The blunt tipped “Perth Sand Penetrometer” is used extensively in Australia for characterization of silica sand sites prior to the construction of light weight domestic structures.The hand operated device, which can be readily deployed in fine granular soils at depths up to 5 m, is routinely and successfully used to infer in situ density and internal friction angles in extensive coastal sand deposits. Some calibration charts are presented for a light weight dynamic penetrometer device. The charts presented here are based on the results of 18 calibration chamber tests, performed in a specially constructed chamber, 1m high and 1m in diameter. All tests were performed on silica sand samples were consistently prepared to 3 densities using the sand raining or pluviation technique. The prepared samples were pressurized during testing to simulate overburden effects due to burial at depths up to 5m. Particular account is taken of the effects of rod friction.

According to the computational and physical simplifications used in regional climate models and numerical weather prediction models, none of them can predict the weather and climate accurately. A fully statistical technique, named MaS, has been recently used for calibration and decreasing of the errors in numerical models. Physiographic characteristics, climatic behavior and regional synoptic climatology are not included in this technique. For overcome to this deficiency, an empirical model, named PSP\ including topographic, climatic and synoptic behavior of the region under study has been developed for downscaling of numerical models outputs in to computational grid-points for determination of daily precipitation. Daily 2.5*2.5 degree GFS2 data from NOAA3 has been used for running the model. More than 85 weather systems has been studied in the period of 2002-2007 and coefficients of the model has been determined gradually by using statistical regression between model and observed precipitation. Model outputs in surface and 500hpa levels have been used as input of the PSP model during each weather system affecting Iran. Then we compared model outputs with actual weather data reported by synoptic stations. A Climatic and Physiographic Index named CPI1 defined for all of synoptic stations of Iran. Monthly mean precipitation, monthly mean temperature, monthly number of days with precipitation, station latitude and height of station from sea level are included in CPI index. CPI index was used for determination of daily precipitation amount of synoptic stations. CPI can be used for climate classification and climate change issues as well. Using PSP parameters in each station under study then plots the PSPs charts. Finally using regression equation between model PSP and actual precipitation can compute daily precipitation amount in millimeters.

The purpose of this research is to develop the outsourcing model of the bank's electronic banking services using game theory to identify the equilibrium and win-win strategies between the bank and the applicant companies. For this purpose, an interview was held with bank and company experts. After qualitative data analysis,16 strategies were identified for the parties. According to the compatibility of the identified strategies with the marketing mix, the results were grouped into 4 product groups, price, distribution and promotion. Since the identified strategies did not have the same value for the parties, to identify the weight of the strategies. A pairwise comparison questionnaire was used and the opinions of experts from each side were collected separately. The analytical Hierarchy process was used to obtain the weight of each index and the Inconsistency Ratio index was used to check the reliability of the obtained results. After identifying the weight of the strategies, the game environment was implemented and according to the 16 identified strategies, 65536 scenarios were implemented for each side. After performing calculations, 8 scenarios with the same outcomes were identified as equilibrium scenarios or Nash Equilibrium games. The scenario that had the most consequences for the parties was introduced as the result of the game.

Background and Aim: Considering the consequences of false positive (FP) and false negative (FN) diagnoses as well as the lack of information on the diagnostic ability of photostimulable phosphor plate (PSP) and complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensors in the detection of secondary caries, this study aimed to compare the diagnostic ability of these two sensors in the detection of secondary caries adjacent to amalgam restorations. Materials and Methods: This diagnostic study was performed on 40 intact permanent premolars. Class II cavities were prepared and restored with amalgam. Periapical radiography was performed by using PSP and CMOS sensors via parallel technique. A 0. 5-mm round bur was used to create another cavity under amalgam restorations. To simulate secondary gingival caries at the cementoenamel junction (CEJ), the samples were placed inside 0. 1M lactic acid solution and were incubated at 37° C for three weeks. The teeth were placed in gypsum blocks and were radiographed again by CMOS and PSP sensors. The presence of decay was determined by an oral and maxillofacial radiologist, and the results were recorded in datasheets and were statistically analyzed by the ratio test. Results: The sensitivity and specificity of PSP in caries detection were 52. 5% and 77. 5%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of CMOS in caries detection were 57. 5% and 82. 5%, respectively. Incorrect diagnoses (FP+FN) were equal to 35% for PSP and 30% for CMOS (P=0. 89). Conclusion: The results indicated that PSP and CMOS sensors have similar abilities in the detection of secondary caries under amalgam restorations, while none of the two sensors has the adequate ability for a precise and thorough diagnosis of secondary caries.