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In this study, natural zeolite was investigated as an inexpensive and effective adsorbent for the adsorption of malachite green (MG) from aqueous solution. The initial pH, amount of zeolite, initial dye concentration and reaction time were selected as independent variables in box behnken design while color removal efficiency was considered as the response function. The results showed that the optimum parameter values for maximum color removal efficiency were: pH=9 , amount of zeolite 0.65 g , dye concentration 45 mg/L and reaction time 80 min . Based on analysis of variance (ANOVA), the coefficient of determination value (R2 = 0.9962) was high, showing that the experimental values fitted well with the predicted values. In addition, the statistical analysis of the results indicated that in the range studied, amount of zeolite and pH had a significant effect on color removal efficiency.

The recent studies in most of the countries show the impact of a large number of factors including: satisfaction, knowledge, condition, individual particulars, population specifications and behavioral variables in the people's participation. The important issue is that whether such variables are effective on the amount of people's participation in Iran? The objective of this study is to review the effective relationship factors on the farmers' knowledge in applying the Watershed Management Program(WMP) operations in Kooshkabad catchment area located in Khorasan Razavi Province in Iran (85 km2). The main objective of this study is to evaluate the factors which are effective on the people's participation in Iran. The total population of the under study catchment area is 1250 people (n=1250), in which 200 persons were selected by classified random sampling method (n=200). In fact, this research is designed to study the relationship between the awareness about Watershed Management Program (WMP) and level of participation in WMP in Iran. To this end, a provisional research was performed and its data were gathered through the interview with the residents of 6 villages at the downstream part of Karde dam catchment area. The knowledge and participation scale in watershed management operations is 0.90 and 0.92 respectively, which about half of farmers have the knowledge about watershed management operations and the participation level was at an intermediate level and there is a positive and significant relationship between the farmers' knowledge about watershed management program. Although, based on the findings, the level of social participation of people is more than the economical and environmental participation, in addition the findings show that the knowledge level of respondents about such operations has been low up to medium level and participation in it has a positive and meaningful relationship with the knowledge of such operations. ( r= 0.611, P=0.000) .

Background: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common endocrine diseases that impair the function of other body systems. This study conducted to determine the effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Dracocephalum kotschyi on biochemical blood parameters of diabetic rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 48 male Wistar rats (215 ± 35 g) randomly were divided into 6 equal groups. Normal control and diabetic control groups received distilled water, and the control group receivedhydroalcoholic extract of Dracocephalum kotschyi (120 mg/Kg). Three treatment diabetic groups received 40, 80 and 120 mg/Kg of a hydroalcoholic extract of Dracocephalum kotschyi respectively. All groups were treated orally by gavage which continued for 21 days. The level of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), albumin, creatinine and urea nitrogen in blood was measured at the end of the study in different groups. Findings: The Mean blood glucose in the treatment groups with extract of Dracocephalum kotschyi decreased significantly compared to the diabetic control (P < 0.05). The mean of AST, ALT and ALP was significantly reduced in treating diabetic groups in comparison to the diabetic control (P < 0.05). The mean of albumin and urea nitrogen in the treatment groups with 80 and 120 mg/Kg of the extract were reduced significantly compared to the diabetic control (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The dosage of 80 and 120 mg/Kg extract of Dracocephalum kotschyi improve liver and kidney function in diabetic rat.

Background and Aim: It has been shown that Capparis spinosa fruit has hypoglycemic, antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and analgesic properties. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of Capparis spinosa fruit on histomorphological changes in pancreas after triggering diabetes mellitus in male rats. Materials and Methods: Forty Wistar rats (150- 200 g, 6 weeks of age) were randomly divided into five equal groups of 8 animals. Groups III, IV and V received intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. Blood glucose of the groups was measured, using a glucometer, after 72 hours. After 10 days, Group II, IV and V daily received 30, 20 and 30 mg/kg extract of Capparis spinosa respectively, for three weeks. Blood glucose was measured in the beginning of the study and at the end of every week. Besides, insulin of the blood was measured at the end of the study. The number of β cells and diameter of islets of Langerhans were determined using hematoxylin- phloxine staining. The collected data was analyzed by means of one-way ANOVA, using SPSS software (V: 13). Results: Mean number of β cells and diameter of the islets significantly decreased in the diabetic control group compared to the nondiabetic controls. Histological assessments showed a significant increase in the number of β cells, diameter of islets, and amount of insulin in groups treated with hydroalcoholic extract of Caparis Spinosa compared to the diabetic control group. Conclusion: Administration of Capparis spinosa extract could increase the number of β cells and improve the function of damaged pancreas in diabetic rats.