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The interplay between bacteriology and environmental impacts forms a dynamic nexus with far-reaching implications for the health of ecosystems and human societies. This paper embarks on an exploration of previously uncharted territories within this intersection, aiming to uncover novel insights and strategies for addressing pressing environmental challenges. Our research seeks to elucidate the multifaceted roles of bacteria in shaping and responding to environmental impacts, ultimately advancing the field with innovative approaches. In this comprehensive endeavour, we traverse several frontiers: Our study delves into the intricate relationships between bacterial communities and biogeochemical cycles, shedding light on previously unrecognized pathways of nutrient transformation and greenhouse gas dynamics. By analysing metagenomic data from diverse environments, we unveil novel bacterial taxa and functional genes that play pivotal roles in driving biogeochemical processes, thus expanding the boundaries of our understanding. Building upon conventional wastewater treatment practices, we introduce groundbreaking biotechnological interventions that harness the metabolic capabilities of bacteria to remove emerging contaminants, pharmaceuticals, and recalcitrant pollutants. Novel bacterial strains and biofilm-based bioreactors demonstrate unparalleled efficiency in detoxifying wastewater effluents, offering sustainable solutions for environmental remediation. By climate change as a defining challenge of our era, our research pioneers the investigation of microbial communities' responses to environmental stressors. Through meta-transcriptomic analysis, we uncover unique microbial strategies for carbon sequestration and adaptation, providing a blueprint for enhancing ecosystem resilience in a changing climate. The ever-evolving threat of antibiotic resistance extends into the environment, creating an urgent need to address this crisis. Our study uncovers hitherto unexplored environmental reservoirs of antibiotic resistance genes, highlighting their potential as early warning systems for emerging resistance threats and novel avenues for intervention. We introduce a novel approach that employs shifts in bacterial communities as sentinel indicators of environmental health and stress. By monitoring the microbiome dynamics in ecosystems impacted by anthropogenic activities, we identify early warning signals for environmental perturbations, empowering targeted conservation efforts. This study transcends the boundaries of traditional bacteriology by showcasing the pivotal role of bacteria in mitigating environmental impacts. Our findings not only underscore the novelty of bacterial contributions to environmental processes, but also present actionable strategies for sustainable stewardship. In an era marked by environmental challenges of unprecedented scale, this research charts a pioneering course towards harnessing the untapped potential of bacteriology for a healthier plane [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the paper is twofold. Firstly, through the Taxonomic Method, we construct a composite indicator, called the Index of Sustainable (IS), and analyze the provinces of Iran from 2011 to 2018, according to 9 variables. Secondly, the Granger-causality test for panel data is implemented in order to verify the causal relationship among the IS, climate change and agricultural production. In other words, we test which of the three analyzed variables turns out to be the causetive variable and which, instead, turns out to be the effect variable. This analysis provides a wide overview on how the provinces rank according to the IS and its three crucial pillars, i.e. environmental, economic and social. Moreover, important causality relationships among the IS, climate changes (approximated by mean annual temperature and mean annual precipitation) and agricultural production (approximated by wheat and barley production) are identified. The results showed that Khuzestan, Isfahan and Fars provinces have the highest average sustainability index during 2011-2018. Generally, the provinces which are in a better position in terms of agricultural and industrial production, are also in a more favorable position in terms of sustainability than other provinces. The results also showed that there is a significant causal relationship between agricultural productions, climatic variables of temperature, precipitation and stability index among the studied provinces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monilinia fructigena Pers is a specialized fungus known for its impact on pome crops, particularly during the fruiting phase. This pathogen is responsible for causing significant damage through fruit rot, affecting fruit quality and economic outcomes for growers. The primary objective of this research was to comprehensively investigate M. fructigena Pers, its distribution, and its effects on various fruit crops. Additionally, the study aimed to identify other fungal species associated with fruit rot and assess varietal resistance among different fruit tree varieties. Between 2021 and 2023, isolates of fungi belonging to the Monilinia genus were collected from fruits, inflorescences, shoots, and fruit formations of apple trees affected by moniliosis. Identification was conducted using polymerase chain reaction with species-specific primers and sequencing of the ITS 1-5.8S rRNA-ITS 2 locus of ribosomal DNA. The prevalence and impact of M. fructigena Pers and other identified fungi were analyzed. M. fructigena Pers was found to be the dominant fungus, with a frequency of occurrence ranging from 91.6 to 100%. This fungus was responsible for damage to inflorescences, shoots (monilial burn), and fruits (fruit rot). Other fungi, such as Fusarium proliferatum and Alternaria alternata, were also identified. Quarantine species M. fructicola was not found in the research orchards. In addition, varietal resistance experiments revealed differing susceptibility levels among apple tree varieties, with the Maksat variety being more susceptible than Voskhod. In conclusion, M. fructigena posed a significant threat to fruit crops, particularly pome varieties, in the studied regions. The research shed light on its prevalence, distribution, and impact. In addition, the identification of other fungal species associated with fruit rot provided valuable insights into disease management. The variable varietal resistance underscores the challenges of breeding for fruit rot resistance and highlights the importance of continued research in this area for more effective disease control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the course of the study, a comparative analysis was carried out on the various types of shrubs that may be potentially interesting for introduction in Astana, Kazakhstan. Their phenological and botanical features, such as height, shape of the bush, colour and size of flowers, seasonal flowering and decorative foliage, were studied. Special attention was paid to the adaptation of these species to local conditions, such as climate, soil and water availability. Observations of their growth and development over several years were carried out to determine their stability and suitability for acclimatization in an urban environment. The possibility of using these types of shrubs in the landscape design of Astana was also evaluated. The issues of combining them with other plants, creating compositions and also aesthetically attractive plant ensembles were considered. The results of the study allowed us to identify the most promising local types of shrubs suitable for introduction in Astana, as well as to highlight recommendations for their use in landscaping the city. The obtained data and conclusions will be useful for specialists involved in the planning and creation of public and private spaces, as well as for local governments. Thus, this study will be a comprehensive analysis and the introduction of promising local species of shrubs in Astana, taking into account their suitability for local conditions and the possibility of use in the landscape design of the city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are over 2,000 anthrax-infected soil foci in Kazakhstan, posing a potential threat of infection with anthrax to the population. The anthrax soil foci are found in all regions of Kazakhstan, often located near residential buildings, interfering with the promising development of the region. Experimental work was carried out on the development of disinfection of the deep soil layers at a depth of up to 3.5 m using the drilling method. The experiments were carried out on a modular site measuring 210 cm by 280 cm with a natural occurrence of soil. The experimental site disinfection method included the complete filling of 12 prepared wells with BA-12 disinfectant. The soil in the wells had been previously contaminated with a vaccine culture of anthrax (Bacillus anthracis) pathogen 55-VNIIVViM. The total volume of the disinfectant solution required for complete disinfection of the entire volume of the soil (the experimental site, amounted to 1,635 L) was determined. According to the authors, the main practical conclusion of the study was the possibility to use the scheme of disinfection of soil foci of anthrax burials developed during the experiment for carrying out production and construction work at the site of existing burials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to present several environmental case studies in Vietnam and public (state) administration for environment protection. Authors also evaluated environment protection in industrial parks under the governed law. Theoretical framework was in accordance with applicable regulations/law and practices. Issues related to environmental management will make best use of opportunities (or all potentials) to achieve/set best objectives. This study used qualitative and analytical methods, descriptive method, while combined with case studies, historical and synthesis methods. This study also presented some cases of environmental pollutions, which authorities resolutely organized the implementation of measures to handle violations of the law on environmental protection. In conclusion, It would suggest that relevant ministries and branches need to review and amend a number of relevant laws, such as the Law on Sanctions of Administrative, the Law on Inspection, the Law on Water Resources, the Law on Science and Technology, etc. State management of the environment is understood as the process by which the State, through the performance of its responsibilities, duties and powers to issue measures, laws, economic, technical and social policies appropriate society in order to protect living environment and to develop the country's socio-economic sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we examined the morphoanatomical structure of the vegetative organs of Lophanthus anisatus, common in the conditions of introduction, the features of structural adaptation and localization of biologically active substances, i.e. pharmacological activity. Based on the study of the anatomical structure of assimilative and axial organs under the conditions of introduction (Tashkent and Jizzakh) of L. anisatus, species-specific diagnostic features were determined. According to a comparative analysis of the anatomical features of the vegetative organs, it was established that under the conditions of the introduction of the Tashkent Botanical Garden, mesomorphic signs predominate in the assimilation and axial organs, and in the conditions of the Jizzakh region - xeromorphic ones. The localization of biologically active substances in the assimilating and storage tissues of the main tissue was also determined. These identified diagnostic characters are considered permanent taxonomic characters and are used in taxonomy and in the process of identifying the raw material of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogels were prepared by the free radical polymerization method successfully to remove textile dyes from the aqueous solution, due to the good properties of the hydrogels as being environmentally friendly, having a high ability to swell, high adsorption efficiency and good chemical stability. These hydrogels include surface SA-g-(PAAc-co-AM) hydrogel and its nanocomposite. The properties of the prepared hydrogels were studied using several techniques, including FESEM, TEM and XRD. Adsorption tests for these surfaces were performed on textile dyes including Brilliant green (BG), Methyl violate (MV), Malachite green (MG), Rhodamine B (RhB) and Brose Bengal (RB). We compared the surfaces of SA-g-(PAAc-co-AM) hydrogel, its nanocomposite and activated carbon (AC) as adsorbents. The best results of the percentage of removal (E%) of textile dyes were in the order of BG, RB, MV, MG and RhB. Arranging in the increasing order are as follows: SA-g-(PAAc-co-AM)/AC, SA-g-(PAAc-co-AM) and activated carbon (AC). The good results of the percentage of removal (E%) of SA-g-(PAAc-co-AM)/AC were also as follows: BG = 98.91, MG = 93.43, MV = 90.98, RhB = 77.55, RB = 70.66. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In pasture animal husbandry, the most accessible types of watering are surface water sources, which is limited by the degree of mineralization of water in them permissible for the livestock. The purpose of the study is to analyze the hydrochemical indicators of water sources used for watering pastures in the West Kazakhstan region to improve water quality. This region is distinguished by a wide variety of natural landscapes. Its considerable extension from north to south has led to a consistent change in the natural and geographical zones with varying degrees of availability to the surface water resources. The greatest density of these sources is observed in the steppe and dry steppe zones of the region. There are about 54 rivers of various lengths in the region, which can be used as water sources. Hydrochemical analysis of water was carried out by chemical and physicochemical methods. The absolute majority of surface water sources had weak mineralization, and the chemical composition of the water was dominated by magnesium/sodium chloride, magnesium/calcium sulfate/chloride, magnesium/calcium/sodium sulfate/chloride, and calcium/sodium chloride/sulfate types of salt composition. The conducted studies show the importance of surface water sources in the irrigation of pasture lands in the West Kazakhstan region. The presence of a small number of surface water sources on a regional scale requires careful and rational use of available water resources, as well as the development of special measures to improve water quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this research was to study the physical properties of Nipa palm fibers and test the properties of the fibers obtained from the yarn-spinning process. In visiting community groups that produced Nipa palm products in many provinces in Thailand, it was found that the interesting part of Nipa palms that could be brought to develop, build a career, and add value to this plant was Nipa palm fibers, which are tough, strong, and suitable for making wicker products. Interestingly, Kan Mhong Jak (stalks of empty Nipa palm bunches) could be developed into fabrics for use in the design of various products. Additionally, the Nipa palm fibers were mixed with polyester fibers in two different proportions. They were then tested until getting suitable for weaving into the fabrics. The obtained woven fabrics were beautiful, strong, and suitable for further development and creation of other textile products. This can add value to the Nipa palm, a plan that occurs naturally in the community to maximize its benefits and become more well-known. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scientists have been interested in human reproduction for a long time, since on the one hand, it is related to human life, and on the other hand, it ensures the transmission of genetic traits from parents to children, as low fertility is considered one of the social problems leading to psychological disorders in couples who are unable to have children or what is called infertile. Therefore, this study aimed to find out the protective effects of the alcoholic extract of ginseng roots and carob fruits on the level of oxidative balance in semen and improving reproductive efficiency by examining the histological parameters of testes in albino male rabbits, and comparing these effects with the effects of vitamin E known for its antioxidant properties. This study included using forty adult albino male rabbits in eight groups, with five rabbits in each group and convergent weights. All groups were fed a standard diet throughout the five-month experimental period. The treatments were as follows: The first group (T1) were gavaged by distilled water, the second (T2) by 200 mg kg-1 alcoholic extract of ginseng roots, the third (T3) by 400 mg kg-1 alcoholic extract of ginseng roots, the fourth (T4) by 200 mg kg-1 alcoholic extract of carob fruits, the fifth (T5) by 400 mg kg-1 alcoholic extract of carob fruits, the sixth (T6) by 100 mg kg-1 alcoholic extract of ginseng roots + 100 mg kg-1 carob fruits, the seventh (T7) by 200 mg kg-1 alcoholic extract of ginseng roots + 200 mg kg-1 carob fruits, and finally, the eighth (T8) by 400 mg kg-1 vitamin E. Our results showed a significant drop (p < 0.05) in the level of MDA concentration and a significant upraise in the level of CAT, GSH and TAC concentration in the semen. The results also revealed the normal shape of the seminiferous tubules and an improvement in reproductive efficiency through the elevation in spermatogenesis percentage (SP), primary spermatocytes percentage (PSP), secondary spermatocytes percentage (SSP), spermatozoa percentage (SpP) and mature sperm percentage (MSP) for groups dosed by ginseng root extract + carob fruits and by vitamin E compared to the normal control group. Ginseng roots extract at a dose of 200 mg kg-1 + carob fruits at a dose of 200 mg kg-1 (T7) were superior to all treatments, followed by vitamin E (T8). Thus, we concluded from the current study that the effect of T7 reduces the level of free radicals and raises the level of antioxidants in the semen, and increases reproductive efficiency through the high percentage of sperm in the semen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The forage kochia, Kochia prostrata is used in agriculture as a high-quality pasture plant, however, it has not shown itself to be a stable pasture-haymaking plant. Therefore, in this study, a new direction was chosen for using forage kochia as fodder, i.e., using it for the production of fruit and fodder products that are more nutritious than its hay. The study aimed to determine the influence of soil and climatic conditions on the alteration in the chemical composition and nutritional value of fruit and fodder products, hay, and straw of the forage kochia. The study was carried out in the desert zone of the Atyrau region, Western Kazakhstan with annual precipitation of 130.2 mm. Experiments in 2016 and 2017 were established on meadow-brown soils, and in 2020 on alluvial-meadow soils. The conducted studies have shown that the content of fodder units and protein in fruit and fodder products is much higher than that of hay (0.88 versus 0.65 fodder units and 21.80 g versus 17.25 g protein), and also much higher than those of its straw, which are 0.39 fodder units and 11.21 g, respectively. Natural forage plants of the desert of Western Kazakhstan are unproductive (2-3 kg ha-1) and nutritionally poor. As an alternative, it is proposed to produce fruit-based fodder of forage kochia, a new type of high-quality, nutritionally balanced feed, 10 or more times (39 kg ha-1) superior in productivity to natural hayfields and pastures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tourism industry growth in many regions of the world, along with the positive and negative economic and social consequences, has environmental impacts leading to irreversible damage. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of the tourism industry on municipal solid waste amounts especially plastics in Nowshahr City, Northern Iran. The physical components of solid waste were determined based on a simple random sampling method. The samples were collected during a one-year study period (from spring 2015 to winter 2016). The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was performed to determine the normality of data distribution. Also, the One-Way ANOVA and Tukey tests were implemented to investigate significant differences between the seasons. The Delphi-AHP method was used to find the main criteria of solid waste increasing or the tourism effects reducing. The result showed that plastic (15.98%) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles (11.42%) constituted the highest physical components of solid wastes in the study period. The highest amounts of PET and plastic wastes were observed in the summer, exhibiting significant difference than in the winter (p < 0.05). The results showed that amount of waste in Nowshahr is completely influenced by the number of tourists, irregular presence of tourists throughout the year and season. Also, the lack of environmental awareness in the region has led to the accumulation of significant amounts of recyclable waste such as plastic. The result indicated that the importance of knowledge about the amount of produced wastes in managing and reducing environmental effects in tourism areas. Therefore, special attention should be paid to the public education and culture regarding to the separation of wstes from the source and also recycling the solid wastes as well as the public participation in study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective was to investigate if changes in annual, monthly, and seasonal precipitation are associated with emergence of declining oak trees in Iran. Daily precipitation data were obtained from 20 synoptic stations distributed over the Zagros area from 1988-2019. Non-parametric Mann-Kendall (MK) test and Sen's Slope estimator (Qmed value) were applied to identify significant trends in the precipitation data. "De Martonne" climate classification (i.e., De Martonne aridity index (IDM) was used for climate classification. Although most stations showed decreasing trends in annual precipitation during the studied period (1988-2019), these trends were statistically significant at only two stations. The mean number of events per year pre- and post-oak decline was not significantly different (68 events before against 71 events after decline). Most of the annual precipitation in the Zagros region falls in winter and spring (80% in total). However, this ratio decreased after the year 2000 by 6% (not significant) compared with before. The difference between the average annual precipitation, before (1988-2000) and after (2000-2019) the emergence of the oak decline phenomenon, were not statistically significant in any of the climate types (semi-arid: 406 mm vs. 378 mm), Mediterranean (530 mm vs. 489 mm), and humid (924 mm vs. 912 mm) as well as in whole Zagros region (537 mm vs. 508 mm). Although our data suggested insignificant trends in precipitation for most stations, future research should investigate if rising temperature in the Zagros area has resulted in higher evaporation and drier soil thereby accelerating the oak tree decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change and human activity may have profound impacts on ecosystems sustainability and soil degradation. Within this context, soil microbial properties represented by microbial biomass and enzymatic activities have been used as soil quality assessing bioindicators. Twenty soil samples were collected from five unmanaged lands with native vegetation cover in areas around Baghdad, Iraq. The microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) were evaluated by the chloroform fumigation - extraction method. The soil enzymes activity was estimated by fluorescence enzyme assays. The current study showed a significant decrease in the activity of soil microbial communities in this region in response to climate changes that affected physicochemical soil properties. Neither pH nor electrical conductivity was significantly correlated with phosphatase activity. Electrical conductivity was negatively correlated with microbial biomass content and nitrifying enzymes activity. Soil moisture was strongly correlated with microbial biomass and enzymatic activity. Furthermore, microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen were significantly lower at all study sites. Our data indicate that the soil state was stressful, specific, and less efficient in supporting soil microbial activity. Consequently, lands reclamation would contribute to reducing soil degradation. This is the first analysis of bioindicator measurements of soil in a hot and dry ecosystem in the Middle East. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the results of palynological and physicochemical analysis of monofloral and polyfloral honey from different climate zones of Kazakhstan. Cotton, buckwheat, camelthorn, Tamarix, sunflower, sainfoin, and raspberry monofloral honey samples were analyzed. For the first time, the relationship between the results of the palynological analysis and some physicochemical values of honey quality indicators was shown. Thirteen samples of fresh honey of various botanical and geographical origins were collected and their basic physicochemical properties were studied, including the mass fraction of water, sucrose, and reducing sugars, free acidity, pH, diastase number (Schade unit), and electrical conductivity. Their organoleptic properties were evaluated. As a result of the conducted research, it was established that the honey samples are high-quality natural products that meet the regulatory requirements of the Codex Alimentarius (Standard for Honey, CXS 12-1981). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the era of climate change, environmental degradation caused by the unabated and indiscriminate usage of synthetic nematicides, there is urgent demand to develop safe alternatives for management of nematode diseases. In this respect, this study aimed to isolate, characterize, and evaluate novel chitinolytic rhizobacteria as biocontrol agents against Meloidogyne incognita infecting Capsicum annuum L. Among seventeen chitinolytic bacterial isolates, which were isolated from nematode suppressive soil, five isolates exhibited high chitinolytic activity. These isolates were identified based on 16S rRNA gene analysis as Chryseobacterium daecheongense (isolate AB1), Bacillus toyonensis (isolate AB2), Pseudomonas lini (isolate AB3), Lactobacillus helveticus (isolate AB4) and Klebsiella oxytoca (isolate AB5). In vitro studies revealed that maximum nematode mortality (100%) was recorded for isolates AB3 and AB5; while maximum egg hatching inhibition (90.86 and 86.27%) in AB3 and AB4, respectively. Under field conditions, maximum inhibition in gall formation, female numbers, egg-mass production, developmental stages and final population of juveniles in soil, was recorded for AB3, AB4 and AB5 isolates, respectively. The accumulation of phenolic compounds, peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase in pepper leaves were induced by different bacterial treatment which played a significant role in resistance of the plant to biotic stress. The histological study showed poor formation of regular giant cells in pepper roots treated with chitinolytic bacterial strains. Root transverse section of pepper plants infected with M. incognita and treated with isolates AB3 and AB4 showed maximum healthy pattern and less necrotic points compared to the control. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that among the tested bacterial stains, P. lini (AB3), L. helveticus (AB4) and K. oxytoca (AB5) showed high biocontrol prospects against M. incognita and could be introduced and formulated as a promising, affordable and safe bionematicides. Moreover, C. daecheongense (AB1) was recorded for the first time for its nematicidal activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The resolution of environmental issues and problems is contingent on the actions and behaviors of citizens. In this regard, environmental citizenship is of particular significance due to the commitment and accountability of individuals toward problems. The current study examined the level of environmental citizenship and its role in addressing climate change-related problems in Amedi City, Iraq. The statistical population of this study consisted of 11,000 people from the city, and a simple random sampling technique was used to select 420 individuals as a statistical sample. A questionnaire was used to collect the necessary data, and its validity and dependability were also evaluated. SPSS 23 was utilized to verify the results. The findings indicated that citizens' commitment to the environment and addressing one of the environmental crises, i.e., climate change, is adequate (4.02). According to demographic variables, citizens' commitment to addressing the climate change adverse and harmful effects was investigated. The results of the ANOVA test indicated that neither gender (F = 1.26) nor age (F = 4.53) has a significant relationship with environmental citizenship (P > 0.01). In contrast, there was a significant relationship between the level of education (F = 43.49) along with socioeconomic status (F = 24.17), and environmental citizenship (P < 0.01). Also, according to the independent t-test, only spatial connection exhibited a significant relationship among the environmental citizenship parameters (P < 0.01), including spatial connection (T = 5.12) and local message framework (T = 0.86). In conclusion, it was determined that effective policymaking could increase people's commitment and sense of responsibility toward environmental consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to find out the effect of variation in the nature of climatic conditions and physiographic location on the weathering intensity of the mineral composition in some Iraqi soils. Six different locations were selected within rainfall with intensity ranged between 100-1200 mm year-1, located in the north, west, central and southern Iraq. These locations were represented by the governorates of Erbil and Sulaymaniyah, Salah al-Din, Wasit and Dhi Qar in the locations of Joman, Halabja, Al-Sharqat, Tikrit, Al-Suwaira project, and Hor Al-Jbayish respectively. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to diagnose the most important morphological features of clay minerals. Moreover, the examination results of clays in northern Iraq showed the presence of mica minerals in their irregular lamellar shape with rough surfaces containing cracks. These features reflected the exposure of mica minerals to different stages of weathering intensity of the layers. It was also exposed to the edges weathering in some of its areas. Likewise, the surfaces of these minerals seemed to contain slab elongated particles of regular geometric shape and with curled edges belonging to other minerals that are considered as impurities within the composition of the original mineral during the formation process. Besides, a transformation of part of the mica minerals appeared towards the expanded minerals 1:2 most likely to be Smectite minerals. As for the clays of the western regions of Iraq, the mica mineral particles appeared with multiple morphological appearances within the weathering of layers and edges. The surfaces of those particles appeared rough with the presence of the layers splitting accompanied by peeling, which indicates the exposure of these minerals to layers weathering. Furthermore, the results of general examination of the particles showed the absence of sharp edges rather, and some of them had irregular edges as a result of breaking the metal flakes as they were subjected to physical weathering in conjunction with chemical weathering, in addition, the presence of a shift at the edges of the mica minerals towards the expanded Smectite minerals 1:2. The latter appeared in the form of a white cloud, in addition to the presence of mica minerals with the weathered edges, but it appeared in a limited way, which reflects the extent of the decrease in the effective weathering intensity in those areas. The particles of the Palygorskite mineral appeared in an elongated shape, which reflects the appropriateness of the environmental conditions in those areas to form it, as it is a gypsum soil in nature. In the case of the clays of the central regions of Iraq, mica minerals appeared in the form of unaffected surfaces and the edges of some of them weathered which may have been weathered by transport and sedimentation processes. On the other hand, at the source, the conditions of the sampling areas do not encourage the occurrence of weathering processes, since they are dry or semi-dry areas with little rain. Similarly, it may be caused by wind weathering. In addition, chlorite minerals appeared in a pseudo hexagonal form, while Smectite minerals in a white cloudy form. At the same time, the clays of the southern regions of Iraq - Hor Al-Jbayish showed that a large part of the surfaces of their minerals were irregular. However, the surfaces of the mica minerals contained holes of different sizes and that some of Caspian Journal of Environmental Sciences, Vol. 20 No. 5 pp. 991-1001 Received: May 24, 2022 Revised: Sep. 05, 2022 Accepted: Nov. 13, 2022 those mineral surfaces appeared in a spongy form. Moreover, the holes that had been observed on the surfaces of Mica minerals can be the result of the presence of impurities from fossilized plant. Otherwise, animal remains during the synthesis of the mineral, which left a hole after the process of its complete dissolution. Similarly, it may be the result of the mineral impurity in the presence of impurities of other minerals that may differ in their geological age and degree of resistance to weathering. In general, all these morphological features are a product of what these minerals are exposed to the weathering processes, whether they are water or wind in the source areas or during transport and deposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we assessed the seasonal habitat suitability of Wild goat, Capra aegagrus in Roodbarak prohibited hunting region, located in Kelardasht, Northern Iran. We applied environmental variables including topographic factors (altitude, slope, and aspect), climatic factors (average rainfall and average monthly temperature), anthropogenic factors (distance from villages and roads), vegetation type, and water resources to analyse the connection of the species presence with its habitat. To model the species distribution, we benefitted from the three following modelling algorithms using biomod package implemented in R programming language: Generalized Linear Model (GLM), Generalized Boosted Models (GBM), and Random Forest (RF). The results of all models indicated altitude as a determining factor in wild goat's habitat for all seasons in the studied area. In addition, climatic variables were critical in forming the species habitat in spring, summer and autumn. Moreover, in winter, distance to springs exhibited a significant impact. Applying the results of such ecological studies of habitat evaluation along with population surveys can be crucial in the species and consequently ecosystem conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon is the most important form of tropical climate change. By modifying the distribution of rainfall and temperatures, it sometimes engenders devastating effects in many tropical regions and even in high latitudes. The aim of this study was to choose the El Nino event as a potential predictor for long-term precipitation forecast in Iraq in the presence of opposite patterns in Iraq's precipitation distribution at different phases of the El Nino event. The results indicate that calculating the frequency of occurrence of precipitation gradations in Iraq during the warm and cold phases of ENSO are presented in Tables 2 and 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of water resources and reviewing periodic and spatial changes in the quality of water in aquatic ecosystems are of important necessity due to the reasons including, climate change, water resource constraints, and increased human water requirements. Given the fact that Koohsar Lake water in Zanjan Province is one of the sources of drinking water in the region, the present study aimed to measure the values of 19 parameters of water quality in two seasons of summer and spring at four stations. The samples were transferred to a laboratory under steady-state and sunlight conditions and analyzed according to the standard methods. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software. Moreover, the study applied factor analysis using principle components to analyze the variance of data. In addition, the values of the parameters were compared with the permissible limits of drinking water of national standard. The results indicated a significant difference between the parameters studied at stations and different sampling times by repeated measurements. The results of factor analysis also showed that the total of three main components in the summer and spring were 96.573% and 98.581% of the variance of data respectively. The main parameters in the summer included Chlorophyll-a, Na, DO, pH, BOD, COD, TDS, EC, and nitrate. Also, EC, TDS, alkalinity, pH, COD, BOD, Ca, and ammonia were found as the main parameters in the spring. Also, it was found that except for the pH in the spring and at stations 3 and 4 which were below the standard minimum, the lake water in both seasons and all stations, in terms of parameters, was within the standard range and exhibited a good quality for drinking. Implications are discussed in light of the study findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aimed to know the effects of oral administration of Moringa oleifera leaves powder which contains the active substances to prevent the harmful toxic effect of chromium Cr (potassium dichromate; VI) on some hormonal and biochemical tests, in addition to understand the relationship between active compound of Moringa oleifera on testes and liver tissues against chromium toxicity. Thirty-three healthy male white New Zealand rabbits were randomly distributed in three groups (11 rabbits in each group). The first group were orally drenched normal saline considered as a control group. The second, were treated with chromium (40 mg/ kg body weight/day) to notice experimental toxicity on some blood parameters and tissues structure., The third with 300 mg Moringa oleifera powder /kg diet/day with the chromium (40 mg/ kg body weight/day). Treating for all groups was continued for 60 days. The results showed negative effects as a significant decrease (p≤ 0.01) in testosterone and inhibin-B hormone, glutathione (GSH) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), by the increased level of FSH, alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST), liver cholesterol and malondialdehyde (MDA), in addition to histological variation in liver and testes in the rabbit serum dealt with chromium (group 2). In contrast, a positive effect was observed as a significant raise in testosterone, inhibin-B hormone, GSH and TAC, by decreased levels of FSH, ALT, AST, liver cholesterol and MDA in the serum dealt with Moringa oleifera (group 3), in addition to the improvement effects on testicular tissue and liver to be closed to normal concentration in control group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of spraying different levels of humic acid and nano-fertilizer in Khorramabad region in a temperate climate during 2017-2018 cropping year. It was carried out in a factorial arrangement based on completely randomized block design with three replications. The examined factors included humic acid in three levels (control, seed coating with humic acid and humic acid foliar application as H1, H2 and H3 respectively) and foliar application of nano-fertilizer in four levels (control, one, two, and three times nano-fertilizer spraying as N1, N2, N3 and N4 respectively). The results of mean comparison showed that non-application of humic acid and nano-fertilizer treatments had the lowest fruit yield (28400 kg ha-1). Also, by increasing the number of nano-fertilizer application, the fruit yield of pumpkin was elevated. The results showed that there was no significant difference between treatments of one, two and three times the application of nano fertilizer, however, the highest amount of protein and oil yield were 182.7 and 384.9 kg ha-1 in three treatments which obtained in nano-fertilizer application and the least amount of oil and protein was obtained in control treatment (distilled water). Overall, the results showed that three-time application of nano-fertilizer with humic acid foliar application as well as seed coating with humic acid could significantly improve the quality and quantity of pumpkin seeds. Therefore, using these fertilizer in the climatic conditions of Khorramabad is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The modern Russian food market is constantly enriched with new types of products obtained from the crops previously unknown to the domestic consumer. One of the plants of interest in this regard is quinoa, Chenopodium quinoa Willd., a pseudo-grain culture from the Amaranthaceae Juss family of the Chenopodioideae Burnett subfamily. Grain quinoa has a high nutritional value and a unique chemical composition: it has a high protein content (up to 20%), which contains the most important amino acids. It does not contain gluten, and is rich in polyunsaturated oils, vitamins and minerals. The adaptive potential of quinoa allows it to be cultivated in a wide range of agricultural-ecological conditions. It should be noted that quinoa is resistant to abiotic stresses, which is important, taking into account global climate changes, the manifestations of which negatively affect the productivity of traditional agricultural crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]