine production in human bronchial epithelial cells. These results point to the role of MKP-1 as an important factor in the therapeutic effects of glucocorticoids in the treatment of inflammatory lung diseases.

Profile of Mutations in the Reverse Transcriptase and Overlapping Surface Genes of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) in Treatment-Naïve Indonesian HBV Carriers

Mutations in the reverse transcriptase (RT) region of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) genome are an important factor in low therapeutic effectiveness. Nonetheless, the prevalence of these mutations in HBV strains isolated previously in Indonesia has not been systematically examined. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the profile of mutations in the RT region and the associations of these mutations with amino acid changes in the surface protein in the virus of treatment-naïve Indonesian HBV carriers. Overall, 96 sequences of the full-length Indonesian HBV genomes (genotype B, n = 54; genotype C, n = 42) were retrieved from the National Center for Biotechnology Information. Naturally occurring primary and/or compensatory drug resistance mutations were found in 6/54 (11.1%) genotype B strains and in 1/42 (2.4%) genotype C strains. The potential mutations underlying resistance to a nucleos(t)ide analog and/or pretreatment mutations were more frequent in both genotypes but more frequent in genotype C strains than in genotype B strains. The A-B interdomain region in the RT gene was more frequently mutated in genotype C than in genotype B (3.51 ± 2.53 vs. 1.08 ± 1.52, P ＜ 0.001). Knowledge about the mutational profiles of the RT gene and changes in the surface protein may help clinicians to select the most appropriate antiviral drug and vaccination or HBV immunoglobulin regimen for management of HBV infection in Indonesia.

An Effect of Educational Experience of Teachers on Mental Health

The Emotional Atmosphere in a classroom setting is important to the experiences of all students. That atmosphere is affected by the emotional stability of the teacher. A teacher with personal mental health problems can have a detrimental effect upon all of those students who are associated with him or her. Mental Health is very important factor for effectiveness of any teacher’s teaching, which may result in good Academic achievement of students. What is the status of mental health of teachers? Is there any effect of Educational Experience on mental health of teachers? To find out the answer of these of questions present study was conducted. Present study was survey type study, for which list of school was stratified in primary, secondary and higher secondary schools, from that list of school proportionally selected in sample. To find out the significant difference between two groups, ‘t’ value was found.