International Journal of Advanced Biological and Biomedical Research

Original Article

Influence of the Bovine Acyl-Coa: Diacylglycerol Acyltransferase1 (DGAT1) K232A on Milk Production and Somatic Cell Score Holstein Cows

Maliheh Pirzad; Saeid Ansari-Mahyari; Mohamad-Ali Edriss

Volume 2, Issue 5 , May 2014, Pages 1300-1306

Abstract

  This experiment was aimed to study the association between the DGAT1 K232A polymorphism and milk production traits and somatic cell score (SCS) in Iranian Holstein dairy cows. The records ...  Read More This experiment was aimed to study the association between the DGAT1 K232A polymorphism and milk production traits and somatic cell score (SCS) in Iranian Holstein dairy cows. The records of 408 animals from five dairy herds were randomly identified and then genomic DNA was extracted from blood using the modified-salting method described by Miller. RFLP-PCR was performed to obtain all the polymorphisms and two alleles, K and A were observed with frequency of 0.37 and 0.63. Genotypic frequencies of AA, KA and KK were 0.3578, 0.5515 and 0.0907, respectively. The relationship between DGAT1 K232A and milk traits and somatic cell score in the first lactation was studied. The results showed significant difference (p≤0.05) between the genotypes on milk production, fat percent but not for protein percent and SCS. According to this research, the DGAT1 K232A polymorphism can be considered for increasing milk performance traits in Holstein dairy cows in the proximal region of bovine chromosome 14.

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Original Article

Estimation of Genetic and Phonotypic Trends for Age at First Calving, Calving Interval, Days Open and Number of Insemination to Conception for Isfahan Holstein Cows

Samaneh Solemani-Baghshah; Saeid Ansari-Mahyari; Mohamad-Ali Edriss; Hojjat Asadollahpour Nanaei

Volume 2, Issue 5 , May 2014, Pages 1307-1314

Abstract

  For the current research the records of 62 farms in Isfahan province were available. To estimate genetic and phonotypic trends of reproductive traits such as age at first calving, calving ...  Read More For the current research the records of 62 farms in Isfahan province were available. To estimate genetic and phonotypic trends of reproductive traits such as age at first calving, calving interval, days open and number of insemination to conception rate the records of 63,866 cows including 167793 reproductive records were employed. Farms were covered by Vahdat industrial Agriculturists and Dairymen Cooperative of Isfahan during 1986 to 2012. Genetic parameters estimated by linear animal model using Restricted Maximum Likelihood Method (REML). Genetic and phonotype trends were estimated by using regression of average breeding values and phonotype values on calving year. Heritability of age at first calving (0.19±0.007), calving interval (0.06±0.005), days open (0.041±0.004) and number of insemination to conception (0.071±0.004) were estimated. Phonotypic trends of age at first calving, calving interval, days open, number of insemination to conception in first parity and number of insemination to conception in second parity onward were estimated to be -3.48± 1.08, -0.41±0.4, -0.42±0.2, 0.013±0.0025 and 0.031±0.01 respectively. Estimated genetic trends for age at first calving, calving interval, days open, for number of insemination to conception in first parity and number of insemination to conception in second parity onward were estimated to be 0.07±0.06, -0.56±0.5, -0.02±0.06, 0.0015±0.001 and 0.0005±0.005, respectively.

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Case Report

Delineation of Groundwater Recharge Sites Using GIS Case Study: Sefied Dasht

Hassan Vaqharfard; Mostafa Moradi Dashtpagerdi

Volume 2, Issue 5 , May 2014, Pages 1316-1324

Abstract

  The water crisis is harmful effects on human life. Also one of the most problems in the human society is water resources management. In this study, site selection of most suitable areas ...  Read More The water crisis is harmful effects on human life. Also one of the most problems in the human society is water resources management. In this study, site selection of most suitable areas for artificial recharge using Boolean model. Criteria used to select the most suitable area for artificial recharge included: infiltration, slope, aquifer thickness, aquifer quality.  The layers were produced and classified in the GIS environment. The results showed that the most suitable areas for artificial recharge using Boolean model are 7.7 percent. Land use impacted on the removal of restrictions of artificial recharge areas too. It can be said that suitable areas for artificial recharge in Boolean logic using land use filtering are 1.42% of plain.

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Review Article

Broiler Production Explation–Steps to Start

Nematollah Dayyani

Volume 2, Issue 5 , May 2014, Pages 1326-1333

Abstract

  There is nothing quite so helpless in this world as a baby broiler chick which has been snatched from the warmth of its surrogated mother, carted umpteen kilometers in a box dumped ...  Read More There is nothing quite so helpless in this world as a baby broiler chick which has been snatched from the warmth of its surrogated mother, carted umpteen kilometers in a box dumped unceremoniously in a broiler shed and then told to get on with the job of making the boss a wealthy man. Yet within the space of 14 days, that same chick, under optimum conditions, will have increased its day-old body mass eightfold by putting on weight at an average rate of one gram per hour, costing its owner no more than a meager 1,3 grams of feed per hour! Or, putting it another way, at today’s market prices, that little chap is growing at the rate of one cent every three hours on a feed cost of no more than 0,2 of a cent.

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Review Article

Feeding and Managing the Ewe Flock: A New Watch

Nematollah Dayyani

Volume 2, Issue 5 , May 2014, Pages 1336-1342

Abstract

  The number of lambs sold per ewe mated in the breeding flock has a considerable impact on sheep operation profitability. This depends primarily on fertility, prolificacy (# of lambs), ...  Read More The number of lambs sold per ewe mated in the breeding flock has a considerable impact on sheep operation profitability. This depends primarily on fertility, prolificacy (# of lambs), and lamb survival, mothering ability, milk production of the ewe and lamb growth rate. Optimal reproduction does vary by environment and management system – some sheep operations don’t want a lambing rate over 200%. Breed type plays an important part in the prolificacy as well as their tendency to an extended breeding season. Nevertheless, the pounds of lamb produced per ewe mated in the flock affects profitability.

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Review Article

The Principles of Poultry Husbandry

Nematollah Dayyani

Volume 2, Issue 5 , May 2014, Pages 1344-1349

Abstract

  There are a number of requirements by which animals should be managed so that the best performance is achieved in a way acceptable to those responsible for the care of the animals and ...  Read More There are a number of requirements by which animals should be managed so that the best performance is achieved in a way acceptable to those responsible for the care of the animals and to the community generally. These requirements are the keys to good management and may be used to test the management of a poultry enterprise in relation to the standard of its management. These requirements are also called Principles. The importance of each Principle changes with the situation and thus the emphasis placed on each may alter from place to place and from time to time. This means that, while the Principles do not change the degree of emphasis and method of application may change. Every facet of the poultry operation should be tested against the relevant principles.

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Review Article

A Survey on Ecological City Trends

Hossein Rahimi

Volume 2, Issue 5 , May 2014, Pages 1351-1356

Abstract

  There are many trends in making an ecological city all around the word, one of important cases in this approach is safe and health water. According by definitions, safe and potable ...  Read More There are many trends in making an ecological city all around the word, one of important cases in this approach is safe and health water. According by definitions, safe and potable water is water needed for conducting the activities of man. Potable water is the most important renewable sources and this resource plays important role for survival of most living organisms as well as man based on supplying the water requirements and irrigation water. By development of urbanization, today, the subject of sources management in the civil areas has been remarkably considered and this paper has been written by that vision. Progress in the urban living made irretrievable damages to the nature and treated many natural sources. One of the most important of these factors includes water pollution and its sources. Water safety, and preventing its pollution and its lost is one of the most important issues in our  era, Water  contamination is considered as a great environmental complication encountered with due to day-to-day progress of industries and technology. This paper aims to investigate the existing concepts,    factors making the contaminations, alternatives such as managerial methods, existing challenges, and recommendations in the field of preventing and reducing the contamination of water sources and using safe water.

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Original Article

Fuzzy C-Means Clustering Algorithm for Site Selection of Groundwater Artificial Recharge Areas (Case Study: Sefied Dasht Plain)

Mostafa Moradi Dashtpagerd; Hassan Vagharfard

Volume 2, Issue 5 , May 2014, Pages 1367-1376

Abstract

  Artificial recharge can be an effective method to raise the groundwater table and to resolve the groundwater crisis in Sefid dasht plain. The most important step to successful accomplishment ...  Read More Artificial recharge can be an effective method to raise the groundwater table and to resolve the groundwater crisis in Sefid dasht plain. The most important step to successful accomplishment of artificial recharge is locating suitable areas for artificial recharge. Hence this research carried out with purpose of determining suitable areas for artificial recharge in Sefid dasht plain. Slope, surface infiltration, alluvial thickness, alluvial quality and land use parameters were analyzed, classified and map of every parameter prepared using GIS. To overlay the affective parameters in artificial recharge was Fuzzy c-mean models. Results showed that 16.2 percent of Sefid dasht plain is suitable for artificial recharge based on Fuzzy c- mean model. Using land use layer this value decreased to 4.5 percent. So land use in is a limitative parameter in study area.

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Original Article

Measurement of Vertical Water Percolation Through Different Soil Textures of Paddy Field During Rice Growth Season

Teimour Razavipour; Ali Reza Farrokh

Volume 2, Issue 5 , May 2014, Pages 1379-1388

Abstract

  The water percolation loss beyond root zone in the soil is one of the important parameters to determine water requirement of rice plant. If the amount of water percolation rate into ...  Read More The water percolation loss beyond root zone in the soil is one of the important parameters to determine water requirement of rice plant. If the amount of water percolation rate into the soil is estimated more carefully, determination of water requirement will be evaluated better and designing for system of irrigation, drainage and related establishments will be more easily done. The purpose of this research is determination the amount of irrigation water losses via vertical percolation in the paddy soils in rice growth duration. This study was carried out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications in different areas of Guilan province in 1999. Seven areas which were different in the surface soil texture especially on their clay content or other particle size distribution were selected. For determining of water losses as vertical percolation was used quick method. The soils were sampled contemporary and the effects of some soil physical parameters on vertical percolation were studied too. The soil textures were consisted of: Sandy Loam, Loam, Clay Loam, Silty Loam, Clay and Silty Clay Loam. The results have shown that some physical parameters such as bulk density and particle size distribution especially clay content and sand fractions can be significantly effective on the amount of vertically percolated water. The values of adjusted determination coefficient of linear and nonlinear regressions (adj. R2) for above variables on vertical percolation for bulk density, clay, and sand percentage were 0.32, 0.91 and 0.79 respectively. The mean comparison of vertical percolation showed four different classes of vertical percolation at the 5% level by DMRT: Class I- Very high vertical percolation with 0.73 cm.day-1 or higher, in extremely light soil textures with clay contents less than 8%. Class II- High vertical percolation with 0.54 cm.day-1 in light soil textures with 8 -16% clay content. Class III- Medium vertical percolation with 0.32 cm.day-1 in medium soil textures with 16 - 44% clay content. Class IV- low vertical percolation with 0.15 cm.day-1 in heavy soil textures with more than 44% clay content.

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Original Article

Evaluation of a Walking Tractor Drawn Peanut Harvester and Comparing It With Manual Harvesting

Afshin Azmoodeh-Mishamandani; Shamsollah Abdollahpoor; Hossein Navid; Mohammad Moghaddam Vahed

Volume 2, Issue 5 , May 2014, Pages 1390-1397

Abstract

  The object of this study was evaluation of a walking tractor drawn peanut harvester at different conditions of soil moisture content and forward speed and comparing it with manual harvesting. ...  Read More The object of this study was evaluation of a walking tractor drawn peanut harvester at different conditions of soil moisture content and forward speed and comparing it with manual harvesting. The evaluation factors for peanut harvester were two levels of soil moisture content and three levels of forward speed. The results revealed that the effect of soil moisture content was only significant on the percent of unexposed pods loss, while the effect of forward speed was not significant for all loss. Comparing of harvester loss at best condition with manual harvesting loss revealed that there was significant difference between two methods of peanut harvesting. Manual harvesting loss was higher than mechanical harvesting loss in the percent of exposed and unexposed pods loss. The results of this study revealed that the usage mechanical harvesting instead of manual harvesting reduces harvesting loss, harvesting costs and timeliness costs. Therefore, usage of this harvester instead of manual harvesting entirely recommended.

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Review Article

Reinforcement Learning in Neural Networks: A Survey

Ahmad Ghanbari; Yasaman Vaghei; Sayyed Mohammad Reza Sayyed Noorani

Volume 2, Issue 5 , May 2014, Pages 1398-1416

Abstract

  In recent years, researches on reinforcement learning (RL) have focused on bridging the gap between adaptive optimal control and bio-inspired learning techniques. Neural network reinforcement ...  Read More In recent years, researches on reinforcement learning (RL) have focused on bridging the gap between adaptive optimal control and bio-inspired learning techniques. Neural network reinforcement learning (NNRL) is among the most popular algorithms in the RL framework. The advantage of using neural networks enables the RL to search for optimal policies more efficiently in several real-life applications. Although many surveys investigated general RL, no survey is specifically dedicated to the combination of artificial neural networks and RL. This paper therefore describes the state of the art of NNRL algorithms, with a focus on robotics applications. In this paper, a comprehensive survey is started with a discussion on the concepts of RL. Then, a review of several different NNRL algorithms is presented. Afterwards, the performances of different NNRL algorithms are evaluated and compared in learning prediction and learning control tasks from an empirical aspect and the paper concludes with a discussion on open issues.

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Original Article

The Evaluation of Wheat Losses Harvesting in Two Conventional Combine (John Deere 1165, 955) in Iran

Asadullah Mirasi; Mohammad Amin Asoodar; Mousarreza Samadi; Ehsan Kamran

Volume 2, Issue 5 , May 2014, Pages 1417-1425

Abstract

  Wheat is one of the most important food staff in consumption pattern of each country. More than 50 percent of energy is provided by bread in the developing countries. The aim of this ...  Read More Wheat is one of the most important food staff in consumption pattern of each country. More than 50 percent of energy is provided by bread in the developing countries. The aim of this study was measuring wheat losses during pre-harvest and harvest stages in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province of Iran in year 2013. Wheat losses at harvest stages were measured to wheat varieties in 2 levels of Omid and Alvand were chosen and Combine types in 2 levels: JD 955 and JD 1165 while were chosen. The data analyzed using and means were compared using SAS Software’s and Duncan's Multiple Range Tests were. The results showed that higher amount of losses were in the Omid variety and JD 955 with totally 6.83 % (307.4 kg ha-1) that 10.5 % of them attributed on the cleaning, 34 % on Header, 16.5 % on Drum, 21 % on impurity and 18% broken grain losses. The lowest losses related to JD 1165 and Alvand variety with 3.97 % (178.66 kg ha-1) that 10 % of them attributed on the cleaning, 38 % on Header, 13 % on Drum , 22 % on impurity and 17% broken grain losses. Also, average pre-harvest losses amount was in all fields the study 24.5 kg ha-1 that 9.8 % of total losses represent the measured total losses Alvand 20.5 kg ha-1 and the variety of Omid 28.5 kg ha-1 respectively.

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Original Article

The Investigation of Wheat Losses Harvesting in Lordegan County (Iran)

Asadullah Mirasi; Ehsan Kamran; Mohammad Amin Asoodar; Mousarreza Samadi

Volume 2, Issue 5 , May 2014, Pages 1427-1435

Abstract

  Wheat is one of the important food staff in consumption pattern of each country. More than 50 % of human energy is supplied from bread in the developing country. Combine losses is less ...  Read More Wheat is one of the important food staff in consumption pattern of each country. More than 50 % of human energy is supplied from bread in the developing country. Combine losses is less than 2-3% in developed countries, while in developing country is about 15-20% in different regions and circumstances of harvesting seasons and field conditions. In this research project that effect of combine type and wheat variety to grain losses and waists were investigated. Experimental design was split plot in a completely randomized block design with three replications. Wheat variety in two levels of Sardari and Omid as a main plot and combines type in two levels of John Deere (JD) 1055 and JD 955 as a sub plot. Field experiments were carried out in the farmers field with 5 ha area. The results showed that higher amount of losses were in the Omid variety and JD 955 with totally 5.97 % (306.3 kg ha-1) that 14.75 % of them attributed on the combine back, 41.6 % on Header, 5.4 % on Drum and 24.45 % on impurity and 13.8% on grain breakage. The lowest losses related to JD 1055 and Sardari variety with 3.12 % (160.05 kg ha-1) that 14.65 % of them attributed on the combine back, 35.7 % on Header, 4.5 % on Drum, 26.15 % on impurity and 19% on grain breakage.

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Original Article

Navigation Techniques of Mobile Robots In Greenhouses

Ehsan Kamran; Asadullah Mirasi; Mousarreza Samadi

Volume 2, Issue 5 , May 2014, Pages 1438-1449

Abstract

  With the continuous development of the industrialization process, the countries all over the world gradually appeared lack of agricultural labor force and aging phenomenon, which was ...  Read More With the continuous development of the industrialization process, the countries all over the world gradually appeared lack of agricultural labor force and aging phenomenon, which was especially prominent in developed countries. However the agricultural robot with high operating efficiency, high qualities of work will play an increasingly important role in future agricultural production. Robot navigation is not only the key to automation and also the biggest obstacle constraining their development. This paper provides a review of relevant mobile robot positioning technologies. The paper defines seven categories for positioning systems: 1. Odometry; 2. Inertial Navigation; 3. Magnetic Compasses; 4. Active Beacons; 5. Global Positioning Systems; 6. Landmark Navigation; and 7. Model Matching. Therefore, the research status of agricultural robot navigation was introduced in this paper. Also, this paper discusses the problem of using navigation methods for agricultural mobile robots in greenhouses. Nowadays, many agricultural tasks are dangerous and repetitive for human beings and could be improved employing robots. The autonomous navigation in greenhouses has been solved using both deliberative and pseudo-reactive techniques.

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Original Article

Water Quality Evaluation of Bamdezh Wetland Using Combination of NSFWQI and Geographic Information System

Ali Gorgizade; Mohammad Bagherian Marzouni; N. Jafarzade Haghighifard; Mojtaba Rafiei; Mehdi Esmaeili

Volume 2, Issue 5 , May 2014, Pages 1454-1467

Abstract

  Bamdezh wetland with the geographical coordinates of   north longitude, east latitude and an area of 44 square Kilometers, is located in about 40 km northwest of Ahvaz and ...  Read More Bamdezh wetland with the geographical coordinates of   north longitude, east latitude and an area of 44 square Kilometers, is located in about 40 km northwest of Ahvaz and Shavur River is the main source of its supply. This wetland is not only a habitat and suitable food source for aquatic and migratory birds, but as well a significant resource of income for the locals. Today, with the arrival of various pollutants, construction of dam, water depth and wetland life has been threatened. In this study, in 29 sampling stations, the physical, chemical and biological water quality parameters of Bamdezh wetland, monthly for 6 months was collected. These parameters included temperature, fecal coliform, turbidity, NO3, PO4, pH, BOD, DO, TSS. Then, by determining the boundary of study area, using specialized software of Geographic Information System (ArcGIS9.3), database and processing of them, zoning maps and spatial distribution of pollutants using NSFWQI were prepared and analyzed. Among the notable results, the highest and lowest values of Water Quality Index were in June and medium water quality in all months (with some negligible part as exception in June) can be mentioned.

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Original Article

An Experimental Study of the Systemic Alteration of Nitroimidazoles in the Middle Stage of Embryonic Development

Seyede Saeedeh Mosallanejad; Hadi Tavakkoli; Amin Derakhshanfar; Sajedeh Salandari

Volume 2, Issue 5 , May 2014, Pages 1468-1474

Abstract

  Nitroimidazole compounds have been traditionally used in the veterinary and human medicine, but their uses are sometimes associated with some side effects. Toxicopathological effects ...  Read More Nitroimidazole compounds have been traditionally used in the veterinary and human medicine, but their uses are sometimes associated with some side effects. Toxicopathological effects of nitroimidazoles have always been a major concern. There is scant information available about the pathological alterations of nitroimidazole compounds in the embryo. The objective of this study was to determine the macroscopic and microscopic lesions of metronidazole in the chicken embryo. Fertile broiler eggs were divided into two equal treatment groups as follows: group 1: saline-injected group, the eggs were injected with sterile physiological saline solution into the chorioallantoic sac. Group 2, individuals were injected with metronidazole at a dosage of 25 mg/Kg egg-weight three times into the chorioallantoic sac. Macroscopically, the embryos were stunted. The feet and wings were small and the feather formation was seriously affected. In this group, the embryos were affected by schistosomus reflexus. Microscopically, all organs were hyperemic. Based on macroscopic and microscopic findings, it is concluded that metronidazole at the above-mentioned concentration is toxic to the chicken embryo. The current study also advises caution in the extended use of nitroimidazole compounds.

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Original Article

Comparing of Peanut Harvesting Loss in Mechanical and Manual Methods

Afshin Azmoodeh-Mishamandani; Shamsollah Abdollahpoor; Hossein Navid; Mohammad Moghaddam Vahed

Volume 2, Issue 5 , May 2014, Pages 1475-1483

Abstract

  The main purpose of this study is measuring and comparing of peanut harvesting loss in manual and mechanical methods in addition to economic analysis of them. Hence, a field was selected ...  Read More The main purpose of this study is measuring and comparing of peanut harvesting loss in manual and mechanical methods in addition to economic analysis of them. Hence, a field was selected in Astaneh-Ashrafiyeh and divided to three different plots. Two plots were applied to measure mechanical harvesting loss and third one was applied for manual harvesting loss. According to test results, the lowest percentage of loss was belonged to forward speed of 1.8 km/ha and soil moisture content of 19.9%. The obtained data from these conditions were compared with manual harvesting data. T-test results showed all variables were significant, except percent of undug pods in 1% level of probability. The total percent of pods loss in manual and mechanical harvesting obtained 3.487 and 20.23%, respectively. The results showed the mechanical harvesting in relation with manual harvesting reduces harvesting costs and increases loss costs. Comparing of decreased and increased costs in mechanical harvesting revealed using of harvester increase overall loss and applying of it not recommended.

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Review Article

Haemotropic Mycoplasmas (Haemoplasmas): A Review

Ramin Mazaheri Nezhad Fard; Seyed Milad Vahedi; Fatemeh Mohammadkhan

Volume 2, Issue 5 , May 2014, Pages 1484-1503

Abstract

  Haemoplasmas contain Eperythrozoon and Haemobartonella species, which are widespread causes of animal and human infections. These obligatory cell parasites were previously known as ...  Read More Haemoplasmas contain Eperythrozoon and Haemobartonella species, which are widespread causes of animal and human infections. These obligatory cell parasites were previously known as Hemobartonella; now hemotropic mycoplasmas. These bacteria are identified by the lack of cell wall and their small genome. The usual diameter is between 0.3 and1μm. Mycoplasmasarepolymorphic and seen in circular or bar shape, which aggregate and form pinion teeth on the surface of RBCs. Despite the small genome of mycoplasmas, the GC content is 23 to 40%.The genome contains a circular double stranded DNA. Mycoplasmas are notable to grow on culture media. Animals are usually infected with the hidden form of the disease and hence become carriers and sources for the spread of the infection. Since these bacteria are difficult to grow, the common methods of diagnosis are cytology and microscopic examinations. Today, the most reliable and definitive method for the detection of haemoplasmas polymerase chain reaction (PCR).The most important way for the transmission of bacteria is the insect bite including ticks. High density of hemotropic mycoplasmas causes RBC hemolysis and hence many symptoms including jaundice, lethargy, anemia, fever and acidosis. Mycoplasmas respond to antibiotic therapy. Effective antibiotics are available such as lincomycin, enrofloxacin, oxytetracycline and doxycycline. Hemoplasmas cause a wide range of diseases and play the role of a cofactor in many viral and neoplastic diseases. These diseases are common in many countries, including Iran.

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Original Article

Assessment and Mapping of Desertification Sensitivity in Central Part of Iran

Mohammad Ali Hakimzadeh Ardekani; Mohammad Reza Kousari; Motahareh Esfandiari

Volume 2, Issue 5 , May 2014, Pages 1504-1512

Abstract

  Knowledge of behavior climatic indexes can be help to planning future programs Bahabad study area in the eastern part of the province of Yazd with a hot and dry climate, high potential ...  Read More Knowledge of behavior climatic indexes can be help to planning future programs Bahabad study area in the eastern part of the province of Yazd with a hot and dry climate, high potential evapotranspiration and low rainfall has a high potential for desertification. The aim of this research is evaluation of classification intensity by IMDPA model with emphasis to climate criteria. The indices included mean annual precipitation; UTI aridity index and length of drought period were applied for preparing of intensity map of desertification by using Arc Gis software. Scores of indices were recorded in different study units. At last, using the formula, CI= (a× b ×c) 1/3. Final Score of climate criteria (CI) was determined in the study area based on IMDPA. In this model, desertification potential classes are moderate, and high. The result showed that 68.42% of the study area is considered as medium, and 31.58% of the study area is on the high desertification intensity class.

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Original Article

Short-Term Effect of Different Tillage Systems on Soil Salinity, Density and Nutrients in Irrigated Wheat. Case Study: Agricultural Land, City of Chenaran– Khorasan Razavi

A. Gholami; H. R. Asgari; Z. Saeidifar

Volume 2, Issue 5 , May 2014, Pages 1513-1524

Abstract

  This study was designed to investigate the effects of different tillage systems on some parameters such as soil salinity (pH, EC, SAR), soil density and nutrients in a nested experimental ...  Read More This study was designed to investigate the effects of different tillage systems on some parameters such as soil salinity (pH, EC, SAR), soil density and nutrients in a nested experimental design with three treatments (no tillage, reduced tillage and conventional tillage) and three replications. Chenaran city fields were selected as the case study areas. Result of the statistical analysis indicates that no tillage system with 0.12, 12.04 and 360.29 mg.kg-1 of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium respectively, produced the highest levels. As in the case of the conventional tillage, the lowest amounts of soil nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium was reached as respectively 0.07, 8.55 and 261.48 mg.kg-1. By changing tillage system from conventional tillage to no tillage, soil bulk density and porosity changed to a range of 1.41 to 1.29 gr.cm-3and 47.58 to 52.45%. Likewise, the no tillage had the highest electrical conductivity (1.78 decisiemens) and sodium adsorption ratio (9.22) and the lowest amount of acidity (7.65). In the case of the conventional tillage system, the lowest electrical conductivity (1.19 decisiemens) and sodium adsorption ratio (7.52) and the highest acidity (7.77) was observed. Although soil salinity and density under the conventional tillage treatment compared to the no tillage method show lower values, but it seems that improvement of the physiochemical properties of soil in the long-term approach is different from the short-term. So these studies on longer timescales and for different climatic conditions are recommended.

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Original Article

Rosmarinic Acid and Anthocyanin Content Improvement by Foliar Application of Fe and Zn Fertilizer in Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis L.)

MH. Kiani; A. Mokhtari; H. Zeinali; A. Abbasnejad; L. Afghani Khoraskani

Volume 2, Issue 5 , May 2014, Pages 1525-1530

Abstract

  Melissa officinalis L. is a well-known medicinal plant from the family of lamiaceae. The plant is high in flavonoid. Flavonoids of lemon balm such as rosmarinic acid and anthocyanin ...  Read More Melissa officinalis L. is a well-known medicinal plant from the family of lamiaceae. The plant is high in flavonoid. Flavonoids of lemon balm such as rosmarinic acid and anthocyanin have an antiviral and antioxidant effect. Micronutrients are the element that is necessary for the plant in low concentration. In this experiment the effect of micronutrient (Fe and Zn) was examined on the anthocyanin and rosmarinic acid yield. Results of analysis of variance showed that micronutrients significantly change the rosmarinic acid and anthocyanin content and maximum rate is seen in [Zn(0)+Fe(1g/l) and Zn(1g/l)+Fe(2g/l)] respectively. It can be concluded that these micronutrients positively change the rosmarinic acid and anthocyanin content.

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Case Report

A Survey on Municipal Waste Problems (Case Study of Mashhad)

Hossein Aghajani

Volume 2, Issue 5 , May 2014, Pages 1531-1538

Abstract

  This study at first level focused on definitions and descriptions of  some landfills and landfills sites all around the world and  survey on how important they are for regional ...  Read More This study at first level focused on definitions and descriptions of  some landfills and landfills sites all around the world and  survey on how important they are for regional governments and responsible in duty  as a very important responsibility for locals and their health. At the second level we had a look on heavy metals concentration which are by many definitions as follows: lead, nickel, chromium, copper and cadmium, of course it should be mentioned that this study has been done only by archive and library studies. At the third level we go to compare the heavy metal concentration in mashhad landfill site with others mentioned in this paper as examples, of course we have had lots of limitation in this study, this is only start point. The results showed that indeed there are not many differences between mashhad and others as a whole.

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Case Report

Effect of Different Tillage Systems on Soil Physical Properties and Yield of Wheat (Case Study: Agricultural Lands of Hakim Abad Village, Chenaran Township, Khorasan Razavi Province)

A. Gholami; H.R. Asgari; E. Zeinali

Volume 2, Issue 5 , May 2014, Pages 1539-1552

Abstract

  This research delves into investigating the effects of different soil management practices on soil physical properties, yield and yield’s components of irrigated wheat. This experimental ...  Read More This research delves into investigating the effects of different soil management practices on soil physical properties, yield and yield’s components of irrigated wheat. This experimental design was administered in the form of the nested testing with three treatments (no tillage, low tillage and conventional tillage) and three replicates in some of the farmlands of Chenran Township. The results obtained showed that different soil management practices could cause significant changes in the soil bulk density, porosity and weighted moisture content. With the change of management type from no tillage to conventional tillage, soil bulk density declined from 1.41 to 1.29 gr.cm-3 while soil porosity rose from 47.58 to 52.45 %. Weighted moisture content in the conventional management system produced the maximum quantity (that is 15.35%) while for the no tillage system this declined to as low as (6.75%). Different systems of soil management significantly affect yield and yield components of wheat. In this case, the conventional tillage produced the maximum level of grain yield (6825 kg.ha-1) as opposed to the no tillage system (5220.83 kg.ha-1). The conventional tillage system produced the highest level of thousand-grain weight (43.38g) as well as harvested crop (25.57%). Although the conventional tillage compared with no tillage reached higher levels of crop and crop yield but it seems that the results of long runs are quite different with those of short term application. On this ground, performing studies of longer time intervals for various climatic conditions is recommended.

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Original Article

Efficiency of the Injection of Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole Solution on Game Bird Embryonated-Egg During the Late Stage of Development

Seyede Saeedeh Mosallanejad; Hadi Tavakkoli; Amin Derakhshanfar; Sajedeh Salandari

Volume 2, Issue 5 , May 2014, Pages 1553-1561

Abstract

  Infectious agents cause disease in virtually any susceptible hosts. In the poultry production and medicine, pathogens were eliminated from a line of a breeder by injection of antibiotics ...  Read More Infectious agents cause disease in virtually any susceptible hosts. In the poultry production and medicine, pathogens were eliminated from a line of a breeder by injection of antibiotics into hatching eggs. There is little information available describing the safety of the folate antimetabolite/sulfonamide class of antibiotics on the game birds embryonated eggs. The objective of this study was to investigate the efficiency of the injection oftrimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole solution on the partridge embryonated egg. Fertile partridge eggs were distributed into 3 groups and set in the incubator. On 18th day post incubation, one group was injected with the trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole injectable solution dissolved in 0.3 ml phosphate buffered saline. Rest two groups were used as sham control (0.3 ml phosphate buffered saline solution) and un-injected control. Macroscopic evaluationon 21th day post incubation showed that embryos were normal in all treatment groups. Microscopically, no lesions were also diagnosed in the brain, heart, muscle, liver, kidney and lung of the embryos. Based on macroscopic and microscopic findings, it is concluded that trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole at above-mentioned concentration is not toxic for the partridge embryo at the late stage of development. So, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole egg-injection can be used toeliminate pathogens and prevention of egg transmission of the diseasewithout any adverse effect.

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Original Article

Studying Some Hydrodynamic Properties of Iranian Two Local Apples Varieties Related to Harvest Times (Ashegi And Gare Yapraq)

Hamed Baghal Asghari Baghmisheh; Hossein Ghaffari; Sina Khalilvandi Behrouzyar; Ali Abbaszadeh-asl

Volume 2, Issue 5 , May 2014, Pages 1562-1571

Abstract

  In order to design and manufacturing some postharvest equipment, determination of some hydrodynamic properties of crops are necessary. The quality of products in global and local markets ...  Read More In order to design and manufacturing some postharvest equipment, determination of some hydrodynamic properties of crops are necessary. The quality of products in global and local markets can be increased by applying these properties and receive economical benefits. For these purpose, two local varieties of apples in the East Azerbaijan province, Iran(Asheghi and Gare Yapraq)were selected.Asheghi and Gare Yapraq apples varieties  were randomly hand picked in  two times (14th and 23th July, 2012) ,and in one time (14th July, 2012) respectively. Then some of their physical and hydrodynamic properties such as mass, density, volume, projected area, terminal velocity, drag, bouncy and gravity forces were studied. The mean values of mass of fruit, density, volume, projected area, terminal velocity, drag, bouncy and gravity forces of Asheghi variety for first harvest time, were 47.57 gr, 773.23 kg m-3 , 61.71 cm3, 32.23 cm2 ,0.40 m s-1, 0.12 N , 0.61 N, 0.42 N and for second harvest time, 58.82 gr , 765.81 kg m-3, 77.06 cm3, 25.80 cm2, 0.43 m s-1, 0.11 N, 0.76 N, 0.52 N respectively. The corresponding value for Gare Yapraq variety were obtained as 66.42 gr, 712.67 kg m-3 , 93.43 cm3, 45.38 cm2, 0.52 m s-1, 0.29 N, 0.92 N, 0.60 N  respectively.

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Original Article

Effect of Intercropping Patterns of Chickpea and Dragon’s Head (Lallemantia Iberica Fish. Et Mey.) on Yield, Yield Components and Morphological Traits of Dragon’s Head Under Different Weed Management

Safar Nasrollahzadeh; Jalil Shafagh-Kolvanagh; Mojgan Mohammadi; Parisa Aghaie-Garachorlu

Volume 2, Issue 5 , May 2014, Pages 1572-1581

Abstract

  An experiment was conducted at the Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Iran in 2012 to study the effect of intercropping of chickpea and Dragon’s ...  Read More An experiment was conducted at the Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Iran in 2012 to study the effect of intercropping of chickpea and Dragon’s head on yield, yield components and morphological traits of Dragon’s head as affected by four weed management time. The experiment was laid out in RCB design with three replications. Intercropping patterns included; a1, a2, a3, a4, a5 and a6: respectively, pure stand of chickpea, pure stand of Dragon’s head, additive intercropping of optimal density of chickpea + 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of optimum density of Dragon’s head. Four times of weeds control levels were; b1, b2, b3 and b4: complete control, no weeds control, control after 2-4 weeks after emergence, control after 5-7 weeks after emergence. Results showed that sole Dragon’s head produced the highest grain and biological yield. Among the intercropping systems, sole Dragon’s head recorded the highest mean number of lateral stem, number of capsule per main and lateral stem and plant height. Significant differences were observed in yield and yield components of Dragon’s head with increasing of weed population. Considering the experimental findings, sole cropping and complete weed control recommended for Dragon’s head grain yield.

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Original Article

Effect of Mechanical Plucking Height on Tea Green Leaf Yield and Its Quality

Seyed Babak Salvatian; Farshad Soheili-fard; Koorosh Majd Salimi

Volume 2, Issue 5 , May 2014, Pages 1582-1592

Abstract

  Tea is very important product in many countries due to huge consumption in the world and its valuable contains. The traditional harvesting method needs to be improved due to its effect ...  Read More Tea is very important product in many countries due to huge consumption in the world and its valuable contains. The traditional harvesting method needs to be improved due to its effect on yield and quality. Mechanical plucking as a substitution to conventional method is spreading quickly and is necessary to be investigated for proper adoption. One of crucial factor has been noted to be the height of harvesting in this method, hence identifying the most appropriate height was aim of this study. The research was conducted in a research station of Fashalem located in the North part of Iran, Guilan province during last season. Treatments at four plucking height level of 5, 10 and 15 cm plus control (Plucking with secateurs) and their effects on tea hybrid bushes were considered. Regarding quality, parameters consisted revenue of total green leaf and the leaf standard, Tannin of green leaf and solid material contain in of green leaf were determined. Study was performed using randomized complete block design with three replications. The results indicated that plucking height of 5 centimeter, in total green leaf and standard leaf was significantly higher than other heights. Moreover 5 cm plucking height showed maximum amount of tannin and solid material compared to the other treatments. There. The effect of time was found to be significant for different parameters of quality. 

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Original Article

Comparison of Linear and Threshold Models for Estimation Genetic and Phenotypic Parameters of Success of Conception at First Service and Inseminations to Conception in Holstein Cattles in East Azarbayjan Province

Jafar Jamdar; Morad Pasha Eskandarinasab

Volume 2, Issue 5 , May 2014, Pages 1593-1598

Abstract

  In this research genetic and phenotypic parameters were estimated using linear and threshold models, for reproductive traits, data from 6 large industrial dairy herd of East Azerbaijan ...  Read More In this research genetic and phenotypic parameters were estimated using linear and threshold models, for reproductive traits, data from 6 large industrial dairy herd of East Azerbaijan province collected by Agriculture Jihad Organization during 10 years (2001-2010). Best linear unbiased predictions of traits breeding values were estimated using Restricted Maximum Likelihood method by WOMBAT software. Marginal posterior distributions under Bayesian approach via Gibbs sampling algorithm were estimated using repeatability analysis under animal model by Thrgibbs1f90software, in threshold model. Heritability’s of inseminations to conception and success at first insemination traits were estimated 0.078±0.014 and 0.068±0.013 respectively, in linear model and in threshold model, the means of posterior distributions of heritability’s  were estimated 0.07±0.0001 and 0.136±0.0022 respectively. The research results showed that although the amount of heritability’s for reproductive traits are low using linear and threshold models, but using threshold model in contrast with linear model cause increasing accuracy of evaluation and increasing rate of response to selection.  

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Original Article

Effects of Tarragon Powders’ Different Levels (Artemisia Dracunculus) on General Performance and Anetometric Properties of Digestive System of Male Broiler Chickens

Zahra Hosseinzadeh; Gholamali Moghaddam

Volume 2, Issue 5 , May 2014, Pages 1599-1605

Abstract

  This study was designed to investigate the effects of different levels of Tarragon powder on general performance and Anetometric, properties of digestive system of male broiler chickens. ...  Read More This study was designed to investigate the effects of different levels of Tarragon powder on general performance and Anetometric, properties of digestive system of male broiler chickens. 200 one-day-old Ross 308 male broiler chickens in a completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 5 replicates per treatment and 10 birds in each replicate were used. Experimental diets were set on the basis of corn-soy-wheat and Ross 308 broiler chickens nutritional requirements tables by the use of UFFDA ration formulation software. Treatments were: base diet (control), base diet + 0.125% of Tarragon powder, base diet + 0.25% of Tarragon powder, base diet + 0.5% of Tarragon powder. The results of experiment showed that experimental dietaries caused no significant difference between the Feed Intake of different treatments statistically (P>0.05). The consumption of experimental rations decreased body weight significantly in 0.5% Tarragon treatment when compared with control treatment in 1- 42 days old (P<0.05). The consumption of experimental rations caused statistically significant increase of 0.5 %Tarragon powder treatment’s conversion ratio when compared with control treatment and 0.125 % Tarragon powder treatment in 1- 42 days old (P<0.01). The results of the experiment showed that the consumption of experimental rations didn’t have any effect on the relative weight of digestive system’s accessories significantly (gizzard, Bursa, stomach and Pancreas) and weight and length of digestive parts’ (Duodenum, Jejunum, Ileum, Secum, Rectum, and whole small intestine) in different treatments in the whole process of raising in 1 to 42 days old (P<0.05). It seems that adding Artemisia dracunculus (Tarragon) powder 0. 5 % level has had negative effect on the performance of broiler chickens in the whole process of husbandry, but in comparison with its effect on digestive parts’ weight and length, it has had no significant effect on them.

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Original Article

Functional Assessment of CODM Gene in Different Cultivar of Papaveraceous Species Via In Silico Analysis

Seyedeh Habibeh Hosseini; Hossein Azarnivand; Mohammad Reza Naghavi

Volume 2, Issue 5 , May 2014, Pages 1606-1612

Abstract

  Medicinal use of the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L) has ancient history, but the isolation of morphine was not described until the early nineteenth century. Morphine is the most ...  Read More Medicinal use of the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L) has ancient history, but the isolation of morphine was not described until the early nineteenth century. Morphine is the most important alkaloid of opium poppy in the last 50 years. In the morphine pathway has been reported to generate morphine in this species, CODM has a crucial role as the gene coding the enzyme responsible for demethylation of codeine to morphine. In this study we extract of CODM gene sequence from Papaver fogax and Papaver oriental. The sequence of this gene via in silico technique converted to the protein sequence.  After this step we use the bioinformatics tools for analysis of these sequences.

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Original Article

Relationship Between Cell Surface Hydrophobicity and Degradation of Hexadecane

Hamid Tebyanian; Seyed Hanif Mirhosseiny; Omidreza Sarrafi; Ehsan Aliakbari; Mehdi Hassanshahian

Volume 2, Issue 5 , May 2014, Pages 1613-1619

Abstract

  Some properties of compounds in degrading bacteria are required for biodegradation of contaminants to higher performance. Those strains which have a high percentage of these features ...  Read More Some properties of compounds in degrading bacteria are required for biodegradation of contaminants to higher performance. Those strains which have a high percentage of these features are more effective at biodegradation. The present experiments were designed to measure these parameters. In this study, measurement of cell surface hydrophobic-degrading bacteria was designed which oil was separated from contaminated soils. Hydrophobic cell surface helps to binding bacteria to hydrocarbons which most of them are hydrophobic. In this experiment, the optical density was measured before and after addition of hexadecane at 600 nm. The highest percentage of Cell surface hydrophobicity (BATH%) of strains were 27,32,24 and 29 by Rhodococcus, Achromobacter, Stenotrophomonas and Tsukamurella, respectively and the growths of hydrocarbon degrading bacteria in hexadecane (1%) contain 1.9, 1.85, 1.4 and 1.12, respectively. It shows that whit increasing the amount of hydrophobic cell levels; consequently, the amount of hexadecane degradation will increase.

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Original Article

Degradation of Alkanes in Contaminated Sites

Ehsan Aliakbari; Hamid Tebyanian; Mehdi Hassanshahian; Ashraf Kariminik

Volume 2, Issue 5 , May 2014, Pages 1620-1637

Abstract

  Petroleum hydrocarbons are important energy resources used by industry and in our daily life, whose production contributes highly to environmental pollution. To control such risk, bioremediation ...  Read More Petroleum hydrocarbons are important energy resources used by industry and in our daily life, whose production contributes highly to environmental pollution. To control such risk, bioremediation constitutes an environmentally friendly alternative technology that has been established and applied. It constitutes the primary mechanism for the elimination of hydrocarbons from contaminated sites by natural existing populations of microorganisms. Petroleum (or crude oil) is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons. Annually, millions of tons of crude petroleum oil enter the marine environment from either natural or anthropogenic sources. Hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria (HDB) are able to assimilate and metabolize hydrocarbons present in petroleum. Crude oil pollution constitutes a temporary condition of carbon excess coupled to a limited availability of nitrogen that prompts marine oil-degrading bacteria to accumulate storage compounds. This review focuses on the role and distribution in the environment of degradation bacteria and their (potential) applications in bioremediation and biocatalysis. Bacteria play an important role in the microbial degradation of oil, chlorinated hydrocarbons, fuel additives, and many other compounds. Environmental studies demonstrate the abundance of alkane degraders and have lead to the identification of many new species, including some that are (near) obligate alkanotrophs. Bioremediation is being increasingly seen as an affective, environmentally friendly treatment for contaminated shorelines from marine oil spills. Oil bioremediation is limited by the availability of nitrogen and phosphorous which are needed by the bacteria and are not present in sufficient amounts for the biodegradation of the spilled hydrocarbons.

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Original Article

Municipal Solid Waste Management in Coastal Line of Gilan Province

M. Rezazadeh; M. Abdoli; N. Mehrdadi; M. Mousavinezhad

Volume 2, Issue 5 , May 2014, Pages 1638-1649

Abstract

  Sea shores of Gilan Province is one off the biggest tourist attractions in Iran. This area have valuable forests and grasslands. In addition it provides significant amount of corps ...  Read More Sea shores of Gilan Province is one off the biggest tourist attractions in Iran. This area have valuable forests and grasslands. In addition it provides significant amount of corps like rice, tea, olive. Considering this facts, environmental protection of this area must be priority for national government. However waste management instruction have been ratified in Iran, there isn’t any specific rules for coastal areas. To obtain rules and instruction in coastal areas it’s necessary to study its current condition. This article describe this situation buy field study of this area. Next to that rules and directive of coastal areas in developed countries studied and main features of this instruction defined. At the last stage current situation of Gilan’s coastal line was studied and finally rules and instruction drafted. Results shows 466 tons of waste is generated in 12 cities of this Province, or 1.7kg of waste per capita in each day. Main consistence of waste are food waste, paper and plastic which include 66, 12 and 14 percent of waste respectively. This lead to chemical formula of C706H1120O360N16S1and C/N ratio of 44.homeless people and municipality workers separated large amount of waste to sell plastics, papers and glasses, but there is no managed separation. There are only two compost facilities and the rest of waste disposed in open dumps which cause several difficulties and environmental pollution.

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Original Article

Length-Weight Relationship and Fulton’s Condition Factor of Macrobrachium Nipponense (De Haan, 1849) in Southern Coasts of the Caspian Sea-Iran

Javid Imanpour Namin; Elnaz Nami; Sanam Heidary

Volume 2, Issue 5 , May 2014, Pages 1650-1656

Abstract

  The Length-Weight Relationship (LWR) and condition factors (CF) of 180 the oriental river prawn Macrobrachium nipponense collected from southern coasts of the Caspian Sea from May through ...  Read More The Length-Weight Relationship (LWR) and condition factors (CF) of 180 the oriental river prawn Macrobrachium nipponense collected from southern coasts of the Caspian Sea from May through September 2012 were studied. Shrimp samples were taken and immediately transferred to the laboratory of fish biology at University of Guilan for further analyses. Length, weight and other external features of all specimens were measured. The Total length and body weight of M. nipponense ranged from 1.58- 8.8cm and 0.41- 6.27gr respectively. A strong positive relationship was observed between the shrimp length and weight in both sexes (r= 0.81). There were significant differences in the condition factors of males and females (p<0.05). The lowest CF value was observed in June (CF= 0.89± 0.03) and the highest in July (CF= 1.90± 0.33). In this study the regression coefficient (b) was lower than 3.0 for males, females and combined sexes which was reflecting allometric growth of the M. nipponense.

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Original Article

Effect of Subsoil Compaction Constraints on Some Morphological, Physiological and Agronomic Properties of Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) Under Rain-Fed Farming

Hamid Reza Asgari; Abdolghaium Ghiami; Zahra Saeedifar; Farshid Ghaderifar

Volume 2, Issue 5 , May 2014, Pages 1657-1669

Abstract

  Soil compaction has become a widespread problem in the world and is one of the factors involved in land degradation and declining crop yields, especially in the arid and semi-arid agriculture. ...  Read More Soil compaction has become a widespread problem in the world and is one of the factors involved in land degradation and declining crop yields, especially in the arid and semi-arid agriculture. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of subsoil compaction on morphological, physiological and agronomic aspects of wheat .The research was carried out in the experimental farms of Anbar Ulum city. The treatments were applied in the form of the completely randomized block design with four independent variables and three replicates. The study treatments included: control treatment (no artificial compression), treatment 2 (two passes of a heavy tractor), treatment 3 (4 times passes of a heavy tractor) and treatment 4 (6 times passes of a heavy tractor. In this study data was analyzed by means of the SAS software package. The type of mean comparison method applied is the LSD test. Results showed that different levels of soil compaction had a significant reducing effect on plant morphological characteristics such as plant height and tiller number. Likewise, soil compaction significantly reduced the agronomic characteristics of wheat like grain weight, biological yield and grain yield, but not so much effect was observed for the harvest index (HI) .As for plant physiological characteristics, soil compaction imposed a significant effect such that the concentration of chloride, sodium and potassium concentration in the leaves significantly decreased and so did the leaf area index.

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Original Article

Effect of Flushing Ration on the Sexual and Breeding Behaviors in Ghezel Sheep

Asef Ahmad Fazel; Hossein Daghigh kia

Volume 2, Issue 5 , May 2014, Pages 1700-1706

Abstract

  This study aims at investigating the effectiveness of utilizing barley as a Flushing ration with an energizing source and soybean meal-based diets as a Flushing ration with a protein ...  Read More This study aims at investigating the effectiveness of utilizing barley as a Flushing ration with an energizing source and soybean meal-based diets as a Flushing ration with a protein source the sexual and breeding behaviors in Ghezel sheep. To this end, 36 three and half-year old ewes (51±1.5 kilograms) with the record of giving birth to two lambs and 6 three-year old (89±2.5 kilograms) rams were used. The ewes were divided into two treatment groups of A (i.e., the receivers of barley seeds), B (i.e., the receivers of soybean meal-based diets), and a control group of C with 12 ewes in each group. Also, three rams were utilized randomly in each group. The ewes received the Flushing ration two weeks before and two weeks after sexual intercourse. Hence, group A ewes were fed 400 grams of barley seeds and group B ewes were fed 400 grams of soybean. The results demonstrate that the ewes in the treatment group showed sexual receptivity behavior earlier than the control group ewes; however, the difference was not significant. Also, The receptivity power (i.e., the number of successful jumping permission) and the amount of estrogen, calcium, as well as magnesium levels were not significantly different at pro-estrus and estrus stages. Nevertheless, the amount of phosphorous serum and the new-born lambs’ weight were reported to be significant (p < .05) in the treatment groups. The current study demonstrated that Flushing ration along with both energizing and protein sources improve the livestock’s health and sexual behavior. In addition, such supplements have a positive influence on breeding rate and on the weight of lambs.

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Original Article

New Method of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) in Modeling Broiler Production Energy Index in Alborz Province

Fatemeh Almasi; Ali Jafari; Asadolah Akram; Mosen Nosrati; Hadi Afazeli

Volume 2, Issue 5 , May 2014, Pages 1707-1718

Abstract

  During the past few years, modeling in agriculture has attracted considerable attention. New modeling methods including neural networks are employed in various industries, and it is ...  Read More During the past few years, modeling in agriculture has attracted considerable attention. New modeling methods including neural networks are employed in various industries, and it is necessary that their use in agriculture be also considered. This research addressed the trend of energy use in broiler farms in Alborz Province and sought to model the trend of energy consumption and production in these farms. For this purpose, 45 questionnaires were distributed among broiler producers of the province. The reported levels of energy consumption and production were 218.40 and 30.13 GJ per thousand broilers, respectively. The largest share of the energy consumed, 40%, 25%, 23% and 9%, was related to gas-oil, feed, natural gas, and electricity inputs. Indices of ratio, productivity, special energy, and net energy gain were reported to be 0.15, 0.01 kg per MJ, 76.28 MJ per kg and 188268 MJ per thousand broilers, respectively. Modeling of energy inputs and the index of energy ratio as the inputs and outputs, respectively, of various artificial neural networks indicated that the network having two hidden layers with 12 and 9 neurons in the first and second hidden layers, respectively, was the most suitable network for modeling. Results of evaluation of networks suggested that the values for the R2 and MAPE indices for the 12-9 neuron network were 0.98 and 3.078, respectively, which showed that about 98 percent of the actual data could be estimated with the help of this artificial neural network.         

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Original Article

Sequencing And Bioinformatics Analysis of the Partial Promoter Region of Κ-Casein (CSN3) Gene in Iranian Bacterianus and Dromedaries Camels

Ali Akbar Khabiri; Mojtaba Tahmoorespur; Mohammad Reza Nassiri; Mohammad Hadi Sekhavati

Volume 2, Issue 5 , May 2014, Pages 1719-1725

Abstract

  κ-casein is a glycosilated protein belonging to a family of phosphoproteins (αs1,β, αs2,κ) that represents the major protein component in mammalian milk. ...  Read More κ-casein is a glycosilated protein belonging to a family of phosphoproteins (αs1,β, αs2,κ) that represents the major protein component in mammalian milk. κ-casein plays an essential role in the case of micelle stabilization, determining the size and the specific biological function. In the present study, we report the characterization of the partial sequence of κ-casein promoter region in the Iranian Bacterianus and Dromedaries camels. κ-casein partial promoter fragment (1212 bp) was successfully amplified, and sequenced. The sequence analysis results showed that there was a high homology (>95%) in the region of sequenced camel partial promoter fragment and related sequences in the vast range of species. Furthermore, four and three haplotypes observed in Bacterianus and Dromedaries camels, respectively. 

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Original Article

Mapping of Transcription Factor Binding Region of Kappa Casein (CSN3) Gene in Iranian Bacterianus and Dromedaries Camels

A.A. Khabiri; M. Tahmoorespur; M.R. Nassiri; M.H. Sekhavati

Volume 2, Issue 5 , May 2014, Pages 1726-1733

Abstract

  κ-casein is a glycosilated protein in mammalian milk that plays an essential role in the milk micelles. Control of κ-casein expression reflects this essential role, although ...  Read More κ-casein is a glycosilated protein in mammalian milk that plays an essential role in the milk micelles. Control of κ-casein expression reflects this essential role, although an understanding of the mechanisms involved lags behind that of the other milk protein genes. Transcriptional regulation, a first mechanism for controlling the development of organisms, is carried out by transcription factors binding sites (TFBSs).  We determined the 5’ region for Iranian Dromedaries and bactrianus camel κ-casein gene. We also determine their regulatory TFBSs regions. This region contained 14 potential TFBSs The four of them C/EBP-α, Oct1, MGF/STAT5 and TPB have almost perfectly conserved.

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Original Article

Analysis of Climatic Factors Influencing the Architecture in the City of Darab

Saryh Zare'ian; Taraneh Saniee; Shaghayegh DelfanAzari; Samira Aligholi

Volume 2, Issue 5 , May 2014, Pages 1734-1741

Abstract

  Weather condition is one of the much effective factors in the principle of architecture and urbanization. So in this research long-term trend of effective climate elements in architecture ...  Read More Weather condition is one of the much effective factors in the principle of architecture and urbanization. So in this research long-term trend of effective climate elements in architecture of Darab city including mean of minimum temperature, temperature mean, mean of maximum temperature, minimum relative humidity, maximum relative humidity, relative humidity mean, wind speed and sun hours in monthly and annual scale during period of 1373 to 1390 are surveyed. First of all, climatic element trend was analyzed and modeled. Next, this element effect on the range of climatic comfort is surveyed on the basis of Oleg bioclimatic chart. Pearson correlation method was used for analyzing trend of climatic element and polynomial models were used for modeling of trend behavior. This research shows that temperature elements have significant rising trend at most months of year and wind and humidity elements have significant decreasing trend. Survey of climate comfort condition of Shiraz city shows that they are in daily conditions in only April month and in nightly conditions in July month in the range of comfort condition by using Oleg bioclimatic chart and in the rest days of year, lack of climate comfort conditions are in Shiraz city.Finally,regarding climate elements on architecture, some points are suggested about climatic design principles.

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Original Article

Impact of Wind Direction and Speed on Dusty Days

A.R. Dehghanpour; A.H. Halabian; M. Fallahpour

Volume 2, Issue 5 , May 2014, Pages 1742-1749

Abstract

  The direction and speed of winds play an important role in the occurrence of pollutions and dust stormas well as location placement for the establishment of industries and the expansion ...  Read More The direction and speed of winds play an important role in the occurrence of pollutions and dust stormas well as location placement for the establishment of industries and the expansion of cities. Yazd is a dry area of Iran, and constantly exposed to the dust particles in the air; and this in terms of human life and health issues are of special importance. In this paper a day when due to the amount of dust particles visual acuity reduces to 5,000 m is considered the dusty day. In this study dusty days and direction and wind speed of 4 synoptic stations were studied in spring 2010. Pearson correlation has been used in the study of relationship between wind direction and speed and the occurrence of dust. The results show a direct correlation between wind direction and speed, the wind direction nearer to 360°, (North) wind speed increases. There is an inverse correlation between the speed and the visibility in dusty days, where in 17 cases this relationship has been significant up to confidence level. Of course, in 5 cases the calculated correlation is negative. So according to the obtained results. there is an inverse relation between speed and visibility in stormy days, so that with increased wind speed visibility is reduced. Although the test does not show a significant correlation between wind speed and Visibility, due to a direct correlation between wind speed and wind direction from one side and the reverse relationship between two components of speed and visibility it can be said that whatever wind direction gets close to the North, in high speed winds visibility reduces.

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Original Article

Effects of Tarragon Powders’ Different Levels (Artemisia Dracunculus) on Performance and Carcasses ‘Characteristics Male Broiler Chickens

Zahra Hosseinzadeh; Parviz Farhoomand; Ramin Najafi

Volume 2, Issue 5 , May 2014, Pages 1750-1760

Abstract

  This study was designed to investigate the effects of different levels of Tarragon powder on performance and carcass’ characteristics of broiler chickens. 200 one-day-old Ross ...  Read More This study was designed to investigate the effects of different levels of Tarragon powder on performance and carcass’ characteristics of broiler chickens. 200 one-day-old Ross 308 male broiler chickens in a completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 5 replicates per treatment and 10 birds in each replicate were used. Experimental diets were set on the basis of corn-soy-wheat and Ross 308 broiler chickens nutritional requirements tables by the use of UFFDA ration formulation software for each of the (1-21 days) and (22-42 days) period. Treatments were: base diet (control), base diet + 0.125% of Tarragon powder, base diet + 0.25% of Tarragon powder, base diet + 0.5% of Tarragon powder.The results of experiment showed that experimental dietaries caused no significant difference between the Feed Intake of different treatments statistically (P>0.05). The consumption of experimental rations increased body weight in control treatment and 0.125% Tarragon treatment when compared with powder 0.5%Tarragon powder treatments in 1-21 days old (P<0.01). It also decreased the body weight in 0.5%Tarragon powder treatment when compared with control treatment significantly in 1-42 days old (P<0.05). The consumption of experimental rations caused significant increasing of 0.5%Tarragon powder treatment’s Feed conversion ratio when compared with control treatment and 0.125% Tarragon powder treatment in 1-21 days old (P<0.05) as well as in 1-42 days old (P<0.01).The consumption of experimental rations caused significant decrease of 0.5%Tarragon powder treatments’ production efficiency index when compared with control treatment and 0.125% Tarragon powder in 1-42 days old (P<0.01). The consumption of experimental rations caused significant increase of 0.5%Tarragon powder treatment Mortality rate when compared with control treatment and 0.125% Tarragon powder in 1-42 days old (P<0.01). The consumption of experimental rations had no significant effect on the relative weight of breast, thigh, cookable carcasses and abdominal fat of different treatments in the whole process of husbandry in 1-42 days old (p>0.05). It seems that adding Artemisia dracunculus (Tarragon) powder 0.5%level to the broiler chicken’s rations can decrease the body weight when compared with the body weight of other treatments; accordingly this can lead to significant increase of this treatment’s feed ratio conversion when compared with other treatments.

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Original Article

Weight Changes and Sexual Behavior in Ghezel Intact and Castrated Male Lambs

Farshid Nazari Zenouz; Gholamali Moghaddam; Ziba Abdi

Volume 2, Issue 5 , May 2014, Pages 1761-1767

Abstract

  Castration of male animal's leads to a reduction in aggressive behavior, which animals will avoid wasting energy resulting to economic production of the animal, grows. It also reduces ...  Read More Castration of male animal's leads to a reduction in aggressive behavior, which animals will avoid wasting energy resulting to economic production of the animal, grows. It also reduces damage and bruising animals and increases normed meat producing at slaughter. In this study, 20 lambs Ghezel breed in four age groups, group 1: one month (n = 4), group 2: two months (n = 4) Group 3: three months (n = 4), Group 4: four months (n = 4), were selected and by the surgical procedure were castrated.  For comparing the effects of castration on fattening capacity and frequency of sexual behaviors, group 5: one month (n=4) was used as a control group. The GLM procedure of SAS in unbalanced design was used. Five groups of lambs were fed with a same diet of fattening for 270 day. Lambs weighing was done after 12 hours of starvation every month. A significant difference was observed between control group and other castrated groups (P<0.0001). The control group lambs showed a higher final average weight (46.125 kg) than the other castrated groups, group one: (41.6071 kg), group tow: (41.205 kg), group three (40.2823 kg) and group four (40.962 kg). Daily average gain for all groups was similar (Group 1 (133.024 g), Group 2 (120.307 g), Group 3 (113.48 g), Group 4 (113.154 g) and control group (152.068 g)) which was not a significant difference between castrated groups with control.  Body condition score at the end of period were measured for all groups and no significant difference was observed. Each of sexual behavior decreased significantly between the castrated and control group. The results showed that castration depressed aggression and reproductive behavior of animals. Weight of castrated group was lower than the control, in which the lamb that had been castrated at younger ages due to the low stress and get away from castration were better at slaughter time.

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Original Article

Evaluation of Eight Evaporation Estimation Methods in a Semi-arid Region (Dez reservoir, Iran)

Ali Gorjizade; Ali Mohammad Akhondali; Heidar Zarei; Hesam Seyyed Kaboli

Volume 2, Issue 5 , May 2014, Pages 1823-1836

Abstract

  Establishing satisfactory estimation methods of lake evaporation has been crucial vital for research and management of water resources and ecosystems. Determining the accurate method ...  Read More Establishing satisfactory estimation methods of lake evaporation has been crucial vital for research and management of water resources and ecosystems. Determining the accurate method to estimate evaporation from reservoirs in the investigation and management of water resources is very important. Hence, in this study eight empirical methods such as; Makkink, DeBruin-Kejiman, Penman, Priestley-Taylor, Hamon, Jensen-Haise, Mayer and Rohver methods was used to estimate the evaporation from the Dez reservoir. These methods are divided into four categories: 1. Methods based on energy budget 2. Methods based on mass transfer 3. Methods based on radiation and temperature and 4. Combination of energy budget and mass transfer. The energy budget method is used to estimate evaporation rate as the reference method. Results showed that Priestly-Taylor and DeBruin-Kejiman estimation methods are better than other methods for this region.

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Original Article

Hybrid Models Performance Assessment to Predict Flow of Gamasyab River

Abazar Solgi; Feridon Radmanesh; Heidar Zarei; Vahid Nourani

Volume 2, Issue 5 , May 2014, Pages 1837-1846

Abstract

  Awareness of the level of river flow and its fluctuations at different times is one of the significant factor to achieve sustainable development for water resource issues. Therefore, ...  Read More Awareness of the level of river flow and its fluctuations at different times is one of the significant factor to achieve sustainable development for water resource issues. Therefore, the present study two hybrid models, Wavelet- Adaptive Neural Fuzzy Interference System (WANFIS) and Wavelet- Artificial Neural Network (WANN) are used for flow prediction of Gamasyab River (Nahavand, Hamedan, Iran). For this purpose, original time series using wavelet theory decomposed to multi time sub-signals, then these decomposed sub-signals as in input data are used in Adaptive Neural Fuzzy Interference System (ANFIS) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) for monthly flow prediction. The obtained result shows that WANFIS model has better performance than WANN and can be used for short term and long term flow prediction. One of the weaknesses of fuzzy models is the model estimation error in minimum and maximum points. Which this problem can solve by using hybrid models of wavelet - fuzzy inference system.Also based on results of hybrid model of wavelet- network, it can be concluded that to achieve accurate estimation of the number of different intermediate layers are examined and using one intermediate layer in all conditions is not enough to achieve the best results. Generally, hybrid model of wavelet - Adaptive Neural Fuzzy Interference System have better performance in estimation of the extent points and it is better method for prediction of Gamasyab River flow.

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Original Article

Embryo Transferfortrans Cervicalin Cattle

Ebrahim Babaahmady

Volume 2, Issue 5 , May 2014, Pages 1847-1853

Abstract

  The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence of stage of embryonic development, embryo quality and the time of transfer on pregnancy rate in embryo transfer program timed. We ...  Read More The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence of stage of embryonic development, embryo quality and the time of transfer on pregnancy rate in embryo transfer program timed. We were worked a total of 23Holsteincowsasembryo donors, super-ovulated with gonadotropin of pregnant mare serum (PMSG) (2500 3000UI).69 cows were used as recipients of Holstein dairy heifers with an age of20 months and 350 kg average, synchronized with an injection of 500 mg of prostaglandin F2α. The result of embryo transfer is influenced by several variables that can be grouped as related to the embryo, with the recipient and the actual transfer. We conclude that non surgical embryo transfer in cattle provides satisfactory results in terms of production.

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Original Article

Role of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) Fungi in Phytoremediation of Soils Contaminated: A Review

Sajjad Shaker-Koohi

Volume 2, Issue 5 , May 2014, Pages 1854-1864

Abstract

  Pollution of the soil environment with toxic materials from fossil burning, mining and smelting of metalliferous ores, disposal of sewage, fertilizers and pesticides, etc. has increased ...  Read More Pollution of the soil environment with toxic materials from fossil burning, mining and smelting of metalliferous ores, disposal of sewage, fertilizers and pesticides, etc. has increased dramatically since the onset of industrial revolution. Application of plants with ability of absorbing heavy metals is a low-cost alternative for eliminating soils from heavy metals. Phytoremediation uses plants to remove pollutants from the environment. Arbuscular mycorrhizal Fungi provide an attractive system to advance plant based environmental clean-up. AM associations are integral functioning parts of plant roots and are widely recognized as enhancing plant growth on severely disturbed sites, including those contaminated with heavy metals. This review highlights the potential of AM fungi for enhancing phytoremediation of heavy metal contaminated soils.

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Original Article

Remote Sensing Based Retrieval of Snow Cover Properties Case Study (Shirkooh Mountain Yazd, Iran)

A. Sarkargar Ardakani

Volume 2, Issue 5 , May 2014, Pages 1865-1875

Abstract

  Snow cover area is one of the most important criteria to calculate snow melt runoff. This can have an effect on the biology of the plant and the environment of a region. Using the catchment ...  Read More Snow cover area is one of the most important criteria to calculate snow melt runoff. This can have an effect on the biology of the plant and the environment of a region. Using the catchment basin physical characteristic to calculate snow cover area is a conventional method, though its accuracy is not good enough. Most of the useful methods in calculating snow cover area are based on satellite images and remote sensing methods. In this research, based on satellites images and Weather-station data, two methods have been used to calculate snow cover properties. As MODIS images have better spatial/spectral resolution in comparison with other similar Satellite images like NOAA/AVHRR, they are more suitable to distinguish snow from cloud. In this research, Normalized Difference Snow Index (NDSI), and threshold technique have been used to snow cover properties in Shirkooh Mountain. In first step, snow cover were separated based on NDSI. Then, optimum threshold was determined for three spectral bands (2, 4 and 6) to separate snow from clouds and other wet resources. Furthermore, ASTER images which have 15m spatial resolution, have been used as base images to check the accuracy of snow cover areas that extracted from MODIS images. The results show that correlation between the snow cover area extracted from ASTER and MODIS images is about 0.87. Also, since the correlation obtained from the snow pixels reflectance and snow Persistence is more than 0.5, by using these images, snow Persistence can be estimated.

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Review Article

Component and Application Aloe Vera Plant in Medicine

Jalal Bayati Zadeh; Nasroallah Moradi Kor

Volume 2, Issue 5 , May 2014, Pages 1876-1882

Abstract

  For centuries, Aloe Vera has been used by many different cultures. The ancient Greeks, the Romans, the Babylonians, Indians and the Chinese have all used Aloe Vera as a medicinal plant. ...  Read More For centuries, Aloe Vera has been used by many different cultures. The ancient Greeks, the Romans, the Babylonians, Indians and the Chinese have all used Aloe Vera as a medicinal plant. One of the common experimental cancer models is sarcoma-180. When Aloe was administered to mice bearing S-180 tumors, the tumor growth was inhibited. Aloe vera is a dietary supplement and not a regulated drug. There is no guarantee of strength, purity, or safety of these products. Aloe vera is approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a food additive for flavor.

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