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Oenothera biennis water extract was used to perform green nano-biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) for the removal of amoxicillin (AMX) from water. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and energy-dispersive analysis of X-rays were used to approve the synthesis of AgNPs. The average size of AgNPs was determined as 8.10 nm. Antibacterial activities of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were also assessed, and the maximum inhibition zones for them were obtained as 19 and 16 mm, respectively. Experimental factors, including contact time, pH, AgNPs dosage, and initial concentration of AMX were investigated. AMX removal efficiency of 97.27% was achieved under the contact time of 30 min, pH 4, adsorbent dosage of 0.5 g, and drug concentration of 30 mg L−1. Evaluation of the isotherm models showed that the adsorption process followed the Langmuir model (R2 = 0.9944) with qmax = 101.01 mg g−1. Moreover, the kinetic studies indicated that the adsorption procedure fitted the pseudo-second-order model with R2 = 0.9997.

In this study, the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as an eco-friendly, efficient and low-cost adsorbent was synthesized from Chenopodium botrys extract. Characteristics of the prepared adsorbent were investigated using scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX). According to the particle size distribution, the average size of AgNPs was obtained 11.9 nm. AgNPs were used for methyl blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) removal from aqueous solution. Maximum removal percentages of 97.50 and 95.00 was obtained under optimum conditions, including contact time of 25 min, pH = 10, adsorbent dosage of 0.9 g, and dye concentration of 30 mg/L for MB and MO, respectively. Langmuir isotherm indicated the best results of adsorption related to the MB and MO with the maximum adsorption capacity of (qmax) 90.09 and 80 mg g−1 for MB and MO, respectively. The kinetics study showed that the results were fitted to the pseudo-second-order model with the coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.9984 and 0.9919 for MB and MO, respectively. The process of removal can be also by adsorption of dye molecule on the surface of Ag-NPs and also may be due to the removal of dye molecules by hydroxyl radicals generated by the NPs effect on water molecules in the presence of light. The proposed adsorbent with its great properties can be used to remove contaminants from industrial wastewater before discharge to the environment.

Representation of architectural heritage artefacts with minimum risks to their authenticity has been advised by heritage guidelines; their transport for representation maximises the risk of destruction and questions the authenticity. Contemporary curators turn to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Mixed Reality for an improved representation but there are challenges related to audience accessibility, costs of asset transport to and lifecycle management with the museum platforms, and the potential threats to authenticity. Digital Twin (DT) as a revolutionary concept opens new doors to mitigate the challenges and may facilitate better access to the architectural heritage through digital experiences. In the long term, DT implementation costs may be offset by enabling wider access. This article presents the DT concept, the necessity of its adoption, the challenges of Digital Twining, benefits and opportunities, and reviews available curation practices of ‘digital asset’ production. The core contribution of this article is the comparative studies on two acquisition methods with two data streams presented as case studies. The two techniques, which engage hand recording and digital recording are detailed and compared in terms of construction time, tool requirements, representability, and the interoperability as well as extensibility of the models. This research is significant in two ways: 1) by presenting the analytic framework for adapting DT assets to the complex platforms in museums, and 2) by explicating the curatorial challenges for heritage assets including accessibility, implementation time, authenticity, and reliability of the 3D-documented models. Keywords: 3D Printing

Infertility is believed to be triggered by endometriosis whose pathophysiology and the etiology is still unknown. Certain genes play pivotal roles in pathogenesis of endometriosis. Natural products and plants are used as important sources for production of new drugs. The current study assesses the effects of gamma-oryzanol (GO) in a rat model with surgically induced endometriosis. The experimental endometriosis was induced in 24 wistar rats, and the animals were subsequently subdivided into endometriosis-sole (endom group), 3000 and 6000 µg/kg GO (GO-3000 and GO-6000) and Vit C groups. The protein levels of estrogen receptor-alpha (ER-α), Steroidogenic factor 1 (SF1), Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), heme oxygenase 1 (HO1), light chain 3 (LC3B) and Beclin1 (BECN1) were assessed. TUNEL staining was used for detecting the apoptosis rate. The results revealed that protein levels of SF1, HO1, and total LC3B significantly (P P P > 0.05) concerning the protein levels of ER-α. The TUNEL staining results showed higher TUNEL-positive cells reactions in the rats treated with GO-6000 and Vit C. Thus, GO is involved in improving condition rats involved with endometriosis through modulation in the protein levels of some molecules and also induction of apoptosis.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a vasodilator that plays an important role in blood pressure control. The purpose of the present study was to compare the effect of 8 weeks of resistance-interval and endurance-resistance trainings on plasma levels of adropin and NO in males with hypertension.Forty-five patients with hypertension were recruited and divided into 3 groups of control (age = 51.1 ± 6.4 years, body mass = 80.4 ± 9.2 kg), resistance-interval training (age = 50.7 ± 5.5 years, body mass = 78.1 ± 11 kg), and endurance-resistance training (age = 52.8 ± 6.1 years, body mass = 79.6 ± 9.2 kg). The resistance training program was performed in 2 sets, 10 to 15 repetitions, with 50% intensity of one repetition maximum. Increasing endurance training was performed for 30-40 min at 60-70% of maximum heart rate (HREight weeks of resistance-interval and endurance-resistance trainings increased plasma levels of adropin and NO and decreased blood pressure (P ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, plasma levels of adropin increased in both exercise groups, whereas NO levels increased only in the endurance-resistance training. Systolic blood pressure decreased in the resistance-interval training (P ≤ 0.05) while it remained unchanged in the endurance-resistance group.Resistance-interval and endurance-resistance trainings are effective in decreasing blood pressure by increasing cardiorespiratory capacity and plasma levels of adropin and NO.

In this study 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene (TATB) interaction with carbon nanocone(NC) and nanocone Sheet (NCS) was evaluated by density functional theory. The calculated thermodynamic parameters including Gibbs free energy changes and Enthalpy alterations showed the interaction of TATB with the both nanostructures are exothermic, spontaneous, experimentally possible and irreversible. The specific heat capacity values proved the heat sensitivity of TATB decline after its adsorption on the surface of carbon nanocone and nanocone sheet. The effect of temperature on this process was also investigated and the results indicated 300 K is the optimum temperature for the interaction of TATB with the nanostructures. The frontier molecular orbital analysis was also employed and the findings indicated the reactivity and energetic traits of TATB have enhanced significantly after its interaction with carbon nanocone and nanocone sheet. Indeed, both of the nanostructures cause a substantial improvement in energetic features and a tangible decrease in the heat sensitivity.

Background Uncontrolled type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) impairs reproductive potential of males. Insulin treatment restores metabolic parameters but it is unclear how it protects male reproductive health. Herein, we hypothesized that insulin treatment to T1D rats protects testicular physiology by mediating mechanisms associated with apoptosis and cell cycle. Methods Mature male Wistar rats (n = 24) were divided into 3 groups: control, T1D-induced (received 40 mg kg−1 streptozotocin) and insulin-treated T1D (Ins T1D; received 40 mg kg−1 streptozotocin and then treated 0.9 IU/100 gr of insulin for 56 days) (N = 8/group). Expression levels of intrinsic apoptosis pathways regulators (Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase-3 and p53) and core regulators of cell cycle machinery (Cyclin D1, Cdk-4 and p21) were determined in testicular tissue by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and RT-PCR techniques. The percentage of testicular apoptotic cells was evaluated by TUNEL staining. Results Our data shows that insulin treatment to T1D rats restored (P Conclusions Insulin treatment is able to restore the network expression of apoptosis and proliferation-related genes caused by T1D in the testis and via this mechanism, preserve the fertility of males.

Spectrometric techniques for the analysis of trace Cadmium have developed rapidly due to the increasing need for accurate measurements at extremely low levels of this element in diverse matrices. This review covers separation and preconcentration procedures, and consider the features of the their application with several spectrometric techniques. The use of an appropriate sample handling technique is a must in an analysis of trace Cadmium in water. The efforts to use a solid phase for the recovery of analytes from a water matrix prior to their detection have a long history. The initial experimental applications of SPE resulted in widespread use of this technique in current water analysis and also to adoption of SPE into standardized analytical methods. Cadmium is recognized worldwide as a poisonous metal. Thus, the determination of this element is often required in environmental, biological, food and geological samples. However, these analyses are difficult because such samples contain relatively low concentrations of Cadmium, which fall below the detection limit of conventional analytical techniques such as flame atomic absorption spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Several preconcentration procedures to determine Cadmium have therefore been devised, involving separation techniques such as liquid–liquid extraction, solid phase extraction, coprecipitation and cloud point extraction. Review of preconcentration procedures for determining Cadmium using spectroanalytical techniques. A brief overview of the history of the use of SPE in trace Cadmium analysis of water is given in presented paper.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of high intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate continuous training on plasma apelin concentrations and insulin resistance in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes. 39 elderly males and females were randomly divided into three groups: high intensity interval training (HIGH), moderate continuous training (CONT) and control (CTL). Methods: This research was a clinical trial; it was informative and quantitative one in collecting information. Training interventions were performed three times per week and for 10 weeks on a bicycle ergometer. The high intensity interval training included 6 intervals and each interval included 4 minutes with 85-90% HRmax and 3 minutes with 45-50% HRmax. The moderate-continuous training included 42 minutes cycling with 70% HRmax. 48 hours after the last training session, blood sampling was performed and plasma apelin levels, lipid profile, glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, and insulin plasma levels were measured. Results: ANOVA test and Tukey post hoc test showed a significant decrease in insulin resistance in the two groups of training compared to the control group (P = 0.019). The plasma apelin levels in the high intensity interval training group was significantly lower than the control group (P = 0.022). Cardio respiratory fitness (VO2peak) was significantly increased in the training groups compared to the control group (P = 0.008). After a 10-week exercise, HDL-levels increased significantly in exercise groups (P = 0.022) and decreased significantly compared to the plasma levels of LDL (P = 0.046). However, there was no significant difference between the training groups. All the values were expressed as mean± SEM and P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Conclusion: Possibly in elderly patient with type 2 diabetes high intensity interval training have a greater effect on the improvement and regulation of the secretion of apelin and other glycemic indices compared to continuous training protocols.

Background & aims: Obesity as a pandemic disease is the high accumulation of adipose tissue which secrets different hormones such as apelin. Apelin as an adipocytokine increases in obesity. Aerobic training induced apelin responses are not clarify well. So, we aimed to determine the effect of eight weeks aerobic training on Apelin-13 and insulin resistance in overweight men. Methods: Current study was quasi-experiment design. Twenty-six overweight men with BMI between 27-30 kg/m2 were randomly enrolled in the present study following public call announcement and match to inclusion criteria. They accidently divided into submaximal-aerobic and control groups. The submaximal-aerobic group carried out exercise training for 24 continuous sessions (with 50-70% of maximum heart rate and 3 sessions/per-week) for eight weeks. The anthropometrical, VO2max and blood sampling assessments performed and later assessments were completed 24 hours after last training period. Then, whole of data were analyzed by Stata software at P0.05). In addition, there were direct and significant relationship between anthropometrical indices and HbA1c with Apelin-13 (p

Two proteins, i.e. bovine serum albumin and egg white lysozyme are used as model adsorbents for the food industry (dairy) wastewater and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and amine functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT-NH2) surfaces were used as adsorbents. Various effective parameters such as contact time, the initial concentration of proteins, initial pH levels, and temperature were well investigated and optimized using batch adsorption study. Upon optimization, it was observed that the on increasing the initial concentration the adsorption of both the proteins also increases. The equilibrium adsorption data of Lysozyme using MWCNTs and MWCNT-NH2as adsorbents were well fitted and in good agreement with the type (II) Langmuir isotherm model and Freundlich isotherm model, respectively, while on the other hand, for serum albumin adsorption using MWCNTs and MWCNT-NH2 as adsorbents were described was well fitted and in good agreement with type (II) Langmuir isotherm model.

Wound-rotor (WR) resolvers are the most commercially used resolvers in industrial applications. In this paper, the effect of different winding arrangements on the accuracy of WR resolvers is discussed. Three windings are proposed for the stator of the resolver that are involved on-tooth overlapping winding, distributed lap winding and distributed concentric winding. Those windings are also applied to the rotor. All the rotor windings are assumed to be single phase and two-phase. Therefore, the effect of damper winding is also studied in the paper. The analysis is done using time stepping finite element method and the most accurate resolver is built and tested. Close agreement between the experimental measurements and the finite element results confirms the obtained results.

The current study used Structural Equation modeling to investigate the relationship between participative management with work culture through the mediator variable of perceived organizational justice. The statistical population included all employees (190 academic staff) at universities of Rafsanjan (Iran) in 2014-2015. Based on the Krejcie and Morgan Tables, 126 subjects were selected as the sample through random class method. In order to collect data, we employed three sets of questionnaires (perceived organizational justice, participative management and work culture) that have a proper validity and reliability. Partial Least Squares method was used to analyze data. Structural Equations Method is adopted in order to test the research hypotheses. The results of research show that perceived organizational justice can mediate the relationship between participative management and work culture in universities.

In this research, chemical properties of groundwater of Mehran and Dehloran areas was considered by using of geostatistical analysis. For this purpose, 29 groundwater samples were studied from 2001 to 2014 and the water conductivity and sodium adsorption ratio were chemically analyzed. Semi variogram of parameters was computed by GS+ software and were fitted by Goussian, sphrical, Expotential and Goussian models. The results showed that the spatial structure of qualitative data of groundwater in these region is reconciled the Gaussian model. Then, using of Arc GIS 10.3 software the Kriging interpolation, inverse distance weighted and Radial basis function methods were done. to select the appropriate model to fit the experimental variogram of the RMSE were used less and more stronger spatial structure. The results of kriging with Inverse distance weighted and radial basis functions using the RMSE and ME RDF Criteria which measure the accuracy rate, were evaluated. Eventually the results of calculating the RMSE and ME showed that kriging method is superior than two other methods and has high precision and low error.so Interpolation was done using this method. In the end, using fuzzy logic, WILCOX classification and WHO classification, zoning map of the study area, for agriculture were prepared. Then Hot spot analysis were used to illustrate the spatial concentration of elements. According to the final map, 38% groundwater of the region is appropriate and sort of appropriate for agriculture and 62% is inappropriate. So can be said that water quality of the study area is not appropriate for agriculture.

Developing low cost and environmentally friendly methods for metallic nanoparticles is an increasing need. Using plants towards synthesis of nanoparticles are beneficial with the presence of bio-molecules in plants, which can act as capping/stabilizing and reducing agents. In the present attempt, we describe rapid biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles by Satureja intermedia C. A. Mey (Lamiaceae) aqueous extract. Synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by UV–Visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and the chemical groups in plant extract were detected by Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The XRD study showed crystalline nature and face cubic center shape for nanoparticles. TEM study showed that the mean diameter and standard deviation for the silver nanoparticles were 29.29 ± 28.18 nm. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents and radical scavenging activity of the aqueous extract and SNPs/extract mixture, were also evaluated in this study. It can be concluded that the aerial parts of S. intermedia is a good source of phenolic compounds, a potent antioxidant and a valuable choice for bio-reduction and biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles.

The composition of the volatile oils from the seeds, shoots and roots of Echinophora orientalis Hedge & Lamond, a perennial aromatic herb of the family Apiaceae growing in Iran, was analyzed by GC-MS and GC-FID. Essential oil of this plant has been used as a natural preservative in dairy products industries. There were at least six compounds, α-pinene, myrcene, p-cymene, l-limonene, p-cymen-8-ol and 1,7- octadiene 3,6-dimethylene, common in seeds, shoots and roots volatile oils. While, m-tolualdehyde, cuminal, perillene and germacrene D were present both in seeds and shoots volatile oils, spathulenol was found in both seeds and roots volatile oils. Myristicin, terpenolene, α-phellandrene and 1,5,5-trimethyl-6-(3-methyl-buta-1,3- dienyl)-cyclohexene were identified in the volatile oils of shoots and roots of E. orientalis. The volatile oils of the seeds, unlike roots and shoots, had high percentage of sesquiterpenes. The roots and shoots volatile oils were found to be rich in monoterpenes. Oxygenat...

Adsorption capacity of Pb2 + on graphene oxide and thiol functionalized graphene oxide was well investigated and illustrated in the present work. Variable cysteamine concentrations i.e., 60, 80 and 100 mg were used as functionalizing agent for conversion of graphene oxide to thiol functionalized graphene oxide. The surface of graphene oxide (GO) was functionalized by the use of 60 mg of cysteamine (GO-SH1), by 80 mg of cysteamine (GO-SH2) and by 100 mg of cysteamine (GO-SH3), respectively. The prepared adsorbents were characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The impact of several influential parameters such as adsorption time, pH, temperature and cysteamine concentrations on Pb2 + adsorption was well elucidated and optimized. The optimized values of adsorbent dose, initial concentration of Pb2 +, contact time, and pH were found to be 20 mg, 25 mg/L, 60 min and 6 respectively at a temperature of 298 K. The kinetic experimental data for GO surface was well fitted and found to be in good agreement with type (II) of pseudo-second-order model, and for GO-SH1, GO-SH2, and GO-SH3 the experimental data was in good agreement with pseudo first-order model, type (IV) of pseudo-second-order model and type (II) of pseudo-second-order model respectively. Results revealed that the adsorption capacity of Pb2 + on to the developed adsorbent increases with the increase in temperature, hence this process was endothermic in nature.

Water distilled essential oils of the aerial parts of two Labiateae species: Hymnocrater elegens Bunge. and Lagochillus aucheri Boiss., were analyzed by GC and GC-MS. Forty three compounds representing 92.6 % of the oil of H. elegans were identified, among which α-cadinol (12.4 %), caryophyllene oxide (11.6 %) and β-caryophyllene (9.6 %) were the major compounds. Germacrene D (20.8 %), α-pinene (19.7 %) and β-bourbonene (6.9 %) were the main components among the forty five compounds, comprising 91.3 % of the total oil of L. aucheri.

Efficient adsorbent graphene oxide (GO) and its derivative, i.e., thiol-functionalized graphene oxide (GO-SH), was used for the removal of noxious Pb(II) ion from the aqueous phase. Different amounts, i.e., 60, 80, and 100 mg of cysteamine, were used as functionalizing agent to functionalize the GO with thiol group; hence, three different nanocomposites, i.e., GO-SH1, GO-SH2, and GO-SH3 were prepared from the different amount of the cysteamine. The developed nanocomposites were characterized using various analytical techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis. The whole removal and adsorption process was well illustrated and investigated. The impact of influential factors including initial concentration, pH, contact time, temperature, and concentrations cysteamine on the adsorption properties of Pb(II) from aqueous solution was well elucidated and optimized. The obtained equilibrium results were inserted in various adsorp...

This study aims to present sample of performing resistive economy. Research questions were designed and studied in two areas of universities and community regarding to dimensions of resistive economy. In purpose research methodology belongs to developmental and application researches and in nature and method to descriptive researches for which needed data is gathered by library studies and field method. Statistical society of the research includes all 550 members of scientific commission in Islamic Azad Universities of Kerman city from which 146 people were selected as a sample according to statistical formula. Information gathering instrument was a researcher-structured questionnaire containing two parts; in the first part weight of resistive economy components in universities was determined by respondents and in second part resistive economy components were evaluated in community. Validity of questionnaire structured for factors related to resistive economy in universities was calculated 0.83 and validity of factors related to resistive economy in community was 0.89. Reliability coefficient of questionnaire structured for resistive economy’s components in universities was calculated 0.9032 and reliability of resistive economy’s components in community was 0.9322. To analyze data, methods of descriptive and inferential statistics such as single-sample T-test and freedman test were used. This information was analyzed by SPSS software. Studying results shows that all components are as resistive economy’s factors in university and community. Factor of paying attention to the item of entrepreneurship followed by relying on knowledge- centered economy, paying attention to knowledge-based firms, consumption management and maximum use of time and resources, is in highest priority of setting this theory in compared with other factors. Also comparing average degrees in setting resistive economy within society shows that factor of diplomacy system’s motion followed by supporting economic actors, reforming educational system, fast reaction of economic system to enemy’s attacks, crusade lifestyle, fulfillment of public economy, centralized command, economic observing and exact statistics, conservation and reforming publicity system is in highest priority in compared with other factors.

Introduction: To determine the effectiveness of hearing protective devices that lack the technical information are one of the major challenges of occupational health experts to judge the impact of this exposure on reducing the level of occupational exposure to noise. The aim of this study was to design a built a hearing test adapter and expriment it to determine the reduction rate of earmuffs and earplugs. Methods: Technical information in real environments and glass industries were Hamadan kitchen garden and guards to ensure exceptional performance test results were compared with computational methods. Results: The results of the testing of Personal hearing protection compared with the results in real industry environment and octave-band method, have shown good regrassions average operating transmission losses. Results showed that the average noise reduction between measured and calculations method for earmuffs 9.3, 8.8 dB and 9.3, 11.2 dB for earplugs respectively. Comparison of the tests, did not show significant differences between the results in tow methods (P>0.05). Conclusion: The results of the testing designed Adaptor for some hearing protectors showed that the valid tool for used to reduction rate teste of earmuffs and earplugs

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) exhibit excellent mechanical, electrical and magnetic properties as well as nanometer scale diameter and high aspect ratio, which make CNTs an ideal reinforcing agent. In this paper, discussions on structure, properties, covalent and noncovalent functionalization, and application of chemistry functionalized carbon nanotubes are included.

Adsorption of p-nitrophenol and naphthalene in single aqueous solution from petrochemical wastewater by single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes having covalent attachments of carboxylic groups (SWCNT-COOH) has been considered. Removal behavior of p-nitrophenol and naphthalene by SWCNTs and SWCNT-COOH surfaces was studied by varying the parameters such as agitation time, initial concentration, and pH of solution. The presence of surface functional groups affected the adsorption capacity of SWCNTs and SWCNT-COOH surfaces for removal of p-nitrophenol and naphthalene in single aqueous solution from petrochemical wastewater. Kinetic studies were performed and pseudo-second-order kinetic model successfully represented the kinetic data. The Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms were used for description of adsorption equilibrium, and it was found that the experimental data fitted well with the Langmuir model. The results of the study show that the carbon n...

The oils obtained by hydrodistillation of the aerial parts of Salvia brachyantha Bords. (probed.) and Stachys byzantina C. Koch grown in Iran, were analyzed by GC and GC-MS .Forty five compounds representing 95.06 % of the oil of S. brachyantha were identified of which 1,8-cineole (10.19 %), γ-muurolene (7.54 %), caryophyllene oxide (6.66 %), spathulenol (6.19 %) and elemol (5.89 %) were the major constituents. Furthermore 1,8-Cineole (16.35 %), hexadecanioc acid (7.42 %), camphor (6.76 %) and borneol (5.74 %) were found as the main components among 25 constituents in the oil of St. byzantina representing 94.30 % of the total compounds. Acetone extract of the aerial parts of two herbs were tested against 6 gram(+/-) bacteria by measurement of growth inhibitory zones.

The equilibrium and thermodynamics of Pb(II), Cd(II) and Cu(II) ions adsorption from aqueous solution onto single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) and carboxylate group functionalized single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT-COOH) surfaces were studied by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The effect of contact time, pH, initial concentration of ion, ionic strength and temperature on the adsorption of ion was investigated. The results indicated that Langmuir model fits adsorption isotherm data better than the Freundlich model. The results also demonstrated that SWCNT-COOH surfaces can more effectively adsorb mentioned ions than a SWCNT surface. Maximum adsorption capacities (qm) for Pb(II), Cu(II) and Cd(II) ions onto SWCNT-COOH were obtained as 96.02, 77.00 and 55.89 mg/g, respectively, and by SWCNTs as 33.55, 24.29 and 24.07 mg/g, respectively. Thermodynamic parameters values showed that the adsorption of ions on SWCNT-COOH and SWCNTs at 283–313 K is spontaneous and endothermic.

Water-distilled essential oils from the aerial parts of Micromeria persica Boiss., leaves and stems of Hymenocrater platystegius Rech. f., which are endemic to Iran, and the aerial parts of Scutellaria pinnatifida A. Hamilt. subsp. pinnatifida were analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Twenty-four components representing 96.1% of the oil of M. persica were identified of which linalool (15.2%), α-pinene (15.0%) and (E)-nerolidol (13.8%) were found to be the major constituents. Seventeen compounds representing 91.7% of the leaf oil and 10 compounds representing 90.7% of the stem oil of H. platystegius were identified. Both oils were rich in α-pinene (16.7% and 18.6%, respectively) and spathulenol (17.1% and 17.9%, respectively). The other main component of the leaf oil was 1,8-cineole (12.9%), and of the stem oil, cis-calamenene (11.2%). Methyl chavicol (81.9%) was the main component among the 11 constituents characterized in the oil of S. pinnatifida representing 100% of the total components detected.

The objective of this study is to improve the catalytic activity of platinum by alloying with transition metal (Pd) in gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) by oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at cathode site and comparison of the acidic and alkaline electrolytes. The high porosity of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) facilitates diffusion of the reactant and facilitates interaction with the Pt surface. It is also evident that SWCNTs enhance the stability of the electrocatalyst. Functionalized SWCNTs are used as a means to facilitate the uniform deposition of Pt on the SWCNT surface. The structure of SWCNTs is nearly perfect, even after functionalization, while other types of CNTs contain a significant concentration of structural defects in their walls. So catalysts supported on SWCNTs are studied in this research. The electrocatalytic properties of ORR were evaluated by cyclic voltammetry, polarization experiments, and chronoamperometry. The morphology and elemental composition of Pt alloys were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) system. The catalytic activities of the bimetallic catalysts in GDEs have been shown to be not only dependent on the composition, but also on the nature of the electrolytes. The GDEs have shown a transition from the slow ORR kinetics in alkaline electrolyte to the fast ORR kinetics in the acidic electrolyte. The results also show that introduction of Pd as transition metal in the Pt alloys provides fast ORR kinetics in both acidic and alkaline electrolytes. The performance of GDEs with Pt–Pd alloy surfaces towards the ORR as a function of the alloy’s overall composition and their behavior in acidic electrolyte was also studied. These results show that the alloy’s overall composition and also the nature of the electrolytes have a large effect on the performance of GDEs for ORR.

Electrooxidation of methanol on glassy carbon (GC) electrode modified by optimum carbon supported Pt electrocatalyst (Pt-C/GC) in acid media is investigated. The catalyst is prepared by ultrasonicating Pt/C powders in aqueous media. The activity of prepared Pt-C/GC electrode is studied in potential range of 0–1000 mV (versus SCE) by cyclic voltammetry. The results showed that the Pt/C dispersed layer at the surface of glassy carbon electrode, behaves as an electrocatalyst for the oxidation of methanol in acid medium by optimum loading of Pt (0.2 mg cm−2). The electrochemical properties of prepared electrode are studied under various conditions. However the effect of various parameters in the catalytic enhancement of Pt/C, such as platinum loading, sulfuric acid concentration, different scan rates, different final potentials, and medium temperature are considered and examined.

The composition of the essential oils from three Salvia species of Iran: Salvia sclareopsis Bornm. ex Hedge., Salvia brachysiphon Stapf, which are endemic to Iran, and Salvia verbascifolia M.Bieb., obtained by hydrodistillation were analyzed by GC and GC/MS. The oils of S. sclareopsis and S. verbascifolia were rich in β-caryophyllene (22.5% and 18.5%) and germacrene D (16.5% and 34.1%), respectively. The other main component of the first oil was benzyl benzoate (13.7%) and in the latter one was caryophyllene oxide (10.3%). In the oil of S. brachysiphon, also β-caryophyllene (28.1%), α-pinene (20.6%), limonene (11.5%) and β-pinene (10.6%) were found to be the major constituents.

The reaction of electrochemically generated o-quinones from oxidation of esculetin as Michael acceptor with nitrite ion as nucleophile has been studied using cyclic voltammetry. The reaction mechanism is believed to be EC, including oxidation of catechol moiety of esculetin followed by Michael addition of nitrite ion. The observed homogeneous rate constants ( 𝑘 o b s ) for reactions were estimated by comparing the experimental voltammetric responses with the digitally simulated results based on the proposed mechanism. Also the effects of pH and nucleophile concentration on voltammetric behavior and the rate constants of chemical reactions were described.

The composition of the essential oils of Nepeta denudate Benth. and N. cephalotes Boiss., which are endemic to Iran, was investigated by means of GC, GC/MS and 1H-NMR spectra of the main compounds, 1,8-cineole (48.0%), myrtenol (5.0%), β-pinene (4.6%) and trans-pinocarveol (4.5%) were the main components among the 21 constituents characterized in the oil of N. denudata, representing 85.7% of the total components detected. Ten compounds were identified in the oil of N. cephalotes representing 78.5% of the total oil with 4aα, 7α, 7aα-nepetalactone (35.1%), β-pinene (18.2%) and 1,8-cineole (11.4%) as the major constituents. The structure of 1,8-cineole, nepetalactone and β-pinene were confirmed by their 1H-NMR spectra.

The composition of the essential oils of Artemisia santolina Schrenk and Artemisia gypsacea Krasch., M. Pop. et Lincz. ex Poljak. have been analyzed by GC and GC/MS. The volatile oil of A. santolina was found to contain: lavandulol (37.2%), 1,8-cineole (15.9%), linalool (13.6%) and lavandulyl acetate (9.5%) as major constituents. The oil of A. gypsacea was characterized by higher amounts of 1,8-cineole (36.5%), β-thujone (28.4%) and α-thujone (8.9%).

The water-distilled essential oil from dried aerial parts of achillea tenuifolia Lam. Was analysed by GC and CG/MS. 48 Components were characterized representing 88% of the total oil. Camphor (18%), 1,8-cineole + limonene (9%) and spathulenol (7%) were the major constituents of the oil obtained in a yield of 0.23%.

Water-distilled essential oil from aerial parts of Ruta chalepensis L. was analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Eleven compounds representing 92.9% of the oil were identified. 2-Undeeanone (52.5%) and 2-nonanone (24.1%) were the major constituents.

The essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation of the aerial parts of Artemisia aucheri Boiss. was analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Seventeen components were identified, constituting 88.2% of the oil. The major components were camphor (45.5%) and 1,8-cineole (14.3%).

Water-distilled essential oil from aerial parts of Froriepa subpinnata (Ledeb.) Baill. was investigated by means of GC, GC/MS and 1H-NMR spectra of the main compounds. Ten components were identified, constituting 90% of the oil, the major constituents being β-phellandrene (50.3%) and sabinene (25.7%).

The chemical composition of the essential oil obtained from the aerial parts of Ferula stenocarpa Boiss., a native plant of Iran, was examined by using GC and GC/MS. Twenty-six compounds constituting 97.8% of the total components detected were identified. α-Pinene (48.8%) and β-pinene (30.1%) were found to be the major components in the oil

The essential oil isolated by hydrodistillation from the aerial parts of Salvia lereifolia Benth. was analyzed using GC (retention indices) and GC/MS. Twenty-two components representing 93.4% of the oil were characterized. The major constituents found were β-pinene (23.7%), 1,8-cineole (16.2%), α-pinene (13.8%) and α-cadinol (9.0%).

The essential oil of Haplophyllum tuberculatum (Forssk.) A. Juss. was analyzed by GC and GC/MS. The main constituents were limonene (27.3%) and α-pinene (21.9%).

The essential oil of the aerial parts of Prangos latiloba Korov was analyzed by GC and GC/MS. The main constituents were α-pinene (25.1%), limonene (16.1%) and myrcene (9-5%).

The essential oil of the aerial parts of Tanacetum polycephalum was analyzed by capillary GC and GC/MS. The main constituents were camphor (18.2%), 1,8-cineole (17.0%), carveol (9.1%) and trans-isopulegone (8.0%).

The essential oils of Achillea aucheri Boiss. and A. kellalensis Boiss. et Hausskn., which are endemic to Iran, have been analyzed by GC and GC/MS. The oil of A. aucheri was found to contain 1,8-cineole (40.7%), α-terpineol (11.3%), β-pinene (10.8%) and α-pinene (10.3%) as major constituents. The oil of A. kellalensis was characterized by a higher amount of camphor (34.0%), borneol (12.6%), α-thujone (12.5%), 1,8-cineole (11.3%), bornyl acetate (7.3%) and camphene (7.0%).