RESUMEN La degradación del suelo por erosión representa un problema generalizado para aquellos países con suelos áridos y semiáridos como Iran. En este estudio se miden los siguientes aspectos: 1. La importancia de las variables que controlan la erosión a través del algoritmo de Boruta; 2. La relación entre causales y los lugares erosionados a través del modelo de confianza (EBF, del inglés evidential belief function model), y 3. desarrollo de la erosión a través de los algoritmos árboles de regresión potenciado (BRT, Boosted Regression Tree) y máquinas de vectores de soporte (SVM, support vector machine). Con base en los resultados del algoritmo de Boruta, la inclinación, el uso del suelo, la litología, la curvatura y la elevación son los factores más importantes en el control de la erosión. Los resultados del modelo de confianza muestran la predominancia de la erosión en los pastizales y en las deposiciones de marga de loess. La predominancia de lugares erosionados en puntos cóncavos, con una pendiente de entre 5 y 20 grados junto a líneas de drenaje, ejemplifica una zona topográfica preferencial y, además, un umbral en el terreno para la erosión. La correlación de zonas erosionadas con pastizales y suelos débiles en posiciones cóncavas demuestra que las interacciones entre las características del suelo, la topografía, y el estudio del suelo estimulan un umbral bajo para el desarrollo de la erosión. Estas relaciones se enmarcan en el concepto de que ante un tipo de suelo dado, el uso que se le brinde y el clima en un paisaje específico se crea una área de drenaje y una pendiente con superficie de suelo crítico, necesarios para un corte erosionado. Además, los algoritmos BRF-SVM tuvieron la mayor eficiencia y el menor error cuadrático medio, seguido por el BRT en la predicción del desarrollo de erosión frente al algortimo LN-SVM. La aplicación de dos métodos de aprendizaje automático para para predecir la susceptibilidad de corte en el norte de Irán muestra que los mapas generados por estos algortimos pueden proveer una estrategia apropiada para la geoconservación y los esfuerzos de restauración en zonas propensas a la erosión.

ABSTRACT Soil degradation induced by gully erosion represents a worldwide problem in the many arid and semi-arid countries, such as Iran. This study assessed: (1) the importance of variables that control gully erosion using the Boruta algorithm, (2) the relationship among causative variables and gullied locations using the evidential belief function model (EBF), and (3) gully erosion development using the algorithms of boosted regression tree (BRT) and support vector machine (SVM). Based on the results of the Boruta algorithm, slope, land use, lithology, plan curvature, and elevation were the most important factors controlling gully erosion. The results of the EBF model showed the predominance of gully erosion on rangeland and loess-marl deposition. The predominance of gullied locations on the concave positions, with the slope of 5°-20° in the vicinity of drainage lines, illustrates a preferential topographic zone and, therefore, a terrain threshold for gullying. The correlation of gullied locations with rangelands and weak soils in concave positions demonstrates that the interactions among soil characteristics, topography, and land use stimulate a low topographic threshold for gullies development. These relationships are consistent with the threshold concept that a given soil, land use, and climate within a given landscape encourage a given drainage area and a critical soil surface slope that are necessary for gully incision. Furthermore, the BRF-SVM had the highest efficiency and the lowest root mean square error, followed by BRT for predicting gully development, compared with LN-SVM algorithm. The application of two machine learning methods for predicting the gully head cut susceptibility in northern Iran showed that the maps generated by these algorithms could provide an appropriate strategy for geo-conservation and restoration efforts in gullying-prone areas.

Abstract Background: The current diagnostic cornerstone for septic arthritis contains gram stains, bacterial culture, and cell count with a differential of aspirated synovial fluid. Recently, a synovial leukocyte esterase (LE) test has been used for diagnosing septic arthritis. Since this test measures the esterase activity of leukocytes, there is always a dilemma for using this test in patients with inflammatory arthritis. Methods: We collected the synovial fluid specimens as part of the general diagnostic protocol for patients suspected of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) or Septic Arthritis (SA). Each group included 34 patients. We compared the result of the synovial LE test with the result of the culture of each patient. Results: The mean ages of patients were 64.14 ± 31.27 and 50.88 ± 23.19 months in the JIA group and septic arthritis group, respectively. The LE test results were positive in 30 specimens, trace in 3 and negative in one in the first-time test and were positive in 31 specimens and trace in 3 in the second-time test, while it was negative in all patients with JIA. Hence, the sensitivity of the synovial LE test was 80.8%, the specificity, PPV, and NPV were 78.6, 70.0, 86.8% respectively based on a positive culture. Conclusion: The leukocyte esterase strip test can be used as a rapid, bedside method for diagnosing or excluding bacterial infections in different body fluids. The synovial LE test can be used as an accurate test to rapidly rule in or out an acute articular bacterial infection, even in patients with concurrent inflammatory arthritis.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate effectiveness of canine renal capsule for augmentation cystoplasty. Materials and Methods: Ten adult dogs participated in this study. After induction of anesthesia each animal underwent bed side urodynamic study, bladder capacity and bladder pressure was recorded. Then via mid line incision abdominal cavity was entered, right kidney was identified and its capsule was dissected. Bladder augmentation was done by anastomosing the renal capsule to the bladder. After 6 months bed side urodynamic study was performed again and changes in bladder volume and pressure were recorded. Then the animals were sacrificed and the augmented bladders were sent for histopathology evaluation. Results: Mean maximum anatomic bladder capacity before cystoplasty was 334.00±11.40cc which increased to 488.00±14.83cc post-operatively (p=0.039). Mean anatomic bladder pressure before cystoplasty was 19.00±1.58cmH2O which decreased to 12.60±1.14cmH2O post-operatively (p=0.039). Histopathology evaluation revealed epithelialization of the renal capsule with urothelium without evidence of fibrosis, collagen deposits or contracture. Conclusions: Our data shows that renal capsule is a favorable biomaterial for bladder augmentation in a canine model.

Background and objectives: Nephrotic syndrome is a chronic disease especially common in the childhood and adolescence. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals have significant role in the pathogenesis of nephrotic syndrome. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of soy protein and genistein (main isoflavone of soybean) on renal antioxidant status of nephrotic rats. Methods: This study was done for 8 weeks on 40 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats divided into four groups of 10 rats each. Study groups included: 1-Control, 2-Nephrotic syndrome, 3-Nephrotic syndrome+soy protein diet and 4-Nephrotic syndrome+soy protein diet+genistein. Urine protein and urine creatinine were measured. After homogenization of kidney, total antioxidant capacities (TAC), activities of catalase enzyme, the concentration of malondialdehydes (MDA) and carbolynated proteins were determined spectrophotometrically. Pathological examination was done on kidneys with light microscope. Cell viability was evaluated with MTT assay on WEHI-164 fibro sarcoma cell line. The MMP2 enzyme activity was evaluated in different concentrations of genistein. Results: Total antioxidant capacity was significantly increased in soy genistein. Catalase activity was significantly increased in soy and soy genistein groups. Protein carbonyl and MDA were significantly lower in soy and soy genistein groups. The scores of pathological examination showed significant improvement in soy and soy genistein groups. Genistein decreased the proliferation of the WEHI-164 fibrosarcoma cell line. Conclusion: It seems that soy protein decreases kidney damages in nephrotic syndrome. Adding genistein to soy protein causes improvements in antioxidant status of kidney tissue. Genistein decreases proliferation of cell.

Antecedentes y objetivos: El síndrome nefrótico es una enfermedad crónica especialmente común en la infancia y la adolescencia. Las especies reactivas del oxígeno (ERO) y los radicales libres desempeñan un papel importante en la patogénesis del síndrome nefrótico. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar los efectos de la genisteína (principal isoflavona de la soja) y la proteína de soja en el estado antioxidante renal de ratas nefróticas. Métodos: Este estudio se llevó a cabo durante 8 semanas con 40 ratas Sprague-Dawley machos adultas, que fueron divididas en cuatro grupos de 10. Cada uno de los grupos de estudio incluía: 1 control, 2 con síndrome nefrótico, 3 con síndrome nefrótico más una dieta a base de proteína de soja y 4 con síndrome nefrótico más una dieta a base de proteína de soja más genisteína. Se midieron tanto los niveles de proteína como de creatinina en orina. Tras la homogenización del tejido renal, se calcularon mediante espectrofotometría la capacidad antioxidante total (CAT), la actividad de la enzima catalasa, la concentración de malondialdehidos (MDA) y las proteínas carboniladas. El examen patológico de los riñones se realizó con el microscopio óptico. Además, se evaluó la viabilidad celular con un ensayo de MTT de la línea celular de fibrosarcoma WEHI-164. También se evaluó la actividad de la enzima MMP2 con distintas concentraciones de genisteína. Resultados: La capacidad antioxidante total aumentó significativamente en las ratas que tenían una dieta de genisteína, al igual que la actividad de la catalasa en aquellas con una dieta de soja y genisteína. En cambio, los grupos carbonilo de las proteínas y los niveles de MDA fueron significativamente inferiores en los animales con una dieta de soja y de genisteína. El examen patológico reveló una mejora significativa en los grupos con dietas de soja y de genisteína. Asimismo, la genisteína disminuyó la proliferación de la línea celular de fibrosarcoma WEHI-164. Conclusión: Parece ser que la proteína de soja reduce los daños renales causados por el síndrome nefrótico. La adición de genisteína a la proteína de soja produce mejoras en el estado antioxidante del tejido renal. La genisteína disminuye la proliferación celular.

Uma abordagem rápida e sem solvente envolvendo a exposição de reagentes puros a radiação de micro-ondas em conjunto com o uso dos catalisadores clinopetilolita, H3PW12O40 e nanopartículas de Fe2O3 é descrita. Neste trabalho, a condensação de cloridrato de hidroxilamina, acetato de sódio, acetoacetato ou benzoilacetato de etila e aldeídos apropriados pelo emprego dos catalisadores forneceu 5(4H)-isoxazolona em etapa única. A quantidade de catalisador, efeito de temperatura e reutilização dos catalisadores foram monitorados. Entre os catalisadores, o catalisador de nanopartículas de Fe2O3 apresentou melhor desempenho que os demais do ponto de vista de rendimento e tempo de reação. Os presentes protocolos oferecem várias vantagens, tais como tempo de reação curto, rendimento razoável, condição de reação suave e fácil reciclagem dos catalisadores.

A quick and solvent-free approach involving the exposure of neat reactants to microwave irradiation in conjunction with the use of clinoptilolite, H3PW12O40 and Fe2O3 nanoparticle catalysts is described. In this work, condensation of hydroxylamine hydrochloride, sodium acetate, acetoacetic or benzoyl acetic ethyl ester and appropriate aldehydes by employing catalysts gave 5(4H)-isoxazolone only in one step. Catalyst amount, temperature effects and catalysts reusability were monitored. Among the catalysts, Fe2O3 nanoparticles had better performance than other catalysts from viewpoint of yield and reaction time. The present protocol offers several advantages, such as short reaction time, reasonable yield, mild reaction condition and recycling catalysts with a very easy workup.

Human resource management has become ever more important to organisational success. Many organisations have therefore realised that human resource management and performance can provide competitive advantage. The purpose of this study is to introduce a practical model for assessing employees' efficiency. In this paper, a model related to the data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach is developed to calculate such efficiency. Physical working conditions, salary, responsibilities allocated, and the amount of work to be done are considered the main factors that may influence employees' efficiency. The Andersen-Petersen model and a brief statistical analysis are used to rank employees and to analyse their efficiency value, based on demographic characteristics. The study confirms that physical working conditions and organisational commitment are the main factors that affect employees' efficiency.

Menslike-hulpbronbestuur speel 'n al belangriker rol in die sukses van 'n onderneming. Gevolglik het talle ondernemings besef dat menslike-hulpbronbestuur en werkverrigting 'n mededingende voordeel kan bied. Die doel van hierdie studie is om 'n praktiese model vir die assessering van werknemers se doeltreffendheid bekend te stel. 'n Model, wat verband hou met die 'data envelopment analysis (DEA)'-benadering, is ontwikkel om die doeltreffendheid te bereken. Fisiese werkomstandighede, salaris, verantwoordelikhede toegewys en die werklading word beskou as die belangrikste faktore wat werknemer-doeltreffendheid kan beinvloed. Die Anderson-Petersen-model en 'n bondige statistiese analise is gebruik om werknemers te rangskik om sodoende hul doeltreffendheidswaarde te analiseer, gebaseer op demografiese kenmerke. Die studie bevestig dat fisiese werks-omstandighede en die verbintenis van die organisasie die belangrikste faktore is wat werknemers doeltreffendheid beinvloed.

A ligação do cloreto de cetilpiridinio (CCP) com alguns corantes azo (X6G, 3-BL, DY-42) tem sido extensivamente estudada em várias concentrações de corantes, usando eletrodo de membrana seletiva a cetilpiridinio. Este método se apresenta rápido e preciso. Gráficos logarítmicos de Klotz foram construídos a partir de medidas de EMF. Estes gráficos indicaram cooperatividade em todas as interações. Isotermas de ligação precisas foram obtidas e analisadas usando-se a equação de Hill. Os valores dos parâmetros da equação de Hill foram estimados e determinados, considerando-se o fato de que o parâmetro de saturação da ligação na equação de Hill (y) pode ser determinado a partir da razão de medidas da força eletromotriz, na presença e ausência do corante. Em todas as interações, os coeficientes de Hill indicam ligação cooperativa nas interações CCP-corante devido à combinação das interações eletrostáticas e hidrofóbicas. As energias de Gibbs intrínsecas aos processos de ligação foram calculadas.

The binding of cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) with some azo dyes (X6G, 3-BL, DY-42) has been extensively studied at various concentration of dyes, using cetylpyridinium-selective membrane electrode as a fast and accurate method. Klotz logarithmic plots have been constructed from EMF measurements. These plots indicated cooperativity in all of interactions. The accurate binding isotherms have been obtained and analyzed using Hill equation. The values of Hill equation parameters have been estimated and determined by considering this fact that saturation parameter of binding in the Hill equation (y) can be determined from the ratio of electromotive force (EMF) measurements in the presence and absence of dye. In all of the interactions Hill coefficients indicate cooperative binding in CPC-dye interactions due to the combination of both electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. Intrinsic Gibbs energies of binding processes have been also calculated and interpreted on basis of interaction mechanism.