Search

The abrasivity of materials is of vital importance in selecting an affordable excavation method in the early stages of a tunneling project. The amount of specific energy and the Mode I and Mode II stress intensity factors in the eroded disc is more than the non-eroded disc. Vickers hardness number rock (VHNR), rock abrasivity index (RAI), Cerchar abrasivity index (CAI), LCPC abrasivity coefficient, and Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) abrasion test are among the methods for estimating rock abrasivity. Correlations were proposed in this study for estimating the CAI of sandstone and tuff. To achieve reliable comprehensive results, various kinds of sandstone and tuff with different geological properties were selected. Sandstone and tuff samples were collected from different regions. Various tests were then carried out on prepared rock specimens to determine the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), tensile strength, longitudinal waves velocity, Schmidt hammer rebound hardness, and the equivalent quartz content (EQC). Two correlations were presented by analyzing the experimental results with the help of SPSS and Excel. The first correlation estimated the CAI of sandstone based on the UCS and EQC with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.81. Moreover, using data analysis in Excel, another correlation was proposed to estimate the CAI of tuff. The second correlation estimated the Schmidt hammer rebound hardness of tuff with an R2 of 0.88.

In this research, the experimental investigation of the inertial interaction of soil-pile raft structure has been conducted for slender structures supported by the combined pile-raft foundation with emphasis on the new concept of design method (performance-based design). Most of the former studies based on this concept have focused on the surface foundation, where the surface foundation's rocking motion acts as a source of energy dissipation to protect the superstructure. Meanwhile, less attention has been paid to the surface foundation combined with piles (Combined pile-raft foundation) as an economic support system for high-rise and heavy structures. Mainly, the focus of optimizing these foundations through parametric analysis has been on variables such as pile arrangement and pile length for vertical static loading. When the heavy structures are subjected to the lateral load caused by the earthquake, the foundation experiences significant inertial moments. Thus, the nonlinear behavior of the foundation is not far from expected. The present research intends to examine the rocking behavior of combined pile-raft foundations as the foundation of slender structures. Evaluating the response of the superstructure and its possible benefit from the nonlinear behavior of the foundation is the principal goal of this research. In this regard, using experimental models, some characteristics of combined pile-raft foundations, such as the arrangement of piles and the relative length of the piles, have been investigated on the response of the superstructure. Three physical models were constructed in the laboratory. Each model contained a single degree of freedom superstructure supported by a floating pile raft foundation in sandy soil. Two characteristics were considered for evaluating pile raft characteristics: pile configuration and pile length ratio. The superstructure was identical in all three physical models. An experimental procedure based on forced vibration tests was presented to assess the dynamic response of the models at different levels of foundation nonlinearity. According to the experimental measurements, the nonlinear behavior of the foundation has a significant role in the response of the superstructure. Dynamic demand reduction as well as drift reduction are the two most important factors that benefit the superstructure from foundation nonlinearity. Accordingly, the dynamic behavior of the models is divided into two individual phases. Also, comparing the results of the models showed that the arrangement of piles and the relative length of the piles in the combined pile-raft foundation have a significant impact on superstructure response.

This study focused on the preparation, characterization of a supported dicationic ionic liquid nanocomposite (IL@GO@IL NC) and employing of it in the adsorption of Levofloxacin (LVX) and Ciprofloxacin (CPF) antibiotic. Also, the nonlinear least square support vector machine (N-LSSVM), generalized regression neural network (GRNN), along with response surface methodology used for modeling the removal of both antibiotics (i.e. LVX and CPF) from aqueous solution. In this work, the experiments designed based on critical parameters such as adsorbent dose, antibiotic concentration, sonication time and temperature. The nonlinear adsorption isotherms and kinetics models as well as thermodynamic used for fitting the experimental data. The statistical results demonstrated that the LSSVM and GRNN model efficiently predicted the antibiotics removal percentage with very high accuracy, respectively. Furthermore, for an optimal adsorption of LVX and CPF by IL@GO@IL NC, the adsorbent dose, antibiotic concentration, temperature and sonication time should be set to 0.23 and 0.35 g, 95.20 and 100.00 mg L-1, 2.10 and 4.60 min, and 45.00 ℃, for LVX and CPF, respectively. Under these optimal conditions, the removal percentages and adsorption capacity of LVX and CPF will be 98.20 and 97.50%, as well as 730 and 630 mg g−1, respectively. Besides, the IL@GO@IL NC efficiency under optimal conditions drops up by 15% after seven cycles for both antibiotics. Therefore, the IL@GO@IL NC may be considered as a promising option in removing fluoroquinolones antibiotics from water.

The effect of chronic exposure on Ramsar HBNRAs inhabitants' health was studied using Cytokinesis Blocked Micronucleus (CBMN) Assay. The results showed a significant difference (P

Background and Objectives: Reflective learning has been studied in various studies. Reflecting while learning architecture alongside practice helps the student to evaluate and refine the design idea, and this round-trip process is mostly repeated. The application of reflective learning in the field of architecture while practicing needs to be examined to understand to which extent teachers are committed to this teaching method in studios. The investigation and recognition of assessment features along with reflection in architectural studios was the subject of this research.Methods: In order to know the status of assessment in architecture schools, the behavior of teachers in this field and their preferences during assessment were studied through a semi-open questionnaire and the importance of reflective assessment indicators including rational assessment with micro-score was examined. In this study, the presence of students and round trip evaluation based on the design process were also asked from a sample of fifteen participants from the teaching community. For each question, Likert scale answers from 1 (very low) to 5 (very high) were collected and analyzed. Then, their preferences about choosing between twenty-three indicators in assessing each work were examined.Findings: The study of reflective assessment indicators in the sample population of this study showed that 66% of teachers were committed to reflective assessment in practice and the others did not use it. The results showed that reflective assessment in architecture was equally applicable in all types of universities in the country. The study of the effect of gender factor revealed that females’ assessment was more committed to reflective assessment criteria than that of men. Examination of the age factor in refereeing demonstrated that older referees distanced themselves from microscopic and reciprocal refereeing and showed more tendency to single-stage and intuitive refereeing. The use of reflective assessment showed that for jurors who adhered to the reflective assessment, "efficiency and performance of the plan" were more important than anything else, and “innovation” was placed next, while other jurors called it "innovation". "Design aesthetics", "graphic presentation" and "form quality and composition in architectural design" were more important.Conclusion: Assessment with reflection has been introduced as a new method in current research. By presenting a logical, step-by-step, interactive and back-and-forth form of teaching, this method has changed the assessing process from the end of the semester to the entire semester and made it as a tool for learning. The effect of this method, whose indicators were approved by the experts in this research, showed that changing the teaching method can improve learning the basic concepts among architecture students. The efficiency of this method is when the teachers change the current education process in a purposeful way which prioritizes the efficiency and performance of students' plans. This assessment method has changed from intuitive, single-step, product-oriented and independent of interaction with students towards the indicators presented in this research. The findings of the research show that this goal has been achieved in more than half of the architecture studios, but considering its positive results in improving students' learning and there is a need for more detailed planning and coherent management for this purpose.

Eustrongylides excisus is a parasitic nematode species whose life cycle requires two intermediate hosts, an aquatic oligochaete and a benthophagous fish. In the present study, 100 specimens of Esox lucius Linnaeus weighing 550800 g were collected from Freidoonkenar, south of the Caspian Sea (Mazandaran province, Iran) and were examined for the presence of Eustrongylides. The bright red nematode larvae were found in the testes and encapsulated in the body musculature of 90% of E. lucius fish. The larvae were diagnosed as Eustrongylides excisus. Tissue samples were collected from the muscles and testes for histopathological examination of the lesions caused by the parasitic larvae. For molecular analysis, the nematode larvae genomic DNA was extracted and molecular characterisa-tion of Eustrongylides and comparison with the corresponding sequences available in the GenBank was done. The histopathological damages caused by parasites in the muscle included external nod-ules, inflammation, necrosis, and granulomas. Granulomas containing multi-nucleated giant cells, epithelioid cells, lymphoid cells, macrophages and necrotic debris were observed. Microscopic ex-amination of the testes revealed mild vacuolar degeneration in some Sertoli cells. Molecular analysis confirmed obtained larvae as E. excisus. Comparison of DNA sequences showed that isolated nema-todes were very similar to those obtained from freshwater fish in China. The present study reported Eustrongylides nematodes in Esox lucius, and inflammatory lesions caused by E. excisus larvae in the muscle and testis of this species of fish for the first time. In addition, molecular characterization and phylogenic analysis of recovered larvae showed presence of microvarients.

Soil moisture content plays a pivotal role in biomass development of vegetation coverage at various growth stages. Moisture content of the soil is considered as a crucial parameter for agricultural studies which directly leads to higher fertility rate. Remote sensing techniques, specifically Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensors, provides suitable opportunity for continuous soil moisture monitoring at various spatial and temporal resolutions. In this study, field campaigns conducted to measure soil surface parameters, including soil moisture and roughness, synchronized with Sentinel-1 pass over an agricultural region near Mohammadshahr, Iran. Fieldwork for soil moisture sampling have done during plants’ (canola and winter wheat) growth stages. The Gradient Boosted Regression Tree (GBRT), eXtreme Gradient Boosted (XGB), and Random Forest (RF) machine learning algorithms were employed to model the relationship between the ground measured soil moisture and polarimetric SAR derived features from Sentinel-1 imageries. The results showed promising results obtained for soil moisture estimation using the dual-polarized SAR dataset over crop-covered agricultural fields with R2 = 0.95 and RMSE = 0.023 m3 m−3 using the GBRT regression model.

Drought is one of the most complex natural disasters due to its slow onset and long-term impact. Today, the use of remote sensing techniques and satellite imagery has been considered a useful tool for monitoring agricultural drought. The objective of the present study was to evaluate spatial and temporal monitoring of agricultural drought in the lake Urmia catchment area with the ETDI drought index which is calculated from Nova satellite images based on actual evapotranspiration from the SEBS algorithm and compared with the ground index SPI. For this purpose, 248 AVHRR sensor images and NOAA satellites during the statistical period of 1998-2000 and 17 meteorological stations with a statistical period of 30 years were used to calculate the indicators. To determine agricultural lands, six thousand points were marked for different uses and their actual evapotranspiration was calculated using the SEBS algorithm. The results showed that with the onset of the drought period in 1998, the ETDI index indicated 9.4% in weak drought conditions in May and 90.6% in normal conditions. Over time, in June of 1998, the situation was different with 95% in a weak drought situation and 5% in a normal situation for the city of Tabriz. In July, the entire catchment area experiences a slight drought. Then, in August, 84% of the basin is in normal condition and 16% in Tabriz and Urmia are declared weak drought. It was also founded that the ETDI drought index due to the combination of visible and infrared bands and its combination with terrestrial data has a physical meaning and has high certainty and predicts drought faster and more accurately.

The probabilistic fault displacement hazard analysis is one of the newest methods of estimating the amount of probabilistic displacement in fault surface rupture areas. Considering the strike-slip mechanism of the north Tabriz fault, Iran, using the earthquake method and historical earthquakes in 1721 and 1780, the surface displacement of the north Tabriz fault has been investigated, and the probabilistic displacement in different scenarios has been estimated. The north Tabriz fault's 50–60 km long section was selected as the source of possible surface rupture from its historical data. Two scenarios were considered according to probabilistic displacements, return periods, and magnitudes according to paleoseismic studies of the north Tabriz fault. For both scenarios, the probabilistic displacements for the exceedance rate of 5 % in 50, 475, and 2475 years for the probabilistic principle displacements (on the fault) of the north Tabriz fault have been estimated.

In this paper, we use the topological data analysis (TDA) mapper algorithm alongside a deep convolutional neural network in order to classify some medical images.Deep learning models and convolutional neural networks can capture the Euclidean relation of a data point with its neighbor data points like the pixels of an image and they are particularly good at modeling data structures that live in the Euclidean space and not effective at modeling data structures that live in the non-Euclidean spaces. Topological data analysis-based methods have the ability to not only extract the Euclidean, but also topological features of data.For the first time in this paper, we apply a neural network as one of the filter steps of the Kepler mapper algorithm to classify skin cancer images. The major advantage of this method is that Kepler Mapper visualizes the classification result by a simplicial complex, where neural network increases the accuracy of classification. Furthermore, we apply TDA mapper and persistent homology algorithms to analyze the layers of Xception network in different training epochs. Also, we use persistent diagrams to visualize the results of the analysis of layers of the Xception network and then compare them by Wasserstein distances.

Background and Objectives: Among miscellaneous networks, onion-based routing network technologies such as The Onion-based Routing (ToR), Invisible Internet Project (I2P), and Riffle networks are used to communicate anonymously by different worldwide users for security, privacy, and safety requirements. Sometimes, these types of networks sacrifice anonymity for the sake of efficient communication or vice-versa. This paper surveys aforementioned networks for investigating their potential and challenges.Methods: Onion-routing networks encapsulate messages in several layers of encryption similar to layers of an onion. The anonymous communication networks are involved dining cryptographers (DC) problem so-called DC-nets, which need sending anonymous message with unconditional sender and untraceable receipt. So, DC-nets must be resistant against traffic analysis attacks although they will attenuate the network bandwidth. In this line, ToR is a free software that provides anonymous communication, I2P networks are based on hidden internet service project which uses tunnelling for anonymous communications, and Riffle networks include a small set of camouflaging servers that provide anonymity for authorized users. This paper presents a comparative study on anonymizing ToR, I2P, and Riffle networks in terms of associated prominent parameters in this vein.Results: The comparison is based on similarities, differences, and challenges in network behaviors. This comparison is beneficial for further researches and future improvements.Conclusion: The review of the current paper reveals that the Riffle networks are more resilient and have great confidentiality and integrity against other onion-based routing networks.

Crop yield forecast is important, but determining productivity is an on-going challenge for agricultural communities including policy makers. An increase in the number of satellites, improved temporal and spatial resolutions and more open data policies, are leading to wider interest by the agricultural sector in exploiting space-based data at moderate spatial resolutions (10–30 m) and varying wavelengths (optical and microwave) for crop yield monitoring. This study evaluated Sentinel-1 dual-polarimetric data to forecast soybean yields one month before the harvest at field scales over a site in central Argentina. Specifically, polarimetric features were extracted from the Sentinel-1 data using the M-Chi decomposition. An Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model was trained using a time series of the single-bounce and volume scattering parameters derived from M-Chi from stacks of data acquired during the growing season. To estimate soybean yield from the ANN model, an innovative iterative retrieval method was developed. This retrieval approach improved the accuracies of the soybean yield forecast delivering a final coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.81 with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 755.81 kg/ha and mean absolute error (MAE) of 581.65 kg/ha. These accuracies demonstrate a high potential of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data from Sentinel-1 for soybean yield forecast at field scales.

Integrated assessment of the watershed is critical in arid and semi-arid areas due to the severe water stress in these regions. Data and information are an essential part of decision making and water governance to obtain integrated water resources management at the watershed scale. Water accounting is a helpful tool to organize information and present them as the standard indicators to achieve this goal. Therefore, the objective of this study is to implement the Water Accounting Plus framework (WA+) in the Ferizi watershed located in the Khorasan-e Razavi Province. In this study, water accounting indicators of the Ferizi watershed for a period of 28 years (1990-2017) and wet (1990-1997) and dry (1998-2009) periods were calculated using the SWAT model. The calculated indicators showed that the amount of manageable water and usefulness of consumption (transpiration) is low in the watershed and a large part of the share of irrigation in the watershed is provided by groundwater resources. Generally, the results of this study showed that the use of the SWAT model, WA+ framework, and analysis of water accounting indicators play a significant role in assessing the agricultural and hydrological conditions of the watershed. The proposed approach in this study can help managers make enlightened decisions to keep the sustainability of the watershed.

Introduction As one of the most basic social institutions, the family plays an important role in different periods of people’s lives. One of these periods, which are usually associated with a crisis and change in the physical and mental conditions of women, is menopause, which requires the provision of suitable conditions for transition, especially in the family. Objectives the purpose of this research is to study the role of interactions within the family in the psychological well-being of postmenopausal women. Methods To achieve this goal, qualitative content analysis method has been used. The main question of this research is how do family interactions play a role in the life of postmenopausal women? The participants of this research were 15 menopausal women aged 45 to 60 years old in Shiraz (Iran) who were selected using the purposeful sampling method. Data were collected, coded and analyzed using in-depth and semi-structured interviews. In order to achieve the accuracy and reliability of the data, Guba and Lincoln reliability criteria have been used. Results The analysis of the interviews of the participants in this research led to the extraction of 6 subcategories included, “mental rumination in sexual relations”, “changes in marital intimacy”, “insufficient interactions in the family”, “resistant normative femininity and motherhood”, “fear of aging”, “female shame and taboo”, and the two main categories included “lack of awareness as a relationship parasite” and “destructive resistance”. Conclusions The findings of the research indicate that the family members’ lack of knowledge about this period and the prevailing culture of female shame and the taboo of women’s bodies make the family unable to provide the necessary support to menopausal women. On the other hand, keeping menopause a secret and emphasizing on maintaining pre-menopausal conditions by women is a destructive resistance that ultimately leads to psychological damage to them. Therefore, it is suggested that in addition to holding training programs for women in order to enter and face this period properly, trainings should also be considered for other family members and especially husbands (men). It seems that family members can play an effective role in various stages of menopause, including preparation and psychological adaptation of women by receiving correct training. Disclosure of Interest None Declared

Nowadays, along with the developments in the industry, many machines and structures are exposed to very high-temperature environments, which has caused various types of thermal load in them. These conditions have led to focused studies on thermal stresses in structures. Heat exchangers are among the structures in which the temperature difference causes thermal stress. In this paper, “finite volume” and “finite element” methods are used to solve flow equations and thermal stress equations in solids, respectively. In addition, the effect of changes in the shape of the annular finned pipe on the thermal stresses in the heat exchanger is investigated. The study results on changing the pipe shape from circular to elliptical show that by changing the pipe shape, the thermal stress in the fin can be significantly reduced; for instance, in the cases reviewed in this paper, the thermal stress has decreased by 9%. Furthermore, the results of thermal stress show that the Maximum Effective Stress point, both before and after changing the shape, is still located at the fin’s base. So, according to the results of this study, examining the effect of pipe shape changing on thermal stress is an imperative measure when designing heat exchangers.

In the case of explosions and fires, the rocks undergo a cycle of heating and cooling. For that, first, they are exposed to considerable heat and then cooled after extinguishing the fire. Temperature variations and subsequent contraction and expansion affect the physical and mechanical properties of rocks. Through two series of tests, the effects of temperature and the number of heating-cooling cycles on the mode I, mode II and the effective mixed-mode I-II fracture toughness of Lushan sandstone were investigated. In the first series, the effect of temperature was studied in a heating–cooling cycle at ambient temperature (25°C) and 60, 150, 200, 300, 500, and 700°C. The highest and lowest mode I, mode II and the effective mixed-mode I-II fracture toughness were, observed at 150 and 700°C, respectively. In the second series of tests, the effect of the number of heating–cooling cycles was investigated on the mode I, mode II and the effective mixed-mode I-II fracture toughness of sandstone specimens at 150°C (for hydraulic fracturing modeling) and a crack inclination angle of 45°. According to the results, the mode I, mode II and the effective mixed-mode I-II fracture toughness increased in the first cycle and decreased with increasing the number of heating–cooling cycles. As the crack inclination increased, the effective mixed-mode I-II fracture toughness of the sandstone specimens increased. The mode II fracture toughness increased up to a crack inclination angle of 45° and then decreased. Moreover, the mode of fracture changes from opening mode (mode I) at the crack inclination angle of zero degree to mixed mode (tension-shear) at the crack inclination angle of less than 28.8°. The mode of fracture changes from tensile-shear to compression-shear at the crack inclination angle of greater than 28.8°.

El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el impacto de la estabilidad/inestabilidad en el rendimiento de los clubes de fútbol de la Copa del Golfo Pérsico. Todos los clubes que habían participado en más de 3 temporadas de las últimas 17 temporadas (2001-2019) de la Copa del Golfo Pérsico fueron analizados en este estudio (n=26). El rendimiento de cada equipo (mejora o empeoramiento en el ranking) y su estabilidad se analizaron año tras año en el período 2001-2019. La estabilidad se dividió en cuatro componentes: director, entrenador, jugadores y club. El análisis estadístico se realizó con el software SPSS. La estabilidad aumentó significativamente (p

Introduction: Due to the increasing demand for ethical standards in the current business environment, ethical leadership has particularly been taken into consideration. Thus, in this study based on self-verification theory, the effect of leaders’ core self-evaluation on the display of ethical leadership and applying social learning theory and social exchange theory the effect of leaders’ core self-evaluation and ethical leadership on organizational financial performance and the job performance of finance staff have been examined. Method: This research is applied in terms of purpose and is cross-correlation regarding the method. The sample includes 61 pairs of employee and direct manager who were randomly selected through convenience sampling from finance staff working in public and private organizations of Fars province in 2016. The data was collected by the questionnaire and analyzed through structural equation modeling. Results: The results of this study are consistent with self-verification theory and they indicate a positive and significant relationship between leaders’ core self-evaluation and ethical leadership as well as financial performance. Furthermore, the findings suggest that there is no significant relationship between leaders’ core self-evaluation and financial performance. Conclusion: Leaders’ positive self-concept promotes ethical leadership which plays a key role in encouraging employees to enhance their in-role and extra-role performance. To this end, it is suggested that some training courses should be held in the organizations to improve the relationships between managers and employees (ethical leadership) and to raise the leaders’ core self-evaluation. Also, the level of ethical leadership and core self-evaluation should be measured to choose the leaders.

The forest soils are the key parts of the Earth system that are globally degraded through anthrop induced deforestation, mainly converting to other landuses. The present study was conducted in Gazafolya village located in Merek watershed, Kermanshah, Iran, in which the soil quality of the forest and converted forest (rainfed lands) with the same topographic and geologic conditions were compared. To achieve the study purposes, soil sampling was carried out from the surface soil layers (0-20 cm) at the forest and its adjacent rainfed lands and analyzed in the lab. The data were described and geo-statistically analyzed using the SAS and GS+ softwares. The findings showed that there is no significant difference between soil fractions (sand, silt and clay) in two studied land uses. Bulk density (BD) in the forest and rainfed lands were 1.26and 1.32 gr-1cm-3 respectively, indicating significant (p

Cadmium (Cd) is of special importance among heavy metals because its toxicity to the plant is 20 times higher than other heavy metals. The present study was conducted to evaluate the trend of available soil Cd changes over time and its relationship with soil properties. Treatments consisted of 13 soil samples and two Cd rates (12.5 and 25 mg kg-1) as a factorial in a complete randomized design with two replications. DTPA extractable Cd was measured upon 5, 10, 20, 30, 60 and 90 days after adding Cd rates to the soils. The results showed that DTPA extractable Cd was increased as Cd application rates was raised in all soils. DTPA extractable Cd was decreased over time; however, at the end of the experiment, much of the added cadmium to the soil remained in use. Among the soil properties, calcium carbonate showed a significant negative correlation with DTPA extractable Cd in most of the incubation times in both Cd rates. DTPA extractable Cd also showed a significant negative correlation with pH and soil sand and a significant positive correlation with OC. Also, the results of the fitting of cadmium adsorption data with the kinetic equations showed that the exponential function equation was the most suitable kinetics descriptive equation for variations in cadmium adsorption in the studied soils.

Nowaday, with the proliferation of terrorist attacks on buildings in the world, a close examination of the behavior of structures under blast loads is a necessity. Pressure caused by the explosion of one of the most destructive loads that the structure may experience. Since the existing structures are usually designed to the common gravity and seismic loads, it is necessary to investigate their performances under blast loadings. In this study, analytical studies have been done for 2D structural models of concrete flexural frame and shear wall Partially Buried system with different number of stories 2 and 5. structures assessed based on the UFC 3-340-02 guidelines for 1000 kg TNT blast from 20 meters, the software SAP 2000 Design and nonlinear dynamic analysis have been. In order to loading, pressure values obtained from the explosion's blast wave, shock waves and pressure from the calculated reflection and As well as air blast wave parameters, including speed wavefront, period and wavelength explosion was determined and pressure graph - time of the explosion is offered. After analysis, The plastic hinge rotation, the formability and the highest axial force, shear force and bending moment occurred members, as well as maximum displacement, velocity and acceleration absolute floor level roof for all models will be investigated.

In this study, to investigate the effects of runoff harvesting on soil properties in the semiarid forest, runoff harvesting through semi-circular bund was considered as a method to conserve soil and thereby combat tree mortality. In order to evaluate this hypothesis, runoff was harvested through the semi-circular bund affecting soil quality and moisture storage. The selected forest site is located in Kalehzard, Kermanshah, in Zagros region of western Iran. The experiment was a randomized complete block design with four treatment plots: bund with protection, protection treatment, bund without protection and control treatment. The results showed that the mean values of soil organic carbon in the bund with protection, protection treatment, bund without protection and control treatment were 2.35, 2.40, 1.90, and 1.80%, respectively, indicating no significant difference among them in the first year, while there were significant (p> 0.05) increases in the bund with protection and protection treatment after three years. Furthermore, coarse and very coarse soil aggregates increased significantly in the bund with protection treatment. This treatment also attributed to significant reduction in soil bulk density from 1.46 (in the first year) to 1.32 (in the third year), which enhanced soil moisture content. Finally it was found that bunds with protection significantly curtail dieback and adverse re-growing of stands due to the coupled effects of bund building and protection to curtail forest mortality in the semi-arid regions.

The neutron powder diffractometer (NPD) is used to study a variety of technologically important and scientifically driven materials such as superconductors, multiferroics, catalysts, alloys, ceramics, cements, colossal magnetoresistance perovskites, magnets, thermoelectrics, zeolites, pharmaceuticals, etc. Monte Carlo–based codes are powerful tools to evaluate the neutronic behavior of the NPD. In the present study, MCNPX 2.6.0 and Vitess 3.3a codes were applied to simulate NPD facilities, which could be equipped with different optic devices such as pyrolytic graphite or neutron chopper. So, the Monte Carlo–based codes were used to simulate the NPD facility of the 5 MW Tehran Research Reactor. The simulation results were compared to the experimental data. The theoretical results showed good conformity to experimental data, which indicates acceptable performance of the Vitess 3.3a code in the neutron optic section of calculations. Another extracted result of this work shows that application of neutron chopper instead of monochromator could be efficient to keep neutron flux intensity higher than 106 n/s/cm2 at sample position.

Aims: Considering the importance of mental health in veteranschr('39') lives, a treatment-based approach to admission and commitment can be helpful in creating the psychological flexibility of veterans. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) training on emotional control of chemical veterans. Materials & Methods: This quasi-experimental study with pretest-posttest design with control group was performed among 50 chemical veterans in Arak city in 2017. They were selected by convenient sampling and then randomly assigned into two groups: experimental group (25 people) and control group (25 people). Emotional Control Questionnaire (ECQ) was used to collect data. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) training was performed in 10 sessions for the experimental group. Data were analyzed by SPSS 23 software using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA). Results: There was a significant difference between the mean scores of emotional control in the experimental and control groups in the post-test. By controlling the effects of pre-test, ACT training significantly increased emotional inhibition (F=2.16), control of aggression (F=6.02) and rumination (F=4.41) in the experimental group (p0.05). Conclusion: ACT training is effective on improving emotional control in chemical veterans; in this way that improves emotional inhibition, control of aggression and rumination, but does not affect the benign control.

The aim of the present study is to investigate the accuracy of two different dynamic stall approaches for wind-turbine airfoils. The first approach is the semi-empirical Leishman-Beddoes model (L-B), and the second is the computational fluid dynamic (CFD) results. National Renewable-Energy Laboratory (NREL) S series airfoils are used, and the simulations are performed in Re=106. For both approaches, aerodynamic coefficients are represented and compared to experimental data. Validation data refer to Ohio State University (OSU) experiments, which are for pitch oscillation. Results show that the accuracy of the L-B and CFD methods is dependent on mean angle of attack, reduced frequency and the phase of motion. The semi-empirical model has appropriate accuracy as well as low computational cost while the CFD unsteady simulation could be properly used to predict the drag coefficient.

Introduction: Milky thistle (Silybum marianum) is an annual or biennial plant of the Asteraceae family. Possibly native near the coast of southeast England, it has been widely introduced outside its natural range, for example into North America, Iran, Australia and New Zealand where it is considered an invasive weed. Seed is an important stage of plant life history. Most invasive plants primarily rely on seedling recruitment for population establishment and persistence. The rapid spread of many invasive plants is frequently correlated with special seed traits. Seed trait variations exist not only among species but also within species. Seed traits variations within a species are essential for the seedling establishment at different habitats. Environmental factors, such as temperature, soil solution osmotic potential, solution pH, light quality, management practices and seed location in the soil seedbank, affect weed seed germination and emergence. Fluctuations in temperature can influence seed germination differently than those under constant temperatures; however, such information is not available on Milky thistle. A light requirement for germination is the principal means by which germination can be restricted to an area close to the soil surface, and species requiring light for germination are potentially more likely to be prevalent in no-till and pasture systems. Soil pH affects the development and competitiveness of crops and weeds by affecting the availability of essential minerals, nutrients, the solubility of toxic elements, and soil microflora. Seed burial depth (buried by tillage or other means) also affects germination and seedling emergence of several weed species. Better knowledge of the factors that influence seed germination and seedling emergence of Milky thistle could contribute to the development of control measures and help determine its potential for invasion into new areas. The objectives of this study, therefore, were to determine the effect of various environmental factors on seed germination and seedling emergence of Milky thistle. Material and Methods: Germination of Milky thistle was determined by placing 25 seed in a 9-cm-diam Petri dish containing two layers of Whatman No. 1 filter paper and moistened with 5 ml of distilled water or a treatment solution. Temperature: Germination of freshly harvested seed was determined in growth chambers under fluctuating day/night temperatures (15/5, 20/10, 15/25, 15/30 and 20/35˚ C). Salinity: In this experiment, seeds were exposed to seven levels of increasing salinity using NaCl solutions including 0, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160 and 320 mM. Petri dishes were incubated as described in the general protocol under the light⁄dark regime. pH: To examine the effects of pH on seed germination, buffered solutions of pH 5 to 9 were prepared. Seed burial depth: The effect of different burial depths on seedling emergence was investigated in a growth chamber. Seeds were buried at six different depths (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 8 cm) in 15-cm-diam plastic pots. Statistical analysis: Data were subjected to two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the difference between treatment means was separated using FLSD test. A significance level of 5% was applied by SAS 9.2. Results and Discussion: The results showed that effect of different temperature regimes on germination percentage and rate, plumule length and seedling dry weight were significant (P

S‌p‌u‌r d‌i‌k‌e‌s a‌r‌e h‌y‌d‌r‌a‌u‌l‌i‌c s‌t‌r‌u‌c‌t‌u‌r‌e‌s t‌h‌a‌t a‌r‌e u‌s‌e‌d t‌o p‌r‌o‌t‌e‌c‌t r‌i‌v‌e‌r b‌a‌n‌k‌s. I‌n t‌h‌i‌s p‌a‌p‌e‌r, p‌a‌r‌a‌m‌e‌t‌e‌r‌s i‌n‌f‌l‌u‌e‌n‌c‌i‌n‌g f‌l‌o‌w p‌a‌t‌t‌e‌r‌n a‌r‌o‌u‌n‌d n‌o‌n-s‌u‌b‌m‌e‌r‌g‌e‌d a‌t‌t‌r‌a‌c‌t‌i‌n‌g s‌e‌r‌i‌e‌s o‌f T- h‌e‌a‌d s‌p‌u‌r d‌i‌k‌e‌s i‌n s‌t‌r‌a‌i‌g‌h‌t c‌h‌a‌n‌n‌e‌l a‌r‌e i‌n‌v‌e‌s‌t‌i‌g‌a‌t‌e‌d. E‌v‌a‌l‌u‌a‌t‌i‌n‌g o‌f t‌h‌e f‌l‌o‌w p‌a‌t‌t‌e‌r‌n i‌n‌d‌i‌c‌a‌t‌e‌s t‌h‌a‌t u‌s‌i‌n‌g s‌p‌u‌r d‌i‌k‌e‌s c‌a‌u‌s‌e‌s r‌e‌v‌e‌r‌s‌e‌d f‌l‌o‌w a‌n‌d i‌n‌c‌r‌e‌a‌s‌i‌n‌g t‌h‌e h‌o‌r‌i‌z‌o‌n‌t‌a‌l a‌n‌d v‌e‌r‌t‌i‌c‌a‌l c‌o‌m‌p‌o‌n‌e‌n‌t‌s o‌f v‌e‌l‌o‌c‌i‌t‌y a‌t u‌p‌s‌t‌r‌e‌a‌m o‌f s‌p‌u‌r d‌i‌k‌e‌s. L‌o‌n‌g‌i‌t‌u‌d‌i‌n‌a‌l c‌o‌m‌p‌o‌n‌e‌n‌t o‌f v‌e‌l‌o‌c‌i‌t‌i‌e‌s a‌t t‌h‌e f‌r‌o‌n‌t o‌f t‌h‌e f‌i‌r‌s‌t s‌p‌u‌r d‌i‌k‌e w‌i‌n‌g i‌s m‌o‌r‌e t‌h‌a‌n l‌o‌n‌g‌i‌t‌u‌d‌i‌n‌a‌l v‌e‌l‌o‌c‌i‌t‌i‌e‌s i‌n t‌h‌e f‌r‌o‌n‌t o‌f t‌h‌e s‌e‌c‌o‌n‌d a‌n‌d t‌h‌i‌r‌d s‌p‌u‌r d‌i‌k‌e w‌i‌n‌g a‌n‌d i‌n f‌r‌o‌n‌t o‌f t‌h‌e s‌e‌c‌o‌n‌d s‌p‌u‌r d‌i‌k‌e w‌i‌n‌g i‌s m‌o‌r‌e t‌h‌a‌n t‌h‌i‌r‌d s‌p‌u‌r d‌i‌k‌e w‌i‌n‌g. T‌h‌e h‌o‌r‌i‌z‌o‌n‌t‌a‌l c‌o‌m‌p‌o‌n‌e‌n‌t o‌f v‌e‌l‌o‌c‌i‌t‌y a‌r‌e m‌a‌x‌i‌m‌u‌m t‌h‌e s‌u‌r‌f‌a‌c‌e n‌e‌a‌r t‌o b‌e‌d i‌n r‌e‌v‌e‌r‌s‌e‌d f‌l‌o‌w r‌e‌g‌i‌o‌n a‌n‌d t‌h‌e n‌e‌g‌a‌t‌i‌v‌e t‌r‌a‌n‌s‌v‌e‌r‌s v‌e‌l‌o‌c‌i‌t‌i‌e‌s o‌f r‌e‌v‌e‌r‌s‌e‌d f‌l‌o‌w a‌r‌e m‌a‌x‌i‌m‌u‌m n‌e‌a‌r t‌h‌e f‌r‌e‌e s‌u‌r‌f‌a‌c‌e b‌e‌t‌w‌e‌e‌n s‌p‌u‌r d‌i‌k‌e‌s a‌n‌d i‌n t‌h‌e f‌r‌o‌n‌t o‌f t‌h‌e s‌e‌c‌o‌n‌d a‌n‌d t‌h‌i‌r‌d s‌p‌u‌r d‌i‌k‌e w‌i‌n‌g. T‌h‌e d‌e‌e‌p p‌o‌s‌i‌t‌i‌v‌e v‌e‌l‌o‌c‌i‌t‌i‌e‌s a‌r‌e s‌e‌e‌n i‌n t‌h‌e e‌d‌g‌e o‌f w‌i‌n‌g u‌p‌s‌t‌r‌e‌a‌m o‌f f‌i‌r‌s‌t s‌p‌u‌r d‌i‌k‌e a‌n‌d b‌e‌t‌w‌e‌e‌n s‌p‌u‌r d‌i‌k‌e‌s. I‌n‌v‌e‌s‌t‌i‌g‌a‌t‌i‌o‌n o‌f t‌u‌r‌b‌u‌l‌e‌n‌c‌e k‌i‌n‌e‌t‌i‌c e‌n‌e‌r‌g‌y i‌n f‌l‌o‌w p‌a‌t‌t‌e‌r‌n s‌h‌o‌w‌s t‌h‌a‌t i‌t i‌s m‌a‌x‌i‌m‌u‌m i‌n t‌h‌e e‌d‌g‌e o‌f w‌i‌n‌g u‌p‌s‌t‌r‌e‌a‌m o‌f f‌i‌r‌s‌t s‌p‌u‌r d‌i‌k‌e a‌n‌d h‌a‌s i‌n‌c‌r‌e‌a‌s‌e‌d i‌n w‌i‌n‌g o‌f s‌p‌u‌r d‌i‌k‌e‌s' s‌h‌e‌a‌r l‌a‌y‌e‌r. I‌n‌v‌e‌s‌t‌i‌g‌a‌t‌i‌o‌n o‌f R‌e‌y‌n‌o‌l‌d‌s s‌t‌r‌e‌s‌s‌e‌s i‌n f‌l‌o‌w p‌a‌t‌t‌e‌r‌n s‌h‌o‌w‌s t‌h‌a‌t c‌o‌m‌p‌o‌n‌e‌n‌t $-{\r‌h‌o u_{i}^{'}}{\n‌u_{i}^{'}}$ i‌s m‌a‌x‌i‌m‌u‌m c‌o‌m‌p‌a‌r‌e‌d t‌o t‌w‌o o‌t‌h‌e‌r c‌o‌m‌p‌o‌n‌e‌n‌t‌s a‌n‌d t‌h‌e m‌a‌x‌i‌m‌u‌m v‌a‌l‌u‌e o‌f t‌h‌a‌t i‌s o‌c‌c‌u‌r‌r‌e‌d i‌n t‌h‌e d‌o‌w‌n‌s‌t‌r‌e‌a‌m a‌n‌d a‌m‌o‌n‌g o‌f s‌p‌u‌r d‌i‌k‌e‌s. T‌h‌e m‌a‌x‌i‌m‌u‌m v‌a‌l‌u‌e o‌f $-{\r‌h‌o u_{i}^{'}}{\n‌u_{i}^{'}}$ c‌o‌m‌p‌o‌n‌e‌n‌t i‌s r‌e‌s‌p‌e‌c‌t‌i‌v‌e‌l‌y a‌b‌o‌u‌t 5 a‌n‌d 6 t‌i‌m‌e‌s t‌h‌e v‌a‌l‌u‌e‌s o‌f $-{\r‌h‌o u_{i}^{'}}{w_{i}^{'}}$ a‌n‌d $-{\r‌h‌o \n‌u_{i}^{'}}{w_{i}^{'}}$ c‌o‌m‌p‌o‌n‌e‌n‌t‌s. C‌o‌m‌p‌o‌n‌e‌n‌t $-{\r‌h‌o u_{i}^{'}}{w_{i}^{'}}$i‌s a‌t m‌i‌n‌i‌m‌u‌m c‌o‌m‌p‌a‌r‌e‌d t‌o t‌w‌o o‌t‌h‌e‌r c‌o‌m‌p‌o‌n‌e‌n‌t‌s a‌n‌d c‌o‌m‌p‌o‌n‌e‌n‌t $-{\r‌h‌o \n‌u_{i}^{'}}{w_{i}^{'}}$ a‌t t‌h‌e e‌d‌g‌e o‌f w‌i‌n‌g u‌p‌s‌t‌r‌e‌a‌m o‌f s‌p‌u‌r d‌i‌k‌e‌s a‌n‌d t‌h‌e m‌i‌n‌i‌m‌u‌m v‌a‌l‌u‌e o‌f t‌h‌a‌t o‌c‌c‌u‌r‌s i‌n t‌h‌e d‌o‌w‌n‌s‌t‌r‌e‌a‌m a‌n‌d a‌m‌o‌n‌g o‌f s‌p‌u‌r d‌i‌k‌e‌s. I‌n‌v‌e‌s‌t‌i‌g‌a‌t‌i‌o‌n o‌f b‌e‌d s‌h‌e‌a‌r s‌t‌r‌e‌s‌s s‌h‌o‌w‌s t‌h‌a‌t t‌h‌e m‌a‌x‌i‌m‌u‌m o‌f b‌e‌d s‌h‌e‌a‌r h‌a‌s o‌c‌c‌u‌r‌r‌e‌d a‌t t‌h‌e e‌d‌g‌e o‌f w‌i‌n‌g u‌p‌s‌t‌r‌e‌a‌m o‌f t‌h‌e f‌i‌r‌s‌t s‌p‌u‌r d‌i‌k‌e.

Changing of host plant quality via agricultural practices such as application of fertilizer may influence the behavioral traits of natural enemies. In this study, the effect of improving cucumber plants with different vermicompost: soil ratios (0:100 (control), 10:90, 20:80 and 30:70 % by volume) were studied on the functional response of the parasitoid wasp Aphidius colemani Viereck to the melon aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover. The logistic regression analyses revealed that the functional response of the parasitoid wasp to the melon aphid was type II in all treatments. The different vermicompost: soil ratios were differently affected the parameters of the functional response of the wasp. The results suggest that A. colemani can be efficiently used in integrated management programs against the melon aphid using vermicompost.

Nowadays, because of the increasing terrorist attacks around the urban areas, designing buildings by contrast of resulted loads of blast came into consideration particularly in some sensitive buildings & vital arteries. When a blast occurs, the resulted emissions in environment leads to appearance of several penalties and endangers to the human life. Steel structures generally are designed on the basis of standard seismic and gravity loads, it is necessary to investigate the implantation of these structures under the impact of the loads originated from blast. This article presents numerical studies of two-dimensional structural models with 2 and 5 stories which are including simple steel frame system in addition to CBF. The models were analyzed by nonlinear dynamic analysis method using the instruction UFC 3-340-02 in two adverse levels of blast loads by SAP 2000 software. In this study structural models are designed and analyzed using two designing methods: the basic performance design, and Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD). Finally, two set of results are compared in detail.

Three Iranian horse breeds, Turkoman, Caspian, and Kurdish, are the most important Iranian horse breeds which are well known in all around of the world because of their beauty, versatility, great stamina, and intelligence. Phenotypic characterization was used to identify and document the diversity within and between distinct breeds, based on their observable attributes. Phenotypic characterization and body biometric in 23 traits were measured in 191 purebred horses belonging to three breeds, i.e. Turkoman (70 horses), Kurdish (77 horses), and Caspian (44 horses). Caspian breed was sampled from the Provinces of Alborz and Gilan. Kurdish breed was sampled from the Provinces of Kurdistan, Kermanshah, and Hamadan. Turkoman breed was sampled from the Provinces of Golestan, Markazi, and Isfahan. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was implemented. In addition, Canonical Discriminate Analysis (CDA), Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and Custer analysis were executed for assessing the relationship among the breeds. All statistical analysis was executed by SAS statistical program. The results of our investigation represented the breeds classification into 3 different classes (Caspian, Turkoman, and Kurdish) based on different morphometrical traits. Caspian breed with smaller size in most variables was detached clearly from the others with more distance than Kurdish and Turkoman breeds. The result showed that the most variably trait for classification was Hind Hoof Length. Adaptation with different environments causes difference in morphology and difference among breeds. We can identify and classify domestic population using PCA, CDA, and cluster analysis.

Introduction: Rose (Rosa hybrida (L.), Rosaceae) has been grown on earth for millions of years and has been used for beauty and decoration of gardens, extraction of perfume and in medicine. But main use of roses is in cut flower industry and landscaping. Roses are attractive for insects, especially aphids (2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 11, 17, 27, 28, 35, 38). Among them, the predominant aphid that feeds on the cultivated roses in outdoors is the rose aphid, Macrosiphum rosae (13, 27, 28, 29). The rose aphid has a wide distribution throughout Iran and the world (27, 28, 29). Rose aphids generally initiate feeding on roses in early spring as the new flush of growth emerges. Like other aphid species, rose aphids tend to congregate or cluster in large numbers feeding on the terminal growth including leaves and stems, and developing flower buds, and on leaf undersides. Their feeding causes deformity flower buds and leaves which may result in flower buds aborting or falling off prematurely before opening. In addition, aphids secrete honeydew, which attracts ants, wasps, hornets and serves as a growing medium for certain black sooty mold fungi. Rose aphids are attacked by anvarray of natural enemies including parasitoids and predators such as ladybird beetles, green lacewings, syrphids and several other groups of arthropods. These may provide natural regulation depending on the number of rose aphids present and other biotic and abiotic factors. Although many herbivorous arthropods may attack roses but many roses cultivar can resist against these pests (23, 26, 28, 40). An important factor influencing this success is careful selection of varieties, which vary significantly in susceptibility to pests and disease problems (9, 13, 19, 21, 23, 30, 40). Of course, other factors such as agricultural practices and the presence and activities of natural enemies of pests are also important. This study aimed to determine any resistance against rose aphid in different rose cultivars in landscapes of Mashhad and also to determine the diversity and abundance of the rose aphid predators throughout the seasonal growth in the study area. Material and Methods: Research to investigate the resistance of different rose cultivars against rose aphid and the biodiversity of its predators was conducted at the campus of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad from Mid-March of 2013 to late march 2014. Six rose cultivars including Ice berg, Miniature, Josephine bruce, Piccadilly, Fairy & Blessing were sampled weekly in three sampling sites. For sampling, four cut sections (5 centimeters of terminal part of randomly selected shoot) of each cultivar in each site were cut and put in a plastic bag and brought to the laboratory for counting the number of different stages of rose aphid as well as the associated predators. For purpose of identification of immature stages of the aphid predators, immature stage was kept until they reach to adult stage in the laboratory. Results and Discussion: A seasonal fluctuation of rose aphid was recorded throughout the season on six rose cultivars (Table 1). Overall, this aphid was more numerous in spring and early fall on all studied cultivars (Figure 1). By approaching the summer, the population of rose aphid on all rose cultivars, except the Fairy and Miniature varieties declined to zero. Analysis of variance showed that differences in mean population of rose aphid among studied cultivars was significant (P

Introduction: The effects of any tillage method on soil properties, depends on location (soil, water and air) and the number of (years) their implementation. Soil compaction reduces yield through increased soil mechanical resistance against root growth and lower water and nutrient use efficiency (Gamda et al. 18 & Ishagh et al 23). Soil surface and sub surface compaction both reduce yield due to limited root growth and plant potassium uptake (Doulan et al. 14). Sabt et al. (50) reported that in the study area, which the lands are mostly illite clay (high specific surface area) with sufficient nitrogen, soil potassium is the most important limiting factor for the growth of wheat.Considering the point that loess soils in Golestan Province have a high specific surface area,they can provide potassium for plants to produce crop, but for a higher production, potassium fertilizers should be used. Previous studies indicated that production of wheat is limited due to potassium deficiency (4, 49, 54 and 57). In these soils with a high specific surface area, the speed of movement of potassium from the soil solution is low, and doing solimits wheat yield.In loess soils containing high illite and high specific surface area (eg, soilsin the series of Rahmat Abad of Gorgan), ammonium acetate measured potassium on exchange and solution surfaces, which is highly correlated with grain yield (54) . There is a high correlation between grain yield with overload of potassium and Na TPB extraction (57). The aim of this study was to absorb potassium (limiting factor for plant growth) with different tillage systemsat different depths. International recommendations towards reducing the depth and intensity of tillage (from minimum tillage to no-tillage) in order to reduce erosion and oxidation of organic substances plays an important role in determining the amount of greenhouse gases. If potassium absorption does not reduceafter reducing tillage intensity,low or no-tillage methods are preferred. Otherwise no choice but to continue conventional tillage. The second objective is to assess the effects of the treatments (different tillage systems) on the growth and size of the roots and to predict nutrient uptake by plants. Materials and Methods: This research was a field experiment during 2009-2010 in estates of Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (Seyed Miran Area) with 5 treatments and 4 replications which used completely randomized block design. Treatments were 5 tillage methods including moldboard-ploughing (20-25 cm depth) followed by disking, rotivator (12-17 cm depth), disking (8-10 cm depth), chisel (25- 30 cm depth) and no-tillage. Row spacing, distance between seeds in a rowand the amount of seeding was 20 cm 1.5 cm and 268.5 kg ha respectively (planting was done by hands). The consumption of fertilizers based on soil test results and the results reported by other researchers were added to the soil surface before planting (54). In all treatments, 350 kg per hectare of ammonium phosphate and 200 kg of potassium sulfate before planting and by hands were added. For treated moldboard,rotary cultivator, disc and chisel were used, and for no-tillage system by disc plow and sweep were used.Main parameters measured were soil mechanical resistance at 6 stages during wheat growth using a cone penetrometer (0-8 cm soil depth), soil potassium at two stages during plant growth (before heading and harvest) using sodium tetraphenyl boron(12), ammonium acetate(28) and ammonium nitrate as extractents and using potassium surface excess(8) determination method and also bulk soil solution potassium concentration(2). Yield of wheat and its components were also determined at harvest. Data analysis include the analysis of variance and mean comparisons using LSD and correlations which carried out using SAS software. Results and Discussion: Results show there was a significant difference between treatments with respect to extractible soil potassium using sodium tetraphenyl boron at 5 percent level and ammonium acetate at 1 percent level, both before wheat heading. Soil potassium content did not differ significantly in this stage when potassium excess method was used. With all methods of soil potassium determination, soil potassium did not differ significantly at harvest. Soil potassium with moldboard-ploughing was less than all other tillage methods at before plant heading. Thomas et al. (55) and Martin Rhoda et al.(40) also stated that soil potassium was greater with no-tillage method. Lopez Phando & Pardo. (34) similarly stated that soil potassium with no-tillage method was greater than moldboard ploughing. According to results of the current experiment, soil mechanical resistance was further reduced as tillage intensity was increased. Soil mechanical resistance with moldboard ploughing was less than other tillage methods between early heading stage and harvest. Lower mechanical resistance with increased tillage intensity increased root growth and soil potassium uptake by wheat grain and straw, leading to greater yield production in accordance with results by Fakori (16). Conclusions Soil tillage with moldboard ploughing reduced mechanical resistance, increased root density (and possibly soil-root contact surface area) and soil potassium uptake which results a greater wheat head density and yield and also a lower soil potassium with different methods (potassium excess determination and bulk soil solution potassium concentration methods and also using soidium tetraphenyl boron, ammonium acetate extractants) at before heading which is the stage for maximal growth and nutrient accumulation rate. Soil extractants maybe used for plant nutrient uptake and yield predictions in a plant canopy, when plant nutrient uptake has a positive significant correlation with soil potassium and treatments do not affect root growth and the mentioned correlation.

Innovation capacity is a concept that, under the influence of various factors, plays an important role in increasing the probability of success of the innovation process. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of innovation capacity on innovative performance in start-ups in Fintech, emphasizing the role of absorptive capacity and learning capability. The present paper based on a deductive approach that has analyzed this issue by using structural equation modelling method. The statistical population consists of individuals in 48 member companies of the Iranian FinTech Startup Business Association, based on which the number was 279, and the sample size was 160 using IBM Sample Power software. The results showed that innovation capacity has a positive and significant effect on innovative performance. Also, while learning ability has affected both dimensions of absorptive capacity only realized absorptive capacity had a positive and significant effect on innovative performance and innovation capacity.

The objective of the present research was to investigate the effect of salinity stress on sodium, potassium and calcium concentrations, and Na+/K+ and Na+/Ca2+ ratios at seedling stage in an advanced back cross (BC2F6) rice population. The population was derived from crossing between Hashemi, an Iranian cultivar, and IR67418-110-32222 (IR-22) from IRRI. The ANOVA indicated that the effects of genotypes, salinity stress and interaction between stress and genotype were significant for all the traits, which is suggestive of high level of genetic variation, salinity effect on traits and different response of the genotypes to salinity levels. The salinity stress markedly decreased the K+ concentration in the shoot. However the shoot Na+ and Ca2+ concentration and Na+/K+ and Na+/Ca2+ ratios were significantly increased in saline environment. The population characteristics mean value were found to be between of parents values and it often shifted to recurrent parent (Hashemi) value in both stress and non stress conditions. It shows that Hashemi variety gene’s leave more influences on the expression of the traits in the population. Transgressive segregation was observed for all the studied traits in the population lines. Genetic and phenotypic correlations among the studied traits showed the same trend. The highest correlation coefficients were related to Na+ concentration and Na+/K+ (rg= 0.89**) in non stress condition. The high heritability levels of the traits provide selection possibility for salinity tolerance in the population based on these traits. According to the present findings, it is possible to candidate some lines (such as line number 139) as salt tolerant at the seedling stage.

Aims: Severe pulmonary chemically injured veterans experience more physical and environmental problems than other war victims that might lead to more difficult life conditions. The aim of this study was to assess the psychological health statuses of the severe pulmonary chemically injured veterans exposed to mustard gas. Instrument & Methods: 292 severe pulmonary chemically injured veterans from all around Iran, exposed to mustard gas, were cross-sectionally studied in Isfahan in 2015. Demographic and appearance information of the patients was recorded. Using Psychiatric Disorder Assessment Form, each veteran was assessed in 5 different axes through a semi-structured clinical interview. Data was analyzed in SPSS 22 software using Pearson correlation coefficient and Chi-square tests. Findings: 213 veterans (72.9%) were with mental disorders. Anxiety disorder was the most prevalent disorder in Axis I, with posttraumatic stress disorder (90%). 123 veterans (42.1%) were with different types of depression. In Axis III, 49 veterans (16.8%) were suffering other physical illnesses affecting mental health. In Axis IV, 51 veterans (17.5%) were with a variety of environmental problems. In GAF scale, more than 90% of the veterans received 60 scores or less. There was an inverse correlation between psychiatric disorder and efficiency level (p

One of the most important factors in determining the volume of trees is selection of appropriate form factor. In the present study, four different methods of form factor calculation were evaluated for two rapid growth species including Populus deltoides and Taxodium distichum. For this purpose, in each stand, 12 trees per 4 diameter class ranging from 10 to 45 cm in DBH were randomly selected and diameter at breast height of all trees was measured. Then, using sectional measurement (cylindrical volume formula and Esmalyan) method, the actual volume of each tree was calculated. Also, Real (Fr), Normal (F0.1), Artificial (F1.3) and Hohenadl (Fh) form factors were measured. Analyses of variances were used to investigate any significant differences between the calculated coefficients. Dunnett's test was used to explore significant differences between various methods of coefficient calculation and the real form factor coefficients. Results showed that for Populus deltoides, artificial form factor (0.50) was closer to the real form factor (0.51) while for Taxodium distichum, hohenadl form factor (0.52) was closest to the real form factor (0.50). In addition, natural and artificial form factors were related to DBH, but real and hohenadl form factors were not related to DBH. Artificial form factor can be used for both species in this study as a suitable and useful form factor.

Identification and characterization of tolerant and susceptible cultivars of crop plants to cold stress is important. In this regard, in present research electrolyte leakage and Total Soluble Sugar (TSS) contents in the leaf and bark tissues in ten olive cultivars, namely, Zard, Mari, Fadak87-1, Fadak87-5, Fadak86, Fadak77, Arbequina, Mission, Blady and Coratina were measured to assess their response to cold stress during two consecutive years. Two years-old shoots from five year-old olive trees were collected in summer and winter from a commercial orchard in Qom, Central Iran and exposed to cold treatments of 0, -4, -8, -12, -16 and -20°C for 24 hours. Then LT50 was measured by electrolyte leakage. A considerable increase in cold-hardiness was observed with decreasing temperature. Leaf and bark tissues exhibited more tolerance in winter than summer and bark tissue had more tolerance than leaf in both seasons. Also TSS contents in leaf and bark tissues were greater in winter than summer and in all studied cultivars bark tissue had greater TSS content than the leaf. Results showed that cold-hardy cultivars, Zard, Arbequina and Fadak87-5 (with tolerance thresholds of -17.34°C, -17.5°C and -17.99°C, respectively) had greater TSS contents in tissues in summer and winter compared to susceptible cultivars, Coratina and Mari (with tolerance thresholds of -7.18°C and -9.13°C respectively). Although the precise mechanism in response to cold stress has not been characterized in olive tree, it can be concluded from this experiment, that the tissue TSS content is closely associated with resistance to cold stress in this tree species.

To identify the most effective traits on corn yield by using biofertilizer under water deficit stress, an experiment was carried out in split plot based on randomized complete block design with three replications in Hashtgerd region in 2012. In this experiment, water deficit stress, as the main factor, consisted of four levels (control, stress at flowering, stress at grain filling and stress at both flowering and grain filling stages). Biological fertilizers as sub-plot consisted of four levels of biological fertilizer applications (control, application of Nytrazhyn, application of Barvar 2 fertile and application of both fertilizer Nytrazhyn and Barvar 2). Traits evaluated were seed yield, harvest index, 100 seed weight, number of ears per square meter, number of rows per ear, number of seed per row, weight, diameter and length of seeds. To determine the most effective traits simple correlation, stepwise regression analysis, path analysis and principal component analysis were performed. Multivariate analysis showed that harvest index, 100 grain weight and number of ears per square meter were highly effective on grain yield. They explained 77% and 66% of the total variance under both normal and drought stress conditions respectivly. The highest direct positive effect was related to harvest index under both conditions. To improving seed yielding potential of corn under water deficite cinditions emphasis should be placed mainly on the selection of genotypes with higher harvest indices.

Studies of prey suitability are needed to develop efficient mass rearing programs for generalist predators and to understand their potential contribution to integrated pest management. A laboratory study was conducted to evaluate the development and reproductive success of two predatory coccinellids, Oenopia conglobata (L.) and Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Fabricius), reared on diets of the common pistachio psyllid, Agonoscena pistaciae Burckhardt & Lauterer, the cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii (Glover) or a reference diet of Ephestia kuehniella Zeller eggs. Development and reproductive performance of the two coccinellids varied with diet, but egg fertility and immature survival did not. The developmental period (egg-adult) was shortest for both species on A. gossypii. This prey also yielded the shortest preoviposition period and greatest fecundity for C. sexmaculata. The psyllid diet was superior for reproduction in O. conglobata. For both predators, eggs of E. kuehniella were a better diet for development than for reproduction. Life table data indicated that the arboreal O. conglobata was better adapted to A. pistaciae on pistachio trees and might be a more effective biocontrol agent for this pest, despite the fact that C. sexmaculata had a higher intrinsic rate of increase on all diets.

Introduction: Outdoor workers are exposed to heat from solar radiation and the atmospheric conditions, in addition to the heat from the working process, which is worse by global warming. The purpose of this study was to evaluate heat stress based on wet bulb globe temperature index and also to examine the relationship between WBGT and physiological indices among outdoor workers of Shabestar city. .Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in August 2014. WBGT measurements were taken according to ISO7243 standard in different hours. The physiological response of 53outdoor workers (including heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, oral temperature, and skin temperature) were measured among9occupationalgroups, including municipal workers, concrete makers, porters, construction and road making workers, stonemasons, farmers, traffic officers, and street vendors. . Result: The mean WBGT index for all outdoor workers, except for municipal workers, street vendors, traffic officers and stonemason, was greater than threshold limit. The highest average WBGT index was for construction workers and the lowest was for municipal workers (respectively 27 and 26 °C). Moreover, a significant direct association was reported between the WBGT index and physiological parameters (P

Introduction: Working in hot and inappropriate climate condition is one of the most common problems of occupational health which can lead to heat induced diseases and even death. Heat stress may impair the cognitive processes involved in decision-making and converting simple tasks to complex ones. The aim of present study was to assess selective attention and reaction time among workers in a casting unit of a car manufacturing industry and to investigate the effects of heat stress on mentioned variables. . Material and Method: In this retrospective cohort study 70 workers from a hot industry were selected in two of exposed and control groups. First, demographic questionnaire was completed for each of the participants and noise and light were measured as the likely confounding factors. Stroop test 1, 2, and 3 were done before and during the work in order to determine the effects of heat on selective attention and reaction time. Besides,WBGT were measured at the ankle, waist, and head levels. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 18. Result.: WBGT measurements showed that the mean WBGT were 33 and 16.7 for the exposed and not exposed groups, respectively. Moreover, no significant relationships were observed between test duration, reaction time, and number of errors in Stroop tests 1 and 2 and the level of heat (P-value

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of researcher made multiplication table software package of “Hesabyar” on learning and retention of primary students. The sample consisted of 60 female primary school students who were randomly selected and put into two experimental and control groups in the 5th educational district of Tehran. The instrument consisted of posters, book, white board, software multiplication game and tests, which was distributed amongst students in experimental (which have not been used the package) and the control group. The experiment lasted from early November to late March. Data was analyzed by utilizing independent t-test. Findings showed that use of the Hesabyar software package has a positive effect on learning and retention of the multiplication table. Also, the result revealed that there was statistically significant difference between the experimental and control groups.

The matrix converter instability can cause a substantial distortion in the input currents and voltages which leads to the malfunction of the converter. This paper deals with the effects of input filter type, grid inductance, voltage fed to the modulation algorithm and the synchronous rotating digital filter time constant on the stability and performance of the matrix converter. The studies are carried out using eigenvalues of the linearized system and simulations. Two most common schemes for the input filter (LC and RLC) are analyzed. It is shown that by a proper choice of voltage input to the modulation algorithm, structure of the input filter and its parameters, the need for the digital filter for ensuring the stability can be resolved. Moreover, a detailed model of the system considering the switching effects is simulated and the results are used to validate the analytical outcomes. The agreement between simulation and analytical results implies that the system performance is not deteriorated by neglecting the nonlinear switching behavior of the converter. Hence, the eigenvalue analysis of the linearized system can be a proper indicator of the system stability.

Aims: Sudden terrible sound, like the sound of landmine explosion, can rupture the eardrum, disruption of the ossicular chain, ear nervous system disorders and in some cases causes complete deafness. Accordingly, this study aimed to data collection and assesses the hearing health of Iranian landmine survivors less than 18 years old. Methods: All mine survivors less than 18 with hearing disorder enrolled and after obtaining demographic information, hearing status, clinical and treatment data were evaluated by an ENT specialist. Frequencies were reported as number, percentage and mean ± SD. Results: About one third of landmine survivors suffered from hearing disorders that their average age was 16.13±2.05 years and mean duration of hearing loss was 6.7±2.5 years. The most common negative side issue was headache, 81.3%. More subjects were in trouble in crowded environments with high frequency sound (65%) and tinnitus was a common problem among them (87%). Sensorineural hearing loss had a frequency near to 50% for both right and left ear. No significant association was found between duration of injury and degree of hearing loss. The mean number of speech perception threshold test was less than half of the standard value and the mean score of ability to separate speech was within normal limits. Conclusion: Sudden exposure to sound like landmine explosion may cause hearing disorders such as hearing loss and side problems such as headache, dizziness, and tinnitus that are able to dramatically affect the quality of life. The prevalence of hearing impairments in young survivors of landmine explosion is very high and long after the casualties, some of them continue to suffer from hearing problems. Due to the sensitivity age of study group, further studies in this regard and regular checkups seem to be necessary.

Introduction: Heat stress is considered as a serious risk factor to the health and safety of workers in most working environments, especially in outdoor works and jobs that workers are exposed to heat due to the working process. This study aimed to evaluate heat stress among workers of brick-manufacturing units in Qom city based on WBGT index as well as the relationship between WBGT and physiological indicators. .Material and Method: The present study was conducted in 40 brick-manufacturing units in Qom city. WBGT measurements were performed according to ISO7243 standard. Physiological responses of 184 workers (up to 5 people per unit) and also atmospheric parameters were measured. The physiological responses included oral temperature, skin temperature, and temperature for the carotid artery of the ear, heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software version 16. .Result: Mean WBGT index for various brick-manufacturing jobs including firing, manual material handling, working with conveyors, molding, and tempering were 30.8 °C, 26.74 °C 26.58 °C and 24.25 °C, respectively and the average WBGT was estimated 27.98 °C. WBGT levels measured in all units exceeded the level provided in ISO7243 standard. The highest mean WBGT was belonged to kiln section (30.8 °C). The mean WBGT at three heights of head, abdomen and legs were not statistically different (using t-test). The correlation coefficients between mean WBGT and mean oral, skin and ears temperatures were 0.203, 0.319, and 0.490, respectively, with the highest correlation belonged to the carotid arteries of ears. Moreover, WBGT showed no significant association with the mean heart rate, systolic, and diastolic blood pressure (P-value>0.05). Indoor and outdoor WBGT index was significantly different (P-value

Laminar, isothermal, incompressible and viscous flow in a rectangular domain bounded by two moving porous walls, which enable the fluid to enter or exit during successive expansions or contractions is investigated analytically using optimal homotopy asymptotic method (OHAM). OHAM is a powerful method for solving nonlinear problems without depending to the small parameter. The concept of this method is briefly introduced, and it׳s application for this problem is studied. Then, the results are compared with numerical results and the validity of these methods is shown. After this verification, we analyze the effects of some physical applicable parameters to show the efficiency of OHAM for this type of problems. Graphical results are presented to investigate the influence of the non-dimensional wall dilation rate (α) and permeation Reynolds number (Re) on the velocity, normal pressure distribution and wall shear stress. The present problem for slowly expanding or contracting walls with weak permeability is a simple model for the transport of biological fluids through contracting or expanding vessels.

Background & objectives: ZCL is a growing threat in many rural areas of Iran which involves 17 out of 31 provinces. This study was conducted from April to November 2011 for evaluation of the efficacy of phostoxin and zinc phosphide against rodents. Methods: Rodent control operations were carried out using phostoxin and zinc phosphide. To evaluate the effect of rodent control operation on the main vector density, an entomological survey was carried out. The effects of the operation on the disease incidence were also evaluated. Results: After intervention, the reduction rate of rodent burrows was 32.68% in the village treated with phostoxin and 58.14% in the village treated with zinc phosphide. The number of rodent holes in the control area showed 6.66-fold increase at the end of the study. The incidence of the disease decreased to 19.23 and 11.40 in areas treated with phostoxin and zinc phosphide, respectively. A total of 4243 adult sandflies were collected and identified. The most common and dominant species was Phlebotomus papatasi. In the village treated with phostoxin, the density of P. papatasi in outdoors was lower than indoors. Nevertheless, the density of P. papatasi in the village treated with zinc phosphide was higher in outdoors. Interpretation & conclusion: It is concluded that phostoxin is less effective and has low safety in comparison with zinc phosphide, so that this rodenticide can be used only in special situations such as lack or ineffective rodenticides and only in the colonies far from human and animal dwelling places in small scales.

Abstract: The purpose of this descriptive research was to identify and rank the education goals of occupational safety and health in industries, for this purpose a questionnaire was prepared by researcher and were distributed among 50 informed and experts person of industry who were selected purposive sampling, then by using of single sample t-test and Friedman, significance of each question and field was evaluated, the results indicate that the goals such as safety and workplace hygiene, to gain general cognition about safety and health concepts and occupational accidents, creation and increase the accuracy and alertness in process of production in order to recognize the risk factors and then stop and prevent risk , to increase knowledge, skills, individual abilities have the highest priority and according to informed people recognize and different uses of water in industries, familiarity with tools and equipment and structures and correct using them have the low priority, also the analysis showed that all the fields are significant but the occupational accident , hazardous materials, discipline and responsibility have most agreement and equipment and fire have least agreement.

Introduction: currently, stress is known as one the most important issue among societies which may have positive or negative results. Stress is caused when there is not a harmony between job demands, capabilities and desires of a person. Most of the behavioral, physical and mental disorders are results of job stress. The objective of this study was Validity and Reliability analysis of NIOSH Generic Job Stress Questionnaire (GJSQ), in order to have an appropriate tool for evaluation and analysis of job stress in Iran. . Material and Method: In this study, 228 members of Tehran fire-fighting office were chosen according to categorical and clustering sampling, methodology and they completed NIOSH Generic Job Stress Questionnaire (GJSQ). For Validity and Reliability of questionnaire, 20 persons of the group were chosen for content validity analysis of the questionnaire. For Reliability analysis of the result, Cronbach alpha test and in-cluster correlation test were used. SPSS software version 18 was used for analysis of the data. . Result: The mean age of the participants was 30.8 years (SD=4.9) and the average of job tenure in fire-fighting office was 7.4 years (SD=4.8). In order to reliability analyze the questionnaire, Cronbach alpha coefficient of all influential factors was obtained more than 0.7. In-cluster correlation coefficient of the questionnaire is calculated using retesting on all influential factors. With the exception of Physical Environment and Mental Demands which were about average, all other coefficients were over 0.7, which is a very appropriate result. . Conclusion: Considering that Validity and Reliability factors of the questionnaire were be appropriate, it can be recommended that NIOSH Generic Job Stress Questionnaire (GJSQ) can be used as a Valid and Reliable questionnaire for job stress evaluation in Iran.

In the present article Optimal Homotopy Asymptotic Method (OHAM) is used to obtain the solutions of momentum and heat transfer equations of non-Newtonian fluid flow in an axisymmetric channel with porous wall for turbine cooling applications. Numerical method is used for validity of this analytical method and excellent agreement is observed between the solutions obtained from OHAM and numerical results. Trusting to this validity, effects of some other parameters are discussed. The results show that Nusselt number increases with increase of Reynolds number, Prandtl number and power law index.