Facies analysis and paleoenvironmental reconstruction of Upper Cretaceous sequences in the eastern Para-Tethys Basin, NW Iran

Upper Cretaceous mixed carbonate-siliciclastic sequences are among the most important targets for hydrocarbon exploration in the Moghan area, located in the eastern Para-Tethys Basin. Despite of their significance, little is known about their facies characteristics and depositional environments. Detailed facies analysis and paleoenvironmental reconstruction of these sequences have been carried out in eight surface sections. Accordingly, four siliciclastic facies, eight carbonate facies and one volcanic facies have been recognized. Detailed facies descriptions and interpretations, together with the results of facies frequency analysis, standard facies models and Upper Cretaceous depositional models of Para-Tethys Basin, have been integrated and a non-rimmed carbonate platform is presented. This platform was affected by siliciclastic influx, in the form of coastal fan delta and submarine fans in the shallow- to deep-marine parts, respectively. This model is interpreted to be shallower in the central and northeastern parts of the Moghan area. Toward the southeast and southwest, this shallow platform turns into deep marine settings along steep slopes without remarkable marginal barriers

Investigation of the role of exogenous use of sucrose as an osmoprotectant in increasing Azolla filiculoides resistance to air high temperature and salt stress

Influence of 2.75 to 11 moles sucrose as an exogenous osmoprotectant on salt stressed (7.8-9.1 and 18.2 ms/cm) and temperature stressed (42.36°C) Azolla (A. filiculoides Lam.) was studied. Results showed that enriching salt stressed (9.1 ms/cm) Azolla by 5.5 moles sucrose significantly increased survival percent (S%) and freshness percent (F%), in comparison with control treatment in which no sucrose was used. Enriching Azolla media by 2.75, 5.5 and 8.25 moles sucrose in optimum growth condition (24.18C and 0.65 mS/cm), had no significant effects on growth doubling time (D.T), S% and F% in comparison with control. Enriching Azolla media by 11 moles sucrose in optimum growth condition decreased significantly the S% and F%, in comparison with control plots. Enriching Azolla media by 5.5 moles sucrose, in all salinity levels (0.65, 7.8, 9.1 and 18.25 ms/cm), and air temperatures (24.18 and 42.36C), non-increased S% and F% but not significantly and decreased D.T.A positive correlation was observed between high air temperature and medium salinity in Azolla growth

A Narrative Review of the Implementation Requirements for Developing Smart Libraries

Introduction: Smart libraries represent a new generation of libraries whose use is growing. This study aims to provide a narrative review of the implementation requirements needed for their development. Methods: This paper used a narrative approach to collect and review studies. In this review, published documents from 2000 to 2023 were retrieved by searching the following three electronic scientific databases: Web of Knowledge, PubMed, and Scopus using keywords including “smart library,” “intelligent library,” “concept,” “infrastructure,” “resource,” “service delivery,” and “implement challenge.” Endnote software was used to manage search results and data collected using a form based on content analysis. Results: A smart library integrates advanced technologies and user-centered services to provide automated resource access. Smart libraries rely on technologies like the Internet of Things (IOT), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), and data mining to enhance services. Smart libraries prioritize user satisfaction by integrating intelligent human and material resources, leveraging artificial intelligence and metadata to automate resource procurement and decision-making based on user characteristics and open resource analysis. Smart libraries deliver physical and remote services through the Internet, allowing users to interact with the library at any time and location. Smart libraries face security, infrastructure integration, financial costs, and staff training challenges. Conclusion: Libraries and information centers must comprehend the functions and requirements of a smart library and facilitate the transition to the new generation of smart libraries and their effective implementation. This demands increased attention from information center managers and officials

Comparison of the Effects of Interaction with Intentional Agent and Artificial Intelligence using fNIRS

As societal interactions increasingly involve both intentional and unintentional agents, understanding their effects on human cognition becomes paramount. This study investigates the neural correlates of interacting with intentional versus artificial agents in a simulated tennis game scenario. Employing functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), brain activity in 50 male participants during gameplay against both types of opponents was analyzed. The used methodological approach ensures ecological validity by simulating real-world decision-making scenarios while participants undergo fNIRS scanning, avoiding the constraints of traditional neuroimaging methods. Six prefrontal cortex channels are focused on, leveraging the 10-20 system, to capture nuanced differences in brain activity. Wavelet analysis was utilized to dissect the data into frequency-specific differences, revealing subtle variations across different channels and frequency bands. Moreover, activity was quantified by comparing average data signals between rest and play modes across all points using Generalized Linear Model (GLM). The findings unveil significant differences in neural activation patterns, particularly in one specific channel and frequency range, suggesting distinct cognitive processing when interacting with intentional agents. These results align with previous neuroimaging studies and contribute to understanding the neural underpinnings of human-agent interactions in naturalistic settings. While acknowledging study limitations, including sample homogeneity and spatial accuracy constraints, the study's findings underscore the potential of fNIRS in exploring complex cognitive phenomena beyond laboratory confines

Laplacian coefficients of trees

Let G be a simple and undirected graph with Laplacian polynomial ψ(G, λ) = Σk=0n (−1)n-kck(G)λk. In this paper, exact formulas for the coefficient cn−4 and the number of 4-matchings with respect to the Zagreb indices of a given tree are presented. The chemical trees with first through the fifteenth greatest cn−4-values are also determined

How Iranian cultural center’s public libraries use of information technologies for developing services

The goal of this study is describe how public libraries in Iranian cultural centers use of information technologies to developing its services. In this research paper, a structured questionnaire was used to collect data in 80 public libraries. Descriptive statistics method and Excel 2007 was used to analyzed data. In this study, libraries used of exit information technology in acceptable range but use of non-printed resources such as electronic and digital are weakness and only 12.5 percent of libraries contain this material. Librarian’s skills are suitable for used of IT in public and technical services but users need to necessary training for use of this facilities. The results of the present study show that information technologies facilities of all public libraries affiliated to the Art and Cultural Organization of Tehran Municipality are in desirable condition. Librarians and administrators also have full satisfaction of their libraries being equipped with new technologies. The interesting point in this context is to conform the nature and form of the provision of services in public libraries to the needs of users in different categories of sex, age and education