Ferdowsi University Of Mashhad Research Articles

The impact of socio-demographic factors on web credibility assessment

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between web credibility evaluation and socio-demographic variables. A sample of 380 students from Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran, was selected using stratified sampling methods. Data was collected through a questionnaire encompassing socio-demographic information and Choi items. The collected data was analysed using Spearman and Kruskal–Wallis non-parametric tests, guided by the data's characteristics (type and distribution). The findings reveal a significant association between interest, experience and academic level in determining web credibility assessments. Conversely, expertise, income, gender and age were not found to be influential factors. This is a first attempt to determine the impact of socio-demographic variables on web credibility assessment. The findings suggest that individuals from diverse age, gender and income groups could benefit from acquiring knowledge pertaining to web credibility and engaging in workshops related to this domain. Additionally, those with lower levels of experience, education and interest may derive greater value from participating in web-credibility-evaluation workshops.

Expression of Concern: Garlic (Allium sativum) and mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) powder: Investigation of performance, immune organs and humoural and cellular immune response in broilers.

H. Noruzi and F. Aziz-Aliabadi, "Garlic (Allium Sativum) and Mushroom (Agaricus Bisporus) Powder: Investigation of Performance, Immune Organs and Humoural and Cellular Immune Response in Broilers," Veterinary Medicine and Science 10, no. 2 (2024): e31367, https://doi.org/10.1002/vms3.1367. This Expression of Concern is for the above article, published online on 15 February 2024 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), and has been published by agreement between the journal Editor-in-Chief, Gayle Hallowell and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. The Expression of Concern has been agreed due to concerns raised by a third party regarding the availability of an ethical approval. The authors have received Higher Degree by Research (HDR) committee approval and a bioethical course certificate. The authors and their institute confirmed that this was equivalent to an ethical approval from the Ferdowsi University of Mashhad at the time when the research was conducted but could not provide the HDR committee approval documentation. Since this does not fully comply with the ethics policy of the journal, as noted on the journal's author guidelines page, the journal has decided to issue an Expression of Concern to inform and alert the readers.

Energy and exergy analysis with environment benefit of the underground cooling system of the chiller plant

Using an underground heat exchanger as an alternative to a wet cooling tower can offer several benefits, particularly in terms of energy efficiency and environmental impact. Heat exchangers and cooling towers are chosen depending on various factors, such as the application size, local climate conditions, and economics. The purpose of this study is to compare the use of an underground heat exchanger with a wet cooling tower for cooling purposes. The underground heat exchanger and wet cooling tower provide cooled water for vapor compression chillers. The comparison is conducted on technical, economic, and environmental grounds. Research has been conducted in the Mashhad region, where water resources are limited and cooling demands are high during the summer. In this context, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad is selected as a case study. Energy and water consumption are calculated and compared by simulating and modeling both methods of producing cooled water and the refrigeration cycle. However, improving the alternative mode's exergy efficiency was discussed for all system components. The findings reveal that using the underground heat exchanger results in a 14% reduction in energy consumption and eliminates water consumption. The current water-cooled compression chillers consume approximately 1.95 cubic meters of water per square meter of the building daily.

Feline dermatoses at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (Iran): 154 cases (2009-2020).

Studies indicate that 6% to 20% of feline patients have at least one dermatopathy. This retrospective study aimed to provide comprehensive information about the types of skin diseases, diagnosis methods, treatments and follow-up data in a hospital population of domestic cats in Iran. The present survey of clinical observations was conducted on the medical records of 1825 individual cats brought to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (Iran) over a 12-year period (2009-2020). Feline dermatoses accounted for 154 (8.43%) of the 1,825 cats examined during the study period. The most prevalent dermatological manifestations in the studied population of 154 were erythema, macules, papules and/or pustules (36; 23.37%), alopecia (18; 11.68%) and erosive/ulcerative lesions (17; 11.03%). Specific dermatological diagnoses made were the following (in descending order, of 154): dermatophytosis (34; 22.07%), subcutaneous abscesses (16; 10.38%), atopic skin syndrome/environmental allergies (20; 10.38%), external parasites (15; 9.74%), otitis (10; 6.49%), flea infestation (6; 3.89%), food allergy (4; 2.59%) and primary pyoderma (2; 1.29%). Most lesions were observed in the head/face of cats (41 of 154; 26.62%) and their ears (39; 25.32%). Following treatment, 86 of 154 cats (69.35%) had complete remissions, 17 cats faced recurrent dermatoses and the owners of 21 cats were not satisfied. The prevalence of dermatoses among this cohort of Iranian cats is similar to that in other parts of the world. However, a noticeable difference was detected in the most prevalent dermatoses. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to assess the characteristics and outcomes of feline dermatological conditions in Iran.

Investigating the Relationship between Somatotype and Temperament (Mizaj) in Non-athletic Male Students

Introduction: Somatotype is one of the effective factors in predicting the success of athletes in various sports. Somatotype can be a determining factor in individual differences. In traditional Iranian medicine, the relationship between people’s temperaments (Mizaj) on the one hand and their physical structure and physiological and psychological performance on the other has been discussed. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between somatotype and Mizaj in male non-athlete university students in Mashhad. Materials and Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on male students at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad in the winter of 2016. The sample consisted of 200 individuals who were divided into four groups of 50 people based on their Mizaj: warm and wet, warm and dry, cold and wet, and cold and dry. The relationship between the Mizaj index and somatotype was investigated using the Eta correlation coefficient method. Data analysis and hypothesis testing were tested in SPSS software version 21 with a significance level of p ≥ 0.05. Results: Statistical results showed that the Eta correlation coefficient between the endomorphic type and Mizaj was 0.89. The results of one-way analysis of variance showed that cold and wet Mizaj had a significantly higher endomorphic score than other types of Mizaj (4.91±0.58) (P=0.001). Moreover, the correlation coefficient of Eta between mesomorphic type and Mizaj was 0.924. It was also found that the warm and wet Mizaj had the significantly highest mesomorphic score (5.12±0.49). The correlation coefficient of Eta between ectomorphic type and Mizaj was 0.946 (P=0.001), and cold and dry Mizaj had the significantly highest ectomorphic score compared to other types of Mizaj (4.83±0.45). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that there was a significant relationship between Mizaj and the body type of young men. Therefore, since the structure of a person’s body type can be a predictor of success in any of the various sports, Mizaj can be used to determine a person’s athletic talent.

Feminization of the urban planning discipline: developing a gender responsive pedagogy at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran

ABSTRACT With the increasing number of female students enrolling and graduating from the Department of Urbanism at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran, this study aims to mainstream gender into urban planning pedagogy. This is achieved by analyzing a case study comprising 47 survey responses and seven follow-up interviews. Among other factors, respondents’ perspectives on gender are more influenced by their personal experiences rather than the objective knowledge acquired through the Department’s curriculum. Recommendations for the department to mainstream gender into the pedagogy are (1) mainstreaming gender issues in urban planning curriculum, (2) promoting gender-balanced department climate, (3) innovating around teaching methods, and (4) increasing awareness about the profession.

Simulation of saffron growth using AquaCrop model with high-resolution measured data

Saffron is one of the most expensive and worth-to-cultivate crops in countries struggling with water scarcity due to its low water requirement and compatibility with arid climates. This study was conducted to calibrate and validate the AquaCrop model for saffron at the research farm of the Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (FUM), Iran, in two growing seasons of 2021–2022 (two-year-old saffron) and 2022–2023 (three-year-old saffron). The soil water content, canopy cover, and biomass values were measured continuously during both growing seasons. The field measurements of the first and second growing seasons were used to calibrate and validate the AquaCrop model, respectively. Furthermore, using the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm, a new module for the inverse solution of the AquaCrop model has been presented. The module was successfully employed to fine-tune sensitive soil parameters of the field. The results showed that the AquaCrop model could accurately simulate soil water content, biomass, and canopy cover in both growing seasons. The root mean square error (RMSE) of simulations for soil water content, biomass, and canopy cover comparing to in-situ measured data was 8.3 mm, 0.3 ton ha−1 and 3.4% for the first year and 5.5 mm, 0.4 ton ha−1 and 2.7% for the second year, respectively. In these simulations, the saffron daughter corm production was considered as the crop yield, because the stigma yield is affected by the climatic conditions of the past year while corms are produced at the end of the prevailing season. To investigate the effect of cold and heat on saffron yield, the hottest and coldest growing seasons in the past 30 years were determined in 6 regions besides Mashhad, and the biomass in these seasons was simulated using the model. It was concluded that the cold growing season had a more significant effect than the hot season in reducing the saffron corm yield.

Pinched sunflowers (Helianthus annuus ‘Teddy Bear’) produce high-quality flowers under high nitrogen fertilizer

This study was investigated the effect of removing the central bud (pinching) and different levels of nitrogen fertilizer urea on some morphological and physiological traits of ornamental sunflower. This study was conducted as a factorial experiment in a randomized complete block design with four replications on ornamental sunflower (Helianthus annuus ‘Teddy Bear’) at Horticulture Farm, Department of Horticulture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran, in 2020-2021. The first factor was pinching in two levels (pinching and non-pinching) and the second factor was using urea at four levels (0, 200, 300, and 400 kg ha-1) in the form of water-soluble fertilizer. Results showed that the highest flower dry mass (59.25 g) was observed in pinched plants fertilized by 400 kg ha-1 of urea. Besides, the application of a high level of urea fertilizer and pinching treatment increased the amount of total chlorophyll and chlorophyll b. By removing the central bud, the amount of N, P, K, Ca, Zn, and Fe elements in the leaf increased by 1.5, 1.6, 1.3, 1.9, 1.4, and 1.5 times, respectively. Therefore, pinching and the adding of urea fertilizer at 400 kg ha-1is recommended for the production of high-quality sunflower plant ‘Teddy Bear’.

Reviewer Acknowledgements for World Journal of English Language, Vol. 13, No. 1

World Journal of English Language wishes to acknowledge the following individuals for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Their help and contributions in maintaining the quality of the journal are greatly appreciated.World Journal of English Language is recruiting reviewers for the journal. If you are interested in becoming a reviewer, we welcome you to join us. Please contact us for the application form at: wjel@sciedupress.comReviewers for Volume 13, Number 1Abdulfattah Omar, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Saudi ArabiaAissa HANIFI, University of Chlef, AlgeriaAli Hussein Hazem, University of Patras, GreeceAmelia Maria Cava, Università di Napoli Suor Orsola Benincasa, ItalyAmer M Th Ahmed, Dhofar University, OmanAna Maria Costa Lopes, Higher School of Education of the Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, PortugalAntonio Piga, University of Cagliari, ItalyAyman Khafaga, Suez Canal University, EgyptBelén Labrador de la Cruz, University of León, SpainDaniel Ginting, Universitas Ma Chung, IndonesiaDon Anton Balida, International College of Engineering and Management, OmanHANY ALI MAHMOUD ABDELFATTAH, Minia University, EgyptHerman, Universitas HKBP Nommensen, IndonesiaIryna Lenchuk, Dhofar University, OmanJoohoon Kang, Hanyang University, South KoreaKanthimathi Krishnasamy, Shrimathi Devkunvar Nanalal Bhatt Vaishnav College for Women, IndiaKaya özçelik, Atılım University, TurkeyL. Santhosh Kumar, Kristu Jayanti College (Autonomous), IndiaLeila Lomashvili, Shawnee State University, USAMohamad Fadhili bin Yahaya, Universiti Teknologi Mara Perlis Branch, MalaysiaMorteza Amirsheibani, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, IranMuhammed Ibrahim Hamood, University of Mosul, IraqNing Li, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University (GDPU), ChinaNitin Malhotra, Gobindgarh Public College, IndiaÖzkanal, Ümit, Eskisehir Osmangazi University Foreign Languages Department, TurkeyRashad Al Areqi, Al Baha University, KSAŞenel, Müfit, 19 Mayıs University, TurkeyServais Dieu-Donné Yédia DADJO, University of Abomey-Calavi, BeninShalini Yadav, Compucom Institute of Technology and Management, IndiaValeria Silva de Oliveira, Marinha do Brasil, Brazil

Designing an Effective Training and Internship Model in the University Curriculum from the Perspective of Faculty Members

Considering the importance and role of training and internship courses in empowering students and graduates, the present study was conducted with the aim of designing an effective training and internship model in the curriculum. The research method was qualitative and the participants included faculty members of University of Tehran, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Isfahan University of Technology, Shahid Sadoughi University of Yazd, Mazandaran University, Valiasr University of Rafsanjan, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Sirjan University of Technology and Shiraz University, who have presented at least one internship course. Validity and reliability of the interview questions were confirmed by experts. After analyzing 30 interviews, the researchers could have limited themselves to the same number of interviews according to the principle of theoretical saturation, but since the variety of academic fields and universities was considerable, the interviews continued up to 80 people on a quota basis. By analyzing the interviews, the current status of the implementation of these courses showed that, according to faculty members, internships are not implemented effectively and 8 components of time, personal problems, organizational structure and organization, lack of allocation of necessary and sufficient resources, lack of proper understanding of the program by individuals, lack of commitment of individuals and organizations, lack of proper evaluation and monitoring system and lack of inter-organizational and interpersonal communication system were as the main obstacles to effective implementation of these courses. Considering that the main problem in the lack of effective implementation of internship courses is the lack of proper and sufficient coordination and communication between the circles of organizations (Ministries, university and work environments) and the circles of individuals (Faculty members, supervisor of internship center and student) with each other, a model was designed based on which it is appropriate to form minimum interactions between faculty member and student in training and internship courses, and the main emphasis should be on creating communication circles.

The Impact of Faculty Members’ International Collaboration on the Centrality Measure of their Local Collaboration Network: The Case of Electrical and Computer Engineering in the Selected Iranian Universities

The importance of scientific collaborations is mainly because of the professional learning obtained from the formation of research connections. Each researcher brings a feature and advantage to the research team, such as mastering a particular topic and its subdivisions or improving team thinking. The importance of collaboration is doubled when researchers collaborate at the international level, resulting in access to up-to-date resources and equipment, consequently increasing the quantity, quality, and impact of research activities. The primary purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of international collaboration of faculty members on the centrality of the university network collaborations, which measures how much a scientist is at the center of a local collaboration network. The data is taken from faculty members’ publications in the electrical and computer engineering departments of the selected Iranian universities (the Isfahan University of Technology, Iran University of Science and Technology, Amirkabir University of Technology, University of Tehran, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, and the Sharif University of Technology). Using multiple linear regression, the results show a twofold effect: The significant positive effect of having international collaboration on the centrality degree of scientists’ network and the significant negative effect of the international collaborations over the total collaborations ratio on the centrality degree. This means that international collaborations of faculty members per se put them at the center of the university network. However, this positive effect turns negative if its weight is dominant compared to all publications. The finding highlights the importance of a balance between international and local collaborations.

Development, validity, and reliability of Neural Circuits Questionnaire (NCQ)

After a prolonged period of using the cortico-centric models of brain function, scientists developed a parallel perspective with an emphasis on all neural structures of the brain. Therefore, the present study aims to create a valid and reliable assessment based on the parallel perspective of brain function. First, a basic assessment was made. Then, a sample size of 183 participants was recruited from graduates and undergraduates at the Ferdowsi University of Mashhad over a 2-year period (2020 and 2021). The measures were the Neural Circuits Questionnaire (NCQ) and the Demographic Data Questionnaire. Data analyses were performed by using exploratory factor analysis. Using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, cutting points for the quality index of the questionnaire were calculated. The results showed that the questionnaire has a three-factor structure and a Cronbach's alpha of 0.617. Based on the ROC curve, the valid range for the quality index is 10.5–15.5. The cerebro-cerebellar index is higher for Ph.D. students than for students with lower degrees (F = 8.60, p = 0.001). In conclusion, it appears that the Neural Circuits Questionnaire is a valid and reliable questionnaire to assess cognitive function following the parallel perspective of brain function.

The possible positive effect of white bean intercropped with saffron under glycine betaine application and limited moisture

The saffron dormancy period begins after drying above-ground parts, including actual and apparent phases. The differentiating reproductive organs during apparent dormancy need to be induced under optimal temperature conditions, while saffron farms are free of vegetation after the drying phase. Covering the soil surface during the summer season may be advantageous to counter such a major constraint. The current study was conducted at the experimental station of the Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran, from 2018-to 2019 and repeated from 2019-to 2020. A split-split plot arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replicates was used. Limited moisture of white bean (10 d irrigation as lower interval and 20 d irrigation as higher interval), glycine betaine foliar application (0 and 10 mM), and planting patterns (sole saffron, sole white bean, and saffron + white bean intercrop) were considered as the main plot, subplot, and sub-sub plot, respectively. Higher irrigation intervals resulted in increased soil temperatures, while glycine betaine had an inhibitory effect against heat stress. The Saffron flower number significantly improved after applying 10 mM glycine betaine. Furthermore, the maximum middle- (5–10 g) and large-sized (> 10 g) daughter corms and land equivalent ratio were recorded when 10 mM glycine betaine was applied in saffron + white bean intercrop. A similar response was also recorded in N and P concentration in the middle- and large-sized daughter corms. Considering the water restriction in arid and semi-arid areas, saffron-white bean intercropping, concurrent with 10 mM glycine betaine application, can play a pivotal role in regulating soil temperature and increasing land equivalent ratio.

Quantifying cardinal temperatures of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum L.) ecotypes using non-linear regression models

Seed germination behaviors in addition to genetic factors are affected by ecological parameters and different climate change scenarios. Temporal requirements for seed germination. To understand the effects of different constant temperature levels on the accuracy of different thermal-germination models and germination-rate response of seven Iranian fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) ecotypes, an experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with four replications in physiology laboratory of Research Center for Plant Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran. In this experiment, different fenugreek ecotypes were Azari, Indica, Shiraz, Ardestan, Mashhad, Shirvan, and Neyshabur along with different temperature levels including 9 constant temperature levels (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 °C). The results showed that the best explainable models for different fenugreek ecotypes were Intersected-lines and Dent-like models. The germination rate and reciprocal time to median germination (R50) increased by raising the temperature to optimum temperature. The highest ecological temperature range (TR) for germination belonged to Mashhad ecotype at 39.7 °C according to intersected lines and Dent-like models. Also, the mean base temperature (Tb) for fenugreek ecotypes was determined at 1.1, 1.3, and 1.3 °C, the mean optimum temperature (To) was determined at 20.8, 22.4, and 21.0 °C, and the mean maximum temperature (Tm) was also estimated 39.4, 39.2 and 38.6 °C based on the outputs from intersected-lines, quadratic polynomial and five-parameters beta models, respectively. It seems that the adaptation and eco-evolutionary of Mashhad ecotype for higher germination compared to other ecotypes under different environmental conditions occurs to rapid seedling growth and avoid the risks of low productivity and extinction in the presence of abiotic stresses caused by climate change.

Does nutrient and irrigation managements alter the quality and yield of saffron (Crocus sativus L.)?

Increasing the saffron quantity and quality is essential and should be considered to achieve the desired performance. In this regard, to study the effect of nutrient and irrigation management on the quality and yield of saffron, an experiment was carried out at the research station, the Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran, in 2013–2015. The study was performed as a split-split plot based on a Randomized Complete Block Design with 18 treatments. Experimental factors were: 1- superabsorbent (S.A.) [application and non-application (non-S.A.)], 2- irrigation intervals [every two, three, and four weeks], and 3- nutrient management [humic acid, mycorrhiza (Glomus intraradices) and control]. Among all treatments, the application of S.A. increased on average 61% fresh saffron flower and dry stigma yields in both growing seasons. S.A. + four weeks irrigation intervals + humic acid were increased number of flower, dry stigma yields (175.33 per m2 and 7.472 kg.ha-1, respectively), and water productivity of irrigation of saffron stigma (2.138 g.ha-1) in 2015. The use of S.A. and humic acid compensated for water shortage and increased stigmas' yield. Furthermore, the maximum L observed in S.A. + three weeks irrigation intervals + humic acid (32.44). Among all treatments, the lowest amount of b value and Hue was observed in shorter irrigation intervals; so, application of S.A. + two weeks irrigation intervals + humic acid resulted in the minimum amount of Hue (−0.1783) that was a desirable trait. The maximum crocin and picrocrocin obtained in S.A. + three weeks irrigation intervals + mycorrhiza (225.9 A4401% and 86.58 A2541%, respectively) and the highest safranal content observed in S.A. + four weeks irrigation intervals + humic acid (47.03 A3301%). In general, it seems that the application of humic acid, mycorrhiza, S.A., and longer irrigation intervals can significantly increase the quality and yield of saffron.

Flow and Heat Transfer from a Rotating Sphere Partially Immersed in a Bounded Stationary Fluid S. Safarzadeh a , Asghar B. Rahimi B a. Ph.D. Candidate B. Professor, Faculty of Engineering, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, P.O. Box No. 91775-1111, Mashhad, Iran (Corresponding Author. E-Mail: Rahimiab@Yahoo.Com)

Flow and Heat Transfer from a Rotating Sphere Partially Immersed in a Bounded Stationary Fluid S. Safarzadeh a , Asghar B. Rahimi B a. Ph.D. Candidate B. Professor, Faculty of Engineering, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, P.O. Box No. 91775-1111, Mashhad, Iran (Corresponding Author. E-Mail: Rahimiab@Yahoo.Com)

به‌گزینی تحمل به شوری ژنوتیپ‌های نخود کابلی در شرایط مزرعه

IntroductionChickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is one of the important legume crops and Globally, after beans )Phaseolus spp(., chickpea is ranked as a second important legume crop (Roy et al., 2010). Chickpea is an important source of proteins for human consumption, especially in the developing countries where people cannot provide animal protein or vegetarian by choice (Zaccardelli et al., 2013). Chickpea plays an important role in the maintenance of soil fertility through nitrogen fixation (Roy et al., 2010). Plants are exposed to wide range of environmental stresses. In among, Salinity is one of the major abiotic stresses causing severe impact on crop production worldwide(Rasool et al., 2012).chickpea is a salt sensitive pulse crop and its yield is seriously affected mainly by salts (Turner et al., 2013). Salinity stress in chickpea adversely affects several morphological features and physiological processes like reduction in growth and ion balance, water status, photosynthesis, increase in hydrogen peroxide, which causes lipid per oxidation and consequently membrane injury. Also proline and carbohydrates are accumulated in plant tissue (Flowers et al., 2010; Ashraf and Harris, 2004). This study is designed to determine the effect of salt stress on physiological and biochemical parameters in chickpea genotypes exhibiting differences in salinity tolerance. The results of this study could provide information on potential physiological and biochemical parameters and could also provide deeper intelligence into tolerance mechanisms than the stresses caused by salinity. Materials and methodsThis experiment was conducted as split-plot based on randomized complete block design with three replications in 2018 at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran. Salinity with two levels of 0.5 and 8 dSm-1 (NaCl) was considered as main plot and chickpea genotype (17 Kabuli-type genotypes) as sub-plot. The characteristics such as soluble carbohydrates, proline, osmotic potential, MDA, DPPH, relative water content, MSI%, were evaluated in 50% of flowering. At the end of the growing season, crop was harvested and seed yield were determined. Results and discussionThe highest proline and carbohydrates content was observed in MCC65, MCC92 and MCC95 genotypes, and the lowest in MCC12 genotype. Result salinity stress caused increased 24, 19 and 19 % in the amount of osmotic potential, MDA and DPPH. Relative leaf water content and membrane stability was showen respectively 10 and 13 % reduction by use salinity stress. Survival percentage, number of branches and canopy height had reduction 6, 22 and 57. MCC65, MCC92 and MCC95 genotypes respectively by 0.183, 0.193 and 0.181 (Kg.m-2) had the highest seed yield and MCC98 and MCC298 had the lowest seed yield. The MCC65, MCC95 and MCC92 genotypes had superior traits, including performance in stress conditions compared to other genotypes, and on the other hand, the MCC98 and MCC298 genotypes had the lowest performance. Among 17 chickpea genotypes, the highest sodium content belonged to MCC95 genotype with 9.5 (mg.g.dw-1) weight and the lowest sodium MCC65 genotype with 5.8 (mg.g-1dw). MCC65 had the highest potassium in non-stress and MCC95 had the highest potassium in salinity stress. ConclusionsThe MCC65, MCC95 and MCC92 genotypes had superior traits, including performance in stress conditions compared to other genotypes, and on the other hand, the MCC98 and MCC298 genotypes had the lowest performance. Finally, further study in relation to the top three genotypes in salinity stress conditions is proposed to identify stress tolerance mechanisms as well as infrastructure as breeding programs.

Autonomy-Supportive Faculty, Students' Self-System Processes, Positive Academic Emotions, and Agentic Engagement: Adding Emotions to Self-System Model of Motivational Development.

The aim of this study was to investigate mediating roles of students' self-system processes and positive academic emotions in a relationship between supporting autonomy and agentic engagement. In This research structural equation modeling was used to analyze a conceptual model. The sample consisted of 452 undergraduate students of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. The research instruments included the autonomy-supportive environment inventory, the self-system processes questionnaire, three questionnaires of academic emotions, and the agentic engagement scale. The findings showed that supporting autonomy had an indirect effect on students' achievement emotions, via self-system processes. Self-system processes had direct and indirect effects on agentic engagement, via positive academic emotions. Supporting autonomy had an indirect effect on agentic engagement by mediating role of self-system processes and positive academic emotions. Accordingly, emotions are proximal determinants of agentic engagement. Supporting autonomy and self-system processes affect agentic engagement from the pathway of academic emotions. Therefore, in addition to environmental factors and self-appraisals, it is necessary to consider students' emotional experiences to promote agentic engagement in learning settings.

Selection of superior lentil (Lens culinaris medik.) genotypes by assessing phenological, morphological, yield and yield attributes in field conditions.

It is crucial to benefit from the lentil genetic resources to select them for greater economic yield and take advantage of the maximum production potential by local germplasm. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the phenological, morphological characteristics, yield, and yield components of 15 lentil genotypes in Research Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran, during 2018-19 growing season. The experiment was carried out based on completely randomized blocks with three replications. According to the results, the MLC47 genotype was superior to other genotypes with a plant height of 44.7 cm and 4.4 branches per plant. In addition, the MLC33 genotype had the most filled pods with 79.4% fertility, and no significant difference was observed between this genotype and 60% of the entire genotypes in this regard. Moreover, the MLC454 and MLC47 genotypes had the highest grain yield per plant with 133.8 and 125 g per plant, respectively. Cluster grouping and comparison of means of the groups with the total mean showed that the MLC33 and MLC454 genotypes had a higher mean, compared to other genotypes in 69% of the studied traits. So that these two genotypes could be used in future research projects to identify and select the superior lentil genotypes.

Crop water productivity and yield response of two greenhouse basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) cultivars to deficit irrigation

Abstract This two-year study aimed to determine the most appropriate irrigation scheduling and crop water productivity (CWP) of basil plant under controlled conditions in Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran. The experimental layout was a split-plot design with three replications. Three deficit irrigation (DI) levels (DI0: 100%, DI30: 70% and DI60: 40% of the field capacity) and two basil cultivars (Green and Purple) were applied to main and subplots, respectively. The results showed that there was a decrease in yield and an increase in CWP for fresh leaves and fresh and dry herb by decreasing the irrigation water. However, a significant difference between fresh leaves and fresh and dry herb yield of DI0 and DI30 treatment was not observed. The Green basil had higher leaves and herb yield and CWP than the other cultivar. A polynomial relationship was established between fresh leaves yield and crop evapotranspiration; however, the yield response factor (Ky) indicated a linear relationship between the relative reduction in crop evapotranspiration vs. the relative reduction in yield. The Ky values were obtained as 0.70 and 0.76 for Green and Purple basil, respectively. The results revealed that the irrigation regime of 30% water saving could ensure acceptable yield of basil plant and increase in CWP, especially for the Green basil cultivar.