Evaluating of Training and Internship Programs of University Hospitals

Objective: This study aimed to assess training and internship programs (courses) of basic and clinical sciences in hospitals based on surveying the students of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Material and Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional one with survey descriptive designs. The data collection tool was a questionnaire with 14 five-point likert style items. The Research and Development Center of Tehran University of Medical Sciences surveyed all 185 students of training and internship programs, using a questionnaire with the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 81%, for the purpose of adjusting the education to the society’s needs and improving its quality. Result: The mean scores of the assessment of training and internship programs were 3.32%, 2.98%, 3.38% and 3.29%, respectively for theoretical classroom training related to practical training, mental, communicational and practical skills courses. The students’ satisfaction rate regarding the quality of educational courses of training and internship programs was 50.2%. Conclusion: Educational authorities have made necessary attempts to implement these programs and use potential resources for realizing the objectives and achieving the educational quality;however, they should make further attempts in this regard.

Time-dependent effects in transient liquid phase bonding of 304L and Cp-Ti using an Ag-Cu interlayer

One of the challenges for bimetal manufacturing is the joining process.Hence,transient liquid phase(TLP)bonding was performed between 304L stainless steel and Cp-Ti using an Ag-Cu interlayer with a thickness of 75μm for bonding time of 20,40,60,and 90 min.The bonding temperature of 860℃ was considered,which is under the β transus temperature of Cp-Ti.During TLP bonding,various intermetallic compounds(IMCs),including Ti_(5)Cr_(7)Fe_(17),(Cr,Fe)_(2)Ti,Ti(Cu,Fe),Ti_(2)(Cu,Ag),and Ti_(2)Cu from 304L toward Cp-Ti formed in the joint.Also,on the one side,with the increase in time,further diffusion of elements decreases the blocky IMCs such as Ti_(5)Cr_(7)Fe_(17),(Cr,Fe)_(2)Ti,Ti(Cu,Fe)in the 304L diffusion-affected zone(DAZ)and reaction zone,and on the other side,Ti_(2)(Cu,Ag)IMC transformed into fine morphology toward Cp-Ti DAZ.The microhardness test also demonstrated that the(Cr,Fe)_(2)Ti+Ti_(5)Cr_(7)Fe_(17) IMCs in the DAZ on the side of 304L have a hardness value of HV 564,making it the hardest phase.The maximum and minimum shear strength values are equal to 78.84 and 29.0 MPa,respectively.The cleavage pattern dominated fracture surfaces due to the formation of brittle phases in dissimilar joints.

Machine learning prediction of methane,ethane,and propane solubility in pure water and electrolyte solutions:Implications for stray gas migration modeling

Hydraulic fracturing is an effective technology for hydrocarbon extraction from unconventional shale and tight gas reservoirs.A potential risk of hydraulic fracturing is the upward migration of stray gas from the deep subsurface to shallow aquifers.The stray gas can dissolve in groundwater leading to chemical and biological reactions,which could negatively affect groundwater quality and contribute to atmospheric emissions.The knowledge oflight hydrocarbon solubility in the aqueous environment is essential for the numerical modelling offlow and transport in the subsurface.Herein,we compiled a database containing 2129experimental data of methane,ethane,and propane solubility in pure water and various electrolyte solutions over wide ranges of operating temperature and pressure.Two machine learning algorithms,namely regression tree(RT)and boosted regression tree(BRT)tuned with a Bayesian optimization algorithm(BO)were employed to determine the solubility of gases.The predictions were compared with the experimental data as well as four well-established thermodynamic models.Our analysis shows that the BRT-BO is sufficiently accurate,and the predicted values agree well with those obtained from the thermodynamic models.The coefficient of determination(R2)between experimental and predicted values is 0.99 and the mean squared error(MSE)is 9.97×10^(-8).The leverage statistical approach further confirmed the validity of the model developed.

Enhanced axonal regeneration and functional recovery of the injured sciatic nerve in a rat model by lithium-loaded electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds

Increasing evidence indicates that engineered nerve grafts have great potential for the regeneration of peripheral nerve injuries(PNIs).While most studies have focused only on the topographical features of the grafts,we have considered both the biophysical and biochemical manipulations in our applied nanoscaffold.To achieve this,we fabricated an electrospun nanofibrous scaffold(ENS)containing polylactide nanofibers loaded with lithium(Li)ions,a Wnt/β-catenin signaling activator.In addition,we seeded human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells(hADMSCs)onto this engineered scaffold to examine if their differentiation toward Schwann-like cells was induced.We further examined the efficacy of the scaffolds for nerve regeneration in vivo via grafting in a PNI rat model.Our results showed that Li-loaded ENSs gradually released Li within 11 d,at concentrations ranging from 0.02 to(3.64±0.10)mmol/L,and upregulated the expression of Wnt/β-catenin target genes(cyclinD1 and c-Myc)as well as those of Schwann cell markers(growth-associated protein 43(GAP43),S100 calcium binding protein B(S100B),glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP),and SRY-box transcription factor 10(SOX10))in differentiated hADMSCs.In the PNI rat model,implantation of Li-loaded ENSs with/without cells improved behavioral features such as sensory and motor functions as well as the electrophysiological characteristics of the injured nerve.This improved function was further validated by histological analysis of sciatic nerves grafted with Li-loaded ENSs,which showed no fibrous connective tissue but enhanced organized myelinated axons.The potential of Li-loaded ENSs in promoting Schwann cell differentiation of hADMSCs and axonal regeneration of injured sciatic nerves suggests their potential for application in peripheral nerve tissue engineering.

Nanomechanics of Mg-Gd-Y-Nd-Zn alloy with LPSO and MgRE phases

The mechanical properties of two main precipitating phases(LPSO and MgRE)and matrix in Mg-Gd-Y-Nd-Zn bioalloy were examined using nanoindentation method.A new is suggested for characterizing the elastic-plastic behavior,fracture toughness and strain rate sensitivity(SRS)of materials within micro/nanoscale.Firstly,a nanomechanical model was developed for extracting hardness(H),young’s modulus(E)and yield stress(σY)from the characteristic load points which were subsequently analyzed by atomic force microscope(AFM)images.The elasticity data and AFM data were then utilized for determination of plastic deformation in constituent phases.The displacement of the indentation gets the highest value for Mg matrix and between precipitates,depth is more in LPSO rather than that of MgRE.The serrated flow or the behavior of shear bands may originate from the side effect of the interface region in Mg alloys with precipitates.It can be deduced that the KIC produced by both L method and energy-based calculation are both reliable for KIC approximation.The maximum load in simulation withμ=0.2 friction is marginally lesser than that of the frictionless(μ=0)one while elastic recovery of indentation withμ=0.2 is higher to some extent.

Shaping the Future of Energy:A Path toward Zero-Emission and Sustainable Solutions

In the age of rapidly growing global population and escalating energy demands,the pursuit of sustainable,zero-emission energy sources has become critical.This article explores the interplay between environmental concerns,such as global warming and the greenhouse effect,and the need for innovative energy solutions.The melting polar ice caps exemplify the urgent need for reducing carbon emissions.ARCs(advanced reactor concepts)in both fission and fusion technologies offer promising paths to zero-emission energy.Advanced fission reactors,including SMRs(small modular reactors)and Generation IV reactors,provide improved safety,efficiency,and waste management.Fusion energy,despite being in the experimental stage,holds potential as a nearly limitless clean energy source.AI(artificial intelligence)significantly enhances these technologies by optimizing design,operations,maintenance,safety,and grid integration.AI-driven innovations are pivotal in accelerating the development and deployment of ARC technologies,ensuring they are safe,reliable,and efficient.The article underscores the vital role of policy support,global cooperation,and strategic investments in shaping a sustainable energy future that can mitigate the effects of climate change,support economic growth,and protect our planet.

3D-Printed MOF Monoliths:Fabrication Strategies and Environmental Applications

Metal-organic frameworks(MOFs)have been extensively considered as one of the most promising types of porous and crystalline organic-inorganic materials,thanks to their large specific surface area,high porosity,tailorable structures and compositions,diverse functionalities,and well-controlled pore/size distribution.However,most developed MOFs are in powder forms,which still have some technical challenges,including abrasion,dustiness,low packing densities,clogging,mass/heat transfer limitation,environmental pollution,and mechanical instability during the packing process,that restrict their applicability in industrial applications.Therefore,in recent years,attention has focused on techniques to convert MOF powders into macroscopic materials like beads,membranes,monoliths,gel/sponges,and nanofibers to overcome these challenges.Three-dimensional(3D)printing technology has achieved much interest because it can produce many high-resolution macroscopic frameworks with complex shapes and geometries from digital models.Therefore,this review summarizes the combination of different 3D printing strategies with MOFs and MOF-based materials for fabricating 3D-printed MOF monoliths and their environmental applications,emphasizing water treatment and gas adsorption/separation applications.Herein,the various strategies for the fabrication of 3D-printed MOF monoliths,such as direct ink writing,seed-assisted in-situ growth,coordination replication from solid precursors,matrix incorporation,selective laser sintering,and digital light processing,are described with the relevant examples.Finally,future directions and challenges of 3D-printed MOF monoliths are also presented to better plan future trajectories in the shaping of MOF materials with improved control over the structure,composition,and textural properties of 3D-printed MOF monoliths.

BSN:Photometric Light Curve Analysis of Two Contact Binary Systems LS Del and V997 Cyg

The light curve analyses and orbital period variations for two contact binary stars,LS Del and V997 Cyg,are presented in this work which was conducted in the frame of the Binary Systems of South and North project Ground-based photometric observations were performed at two observatories in France.We used the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite(TESS)data for extracting times of minima and light curve analysis of the targe systems.The O-C diagram for both systems displays a parabolic trend.LS Del and V997 Cyg’s orbital periods are increasing at rates of dP/dt=7.20×10^(-08)days yr^(-1)and dP/dt=2.54×10^(-08)days yr^(-1),respectively Therefore,it can be concluded that mass is being transferred from the less massive star to the more massive component with a rate of dM/dt=-1.96×10^(-7)M_(⊙)yr^(-1)for the LS Del system,and dM/dt=-3.83×10^(-7)M_(⊙)yr-1for V997 Cyg.The parameters of a third possible object in the system are also considered.The PHysics Of Eclipsing BinariEs Python code was used to analyze the light curves.The light curve solutions needed a cold starspot due to the asymmetry in the LS Del system’s light curve maxima.The mass ratio fill-out factor,and star temperature all indicate that both systems are contact binary types in this investigation.Two methods were applied to estimate the absolute parameters of the systems:one method relied on the parallax of Gaia DR3,and the other used a P-M relationship.The positions of the systems are also depicted on the M-L,M-R q-L_(ratio),and logM_(tot)-logJ_(0)diagrams.We recommend that further observations and investigations be done on the existence of a fourth body in this system.

Review on application of nanoparticles for EOR purposes: A critical review of the opportunities and challenges

Nanoparticles have already gained attentions for their countless potential applications in enhanced oil recovery.Nano-sized particles would help to recover trapped oil by several mechanisms including interfacial tension reduction, impulsive emulsion formation and wettability alteration of porous media. The presence of dispersed nanoparticles in injected fluids would enhance the recovery process through their movement towards oil–water interface. This would cause the interfacial tension to be reduced. In this research, the effects of different types of nanoparticles and different nanoparticle concentrations on EOR processes were investigated. Different flooding experiments were investigated to reveal enhancing oil recovery mechanisms. The results showed that nanoparticles have the ability to reduce the IFT as well as contact angle, making the solid surface to more water wet. As nanoparticle concentration increases more trapped oil was produced mainly due to wettability alteration to water wet and IFT reduction. However, pore blockage was also observed due to adsorption of nanoparticles, a phenomenon which caused the injection pressure to increase. Nonetheless, such higher injection pressure could displace some trapped oil in the small pore channels out of the model. The investigated results gave a clear indication that the EOR potential of nanoparticle fluid is significant.

Application of several optimization techniques for estimating TBM advance rate in granitic rocks

This study aims to develop several optimization techniques for predicting advance rate of tunnel boring machine(TBM)in different weathered zones of granite.For this purpose,extensive field and laboratory studies have been conducted along the 12,649 m of the Pahang-Selangor raw water transfer tunnel in Malaysia.Rock properties consisting of uniaxial compressive strength(UCS),Brazilian tensile strength(BTS),rock mass rating(RMR),rock quality designation(RQD),quartz content(q)and weathered zone as well as machine specifications including thrust force and revolution per minute(RPM)were measured to establish comprehensive datasets for optimization.Accordingly,to estimate the advance rate of TBM,two new hybrid optimization techniques,i.e.an artificial neural network(ANN)combined with both imperialist competitive algorithm(ICA)and particle swarm optimization(PSO),were developed for mechanical tunneling in granitic rocks.Further,the new hybrid optimization techniques were compared and the best one was chosen among them to be used for practice.To evaluate the accuracy of the proposed models for both testing and training datasets,various statistical indices including coefficient of determination(R^2),root mean square error(RMSE)and variance account for(VAF)were utilized herein.The values of R^2,RMSE,and VAF ranged in 0.939-0.961,0.022-0.036,and 93.899-96.145,respectively,with the PSO-ANN hybrid technique demonstrating the best performance.It is concluded that both the optimization techniques,i.e.PSO-ANN and ICA-ANN,could be utilized for predicting the advance rate of TBMs;however,the PSO-ANN technique is superior.

Shear modulus and damping ratio of sand-granulated rubber mixtures

Recycled waste tires when mixed with soil can play an important role as lightweight materials in retaining walls and embankments, machine foundations and railroad track beds in seismic zones. Having high damping characteristic, rubbers can be used as either soil alternative or mixed with soil to reduce vibration when seismic loads are of great concern. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the dynamic properties of such mixtures prior to practical applications. To this reason, torsional resonant column and dynamic triaxial experiments were carried out and the effect of the important parameters like rubber content and ratio of mean grain size of rubber solids versus soil solids(D50,r/D50,s) on dynamic response of mixtures in a range of low to high shearing strain amplitude from about 4×10-4% to 2.7% were investigated. Considering engineering applications, specimens were prepared almost at the maximum dry density and optimum moisture content to model a mixture layer above the ground water table and in low precipitation region. The results show that tire inclusion significantly reduces the shear modulus and increases the damping ratio of the mixtures. Also decrease in D50,r/D50,s causes the mixture to exhibit more rubber-like behavior. Finally, normalized shear modulus versus shearing strain amplitude curve was proposed for engineering practice.

Application of nano silica to improve self-healing of asphalt mixes

Nano silica due to its spherical shape, tiny size and higher density compared to bitumen, may have an inherent potential to improve hot mix asphalt(HMA) self-healing. In this research scanning electron microscopy(SEM) images were used to investigate size, morphology and dispersion of nano silica particles. Additionally, HMA self-healing mechanism was also examined by SEM. Furthermore, dynamic indirect tensile test(IDT) was used to evaluate HMA self-healing index. The SEM results indicated that bitumen mortar flowing into micro cracks may be one of the most important mechanisms of HMA self-healing. The experiment results also showed that modification of bitumen by nano silica promotes the ability of the HMA self-healing.

Preparation of bimetallic nano-composite by dissimilar friction stir welding of copper to aluminum alloy

Butt friction stir welding between pure copper and AA5754 alloy was carried out.Reinforcing SiC nanoparticles were utilized in friction stir welded(FSW)joints to decline the harmful effects of intermetallic compounds.Tensile tests,micro-hardness experiments,scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis were applied to studying the properties of welded joints.The joints with a travel speed of 50 mm/min and a rotation speed of 1000 r/min showed the best results.The presence of nano-sized SiC particles reduced the grain size of aluminum and copper in the stir zone(SZ)from 38.3 and 12.4μm to 12.9 and 5.1μm,respectively.The tensile strength of the joint in the presence of reinforcing SiC nano-particles was~240 MPa,which is~90%of that for the aluminum base.Furthermore,the highest microhardness of the weld zone was significantly increased from HV 160 to HV 320 upon the addition of SiC nano-particles.The results also showed that raising the heat generation in FSW joints increased the amount of Al_(4)Cu_(9) and Al_(2)Cu intermetallic compounds.

Effects of welding parameters and welding sequence on residual stress and distortion in Al6061-T6 aluminum alloy for T-shaped welded joint

The distribution of temperature and then the distribution of residual stress and distortion in the stiffened aluminum alloy Al6061-T6 plates under the metal inert gas(MIG)welding process were investigated by three dimensional thermo-mechanical coupled finite element model using Ansys software.The properties of materials were considered temperature-dependent and the filler metal was added to the workpiece by the element birth and death technique.In three modes of current,two different speeds and two various sequences,the distribution of residual stress and distortion were calculated and analyzed.The results showed that increase in welding speed decreased the vertical deflection in the plate,transverse shrinkage and angular distortion of plate and the lateral deflection of stiffener,but increased the maximum longitudinal tensile stress in the plate and stiffener.Furthermore,increase in current increased the residual stress and deformation in the plate and stiffener,and the change in the welding sequence changed the distribution of the distortion in the plate and the stiffener without significant change in the distribution of the longitudinal residual stress.

Selective leaching of arsenic from copper converter flue dust by Na2S and its stabilization with Fe2(SO4)3

The alkaline leaching of arsenic (As2O3) by Na2S, together with its precipitation by Fe2(SO4)3 was studied. Response surface methodology based on central composite design was employed to quantify and qualify the effect of pertinent factors and to develop statistical models for optimization purposes. Based on the obtained results, 89% of arsenic is removed from the dust under following optimum predicted conditions: Na2S concentration of 100 g/L and solid to liquid ratio of 0.163 g/mL at 80 °C. It is found that solid to liquid ratio and Na2S concentration are the significant factors influencing the leaching process. In the precipitation process, more than 99.93% of arsenic from the leaching solution is removed in the form of amorphous ferric arsenate, at pH 4.8 when Fe3+ to arsenic and H2O2 to arsenic molar ratios are set at 5:1 and 4:1, respectively. Also, Fe3+ to arsenic ratio and pH are the most significant factors, and the interaction between these terms is significant.

3-D numerical modelling of Domino failure of hard rock pillars in Fetr6 Chromite Mine, Iran, and comparison with empirical methods

Fetr6 is an underground mine using the stope-and-pillar mining method. As there was some evidence regarding pillar failure in this mine, improving works such as roof support and replacing existing pillars with concrete pillars (CP) were carried out. During the construction of the second CP, in the space between the remaining pillars, one of the pillars failed leading to the progressive failure of other pillars until 4 000 m 2 of mine had collapsed within a few minutes. In this work, this phenomenon is described by applying both numerical and empirical methods and the respective results are compared. The results of numerical modelling are found to be closer to the actual condition than those of the empirical method. Also, a width-to-height (W/H) ratio less than 1, an inadequate support system and the absence of a detailed program for pillar recovery are shown to be the most important causes of the Domino failure in this mine.

Interfacial microstructure and mechanical properties of tungsten carbide brazed joints using Ag-Cu-Zn + Ni/Mn filler alloy

WC-Co hard metal was furnace brazed by Ag-Cu-Zn+Ni/Mn filler alloy using a tube furnace under high-purity argon at730°C.The influence of brazing time and gap size of joints was studied.The results revealed the maximum shear strength of(156±7)MPa for samples with150μm gap size at a holding time15min.The characterization and microstructure of the brazed joints were characterized by SEM,EDS and XRD.The results showed that increasing the time from5to15min could provide a better chance for the liquid interlayer to flow towards the base metal.However,the formation of some metallic phases such as Mn3W3C at brazing time longer than15min resulted in decreased shear strength of the joint.

Effect of surface dissolution on kinetic parameters in flotation of ilmenite from different gangue minerals

The effects of acid surface dissolution on the flotation kinetics of ilmenite(IL)and its common accompanied gangue minerals including olivine-pyroxene(Ol-Px),tremolite-clinochlore(Tr-Cch)and quartz were investigated.The results show that through the surface dissolution the adsorption rate constant for ilmenite increases from 5.272 to 8.441 mol/(g·min)while it decreases for Ol-Px,Tr-Cch and quartz from 6.332,7.309 and 7.774 mol/(g·min)to 5.034,6.223 and 7.371 mol/(g·min),respectively.Also,the flotation experiments on a binary mixture of minerals indicate that after surface dissolution the values of modified rate constant for ilmenite flotation from Ol-Px,Tr-Cch and quartz are enhanced from 36.15,36.52 and 47.86 min-1 to 41.72,45.78 and 56.24 min-1,respectively.This results in the improvement of kinetic selectivity index(SI)in the separation of treated ilmenite from gangue minerals.As evidenced by ICP-MS analysis,the decrease of kinetic parameters for gangue minerals can be due to the removal of Fe^2+,Ca^2+and Mg^2+ions from their surfaces,which results in the lack of enough active sites to interact with collector species.As confirmed by contact angle measurements,this prevents the formation of a stable hydrophobic layer on the minerals surfaces for creating stable attachments between minerals and bubbles.Generally,the improvement of ilmenite flotation kinetics has a negative correlation with the iron content in its accompanied gangue minerals.

Thermal-hydraulic and stress analysis of AP1000 reactor containment during LOCA in dry cooling mode

Some kinds of break in the reactor coolant system may cause the coolant to exit rapidly from the failure site,which leads to the loss of coolant accident(LOCA).In this paper,a stress analysis of an AP1000 reactor containment is performed in an LOCA,with the passive containment cooling system(PCCS) being available and not available for cooling the wall's containment.The variations in the mechanical properties of the wall's containment,including elastic modulus,strength,and stress,are analyzed using the ABAQUS code.A general two-phase model is applied for modeling thermal-hydraulic behavior inside the containment.Obtained pressure and temperature from thermal-hydraulic models are considered as boundary conditions of the ABAQUS code to obtain distributions of temperature and stress across steel shell of the containment in the accident.The results indicate that if the PCCS fails,the peak pressure inside the containment exceeds the design value.However,the stress would still be lower than the yield stress value,and no risk would threaten the integrity of the containment.

The effect of nanoparticles on wettability alteration for enhanced oil recovery: micromodel experimental studies and CFD simulation

The applications of nanotechnology in oilfields have attracted the attention of researchers to nanofluid injection as a novel approach for enhanced oil recovery. To better understand the prevailing mechanisms in such new displacement scenarios,micromodel experiments provide powerful tools to visually observe the way that nanoparticles may mobilize the trapped oil.In this work, the e ect of silicon oxide nanoparticles on the alteration of wettability of glass micromodels was investigated in both experimental and numerical simulation approaches. The displacement experiments were performed on the original water-wet and imposed oil-wet(after aging in stearic acid/n-heptane solution) glass micromodels. The results of injection of nanofluids into the oil-saturated micromodels were then compared with those of the water injection scenarios. The flooding scenarios in the micromodels were also simulated numerically with the computational fluid dynamics(CFD) method. A good agreement between the experimental and simulation results was observed. An increase of 9% and 13% in the oil recovery was obtained by nanofluid flooding in experimental tests and CFD calculations, respectively.