Search

The purpose of this study is to determine the optimal environmental conditions for the use of the membrane curing method, as well as the economic viability of the method. For this purpose, two series of bulk (1*1*2.5 m) and standard cubic (10*10*10) specimens were made in order to examine the hydration temperature of bulk specimens, as well as the compressive strength of bulk and standard specimens in the cold and hot seasons. A comparison of the costs of curing all concrete elements of a 6-story building using the watering method and membrane curing method was conducted to determine the economic efficiency of the membrane curing method. As a result of the study, the membrane curing method has shown satisfactory resistance to temperature variations in the environment. Furthermore, membrane curing results in a higher compressive strength at early ages, whereas after 7 days of membrane curing, the compressive strength was about 7% higher in the hot season and 4% to 13% higher in the cold season. Moreover, the membrane curing method leads to 8% higher compressive strength in the cold season in contrast with the watering method. Conversely, in the hot season, there was no significant difference between the results of the two curing methods. As compared to the watering method, membrane curing reduces the cost of curing all elements of a six-story building by approximately 45%. Therefore, using curing compounds leads to a remarkable economic benefit in addition to a reduction in water consumption.

Failure of appropriate resource structures for petroleum products located close to residential areas has irreparable financial and fatal consequences. Thus, a seismic hazard analysis in estimating strong ground motions seems essential for constructing or improving such structures. For this purpose, firstly, by using the deterministic method and empirical equations of the largest earthquake likely to occur, the result of active faults activity was determined using attenuation equations via an appropriate logic tree, and the maximum horizontal and vertical acceleration component was calculated based on two types of soil. The first type of soil matches types I and II, and the second type matches III and IV, from standard No.2800. Then, to analyze the potential hazard, we define the seismic sources, seismic parameters, rupture parameters, and the attenuation equations with the same logic tree using SeisRisk III software, plus the maximum vertical and horizontal acceleration component, based on the two identical types of soil. Subsequently, the seismic improvement regulation of structures (360 magazine) for the second level hazard was calculated and finally compared with the results of the deterministic analysis. Results indicated that the acceleration component in the deterministic method presents a higher amount than the probable method. As a result, probable methods can be used instead of a deterministic method proving far more economical.

Background and objectives: Trametes species have been used for centuries in traditional medicine of Asian countries. Recently, some of the bioactive compound have been isolated and evaluated for therapeutic purposes from these species. The aim of this study was to report the isolation and structure elucidation of major sterols from fruiting bodies of Trametes gibbosa. Volatile compounds and antioxidant activities of the different mushroom extracts of mushroom were also examined. Methods: The fruiting bodies of T. gibbosa were extracted with n-hexane, methanol, and hot water, respectively. For isolation of sterols, the n-hexane extract was subjected to column chromatography and fractionated by step gradient of n-hexane: ethyl acetate. The volatile oil was prepared by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-MS. For evaluation of the antioxidant activity, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and ferric reducing antioxidant power assays were used. Moreover, the phenolic and carbohydrate contents were assessed using spectrophotometry methods. Results: The column chromatography of the n-hexane extract led to the isolation of three sterols. These compounds were identified for the first time in T. gibbosa as follows: ergosta-5,7,22-trien-3β-ol (ergosterol); 5,8-epidioxy-ergosta-6,22-dien-3-ol; 5,9-epidioxy-8,14-epoxy-ergosta-6,22-dien-3-ol. The most abundant volatile compounds were identified as aldehydes (29.01%), fatty acids (21.2%) and alcohols (12.07%). Based on antioxidant results, methanol and hot water extracts showed the highest activities in DPPH (EC50=588.56±36.37 µg/mL) and FRAP (432±6.6 mmol Fe2+/g DW) methods, respectively. Conclusion: Trametes gibbosa is a valuable source of mycochemicals such as sterols, carbohydrate and phenolics. Further investigations are required for evaluation of the therapeutic potentials of the isolated compounds.

Background: Potentilla species have traditionally been used as anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents in Iran and other countries. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the antinociceptive effect of Potentilla reptans L., which has a wide distribution in the north of Iran. Methods: The biological activities of the hydroalcoholic extract of P. reptans aerial parts have been investigated using the acetic acid-induced writhing, hot plate, and rotarod tests in the male mice. In addition, the phytochemical profile of the extract has been evaluated. Results: The phytochemical investigation detected secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, saponins, triterpenoids, and tannins in the extract. Moreover, the Mean±SD total phenolic and tannin contents of the extract were 251±2.08 and 111.5±1.3 mg gallic acid equivalents per gram of dried extract, respectively. Also, the Mean±SD total flavonoid content was 29.42±3.31 mg quercetin equivalents per gram of dried extract. Oral administration of the extract (100, 300, and 500 mg/kg) dose-dependently reduced the number of writhing responses induced by acetic acid and increased the reaction time in the hot-plate test. The antinociceptive effect of the extract, similar to morphine, was significantly antagonized by naloxone (4 mg/kg; IP) in the writhing test. In the rotarod test, none of the extract doses used in the experiment caused a loss of locomotor activity. Conclusion: In this study, the hydroalcoholic extract of P. reptans showed a practical antinociceptive effect in hot plate and writhing tests. It seems that opioid receptors mediate the observed effect.

Seismicity zoning was conducted for different areas of Iran due to general zoning in relative regulations. For increasing reliability in achieving desired safety margin and select a carefully basic acceleration of plan due to the sensitivity of the subject and usage of this parameter in the calculation of the basic shear and control on stability of the construction components, on the other hand, It is essential to zoning more accurate and partially. In this paper, in order to preparation of same acceleration maps of both the horizontal and the vertical component of the acceleration as a case study in the city of Sabzevar in Iran, the seismic springs identified and seismic parameters of the area extracted. According to attenuation relationships and the proper reasonable tree, probabilistic seismic hazard analysis was conducted. The effect of the vertical component was also applied. Two soil type has been selected for review. The first type of soil based on soil type I, II and second type of soil based on soil type III, IV of soil classification based on Iran’s standard No. 2800. After doing the analysis of same acceleration maps according to different design levels with a return period of 475, 225, 72 and 2475 and based on seismic improvement buildings instruction in 50 years of useful life and two types of soil were calculated and plotted. Also, the results of the analysis of the potential risk of seismic with the results for the study zoning area Iran’s standard No. 2800 were compared.

Background: The genus Colchicum (Colchicaceae) is a perennial and monocotyledon flowering plant that has more than 160 species in the world. In addition, this plant is an important medicinal plant in traditional and modern medicines. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical profiles and physicochemical properties, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Colchicum kurdicum (Bornm.) Stef. corm. Methods: Phytochemical profiles includedtotal tropolone alkaloid, total phenolic/total tannin and total flavonoid contents were determined by spectrophotometric method. Moreover, tropolone alkaloid profiles was analyzed by HPLC method. Physicochemical properties including macroscopic and organoleptic properties, solubility, foreign matter, ash values and heavy metals were evaluated based on pharmacopeial protocoles. In addition, in vitro anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of the plant were determined. Results: Total tropolone alkaloids, phenol, tannin and flavonoid contents of the corm were estimated to be 0.652, 0.426, 0.052 and 0.325 g/100 g corm. In HPLC analysis, N-deacetyl-N-formyl colchicine, colchifoline, colchicoside and cornigerine were calculated as highest bioactive tropolone alkaloids. Physicochemical properties were determined within an acceptable range for the pharmacopoeia. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities in 10 mg/ml of methanolic extract were estimated 84.7 % and 94.8 %, respectively. Conclusion: The corm of the Colchicum kurdicum had the main bioactive compounds. In addition, these compounds have the valuable biological activities as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.

Background and objectives: Colchicum kurdicum (Bornm.) Stef. is a flowering perennial monocotyledon plant that has many important bioactive compounds especially colchicine and colchicine derivatives. In this study, the ultrasound-assisted acidic-solvent extraction method coupled with response-surface method was presented as the successful method for large scale extraction of colchicine as an alkaloid compound from Colchicum kurdicum. Methods: According to the literatures, methanol/deionized water (70:30) solvent system was selected for the extraction. In addition, the response-surface method was used for analysis and optimization of colchicine extraction by ultrasonic-assisted acidic-solvent extraction method. Subsequently, colchicine was extracted using this method and the effects of solvent pH, extraction time, solvent/plant ratio, power, and temperature were evaluated. Results: After all analysis procedures, 0.99 mg colchicine/g dried corms was achieved with the following conditions: solvent pH 4, Extraction time 120 minutes, solvent/plant ratio 20 mL/g, power 100 W, and temperature 60 ºC. Conclusion: According to this study, ultrasonic-assisted acidic-solvent extraction was found an effective method for extraction of colchicine from Colchicum kurdicum (Bornm.) Stef. compared to other extraction methods.

Background: Trametes species possess remarkable immunomodulatory and anticancer effects which are mainly related to the activation of innate immune receptors by their polysaccharide constituents. In this study, we investigate the effect of Trametes gibbosa (Pers.) Fr. polysaccharide fraction (TGP) on activation of TLR-4 receptor and subsequent release of IL-8 in HEK-Blue™ hTLR4 cells. Materials and Methods: The polysaccharide fraction was purified using ethanol precipitation and dialysis methods. The total sugar content and monosaccharide composition were analyzed by phenol–sulfuric acid and chromatographic methods. FT-IR spectroscopy was also performed for structure characterization of the polysaccharide. The activation of TLR4 was determined by measuring the secreted embryonic alkaline phosphatase in the culture media. Results: The results indicated that the total sugar content of TGP was about 90%, which glucose was the major constituents. FT-IR analysis showed the characteristic bands of polysaccharides. TGP was able to activate the TLR-4 signaling pathway in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the significant increase of IL-8 was observed in cells treating with TGP. The HEK-Blue Null2™ reporter cells lacking TLR4, did not respond to LPS and TGP. Conclusion: The results suggest that TLR4 signaling cascade serve as targets for immunomodulatory activity of T. gibbosa which could address the anticancer properties of Trametes species.

Background and objectives: Free radicals and other oxidants have important roles in liver cell toxicity. Some natural products are potent scavengers of oxidative agents. Crocus caspius is an endemic species of Caspian forest. Flowers of Crocus genus contain phenolic compound and carotenoid as antioxidant agent. This study investigated the antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of Crocus caspius Fisch and Mey flowers (Caspian saffron) hydro-alcoholic extract (CCFE) against acute oxidative hepatotoxicity induced by CCl4 in mice. Methods: The antioxidant activity of the extract was evaluated by 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. Crocus caspius flowers were investigated for presence of certain phytochemicals and total phenol and flavonoid contents were determined. For evaluation of hepatoprotective activity, the BALB/c mice were pre-treated with 50, 100, 200, and 500 mg/kg, of the extract intraperitoneally for 5 days and then received CCl4 (0.5 mL/kg, in olive oil). Liver injury was determined by serum biochemical markers such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), glutathione content of liver tissue and histopathological studies. Results: The phytochemical screening in Caspian saffron flowers indicated the presence of carotenoids, saponins, sterols, flavonoids, and tannins. The extract exhibited antioxidant activity in DPPH radical scavenging assay (IC50 171.5 µg/mL). Pre-treatment groups with the extract demonstrated significant decrease in serum levels of ALT, AST, and ALP (pConclusion: The results represented the protective activity of the extract against oxidative hepatotoxicity.

The main objective of this paper is to explore the insights and experiences of ELT (English Language Teaching) faculty members regarding the challenges of conducting QR in the Iranian higher education context. This study is qualitative, with its data obtained from semi-structured interviews with 20 ELT faculty members to gain their standpoints regarding possible challenges faced in qualitative studies. For analyzing the collected data, the recorded interviews were transcribed and then the grounded theory approach was employed. The results showed that the main possible challenges of conducting QR from ELT faculty members’ perspectives consisted of the dominance of positivism in the Iranian higher education context, paper publication, absence of QR course in postgraduate ELT syllabus, interpretation and analysis of data, dedicating a long time conducting QR, and writing proficiency. Most of the participants of the present study believed that the main reason for QR underdevelopment in academic setting is the Iranian higher education policies, and some of them stated that professors’ professional tastes and personal interests determined the research trend in the Iran higher educationsystem

Several human diseases including, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, neurodegenerative and hepatic diseases are related to destructive effect of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Antioxidants may provide a possible solution to this problem.This study was carried out to investigate the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Celtis australis on CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in mice. The antioxidant activity of C. australis was evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. For evaluation of hepatoprotective activity of extract the animals were pretreated with 200, and 400mg/kg b.w, intraperitoneally of C. australis extract for 7 days and then received CCl4 (0.5 ml/kg b.w, in olive oil). Liver injury was determined by serum biochemical parameters such as Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and glutathione contents of liver tissue and histopathological studies. A significant reduction in the serum biochemical parameters was observed when compared to CCl4 received group(p

Jaundice is recognized by increased bilirubin level of blood and yellow appearance in skin, sclera and mucous membrane. Natural products have been used for treatment of jaundice for a long time and Persian Medicine can be a good source of natural drugs for this purpose. This study was done to find the materia medica used for jaundice based on Persian medicine (PM) texts including The Canon of Medicine (al-qanun), Al Hawi Fi Al Tibb, Tuhfat al-Mu’minin, Hedayat al-Motealemin fi Tibb, Zakhireye Khwarazmshahi, Al-Abniah 'an Haqaeq al-Adwia, Makhzan ul-Adwia and Ikhtiyarat Badie. One hundred eleven materia medica belonging to 51 families were identified as herbal remedies for treating jaundice. Apiaceae, Asteraceae, Cucurbitaceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Rosaceae and Zingiberaceae were the most dominant families. The results of this study may be present sources for pharmacological studies and development of new herbal medicines for jaundice. Asparagus, echium, arnebia, chicory, citron and purgative manna could be good candidate Materia Medica for future studies.

Background and Purpose: Denture stomatitis is a chronic inflammation disease of the oral mucosa, which is specified by erythematous lesions mainly in the upper palate. Nystatin as a polyene, a class of antifungal agents, is one of the effective drugs to treat denture stomatitis. Considering the expansion of utilizing herbal drugs to cure many kinds of diseases, the present study was conducted to investigate the effects of Camellia sinensis (green tea), which has the most chemical and influence similarity with nystatin, against denture stomatitis. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 22 patients with a positive mycological evidence for denture stomatitis caused by Candida species. The study population was divided into two groups, namely green tea and nystatin, receiving green tea mouthwash 0.5% and nystatin suspension 100,000 U/ml, respectively. The lesion size and number of yeast colonies were measured before and after the treatment. Results: According to the results, both groups showed reduced lesion size, clinical improvement, and significant reduction of Candida colony count in both group of patients were showedafter the therapeutic. Based on the results of polymerase chain reaction, Candida albicans was the most common species isolated from denture stomatitis. There was no significant difference between the two study groups in terms of Candida species distribution (P=0.700). Conclusion: Green tea demonstrated a comparable anti-Candida activity with regard to nystatin; therefore, it could be recommended as an alternative treatment. Keywords: Camellia sinensis, Candidiasis, Denture stomatitis, Green tea, Nystatin

In this article, nonlocal continuum based model of multiple nanobeam system (MNBS) under a moving nanoparticle is investigated using Eringen’s nonlocal theory. Beam layers are assumed to be coupled by winkler elastic medium and the nonlocal Euler-Bernoulli beam theory is used to model each layer of beam. The Hamilton’s principle, Eigen function technique and the Laplace transform method are employed to solve the governing equations. Analytical solutions of the transverse displacements for MNBs with simply supported boundary condition are presented for double layered and three layered MNBSs. For higher number of layers, the governing set of equations is solved numerically and the results are presented. This study shows that small-scale parameter has a significant effect on dynamic response of MNBS under a moving nanoparticle. Sensitivity of dynamical deflection to variation of nonlocal parameter, stiffness of Winkler elastic medium and number of nanobeams are presented in nondimensional form for each layer. Keywords: Dynamic response, Analytical solution, Moving particle, Nanobeam, Multi-layered nanobeam

Corrosion of steel is one of the essential potential dangers and threats in concrete structures. Corrosion of steel embedded in reinforced concrete plays a key role in reducing the strength and durability of reinforced concrete. Several studies have proposed that alternative approaches to enhancing the performance of reinforced concrete and its resistance to corrosion. In this article, the results of steel corrosion embedded in reinforced concrete with silica fume and Nano-silica particles are presented. In the testing phase, samples with a mixture of these particles ranging from 0 to 133 grams were generated, and their performance was compared applying Corrosion Potential (OCP), Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), Linear Polarization (LPR), and TOEFL polarization tests. The results demonstrate that silica fume is effective in reducing the permeability of the concrete against malicious (adverse) ions, but nano-silica had far satisfying performance in reducing the corrosion rate of steel embedded in concrete.

Gentiana, a cosmopolitan and important genus of the Gentianaceae family, comprises 400 species distributed among the world. Based on the studies of Iranian traditional medicine texts, there are some promising bioactivities for this genus that is unknown in modern medicine and some of them are still the basis of new remedies. In traditional medicine texts, Gentiana's different exclusive forms of preparations are effective for treatment of some disorders such as menstrual over-bleeding, conjunctivitis, vitiligo, animals venom poisoning, injuries, infected wounds, pain and swelling of liver, spleen, stomach and sprains of muscles. There are some activities that are the same in traditional and modern medicine such as anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective and diuretic effects. Phytochemical investigations on the title genus have led to characterization many secondary metabolites. Secoiridoidal and iridoid glycosides such as gentiopicroside, xanthones, monoterpene alkaloid; polyphenol and flavones are the constituents that have been shown the pharmacological activities in different gentian species. This article studies the Gentiana according to the Iranian traditional and modern medicine.

Iran plateauis on the tape of ALP-Himalayan and is located in one of the the most active earthquake prone in the world. As earthquake has made many human calamity, sofar.Undoubtedly urban development without cinsidering this phenomenon will lead to human(bodily)and financial damages. Incomplete and sometimes false estimations from maximum acceleration earthquake on design during its useful life is of the most important damages factors on designs.Nishapur is situated in the east of Iran and it is very important because of over population, historical and cultural segnificance and situating near three active fault.so, it looks necessary that for more precise estimation of used earthquake parameters on structure design. so it proceed to data collection and refining such fault specification and earthquake catalogand survey the situation seismic study area and by using of lowering relation,is done the confired and also possible analysis of, aximum accceleration in an area with 200km radius. Analysis the possible risk on risk level 1identic to interpret the instruction seismic upgrading on existing buildings is for 475return peroid in 50 years the useful life of the structure[1] and finally it drawed the maximum estimated acceleration maps shape for two types(Vs375m/s hard).

One of the significant drawbacks of the English Language Teaching (ELT) Ph.D. programme in the Iranian ELT setting is the insufficiency of the research courses offered in the current curriculum, which do not adequately address the Ph.D. candidates needs, and this issue was not tackled in the field. Therefore, adopting a qualitative approach, this research aimed to investigate the possibilities and challenges of reconceptualising ELT higher education research pedagogy from a content-oriented into a learning-oriented approach from ELT Ph.D. candidates' and instructors' perspectives. To do so, 20 ELT Ph.D. candidates and eight ELT university instructors of both genders were selected from different Iranian universities based on convenience sampling as the participants. The context under investigation is that of Ph.D. candidates researching into ELT. This study employed an individual semi-structured interview as the instrument for gathering data. The data were analysed using the descriptive qualitative content analysis method, and the results showed that increasing the research methodology courses, changing the research instructors' conceptions, decreasing the instructors' workload, and specifying funds for escalating instructors' motivation are the possibilities of tackling the current challenges from the ELT instructors' views. In addition, the results indicated that from the ELT Ph.D. candidates' views, adding a fieldwork course to the ELT curriculum, designing and implementing criteria for instructors' performance evaluation, decreasing the number of Ph.D. candidates, and holding the extracurricular activities are the possibilities of tackling the current challenges. The findings may hold some implications for policymakers, curriculum designers, ELT instructors, and ELT graduate students.

Khāqāni's poetry stands out in Persian poetry for its abundance of images, interpretations and concepts which makes his poems difficult to understand and explain. Though, there have been valuable researches explaining the much more complicated aspects of the poems of this renowned Persian poet, there are still a great number of expressions and interpretations in his poems which have not been understood accurately. The hypothesis behind the present study is that part of the difficulty in understanding Khāqāni's poetry is the phenomenon of linguistic interference. As one of the consequences of bilingualism, linguistic interferences refers to the (unconscious) influence of the speaker's mother tongue on her/his second language. It also includes the presence of regional beliefs and cultural characteristics in the speaker's speech and writing in second language. Based on the aforementioned hypothesis, the present study focuses on words, sentences, interpretations and idioms in Khāqāni's poetry which could be understood only by considering their Turkish counterpart. Considering that Khāqāni is from Azerbaijan, and his poetry is written in Persian; there have been many historical discussions about the language of Azerbaijan in his time (12 AD). Away from such considerations, this study solely focuses on his own text to investigate the complications and problems in Khāqāni's poetry, some of which are due to the poet's linguistic interference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]