Mazandaran Province Of Iran Research Articles

Effect of Skidding Operation on Organic Carbon of Forest Soil

According to the importance of soil in forest ecosystem, this study was conducted in Mazandaran Province of Iran to investigate the effects of skidding operation on organic carbon of soil. Therefore, the objective of this research was to compare the rate of soil organic carbon between two areas inside and outside of the skid trails based on its depth. In order to carrying out of field survey, two samples from inside (for different depth of 0-5 and 5-10 centimeters) and two samples from outside of each 20 meters of skid trail were taken (Totally 80 soil sample). The rate of organic carbon was determined with burning through black&walking method. Results show that in all stations the percentage of organic carbon in soil samples collected from outside of trails was more than that of soil samples collected from inside of skid trail. Result of statistical analysis show that the skidding causes to significant difference between the two treatments for percentage of organic carbon (inside and outside of skid trail) in different depth of soil (P<0.05). Moreover, changes in percentage of soil organic carbon in samples measured for inside of skid trail was high and for outside of skid trail was low. The mean of soil organic carbon in layer of 0-5 centimeter was more than that of the layer of 5-10 centimeter. But, this difference is not significant (P<0.05). In order to decrease damage to forest soil it is better that the skid trail is covered by vegetation foliage and wood debris. Moreover, it is recommended that the skid trails seeded after skidding operation. Moreover, in order to decrease disturbance of soil organic matter in forest ecosystem, Tite Pressure Control System (TPCS) can be used on skidders to reduce the pressure of wheels per unit area at minimum level.

Effects of tillage on weed density and performance of rice in the Mazandaran province of Iran

Effects of tillage on weed density and performance of rice in the Mazandaran province of Iran

Organophosphorous Pesticides in Surface Water of Iran

This research aims to evaluate the presence and distribution of pesticides in Babolrood River of Mazandaran Province in Iran. Mean diazinon levels in surface water ranged from 77.6 to 101.6 μg L(-1) with maximum level of 768.9 μg L(-1) and mean malathion levels ranged from 55.7 to 75.9 μg L(-1) with maximum level of 506.6 μg L(-1). The residues of malathion and diazinon pesticides in all of the stations, 2 weeks after spraying, were more than allowed limits.

Effects of landscape context on bird species abundance of tree fall gaps in a temperate deciduous forest of Northern Iran

Tree fall gaps caused by natural disturbances are a major source of heterogeneity in intact forests. Bird species are known as ecological indicators, reflecting landscape level changes. Yet, the role of landscape context in bird species abundance within small gaps is not fully addressed. We examined the difference between avian richness and abundance within tree fall gaps and closed canopy forest areas in Kheyrud forest, located on the east of Noshahr Township, Mazandaran province in Iran as a representation of Hyrcanian forest. Breeding bird census was taken in 20 selected gaps (0.1–0.4ha) and 250m from the center of each gap known as controls. Birds were surveyed during breeding season in spring 2010. We also determined whether landscape context affected the abundance, richness and particular species abundance within the gaps. For this, we assessed landscape metrics by the Landscape Context Tool for every gap. Abundance (P=0.003) and richness (P=0.014) of birds were significantly higher in the gaps than in closed canopy controls. Gaps were higher in herb cover, coarse woody debris density and volume as well as pit and mound micro topography than controls. Great Tit (Parus major), Coal Tit (Parus ater), Eurasian Nuthatch (Sitta europaea), Common Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) and European Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis) were more abundant in gaps than in controls. Among which, European Goldfinch was the only gap specialist species. Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos) was the only species more abundant in controls than gaps. Mean tree diameter had a significant positive relation with avian richness and abundance in gaps, rather than landscape context rate but forest specialist richness was negatively related to gap size. Abundance of Great Tit was related to landscape context rate. Our study highlights the role of gap quality for breeding birds; therefore improving the quality of gap habitats especially maintaining dead wood should be considered as an important conservation factor. Management practices for providing habitat of gap specialists by taking out the remaining trees and making the gaps larger would increase bird species richness in a landscape scale but the shape and size of the openings should be according to the species requirements. We suggest that maintenance of tree fall gaps as a heterogeneous habitat and dead wood resource is crucial for promoting species richness.

Valores de referência para espirometria em adultos saudáveis na província de Mazandaran, Irã

One of the major issues in the use of spirometry is the evaluation of the values obtained in comparison with standardized reference values. Such reference values should be determined by studying populations similar to the population in which they are intended to be used. Considering the anthropometric differences among races and the effect of regional issues, such as climate and air quality, it is recommended that these standards be set and used regionally. The objective of this study was to measure the spirometric values in residents of the Mazandaran province in Iran, as well as to determine which standardized reference values most closely correlate with the values obtained and to devise predictive equations for the target population. This was a cross-sectional study of 1,499 volunteers, from whom demographic and anthropometric data were collected. After having been instructed in the correct procedure, each volunteer underwent spirometry. From each volunteer, we obtained three spirometry curves that met the acceptability criteria established by the American Thoracic Society. The test with the highest values of FEV1 and FVC was employed in the analysis. We observed significant correlations between the measured values and the reference values, for both genders. The strongest correlations were with the European Respiratory Society reference values and with the 18-20 year age bracket. The predictive equations devised were based on the regression coefficients obtained and the demographic data collected. Our results show that the European Respiratory Society standard is the most appropriate standard for use in the population studied.

Volumetric Assessment of Airborne Indoor and Outdoor Fungi at Poultry and Cattle Houses in the Mazandaran Province, Iran

The aim of this study was to assess the volume of airborne fungi in the indoor and outdoor environment of poultry and cattle houses in the Mazandaran Province in Iran. Indoor and outdoor air of twenty cattle houses and twenty-five poultry houses were sampled using a single-stage impactor, which draws air at 20 L min-1 and impacts sampled material onto Petri plates containing malt extract agar. The plates were incubated at 30 °C for seven days, after which the resulting colonies were counted. The fungi were identified and counted microscopically and macroscopically. A total of 4,662 fungal colonies were isolated from 90 plates collected from indoor and outdoor air of cattle and poultry houses. Cladosporium (55.3 %), yeast (10.0 %), and Aspergillus (9.4 %) were the most common findings. The concentration of airborne fungi in cattle and poultry houses ranged from 10 CFU m-3 to 1700 CFU m-3 in indoor and 10 CFU m-3 to 2170 CFU m-3 in outdoor environments. Cladosporium had the highest mean indoor (424.5 CFU m-3) and outdoor (449.7 CFU m-3) air concentration in the cattle houses. In the poultry houses, the highest mean concentrations were measured for Cladosporium (551.0 CFU m-3) outdoors and yeast (440.7 CFU m-3) indoors. These levels might present an occupational risk, but threshold levels for these environments have yet to be established worldwide.

Efficiency of the geomorphologic instantaneous unit hydrograph method in flood hydrograph simulation

Several methods and models to simulate rainfall-runoff processes have been presented, and each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. In the present study, different methods were applied to simulate the rainfall–runoff process over the Kasilian Watershed located in northern Iran, including Snyder, SCS, Trianglar, Rosso and Geomorphoclimatic unit hydrographs. The study was intended to compare the accuracy and reliability of a geomorphologic model with Snyder, SCS, Trianglar, Rosso and Geomorphoclimatic Unit hydrographs. In addition, this study attempted to determine the shape and dimensions of outlet runoff hydrographs in a 68.8 km 2 area in the Kasilian Basin, which is located in the Mazandaran Province of Iran. The first twenty-one equivalent rainfall–runoff events were selected, and a hydrograph of outlet runoff was calculated for each. The peak time and peak flow of outlet runoff in the models were then compared, and the model that most efficiently estimated hydrograph of outlet flow for similar regions was determined. The comparison of calculated and observed hydrographs showed that the geomorphologic model had the most direct agreement for the parameters of peak time and peak flow of direct runoff. Statistical analyses of the models demonstrated that the geomorphological model had the smallest main relative and square error. The study's results confirm the high efficiency of the Geomorphoclimatic Unit Hydrograph and its ability to increase simulation accuracy for runoff and hydrographs.

Energy survey of mechanized and traditional rice production system in Mazandaran Province of Iran

The aim of this study is to consider the energy consuming process and factors influencing rice production in semi-mechanized and traditional systems in Mazandaran Province of Iran. Data used in this study were obtained from farmers using a face to face questionnaire method. Results showed that the total energy used for semi-mechanized and traditional rice production system was 67217.95 and 67356.28 MJ/ha, respectively. Based on the results, irrigation and fertilizer in both systems with 50232 and 7610.32 MJ/ha was the most input energy. Total energy output of the traditional method was 127.5 GJ/ha and that of the semi-mechanized was 132.26 GJ/ha. Parallel to the mechanization level of operations that increased, consumption of fuel and machinery energy increased similarly, but the labor and seed energy consumption dropped. The renewable energy in the traditional and semi-mechanized systems was 3168.3 (4.70% total energy) and 2312.1 MJ/ha (3.44%), respectively. Energy ratio and energy productivity in traditional and semi-mechanized systems was 3 and 3.08, and 0.111 and 0.116 kg/MJ 116.0, respectively. Nonetheless, net energy gain and specific energy showed that energy efficiency of semi-mechanized systems was more than the traditional system.

Evaluation of Synthetic Outlet Runoff Assessment Models

Quantitative understanding and prediction of the processes of runoff generation and its transmission to the outlet represent one of the most basic and challenging areas of hydrology. Traditional techniques for design flood estimation use historical rainfall-runoff data for unit hydrograph (UH) derivation. Such techniques have been widely applied for the estimation of design flood hydrograph at the sites of gauged catchment. For ungauged catchments, unit hydrograph may be derived using synthetic SCS and Snyder unit hydrograph models. This research has been carried out for comparison of the correctness of SCS and Snyder unit hydrograph models in determination of the shape and dimensions of outlet runoff hydrograph in Kasilian watershed. This watershed has 67.5 km2 area and it locates in Mazandaran province of Iran. The runoff hydrographs computed by the SCS and Snyder models were compared with observed hydrographs by using of three error functions, viz. 1-model efficiency (EFF), 2-percentage error in peak (PEP), and 3-percentage error in time to peak (PETP). The results reveal the accuracy and applicability of these synthetic models for derivation of runoff hydrograph.

A GIS-based neuro-fuzzy procedure for integrating knowledge and data in landslide susceptibility mapping

A significant portion of the Mazandaran Province in Iran is prone to landslides due to climatic conditions, excessive rain, geology, and geomorphologic characteristics. These landslides cause damage to property and pose a threat to human lives. Numerous solutions have been proposed to assess landslide susceptibility over regions such as this one. This study proposes an indirect assessment strategy that shares in the advantages of quantitative and qualitative assessment methods. It employs a fuzzy inference system (FIS) to model expert knowledge, and an artificial neural network (ANN) to identify non-linear behavior and generalize historical data to the entire region. The results of the FIS are averaged with the intensity values of existing landslides, and then used as outputs to train the ANN. The input patterns include both physical landscape characteristics (criterion maps) and landslide inventory maps. The ANN is trained with a modified back-propagation algorithm. As part of this study, the strategy is implemented as a GIS extension using ArcGIS®. This tool was used to create a four-domain landslide susceptibility map of the Mazandaran province. The overall accuracy of the LSM is estimated at 90.5%.

Molecular Epidemiology of Leptospirosis in Northern Iran by Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction/Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism and Sequencing Methods

This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of Leptospira species in Mazandaran Province of Iran by using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR)/restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) methods and sequencing analysis. Blood samples (n = 119) were collected from humans suspected of having leptospirosis from different parts of the province in 2007. By using an indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT), we determined that 35 (29.4%) of 119 suspected cases had leptospiral antibody titers >/= 1:80, which confirmed the diagnosis of leptospirosis. Nested PCR assay also determined that 60 (50.4%) of 119 samples showed Leptospira infection. Furthermore, 44 (73.3%) of 60 confirmed leptospirosis amplified products were subjected to sequencing analysis. Sequence alignment identified L. interrogans, L. kirschneri, and L. wolffii species. All positive cases diagnosed by IFAT or PCR were in patients who reported contact with animals, high-risk occupational activities, and exposure to contaminated water. Therefore, it is important to increase attention about this disease among physicians and to strengthen laboratory capacity for its diagnosis in infected patients in Iran.

Lindane residues in cultivated cucumber and in the most consumed fish in Caspian Sea (Iran)

In this study, the concentrations of lindane residues (organochlorine pesticides) were analyzed in samples of cultivated cucumbers (Cucumis sativus L.) and four species of most consumed fish (Sefid, Koli, Kilca and Kafal fish). Samples of cucumber were collected from five sites in Sari city (north, south, east, west and central areas) and samples of fish were caught using electric fishing from four major fishing centers (Chalous and Babolsar cities, Khazar Abad and Miankaleh regions) in Mazandaran province of Iran. Quantitative determination of the lindane content was performed by gas chromatography electron-capture detection (GC-ECD). The results showed that the concentration of lindane in cucumber samples and in the dorsal muscle of the selected fish were less than the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO) recommended intake.

Enhancement of Growth and Nutrient Uptake of Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) by Applying Mineral Nutrients and Biofertilizers

For investigating the effect of chemical fertilizer as well as biofertilizers on seed yield and quality i.e. oil, protein and nutrients concentration of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.), a split-plot fertilizers application experimental design in 4 replications was carried out during the 2005-2006 growing season, at the Gharakheil Agricultural Research Station in the Mazandaran province of Iran. Rapeseed was grown as a second crop in rotation after rice. Biofertilizers treatments were two different levels: control (no seed inoculation) and seeds inoculation with a combination of Azotobacter chroococcum and Azosprillum brasilense and Azosprillum lipoferum, as main plot and chemical fertilizers comprised N, P, K and their combinations, NPKS and NPK Zn as sub plots. The maximum value of seed yield obtained at (BF+NPK Zn) 3421.2 kg h(-1) corresponding to 244.5 pods per plant and maximum concentration of Zn in leaves as well as seeds. The highest weight of 1000 seeds (4.45 g) happened to obtain at (BF+NPK S) which coinciding with the maximum K levels in leaves. The highest number of branches was obtained at (BF+NPK Zn) with 4.43 branches per plant i.e., 46.2% increase over the control. The maximum value of rapeseed oil content 47.73% obtained at T16 (BF+NK) but maximum protein concentration of seed obtained at T12 (BF+N). Overall the results indicated that inoculation resulted in increase in seeds yield (21.17%), number of pods per plant (16.05%), number of branches (11.78%), weight of 1000 grain (2.92%), oil content of seeds (1.73%) and protein (3.91%) but decrease (-0.24%) in number of seeds per pods comparing to non-Biofertilizers treatments. Irrespective to the treatments, results showed that application of Biofertilizers coincided with 3.86, 0.82, 2.25, 0.75 and 0.91% increase in concentrations of N, P, K, S and Zn in the seeds over the non-Biofertilizers treatments.

Phenolic compounds from Peucedanum ruthenicum M. Bieb

From methanolic extract of aerial parts of Peucedanum ruthenicum M. Bieb (Apiaceae) collected from Mazandaran province of Iran, four flavonoids namely Isorhamnetin 3-0rutinoside 1, rutin 2, quercetin 3, morin 4 and two phenolic acids namely caffeic acid 5 and p-coumaric acid 6 have been isolated by Paper Chromatography (PC) and crystallization. Their structures were elucidated by MS, 1 H, 13 C NMR spectra.

Perceptions of Paddy Farmers towards Sustainable Agricultural Technologies: Case of Haraz Catchments Area in Mazandaran province of Iran

Sustainable agriculture has defined and described in many ways. Despite the diversity in conceptualizing sustainable agriculture, there is a consensus on three basic dimensions of the concept, namely, ecological soundness economically viable and socially acceptable. The dimensions of ecological soundness refers to the preservation and improvement of the natural environment. Environmental issues emerge from the human use of natural resources. Farmers' decisions to adopt a new agricultural technology depend on complex factors. One of the factors is farmers' perception. The objective of this study was to investigate perceptions of paddy farmers towards applying sustainable agricultural technologies and to identify factors influencing their perceptions. The results of the study show that farmers had good perception about sustainable technologies such as diversification and rotation, application of manure but in general, they preferred modern technologies to local ones. They perceived agrochemicals as the best means to combat against pests and to increase rice production. Their perception of intangible impacts of modern technologies was weak. It was found that there should be a relationship between a numbers of socio-economic factors, such as human capital factors, information sources use, extension participation and landholding size and the perception towards selected sustainable agricultural technologies. Also, educational level, contact with agricultural experts and extension participation were best predictors of their perceptions.

Voltammetric sensor for nitrite determination based on its electrocatalytic reduction at the surface of p-duroquinone modified carbon paste electrode

A p-duroquinone (tetramethyl-p-benzoquinone) modified carbon paste electrode (DMCPE) was employed to study the electrocatalytic reduction of nitrite in aqueous solutions using cyclic voltammetry (CV), double potential-step chronoamperometry, and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). It has found that under an optimum condition (pH 1.00), the reduction of nitrite at the surface of DMCPE occurs at a potential of about 660 mV less negative than that of an unmodified carbon paste electrode (CPE). The catalytic rate constant, k′h, based on Andrieux and Saveant theoretical model was calculated as \(k'_h = 4.56 \times 10^{ - 5} \,cm\,s^{ - 1} \) for scan rate 10 mV s-1. Also, the apparent diffusion coefficient, Dapp, was found as 2.5 × 10–10 and 3.61 × 10–5 cm2 s-1for p-duroquinone in carbon paste matrix and nitrite in aqueous buffered solution, respectively. The values for αnα were estimated to be −0.65 and −0.19 for the reduction of nitrite at the surface of DMCPE and CPE, respectively. The electrocatalytic reduction peak currents showed a linear dependence on the nitrite concentration, and a linear analytical curve was obtained in the ranges of 5.0 × 10–5 M to 8.0 × 10–3 M and 6.0 × 10–6 M to 8.0 × 10–4 M of nitrite concentration with CV and DPV methods, respectively. The detection limits (2σ) were determined as 2.5 × 10–5 M and 4.3 × 10–6 M by CV and DPV methods. This method was also applied as a simple, selective and precise method for determination of nitrite in real samples (the weak liquor from the wood and paper factory of Mazandaran province in Iran) by using a standard addition method.

A survey and measurement of residues of lindane (organochlorine pesticides) in four species of the most consumed fish in the Caspian Sea (Iran)

In this study, samples of four species of the most consumed fish (sefid, koli, kilca and kafal fish) were analysed for concentrations of lindane (organochlorine pesticides). Fish were caught using electric fishing at four sites (Chalous and Babolsar cities, Khazar Abad and Miankaleh regions) in the Mazandaran provinces of Iran. Quantitative determination of the lindane was performed by gas chromatography electron-capture detection (GC-ECD). Samples contained detectable concentrations of lindane, but at concentrations below the maximum residue limit (MRL). No differences were found in the lindane concentrations between the types of fish at each site, but there were two groups of sites that were significantly different from one another in terms of lindane concentrations: sites II-IV < site I (P <0.05). However, the concentrations of lindane residues in the muscle were found to be less than the FAO/WHO (1993) recommended permissible intake and should not be of public concern in Mazandaran province.

A Survey and Measurement of Residues of Lindane (Organochlorine Pesticides) in Cultivated Cucumber of Mazandaran Province (Iran)

In this study samples of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) were analyzed for concentrations of lindane (organochlorine pesticides). Samples were gathered on four sites in Sari city (north, south, east, west and central areas) in Mazandaran province of Iran. Quantitative determination of the lindane was performed by gas chromatography electron-capture detection (GC–ECD). Samples contained detectable concentrations of lindane but at concentrations below the proposed limit by WHO. No significant difference was found between sites about lindane concentrations but Central area showed maximum level in lindane concentrations (p < 0.05) . Concentrations of lindane in cucumber sampled in this study should not be public concern among peoples in Mazandaran province.

First Report of Tomato spotted wilt virus on Soybean in Iran.

During the summers of 1999 and 2000, 3,110 soybean (Glycine max) leaf samples were randomly collected from soybean fields in the Ardebil, Goletan, Khuzestan, Lorestan, and Mazandaran provinces of Iran. Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) was detected in leaf samples by TSWV-specific polyclonal antibody (As-0526 and As-0580, DSMZ, Braunschweig, Germany) in double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA). Mechanical inoculation of 26 plant species (10 plants per species) and cultivars with extracts of positive leaf samples produced necrotic local lesions in Beta vulgaris, Chenopodium quinoa, C. amaranticolor, Gomphrena globosa, Phaseolus vulgaris cv. Talash, Vicia faba, and Vigna unguiculata cv. Mashad; produced systemic chlorosis followed by necrosis in Datura stramonium, D. metel, Nicotiana rustica, N. tabacum cv. Samsun, N. glutinosa, N. bentamiana, and Glycine max cv. Hill; and produced chlorosis, stunting, and bud necrosis in Arachis hypogaea (peanut). Plants developing these symptoms following mechanical inoculation with extracts from original soybean leaves were positive in ELISA for TSWV. ELISA results indicate that the overall incidence of TSWV on soybean in the five provinces was 5.4%. TSWV has been reported in potato (2) and tomato (1) from Iran, but to our knowledge, this is the first report of the occurrence of TSWV on soybean in Iran.

The Limits of the Jurisdiction of the Iran-US Claims Tribunal: a Response to Mr Branson

ON the 26 September 1986, the Iran-US Claims Tribunal (the Tribunal), sitting in The Hague, issued an award in the case of International Systems and Controls Corporation v. Industrial Development and Renovation Organization of Iran, Iran Wood and Paper Industries, Mazandaran Wood and Paper Industries and the Islamic Republic of Iran .1 The award was signed by all the three arbitrators of Chamber Two with Judge Barhami concurring and Judge Brower dissenting. This article intends to respond to the comments made by Mr Branson in a prior article appearing in this journal.2 Mr Branson seeks in that article to question the justice of the award issued by the Tribunal in Case 439. He relies heavily on the pleadings of the claimant in the case, which under Tribunal Rules3 are not public documents, and on the dissenting opinion of Judge Brower which is, however, published with the award. By his use of these secondary sources Mr Branson presents a distorted picture of the Tribunal's hearing and deliberations, and attributes motives to the majority for arriving at its decision dismissing the case. Since Mr Branson presumes to have had access to information which is not publicly available to reach his conclusions, the present writer feels compelled to correct the one-sided picture presented in his article. Case 439 arose out of four contracts between two subsidiaries of International Systems and Controls Corporation (ISC) and the first two Iranian respondent companies for the design and construction of two projects which would increase the use of forest products in the Gilan and Mazandaran provinces of Iran. ISC's claims totalled US$116 million for breach of contract on account of force majeure when ISC was prevented from terminating the contracts in April of 1979. The respondents filed counterclaims of over US$1 billion. Both the …