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AbstractThe influence of the magnetic field configuration on the performance of a helicon-based negative ion source is investigated with simulation experiments. Using COMSOL Multiphysics software, a three-dimensional simulation model for a negative ion source, based on a helicon plasma source, is presented in two magnetic field configurations: uniform and nonuniform configurations.The helicon plasma source employed a Nagoya-type antenna to apply radio-frequency (RF) power at a frequency of 13.56 MHz. The injected gas is hydrogen with a flow of 10 standard cubic centimeters per minute. Using a three-dimensional model, helicon wave propagation in the presence of a magnetic filter and the energy absorption mechanism in the helicon system are investigated. In this context, in the presence of the two magnetic field configurations, the influence of the important parameters’ working pressure and RF power on the optimization of negative ion production under volume mode is studied. Six electromagnetic coils at the same current are used for producing the magnetic field in both cases of uniform and nonuniform configurations. The variation of the electron density and electron temperature, in both regions of driver and expansion, are calculated and represented with respect to the different power and the gas pressure.The simulation results of the negative ion density in the expansion region for the uniform and nonuniform magnetic field configurations are compared. The results indicate that at the same applied current of coils, the negative ion density in the presence of the nonuniform magnetic field is about 1.75 times higher than the negative ion density of the uniform case. Moreover, the results show that the negative ion density is decreased by decreasing the magnetic field of the driver region in the nonuniform cases.

Abstract: The electricity sector holds significant potential for global carbon reduction, making it a pivotal player in transitioning towards low-carbon economies. The surging demand for electricity, coupled with mounting concerns about climate change, underscores the imperative to replace outdated and inefficient electricity generation methods with modern alternatives that enhance environmental quality and energy security. In Iran, where the electricity sector accounts for over 30% of the nation’s CO2emissions, this study employs a Dynamic Computable General Equilibrium (DCGE) model to analyze the impacts of applying two low-carbon strategies: enhancing efficiency and expanding renewable energy use in electricity generation. Our findings indicate positive economic growth under both scenarios, accompanied by reduced demand for fossil fuels and increased gas and oil exports. Furthermore, CO2emissions decrease owing to fossil fuel savings in both cases. Notably, a 10% increase in renewable energy demonstrates superior economic effects, boosting GDP by 3.41% in the tenth year, compared to 2.36% under the enhanced efficiency scenario. Conversely, improving energy efficiency appears more environmentally favorable, significantly reducing fossil fuel demand and carbon emissions by up to 0.2% over the next decade, despite population growth. Graphical abstract: Highlights:

A DCGE model has been applied to simulate the macroeconomic effects of low-carbon strategies, including increases in renewable energy and energy efficiency.

By using low-carbon strategies in the electricity sector, the economic growth rate will be positive.

The renewable energy strategy has better economic effects, while in terms of the environment, energy efficiency seems to be more appropriate. Discussion:

Despite the positive economic growth observed with both low-carbon strategies, the prioritization of renewable energy over energy efficiency in terms of economic effects was found in transitioning towards low-carbon economies.

The significant reduction in fossil fuel demand and carbon emissions achieved through improving energy efficiency highlights the necessity for policy interventions to mitigate environmental impacts.

Choosing the right method to discover superior genotypes is always one of the major challenges that oilseed rape (Brassica napusL.) researchers deal with. This work aimed to compare the univariate and multivariate selection indices utilizing variance‐based, additive main effects and multiplicative interaction based, best linear unbiased prediction based, and genotype × environment/trait based strategies to determine the best‐performing (regarding stability, yield, and agronomic traits) oilseed rape genotypes. Utilized indices were categorized into five general methods, including univariate performance selection index (UPSI: mean performance), univariate stability selection indices (USSIs: environmental variance, Shukla's stability variance, AMMI stability value, modified AMMI stability value, modified AMMI stability index, and weighted average of absolute scores), multivariate performance selection indices (MPSIs: genotype by trait [GT], genotype by yield × trait [GYT], and ideotype‐design index [FAI‐BLUP]), univariate performance and stability selection indices (UPSSIs: coefficient of variability, harmonic mean of genotypic value [HMGV], relative performance of genotypic value [RPGV], WAASBY [WAASB and mean performance {Y}], and genotype + genotype × environment interaction [GGE]), and multivariate performance and stability selection index (MPSSI: MTSI). Data from 18 oilseed rape genotypes and two checks were obtained from trials conducted at eight locations in Iran during two consecutive crop years from 2018 to 2020. The grain yield (GY) and agronomic traits were evaluated. The significant genotype × environment interaction was found for GY and agronomic traits in the combined analysis of variance. In terms of GY, the selection indices GGE, HMGV, and RPGV (6.51), GYT (6.43), GT (5.35), MTSI (4.95), FAI‐BLUP (4.64), and WAASBY (3.97) achieved better‐than‐average genetic gains (GSs). Using an optimized model of USSIs (O‐USSIs), GS increased from −0.15 to 3.26 on average, which shows the efficiency of O‐USSIs in high‐yielding and stable genotypes selection. Based on Spearman's ranking correlation, a positive relationship was found among MPSIs, MPSSI, UPSSIs, and UPSIs, but not for USSIs. Based on an integrated model of selection indices, genotypes G2, G10, G11, G14, and G20 were detected as superior genotypes with high‐yielding, high‐stability, and desirable agronomic traits. It could be concluded that combining different approaches of genotype selection based on an integrated model can provide better answers to oilseed rape breeders. This study found a positive relationship among MPSIs, MPSSI, UPSSIs, and UPSIs, but not for USSIs.The MTSI and WAASBY indices showed the highest level of association with the various selection indices studied.Integrated model found G2, G10, G11, G14, and G20 as high‐yielding and stable genotypes with desirable traits.

Using COMSOL Multiphysics software, the influence of the applied power, injected gas pressure, and coil placement configuration are studied on a radio frequency (RF) inductively coupled plasma (ICP) source-based ion thruster system. In order to reach a long-life ion thruster with high efficiency, the RF-ICP source and extractor system of the thruster is simulated in three dimensions under different conditions. The simulation results show that displacement of the ICP coil can push the generated plasma density pick to the vicinity of the extractor electrode. The variations of the RF power and the injected gas pressure are investigated on the current density of the extracted beam. Considering space charge effects, beam optical parameters, and gas diffusion effects, an optimum injected gas pressure is obtained in the order of 2.5 Pa, at a fixed RF power of 300 W. The efficiency of the three types of extractor electrodes (A, B, and C types) is compared with each other. This study, under the optimum pressure and the optimum RF power of the A-type extractor, is performed for all three types. The comparison results indicate that the cone-type electrode can extract a high-current ion beam with a proper divergence angle, perveance, and transparency.

Agricultural entrepreneurship offers far more opportunities in entrepreneurial development because it serves as a breeding ground for micro-businesses. Nonetheless, the role of the entrepreneur as a driver of economic growth and job creation in society has received considerable attention in both research and policy in developed and developing economies. The main aim of this quantitative study was to analyze the willingness of agricultural graduates to participate in entrepreneurial business in the tropical farming project being implemented in Qasr-e-Shirin in kermanshah province, Iran. Therefore, 263 graduates were estimated and analyzed as the statistical sample. The results indicate that a great majority of the graduates (about 75%) do not have membership in any cooperatives. Nearly 65% of the graduates have not experienced the creation of business independently. Furthermore, about half of the respondents are practicing false and unrelated occupations. Based on a structural model in structural equation modeling, the results showed that the values and norms of the community and those around it had the most direct and significant effect on the willingness of the graduates. The study emphasizes the potential of tropical agricultural initiatives as social networks for boosting entrepreneurship and highlights specific implications for policymakers, (potential) entrepreneurs, entrepreneurship support organizations, and researchers.

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Given the recent increasing trends in colorectal cancer incidence globally, up-to-date information on the colorectal cancer burden could guide screening, early detection, and treatment strategies, and help effectively allocate resources. We examined the temporal patterns of the global, regional, and national burden of colorectal cancer and its risk factors in 204 countries and territories across the past three decades.

RationaleInhaled tobramycin and oral azithromycin are common chronic therapies in people with cystic fibrosis and Pseudomonas aeruginosaairway infection. Some studies have shown that azithromycin can reduce the ability of tobramycin to kill P. aeruginosa. This trial was done to test the effects of combining azithromycin with inhaled tobramycin on clinical and microbiological outcomes in people already using inhaled tobramycin. We theorised that those randomised to placebo (no azithromycin) would have greater improvement in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and greater reduction in P. aeruginosasputum in response to tobramycin.MethodsA 6-week prospective, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial testing oral azithromycin versus placebo combined with clinically prescribed inhaled tobramycin in individuals with cystic fibrosis and P. aeruginosaairway infection.ResultsOver a 6-week period, including 4 weeks of inhaled tobramycin, the relative change in FEV1did not statistically significantly differ between groups (azithromycin (n=56) minus placebo (n=52) difference: 3.44%; 95% CI: −0.48 to 7.35; p=0.085). Differences in secondary clinical outcomes, including patient-reported symptom scores, weight and need for additional antibiotics, did not significantly differ. Among the 29 azithromycin and 35 placebo participants providing paired sputum samples, the 6-week change in P. aeruginosadensity differed in favour of the placebo group (difference: 0.75 log10CFU/mL; 95% CI: 0.03 to 1.47; p=0.043).ConclusionsDespite having greater reduction in P. aeruginosadensity in participants able to provide sputum samples, participants randomised to placebo with inhaled tobramycin did not experience significantly greater improvements in lung function or other clinical outcomes compared with those randomised to azithromycin with tobramycin.

The geometry of a building is one of the influential parameters in calculating the wind load. This parameter is denoted as Cp in static methods. It is provided in codes for conventional buildings. The present study calculates the wind pressure coefficient for a non-conventional Y-shaped building model with a scale of 1:500. To obtain the wind effects on the building, the wind tunnel test and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) were employed. The model was rotated in 10-degree rotation steps within the wind tunnel to find the most critical wind load orientation. Also, the wind pressure was applied to the building in the CFD approach to obtain the maximum displacement. The largest displacement (relative to the original position at θ= 0°) was found to be 3.75 at θ= 30°. The numerical results were found to be in good agreement with the experimental wind tunnel results. This demonstrated that the proposed method could be a suitable alternative to the wind tunnel test.

Center pivots currently irrigate more than 10 million hectares (25 million acres) in the U.S. and are steadily replacing traditional flood irrigation and other types of pressurized irrigation systems. Despite [...]

This paper aims to clarify the effects of earthquake as a shock to the Iran's economy providing policy makers with insight in the impacts of such shocks. Using CGE approach, it proposes modelling the reduction of capital stock stem from the earthquake and outlining its effects on the GDP, health sectors and household's welfare. Based on simulation results, the GDP decrease and the rate of reduction depend on the severity of the earthquake. Supply side of health sector is affected more than demand side, due to the fact that healthcare centres destroy aftermath of earthquakes. Household's welfare reduces after earthquake and the urban population are more vulnerable.

Water contamination by heavy metals has become a serious environmental issue due to its serious threat to human health. The current research was conducted to determine heavy metal concentrations in drinking groundwater samples in villages of Dehgolan, western Iran and to ascertain the potential health risk in terms of estimated non-carcinogenic risks by hazard quotient and hazard index and carcinogenic risk to the residents living in these areas from exposure to the metals via drinking water ingestion and skin contact routes. Health risks were conducted for resident adults based on the USEPA health risk assessment guidelines. The mean values of Pb, Cd, and As in the groundwater samples were 0.0026 mg/L (ranging from 0.0020–0.0030 mg/L), 0.0009 mg/L (ranging from 0.0007–0.0010 mg/L), and 0.0068 mg/L (ranging from 0.0011–0.0360 mg/L), respectively. Compared to the WHO drinking water guidelines for Pb, Cd and As, virtually all the trace elements in the drinking water of villages in the present study could meet the requirements of the regulation except As in some villages. The results of the study obtained in all cases demonstrated that the non-carcinogenic risk was below the safe limit. The calculated carcinogenic risk for adults obtained was all lower than USEPA’s acceptable cancer risk range of 1 × 10−4to 1 × 10−6, suggesting no potential carcinogenic risk from drinking water consumption.

Background: Inhibition of hepatic fibrosis is an attainable objective in managing the chronic liver disease. The present study aimed to investigate possible defensive effects of metformin on the activities of antioxidant enzymes, hydroxyproline content, and biochemical factors in bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced cholestatic rats. The interactive behavior of metformin with glutathione peroxidase (GPx) enzyme was also explained by molecular docking and conformation characterization. Methods: The present study was conducted on 28-adult male Wistar rats classified into four 7-animal groups: sham-control, mere BDL, and BDL+ metformin that received daily metformin as gavage in two doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg bw for 10 days. Biochemical analysis, hydroxyproline content, and antioxidant enzymes activity were also determined. Results: The hydroxyproline content significantly increased, but the GPx enzyme activity significantly decreased in the hepatic tissue following BDL, indicating that an oxidative stress-related model in rats was successfully constituted. Administration of metformin at two doses attenuated hydroxyproline content in the cholestatic liver and ameliorated the depletion of GPx enzyme activities compared to the non-treated BDL group (P-value ≤ 0.05). Molecular docking study provides the evidence for metformin ability to regulate enzymatic activity of GPx. Conclusion: The research data indicated that due to novel hepatoprotective effects of metformin in an animal model with BDL-induced liver injury, it was a potential beneficial therapeutic agent for treating the cholestatic liver disease. The main mechanism might contribute to antioxidant actions, particularly via GPx enzyme.

The computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method is widely used today for determining the wind action on structures. Along with the CFD method the wind tunnel experiments are also employed to achieve this purpose. The cost and effort required for a wind tunnel test, however, is much higher than that of the CFD method; therefore, it is beneficial to extend and validate the use of CFD method to various classes and types of structures. This paper firstly compares the results of CFD method with the results of three series of wind tunnel tests available in the literature. Then, numerically the effect of structural flexibility and the neighbourhood of the objects on the wind pressure distribution coefficients are studied. Two and three half spheres are arranged sequentially and transversally. According to the CFD analysis, at a clear distance greater than 2.5 times the diameter of the (obstructing) dome, the wind dynamic interference effects on the reference hemisphere are diminished.

We completely describe surjective maps preserving the peripheral local spectrum of Jordan product of operators. Let $$x_0 \in X$$ x0∈X and $$y_0 \in Y $$ y0∈Y be two nonzero vectors. We show that a map $$\varphi $$ φ from B(X) onto B(Y) satisfies $$\begin{aligned} \gamma _{ST+ TS}(x_0)=\gamma _{\varphi (S)\varphi (T)+ \varphi (T)\varphi (S)}(y_0), \quad (T,S\in B(X)), \end{aligned}$$ γST+TS(x0)=γφ(S)φ(T)+φ(T)φ(S)(y0),(T,S∈B(X)), if and only if there exists a bijective bounded linear map from Xinto Ysuch that$$ A(x_0)=y_0$$ A(x0)=y0 and either $$\varphi (T)=-ATA^{-1}$$ φ(T)=-ATA-1 for all $$T \in B(X) $$ T∈B(X) or $$\varphi (T)=ATA^{-1}$$ φ(T)=ATA-1 for all $$T \in B(X)$$ T∈B(X) .

Spring oilseed rape is one of the major oilseed crops produced in different regions of Iran's tropical climates. Because of the various climatic and geographical conditions of the tropical areas of Iran, it is necessary to release high-yielding cultivars with broad adaptability to the various tropical regions. The main objective of this study was to identify high-yielding and stable spring oilseed rape genotypes among some new oilseed rape genotypes via analysis of genotype by environment interaction using the GGE biplot model. To this end, multi environmental trials (METs) were conducted across 16 environments. Twenty genotypes composed of two check varieties as well as eighteen promising oilseed rape lines which were selected through preliminary experiments previously were examined in this study. Trials were conducted in the north and south tropical climate regions of Iran in a format of RCBD with three replications during the 2018–2019 and 2019–2020 growing seasons. The mean grain yield of each genotype was calculated after harvesting. Graphical representations of grain yield using heatmap showed that all the genotypes performed differently across all environments. The grain yield across environments ranged from 1824 kg ha−1(E11: Dezful) to 3610 kg ha−1(E5: Moghan) while it ranged from 2416 kg ha−1(G18: SRL-96-25) to 3148 kg ha−1(G10: SRL-96-17) across genotypes. The combined ANOVA indicated that grain yield was notably affected by genotype, environment, and G × E interaction factors. The relative contribution of variations demonstrated that the environment contributed the largest total variation, followed by the G × E interaction and genotype. GGE-biplot efficiently identified genotypes SRL-96-17 (G10) and SRL-96-11 (G5) as high-yielding and stable genotypes utilizing which-one-where and mean versus stability biplots. Additionally, these genotypes represented the minimum distance from the hypothetical ideal genotype that confirms the superiority of new promising lines identified in this study. Therefore, G10 and G5 can be recommended as well-performing genotypes for regions with tropical climates.

ABSTRACTDrought stress causes various physiological and biochemical effects in plants. Chicory (Cichorium intybusL.), of the Asteraceae, is a medicinal herbal that is found in most parts of Iran. This study was taken as a factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design​ with four replications, to evaluate the effect of water deficit on changes in antioxidant enzyme activity, proline content, and ABA accumulation of four ecotypes of chicory (Sefid Shiraz, Siyah Shiraz, Sefid Isfahan, Siyah Isfahan). To conduct this research, greenhouse cultivation at four different irrigation levels, 100% (as a control), 80, 60 and 40% of field capacity (FC), was conducted and after 60 days of tension under specific treatment, the plants were harvested and the indicators were investigated. The results of the present study indicate that Siyah Shiraz performs better than the others under water deficit conditions, as indicated by higher antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase) activity, proline content (as non-enzymatic anti oxidant) and abscisic acid accumulation in leaves. Since activation of the antioxidant system helps the plants with stress-induced damages, our results indicate that Siyah Shiraz has a better defense system against oxidative damage. These data are useful for better understanding of the physiological basis of changes in drought resistance as well as crop breeding projects.

Chemotherapy is associated with male infertility. Cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloro-platinum (II) (CDDP) as a chemotherapy medication used to treat a number of cancers has been reported to most likely induce testicular toxicity. Administration of antioxidants, such as pentoxifylline (PTX) may reduce some Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) of CDDR Therefore, this study investigated the potentially protective effects of PTX on CDDP-induced testicular toxicity in adult male rats. For this purpose, 42 male rats were randomly divided into 7 groups. The rats were orally preheated with PTX at the 3 doses of 75, 150, and 300 mg/kg once a day for 14 successive days. On the 14thday of the study, they were intraperitoneally (IP) administered with a single dose of CDDP (7 mg/kg). Finally, the sperm/testis parameters, serum levels of reproductive hormones, including testosterone, Luteinizing Hormone (LH), and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) as the pivotal endocrine factors controlling testicular functions, and histopathological changes of testis tissue were examined. Pretreatment with the two doses of 75 and 150 mg/kg PTX indicated significant increases in the sperm count and motility induced by CDDP administration. The right and significantly left testis weights were decreased following the treatment with 300 mg/kg of PTX plus CDDP. However, 75 mg/kg of PTX plus CDDP showed the best near-to-normal histopathological features. The results demonstrated that PTX alone enhanced some parameters, such as the sperm count, while reducing other parameters, including sperm fast motility and germ layer thickness. Furthermore, despite testosterone or LH levels, the mean serum FSH level was significantly augmented by the doses of 75 and 150 mg/ kg. It was concluded that PTX administration cannot reduce CDDP-induced testicular toxicity even at high doses (e.g., 300 mg/kg), while it seemed to partially intensify CDDP toxicity effects at a dose of 75 mg/kg. Thus, further research is required in this regard.

The objective of this study was to study the seed quality aspects of wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) and the extent of weed seed contamination present in wheat seeds produced in different regions of Iran. Four districts (cities), each including 12 fields (six certified seed fields and six farm-saved seed fields), were selected in each regions (provinces). One kilogram of the wheat seed sample was collected from each field for analysis in the laboratory. Wheat seeding was commonly done by farm-saved seed sourced from within the farm due to the high costs of certified seeds purchased from outside sources, followed by the low seed quality. The use of a farm-saved seed resulted in a higher germination rate and a lower mean time to germination compared with another system. The more positive temperatures experienced by mother plants could decrease the number of normal seedling and seedling length vigor index. Generally there was virtually no difference about physiological quality between certified seed and farm-saved seed sector that is related to lower quality of certified seed. The certified produced seeds had the lower number of weed seed, species and genus before and after cleaning. The highest seed purity and 1000 seed weight was obtained from the certified seed production system. The need for cleaning the farm-saved seed samples before sowing is one of the important findings of this survey.

Abstract:Myrtus communisL.is one of the most important aromatic and medicinal plants that used in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. The effect of six drying methods (shade, Oven 40oC Oven 60oC, Microwave 700 W, Vibro-spouted bed (VSB) 40oC) on yield and chemical composition of essential oil of M. communisleaves was investigated. The oils from fresh and dried leaves were isolated using hydrodistillation in a Clevenger apparatus and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).The highest essential oil yields were obtained by shade (1.87 %) followed by VSB 40oC (1.63 %), oven 40oC (1.35 %),VSB 60oC (1.23 %), microwave (1.05 %), oven 60oC (0.81 %) and fresh (0.47 %). Increasing the drying temperature significantly reduced the essential oil content of in VSB and oven methods. Forty-one components were identified in the oils of M. communis.The major constituents of the essential oil, α-pinene (7.04–31.29 %), dl-limonen (14.98–21.58 %), and linalool (1.72–15.47 %), showed considerable variation regarding drying techniques. Tricyclene, as a new component, was only identified in VSB procedure (7.02 % and 8.07 %). β-fenchylalcohol also found in VSB 60oC. Furthermore, in the microwave technique 3-cyclohexene-1-methanol (17.31 %) was found, while this component was not present in the other treatments. Therefore, these results showed yield and chemical composition of the essential oil from M. communisvaried according to drying methods. Shade and VSB techniques could be considered as the two best drying techniques in term of essential oil yield and bioactive compounds contents. Moreover, VSB drying is desirable because of time saving.

Microtremor survey is achieved in order to evaluate the dynamical characteristics of surface layers. For this purpose, 13 trenches were selected and microtremor measurements were performed at the top and bottom of each trench. Floor spectral ratio (FRS) analysis was accomplished to obtain frequency and amplification of the trenches. The results of microtremor were compared with 1D equivalent linear analysis. Most of the fundamental frequencies obtained by 1D analysis are in good agreement with those calculated by microtremor technique. Irregularities in surface and subsurface geomorphic conditions tend to have differences in results obtained by both mentioned methods. Damping ratios were derived from the half power bandwidth method. The damping ratio varied between 2.1 in fine grain soils and 6.6 in sand soils.

This paper presents an approach for line extraction from 2D laser range finder which has excellent precision to determine of line boundary, while having efficient speed and less complexity. This noble algorithm is more robust in measurement noise and cluttered data, adaptive in different kind of surface and fit a line to a set of uncertain points via Hough transform and recursive split formalism. In this algorithm first the data from laser is segmented to separate regions by determining start and end points throw Hough transform and noisy or sparse points are removed as well, and then extracts lines with a noble fast recursive split algorithm. Furthermore, it has good real-time capability to integrate the information of laser scanner into the navigation algorithm of the mobile robot and it is tested in NAJI II Autonomous rescue robot.

The present study was designed to further investigate the effect of amitriptyline, a classical tricyclic antidepressant, on carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats.

In this paper, a new relationship between the activation energies (Ea) of the low temperature thermolysis and detonation temperature for different carbocyclic nitroaromatic compounds is introduced. Two structural parameters are needed to obtain a relatively good correlation for Ea. The resulting R2value of the new correlation is 0.942. The new equation assumes that the calculated detonation temperature can be applied to predict Eaof carbocyclic nitroaromatic compounds with the general formula CaHbNcOdand any complicated molecular structure. The proposed new method was also used to predict Eaof some technologically attractive high thermostable polynitro arenes with complex molecular structure, e.g., 2,2′,2″,2′′′,4,4′,4″,4′′′,6,6′,6″,6′′′‐dodecanitro‐[1,3′,1′,1″] quaterphenyl (DODECA).

AbstractIn most southern parts of Iran, wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) residues have been traditionally burned or removed; that is often criticized for soil organic and nutrient losses, reducing soil microbial activity and increasing CO2emission. A 2-years (2005−2007) field study was carried out at the College of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran, to evaluate the influence of crop residues management and nitrogen (N) rates on dryland wheat. The experiment was conducted as strip split plot with four replications. Horizontal plots were three crop residues rates (0, 500 and 1000 kg ha-1), vertical plots consisted of two dryland current wheat cultivars (CVs) (Azar 2 and Nicknejad), and sub-plots were three N rates (0, 35, and 70 kg N ha-1). Increasing crop residue rates increased soil organic carbon. Number of spike per plant, grains per spike, grains per plant and 1000-grain weight of both CVs significantly increased with increased N and residue rates in both years. The lowest grain yield was obtained from 1000 kg ha-1residue incorporation without N application showing the soil N imbalance. The optimum crop growth and the highest grain yield was achieved from the highest crop residues and N rates, indicating that the most reliable system for dryland wheat production in the region is complete residues incorporation into the soil following disking, seeding with chisel seeder and application of 70 kg N ha-1.

On November 11, 2018, an event generating long-lasting, monotonic long-period surface waves was observed by seismographs around the world. This event occurred at around 09:28 UTC east of the Mayotte Island, in the Indian Ocean off the coast of East Africa. This event is unusual due to the absence of body waves in the seismograms and no feeling of earth shaking by people locally. The purpose of this study is to investigate this unusual event using the waveforms recorded by 26 stations of the Iranian National Broadband Seismic Network. The stations are located at epicentral distances ranging from 4542 to 5772 km north-northeast of the event’s epicenter. The arrival of monochromatic long-period signals is visible around 10 UTC in the recordings of all the stations and the signals lasted for more than 30 min. Frequency analysis of the seismograms shows a clear peak at 0.064 Hz (15.6 s/cycle). The maximum amplitude of the transverse components is less than a half of the radial components. This is in agreement with the theoretical radiation pattern of Rayleigh and Love waves at a frequency of 0.06 Hz for a vertical compensated linear vector dipole source mechanism. The average apparent phase velocities were calculated as 3.31 and 2.97 km/s, in the transverse and radial directions, corresponding, respectively, to Love and Rayleigh waves in the frequency range of 0.05–0.07 Hz. A surface wave magnitude of Ms5.07 ± 0.22 was estimated. Just before the monochromatic signal arrives, there is some dispersion in the surface waves. This observation may suggest a regular earthquake of Ms4.3 ± 0.11 that triggered the November 11, 2018, event. The difference between the arrival times of the recorded surface waves of the two events is estimated to be less than 31 s, and most likely of ~ 7 s only.

To test the ability of endoluminal stents to prevent saphenous vein graft restenosis after balloon angioplasty, 13 patients with angina and previous coronary bypass surgery underwent implantation of one or more stents into 14 stenosed grafts. Implantation was technically successful in all cases and there were no major in-hospital complications. During a median follow-up interval of 7 months (range 2 to 26), 10 patients (77%) underwent follow-up angiography. Seven patients remained asymptomatic or in improved condition without further intervention; three patients had further angioplasty with stent implantation for a new stenosis in the same graft. Two patients (20%) developed within-stent restenosis. There was one death from progressive congestive heart failure 7 months after implantation. No patient had a myocardial infarction or needed surgical revascularization during the follow-up period.

Transplant atherosclerotic coronary disease remains the leading cause of death in heart transplant recipients. We report the first case of coronary stent implantation in a heart graft for epicardial focal stenosis. Due to the lower rate of restenosis after stenting in the native coronary artery, we suggest that coronary stenting be considered an acceptable, first intention therapeutic option instead of angioplasty alone whenever possible.

Water deficit is the largest limiting abiotic factor in agriculture and will increase in future. Evaluating the drought stress-induced changes in growth parameters as well as the leaves ethylene accumulation of medicinal plants to grow these in arid and semi-arid areas has particular importance. Chicory (Cichorium intybusL.) is a famous medicinal herbal plant which grows in most parts of Iran. A factorial greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of drought stress [100 (as a control), 80, 60 and 40% of field capacity (FC)] on morphophysiological parameters as well as the leaves ethylene accumulation of four chicory ecotypes. The results showed a significant effect of drought on plant height, leaf area, shoot moisture content and total dry matter production of chicory ecotypes which were reduced under drought stress. Under increasing drought level the Siyah Shiraz (Kh) ecotype performed better by maintaining more growth characters, thereby leading to more production of dry matter than the other ecotypes. Isfahan ecotype was the most affected by rising tensions and showed more reduction in growth traits. Drought stress also considerably changed leaf ethylene content, that made the leaf ethylene biosynthesis to be significantly higher under severe (60 and 40% FC) stress when compared to control (100% FC) and was significantly higher in drought-tolerant chicory ecotype (Kh). In general, it can be concluded that Kh was superior to other ecotypes in terms of growth and leaves ethylene accumulation, and can be suitable for cultivation in arid regions.

The semicontinuous suture technique as an alternative method in valve replacement is described. This specific technique is applicable for both adults and children requiring valvular prosthetic operations. This method combines advantages of the continuous and interrupted suture techniques.

By using of the Effective Field Theory (EFT) expansion recently developed by the authors, the charge form factor of triton has been calculated up to next-to-next-to-leading order (N2LO). Three-nucleon forces (3NF) are required for renormalization of the three-nucleon system. 3NF effect is predicted for process and it is qualitatively supported by available experimental data. With the 3H binding energy and scattering length as input, we obtain predictions of the pionless EFT for the root-mean-square charge radius of 3H of (1.775 ± 0.023) fm up to N2LO. We show that, by including higher-order corrections, the calculated charge form factor and charge radius of 3H are in satisfactory agreement with the experimental data and modern nucleon-nucleon potential model calculations. Our result converges order by order in low-energy expansion and is also cutoff independent.

The risk of stroke and the long-term prognosis of recurrent strokes in young patients with patent foramen ovale (PFO) are not well known. For this reason, the treatment of these patients remains empirical. An alternative treatment to prolonged antithrombotic therapy may be surgical closure of the PFO. Methods: Thirty patients (20 men and 10 women) with stroke and PFO were prospectively selected among 138 patients with stroke and PFO for a study of surgical closure of PFO at our center. Eligible patients were <60 years old, had negative results of a systematic search for another cause of stroke (first criterion), and met two of the four following criteria: (1) recurrent clinical cerebrovascular events or multiple ischemic lesions on brain MR, (2) PFO associated with an atrial septal aneurysm, (3) >50 microbubbles counted in the left atrium on contrast transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), and (4) Valsalva maneuver or cough preceding the stroke. Patients selected in this manner for surgery were considered to be a subgroup with a higher risk of stroke recurrence. Results: All patients had a direct suture of PFO while under cardiopulmonary bypass without recorded early or delayed significant complication. All patients underwent a new brain MRI and TEE simultaneous with transcranial Doppler ultrasonography after contrast injection at 8 +/- 3 months after surgery. After a mean follow-up of 2 years without antithrombotic treatment, no recurrent cerebrovascular event (stroke or transient ischemic attack [TIA]) and no new lesion on MRI had developed. Postoperative contrast TEE and transcranial Doppler ultrasonography showed that two patients had residual interatrial right-to-left shunting, although much smaller than before surgery, associated with single versus double continuous suture. Conclusions: Our study of 30 selected stroke patients with surgical suture of PFO showed a stroke recurrence rate of 0% and no significant complication. Residual right-to-left shunting may be avoided by double continuous suture of the PFO. In the absence of controlled studies to guide individual therapeutic decisions, our findings show that PFO closure can be done safely and may be considered to avoid recurrence in selected patients with long life expectancy and presumed paradoxic embolism.