We establish a local gradient estimate for positive Finsler p-eigenfunctions on a complete non-compact Finsler measure space M with its weighted Ricci curvature Ric∞ bounded from below by a non-positive constant. As an application, we obtain the corresponding Harnack inequality.

Objective: To examine the efficiency of both the Zeta and density gradient centrifugation (DGC) methods for the selection of normal chromatin sperm by TUNEL, sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD), acridine orange and chromomycin A3 (CMA3).Materials and Methods: The study was performed on 63 patients. Semen analysis was carried out according to WHO criteria. Semen samples were divided into three equal portions. One portion was used as the control, the second portion was used for the Zeta method and the third portion underwent DGC method. All portions were evaluated for sperm morphology (Diff Quick staining), protamine deficiency (CMA3) and DNA integrity (SCD, AO and TUNEL). Coefficients of correlation and student’s t test were carried out using SPSS 11.5.Results: The mean percentage of abnormal sperm, protamine deficiency and DNA fragmentation in the Zeta and DGC methods were significantly decreased as compared to the control group (p<0.005). In addition, the DGC method was higher in comparison to the Zeta method in the selection of sperm with normal morphology (p<0.005). The Zeta method was higher in comparison to the DGC method in the selection of sperm with intact DNA (p<0.005).Conclusion: Both Zeta and DGC methods were effective in the selection of sperm with better quality in terms of normal morphology, normal protamine content and DNA integrity. Therefore, we suggested that the combined Zeta and DGC method should be used for selection of normal sperm.

In this paper, we consider positive solutions for the Allen-Cahn equation\begin{equation*}\Delta u+\left(1-u^{2}\right)u=0,\end{equation*}on an almost Ricci soliton   without a boundary. Firstly, using volume comparison Theorem and Sobolev inequality, we estimate the upper bound of $\vert \nabla u\vert^{2}$. As one of the applications, we extend this result to a gradient Ricci almost soliton. Finally, we obtain a Liouville-type theorem for almost Ricci solitons.

Accurate evaluation of pore pressure and fracture pressure are key parameter in well planning and drilling operation. Estimation of these parameters has an important role in reduction in well costs. An inaccurate estimation of fracture gradient may jeopardize whole drilling operation and cause serious problems such as loss circulation and blowout. In this paper, the method of Gene Expression Programming (GEP) has used for developing a mathematical model for prediction of formation fracture pressure. Overburden pressure, pore pressure and Poisson ratio are independent variables in this model. Studied areas include two oil-bearing formations: Kangan and Upper-Dalan in an onshore field which is located near Persian Gulf. A separate model is presented for each formation by using well logging data from two wells. Models developed by using more than 4, 300 well logging data from a well. Verification of these models is done with 6, 000 data from second well in same formation. Statistical analyses confirm that the models are suitable for fracture gradient prediction so we can use them for estimation of fracture pressure.

Abstract: Establishment of gradient layer is the most important step in the filling of a solar pond. While saline diffusion that occurs naturally in a solar lake sets up the gradient layer automatically, stacking and salinity redistribution methods are applied in man-made solar ponds, practically. In this paper advantages and disadvantages of each method are discussed and author's experiences in the filling of two solar ponds are presented The theory of step by step raising of diffuser in redistribution technique is elaborated and a criterion for diffuser discharge is evaluated.

Usage of spatial information in the DOA estimation of signals, overcome some weaknesses of time-processing techniques. In this paper, following the Direct Data Domain Least Square (D3LS) technique, amplitude information of signals arrived at each element in an antenna array are arranged in a square matrix in which, except for the first row, other entries are combinations of reflective signals, noise and interference. By forming an equation including this matrix, weighting factors of antenna array, and antenna gain, coefficients are calculated in such a way that all signals which their DOA is not important, i.e. reflected signals, noise and etc., reach their least quantity. Then, by making a symmetric square matrix and modification of the main equation according to Linear Conjugate gradient procedure, weighting factors of antenna are obtained. Finally, it is shown by simulation that this procedure will accelerate the convergence process remarkably compared with D3LS technique.