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Rosy apple aphid, Dysaphis plantaginea (Passerini), with worldwide distribution is an important pest of apple orchards. Host plant resistance is an essential component of integrated management of this insect pest. We investigated the resistance of seven apple cultivars, Malus domestica (Borkhausen), namely Granny Smith, Starkrimson, Golden Smoothee, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Boshghabi, and Shaki to rosy apple aphid under field and greenhouse conditions. The damage level by rosy apple aphid was significantly different among the tested cultivars precisely three weeks after infestation in both field and greenhouse conditions. The least leaf curling was observed on Shaki, while the most deformation was detected on Golden Delicious. There was positive correlation between damage in greenhouse and field studies. In addition, the lowest and highest numbers of aphids were observed on Shaki and Golden Delicious, respectively. Consequently, our results demonstrated that among the cultivars tested the Shaki cultivar is moderately resistant to rosy apple aphid and has the potential to be used in the integrated management of this aphid.  

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Research subject: In this research we studied the anti-corrosion properties of epoxy coating containing anti-corrosion pigment zinc phosphate with hydrophobic nano silica with different percentage also for determine the optimal conditions for preparation of nanocomposite Taguchi experimental design method was used.
 
Research approach: Anti-corrosion properties of epoxy coating under the influence of very important factors such as the percentage of nano silica, anticorrosive pigment and pigment to resin ratio according to model L9 taguchi method was studied and analyzed. Anti-corrosion properties of epoxy coatings were studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy test (EIS) in 3/5% NaCl aqueous solution and salt fog test (salt spray). To investigate the distribution of nano silica particles in epoxy resin were analyzed by transmion electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results show that using from zinc phosphate and nano-silica was able to improve the corrosion resistances.
 
Main results:Results shows that addition of zinc phosphate and nano silica to epoxy resin caused a decrease in number of blisters and corrosion products after exposure to corrosion test based on the results in Nyquist and Bode plots, also the similarity in results was observed for the epoxy coating loaded according to the optimum conditions with 8% zinc phosphate, 3% nano silica and pigment to resin ratio of one according to salt spary. The significance levels of the experimental parameters, which indicate how the factors affect the compressive addition of zinc phosphate and nano silica to epoxy resin, were determined by using variance (Anova) method.

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Translating the words in the Holy Quran into Persian has always occupied the minds of the scholars of this divine book, and it seems that one of these challenging words is the word “al-Tafavot”, which is incompatible with its general notion that it is the difference between objects. The present article, with descriptive-analytic method, attempts to analyze the lexical meaning of “al-Faoot” and its derivatives, especially the “al-Tafavot”, and finally evaluates the Quranic translations based on the research findings. One of the results of the study has been that the word “al-Faoot” in the translations often has been translated to “deliverance” and “salvation” which correctly means “opportunity for deliverance”. Also, most translators have translated the word “al-Tafavot” into concepts such as “difference”, “discord”, disorder, “dissimilarity”, “disharmony”, “problem”, “fault” and “defect” which due to the verse and the literal meaning of this word, the translations are not properly evaluated and the correct translation can be termed “disconnection or disparity” and “nothingness”, which are perfectly compatible with the purpose of creation.

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Introduction: In the framework known as processing approach to grammar, it is argued that processing provides a full-fledged functional explanation for all syntactic phenomena including constituent ordering. Linguistic structure is simply built in a way that eases processing difficulty of sentences and results in efficiency of language use. It seems that the operation of that part of the linguistic representation system that leads to formulation of concepts utilizing lexical access procedure is governed by processing mechanisms. The processing mechanisms, as it has put forward by Hawkins (1994) are those that make it possible for humans to recognize (and produce) grammatical structure in a rapid and efficient manner. The formulator is also planned in a way that minimizes the processing load. Therefore, it appears that some ordering regularities and grammatical constraints in word order and syntactic phenomena such as movement are motivated by the flawless performance of this phase of human linguistic processor. According to performance theory and efficiency principles, constituent ordering is influenced by processing efficiency, i.e. the ordering of constituents is intended to facilitate processing.
Aim: The research aims to study the processing basis of relativisation and syntactic movement known as scrambling and the effects of grammatical weight in Persian by drawing upon evidence from self-paced reading. Adopting an online reading time paradigm, the research was aimed at studying the role of grammatical weight in likelihood of post-verbal movement and processing loads of pairs of corresponding sentences. Hypotheses: Questions increasing the motivation and triggering initiation of doing this research are how different structural configurations of sentences with identical truth condition modify processing level and if the increase of grammatical weight could result in likelihood of syntactic movement. The final questions are how the movement of grammatically heavy constituents including relative clause and scrambled constituents explained in terms of processing implications. Accordingly, four hypotheses were developed in the course of the research. 
Method: The aforesaid paradigm, as an efficient experimental technique to assess processing speed of syntactic structures, was designed by Open Sesame Software. Two sets of 24 sentences in three levels of weight (light, medium and heavy) and two structural levels (unmarked preverbal constituent and post-verbal one) were presented to 40 randomly selected Persian-speaking participants (between the ages 18 and 40) with university education.  The first set consisted of sentences containing relative clause in two configurations and the second set of pairs of scrambled (post-verbal) and unscrambled sentences. Sentences were followed by a yes/no question. Data was analyzed using SPSS and ANOVA test.
Findings: In light level, the mean reading time of sentences with canonical constituent ordering was less than those with post-verbal constituents. However, this trend got reversed by the increase of grammatical weight of the constituent subjected to scrutiny. In other word, the post-verbal movement of constituents resulted in reduction of mean reading time in medium-weight sentences. This decline was markedly more significant in heavy sentences.
Conclusion: The ordering of constituents and the likelihood of movement is highly weight-sensitive. As a conclusion, the end-weight principle as an incentive to optimize the processing efficiency was approved in Persian.
 

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To determine ancient seed species, 3250-3450 year-old charred seeds obtained from different Iranian archaeological sites were studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and molecular analysis. SEM analysis of ancient seeds revealed that the surface of the seeds was damaged. Therefore, we could not accurately identify their species. Molecular analysis on ancient specimens was done on different samples obtained from Masjede Kabood (Tabriz), Tepe Rahmat Abad (Pasargad) and Tepe Sagz Abad (Qazvin plain). The specific primer pairs were designed based on a part of the promoter region of the High Molecular Weight (HMW) glutenin gene and a short fragment of the vrs1 gene were verified on samples of modern wheat and barley varieties, respectively. The designated primers failed to amplify ancient DNAs (aDNAs) obtained from Masjede Kabood and Tepe Rahmat Abad, but successfully amplified the aDNA obtained from Tepe Sagz Abad. This finding was expected since the latter seeds had a better morphological preservation in comparison to the former ones. The accuracy of the amplified products was further proved by cloning and sequencing.

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چکیده-مطالعه آزمایشگاهی انجام شده، تأثیر مقاوم سازی برشی تیرهای بتن مسلح به کمک روش نصب نزدیک سطح  با استفاده از میله های ساخته شده از صفحات الیاف کربن را ارزیابی می کند. برای ایجاد تأخیر در شروع جداشدگی میله از تیر، مهار انتهایی جدیدی برای آن ها پیشنهاد شده که آزمایش می شود. در این مقاله، نتایج آزمایش های انجام شده روی شش عدد تیر بتن مسلح دوسر ساده با مقطع مستطیل شکل که در برش، مقاوم سازی شده است، ارائه می شود. پاسخ نیرو- تغییرمکان همه ی نمونه ها و تغییرات کرنش در قسمت های مختلف ارائه خواهد شد. همچنین کارکرد و مدهای گسیختگی تیرها بررسی خواهد شد. نتایج آزمایش ها بیانگر از کارامدی میله ها و مهارهای پیشنهادی بوده است؛ به گونه ای که افزایش ظرفیت باربری نمونه های مقاوم سازی شده روش پیشنهادی، 25 تا 48 درصد نمونه مرجع به دست آمده است و در نتیجه استفاده از مهارهای انتهایی پیشنهادی، انرژی جذب شده به وسیله ی نمونه ها، افزایش چشم گیری پیدا کرده است. در انتها، مدل تحلیلی Rizzo and De Lorenzis برای برآورد مشارکت سامانه مقاوم سازی این پژوهش ارائه شده است که در مقایسه با نتایج آزمایشگاهی، تخمین قابل قبولی به دست می دهد.

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This experimental study is intended to evaluate the effectiveness of a Near Surface Mounted (NSM) technique using bars made of carbon fabrics (BMCF) for shear strengthening of RC beams. To delay the onset of BMCF debonding, a new anchorage is also developed and tested. When the amount of NSM FRP in shear strengthening of RC beams is low, the shear failure is likely to be due to debonding of individual FRP rod and in this case improved bond properties as well as proper anchoring of the FRP rods are likely to delay the failure of the beam. In this project an innovative bars made of carbon fabrics is produced by wrapping an FRP sheet around a wooden rod. BMCF provide a larger perimeter to cross sectional area ratio with respect to conventional FRP rods for the same amount of FRP used, providing potentially higher bond strength. In addition, the circular shape of BMCF is not only convenient for production but also suitable for NSM shear strengthening as noted by previous researchers. Another key advantage of introducing the BMCF is that it allows the incorporation of a novel anchor system that can be used to improve the performance of NSM BMCF reinforcement for shear strengthening of RC beams in applications with low FRP percentage. A distinguished benefit of the proposed anchor system is that it only requires the access to the beam sides for installation. This means that the proposed anchorage system can be conveniently applied to RC beams whose top and/or bottom face is inaccessible. A set of six shear deficient beam specimens were designed. All specimens had the same internal reinforcement arrangements. They were 200 mm wide, 250 mm high and 1650 mm long. One half of each beam was designed to be weak in shear as the test shear span while the other half was designed as the strong shear span. Only the test shear span was strengthened in shear with NSM BMCF with or without proposed end anchorages. The amount of steel shear reinforcement in the two sides was designed to ensure that shear failure would occur in the test span. All beams were simply supported at the ends and tested under a concentrated monotonic load applied at the mid-span. Test results presented in this paper have confirmed that the use of BMCF is an effective technique for improving the shear capacity of RC beams. The increase in the shear capacity was between 25 to 30% for beams strengthened with simple BMCF, and ranged between 41% and 48% for beams strengthened with anchored BMCF, compared with the reference beam. Beams strengthened with BMCF with end anchors exhibited excessive flexural cracking at their mid spans. The use of the end anchors also significantly enhanced the maximum strain in the BMCF. The load–deflection response of beams is presented, in addition to selected strain measurements. Performance and the failure modes of the test beams are studied and discussed.

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Kermanshah province with an area about 24953, 286 square kilometers is located in the middle of western side of the country which its main part is in the zones of nappe and foliated Zagross and its heights are often formed of the hard carbonated formations. The Karsti zoning of Kermanshah province play an important role in the providing and feeding of aquiferouses; for this reason to recognize these zonations and the rate of their modification, the zoning of the modification of the karst is done in this research and its map has been drawn too. For the purpose of acquiring of the aims of the research , first the closed superficial holes as the index of the modification of the karst were recognized by using the topographic maps 1/50000 and the recognizing pictures 5 metersIRS (BW), their maps were drawn ap and after examining statistically and confirm ation of relationships the maps and the subject, by the help of the Kay square and the rotary operation, seven factors of height, lithology, geomorphology, temperature, rainfall, vaporization and slope as the effective factors in the modification of the karst have been selected. After digitalization of all of the respective data for evaluation (giving weight) the classes of the maps of aquired from the statistics ways, analysis of the hierarchic (expertizing judgement), condensation of the surface, the informational value, the variables weight and the experimental way were used. Then in the environment of GIS the maps of the factor of overlapping and the maps of the zoning the modification of the karast has been aquired with the 5 ways mentioned. Among the ways used for zonation, the way of the informational value has the most adaption with the selected index ( the closed holes ) in the zone table and the graph of the per each station irrigation schedule table forecast being studied The aquired maps of the zoning , beside the determininationof the zones with different degrees of modification of the Karst's forms in the province, they also show the ranges with more convenient than of Karst's activity in the current climate. It also becomes clear in this research that the cacalreous mass of Bistoon proportion to the other forma tions in the structural unit of nappe Zagros and proportion to the other structural units (foliated Zagross and transformation zone ).

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The consumption expenditure is a key element of macroeconomic analyses, which accounts for considerable share of aggregate demand in Iran. Any effort for forecasting the future consumption trend is of special importance for policy-makers. In this paper, we specify a consumption model relying on theoretical basics in order to obtain desirable forecasts. On the basis of Duesenberry and Friedman consumption theories, we use genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm to simulate Iranians consumption during 1973-2009. Then we select the superior model in terms of prediction power criteria and forecast consumption until 2025. According to the results, the PSO algorithm is efficient and accurate in forecasting consumption; and consumption behavior of Iranians is consistent with Duesenberry theory. In addition, the simulations by exponential consumption model indicate increasing average propensity to consume until 2025.  

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This paper presents the pull-out characteristics of inclined hooked steel fiber from cementitious matrix. The effect of fiber embedded length and angle of inclination are evaluated together with the interaction of these parameters. The experimental program involved single fiber pull-out test of five inclination angle and four embedded length. The studied inclination angles were 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 degrees. The embedded lengths were 10, 15, 20 and 25 mm. Compressive strength of matrix was 40 Mpa. The length and diameter of hooked steel fibers were 50 mm and 1mm, respectively and their tensile strength was 800 Mpa. At least five specimens were prepared and tested for each combination of inclination angle and embedded length. A special mold supplemented by a cross shaped device was designed to hold the fiber in desired angle and embedded length. X-ray radiography was used to verify the inclination angle and embedded length of fiber. All the specimens were tested at 28-day age. Pull-out test performed under displacement control condition in order to record descending branch of pull-out curves. A load cell and a displacement transducer were used to acquire pull-out load and slip during pull-out test. Pull-out load versus slip were recorded and parameters such as maximum pull-out force and its associated slip, pull-out energy, fiber efficiency and matrix spalling were drawn for comparison purpose. Based on the experimental results, the pull-out response of hooked steel fibers is predominately influenced by fiber embedded length and inclination angle. The results indicate that the peak pull-out load is maximized at approximately 30 degrees, although at greater inclination angle, the peak pull-out load decreases. The fracture load also decreases as fiber inclination angle increases. The additional shear stress imposed on inclined fibers; provide mechanisms favoring slip between the crystals in the steel. This causes a reduction in both yield and ultimate strength of the finer, resulting in a reduced fracture load. The results indicate that providing the hook is fully mobilized, the peak pull-out load is almost independent of embedded length of fiber. The results indicate that fracture of fiber is more presumable at greater inclination angle. Slip associated with peak pull-out load increases as the inclination angle increases. This can be attributed to matrix spalling. Matrix spalling also causes the drop of pull-out load in pull-out curves. The load drop is directly related to the size of crushed matrix. Matrix starts to spall at 30 degrees inclination angle. The results indicate that increase in embedded length and inclination angle result in increase of pull-out energy. An inclined fiber with respect to the loading direction absorbs a greater amount of energy at a given slip than an aligned one, with maximum pull-out energy occurring around 30 degrees. Fiber efficiency increases as the embedded length of fiber increases. Maximum fiber efficiency occurs at 30 to 45 degrees and decreases at greater inclination angle. The effect of elastic deformation of fiber during pull-out test was taken into account by calculation of elastic deformation and subtracting from slip, although, its effect was negligible.

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In last decades, most of the famous seismic design codes, had concentrated mainly on far field earthquakes. Generally no special requirements were introduced to minimize near fault earthquake effects. Near field ground motions have caused several structural damages in recent decades, causing seismic codes to be updated with related requirements. As a result, it seems necessary to evaluate domestic seismic design codes and their requirements to see their effectiveness in designing safe structures against near fault earthquakes. In this paper seismic behavior of concentrically braced frames (CBFs) designed based on different seismic design codes is comparatively studied. Various Frames of different heights, (5, 8 and 12 stories), and bracing types (X-bracing and inverted V bracing) are designed based on the Iranian seismic code (standard no.2800) and also taking into account the near fault requirements of AISC-ASD 89 and UBC-97. These frames are analyzed using a nonlinear time history analysis method, namely “Incremental Dynamic Analysis” (IDA) under near field ground motions. IDA is an emerging method in analysis of structures which allows estimating seismic capacity, limit states and demand via series of nonlinear dynamic analyses using multiple scaled ground motion records. A total of 15 near filed time histories are selected according to special characteristics namely: fault distance to site (less than 10 km), fault direction, earthquake moment magnitude, time history frequency content, time history velocity content, shear wave velocity in the site soil and near fault wave’s pulse nature. The 15 selected earthquake time histories were scaled in several steps. To achieve a more accurate point for yielding point of the frames, 0.1g steps were used in the initial elastic region. On other important step was to select proper intensity measure and damage measure. According to FEMA-350 requirements, the maximum inter story drift was selected as damage measure. For selecting a proper intensity measure, four intensity measures were selected and compared together, namely: first mode spectral acceleration , first mode spectral velocity , peak ground acceleration PGA and the equivalent first n modes spectral acceleration. Among them, first mode spectral acceleration showed the least dispersion in the analysis results. Finally, all the 20 frames designed were analyzed using the 15 time histories selected in multiple steps and IDA curves were extracted. Using FEMA requirements the points corresponding to 2 performance levels namely IO and CP were defined on summarized IDA curves using which it was possible to compare the performance of the frames. The results of this paper imply that frames designed based on the near field seismic design criteria of UBC-97 have better performance under near-field earthquakes comparing to others. It can be concluded that the requirements of the Iranian seismic code should be updated according to the effects of near fault earthquakes. Besides, frames with X-bracing system showed better performance in comparison with chevron ones. Also the deficiencies in the seismic requirements of the domestic codes are more obvious while designing taller frames and moving from 5 story frames to 12 story ones, their seismic performance obviously deteriorate.

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Exchange rate in Iran has been facing fluctuations for many years, and has been affected the economic structure. Therefore, studying the changes in Exchange rate is of great importance. In this regard, the present paper studies the effects of exchange rate shocks on investment and employment within a systematic multi-regional computable model using GTAP.8 in 2007. To assess the impact of these changes, two scenarios of a 10% increase and reduction in the exchange rate are considered. The results confirm the same movements of price and exchange rate. Increase in the exchange rate in agriculture, industry and mining sectors has caused a reduction in production and employment, but has caused an increase in both variables in the service, oil and gas sectors. The decline in the exchange rate has resulted in fall of production and consequently and employment in the service, oil and gas, sectors, but it has caused an increase in both variables in agriculture, industry and mining sectors. The total investment in all areas examined is in line with exchange rate changes. Therefore, positive exchange rate shocks can increase overall employment rate. The issue is important because the share of employment in the service, oil and gas sectors is more than its share in agriculture, industry and mining ones. In addition, the positive exchange rate shock results in an increase in investment, regarding the structure of exports and imports.  

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Relative resistance of 43 Iranian as well as introduced apple cultivars to blue mold (Penicillium expansum) was studied within years 2010-2011. The fruit physicochemical traits were also evaluated as measures of potential resistance to decay. Local P. expansum strains were isolated from decayed apple fruits and the most aggressive isolate (5,000 spores ml^-1) used as inoculum. Fruits were wound-inoculated, and after four months stored in cold storage, decay lesion diameter was recorded. Force to break epidermis, cortex firmness, Total Soluble Solids (TSS) and Titratable Acidity (TA) were determined and their correlation with decay severity detected. Based on the obtained, results significant differences were observed in decay diameters in cultivars and for both years of the study priod. Mashhad was rated as the most susceptible cultivar while Granny Smith as the most resistant one. Relatively, 11.3% of cultivars were rated as susceptible, 54.5% as moderately susceptible, 31.8% as moderately resistant, and finally 2.2% resistant. The cultivars were significantly different in all the physicochemical traits studied. Correlation studies indicated weak negative correlations between decay diameter and TSS, TA, cortex firmness as well as epidermal toughness. Cortex firmness was directly correlated with epidermal toughness and is probable to influence blue mold severity.

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This paper investigates the effects of underground economy on the Iran’s imports demand for intermediate, consumption and capital goods during 1971-2011. In this study, the size of the underground economy of Iran has been estimated by using fuzzy logic and demand for imports has been analyzed within intermediate, capital and consumption goods separately. Our findings show that the average size of the underground economy of Iran is 20.64 % of Gross Domestic product(GDP) for 2001-2011 period, and the effect of the underground economy on the demand for imports of intermediate goods is negative, but underground economy affects positively the demand for imports of capital goods and consumption groups. In addition, import demand for intermediate goods with respect to the underground economy is less elastic and negative-signed, while import demand for capital goods and consumption goods with respect to the underground economy is less elastic and positive-signed.

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In the present study, the optimization process of phenolic compounds extraction and antioxidant activity (DPPH radical-scavenging assay, FRAP test, and oxidative stability index) of Ferula persica was evaluated using ultrasound waves through response surface methodology (RSM). To optimize the extraction process from the central composite design with three independent variables including time (5, 27.5 and 50 minutes), temperature (25, 45 and 65 ° C) and ethanol ratio in water-ethanol solvent (0, 50 and 100% ) was used. In general, the results of analysis of variance showed that independent parameters had a significant effect on the DPPH radical-scavenging assay, FRAP test, and oxidative stability index of Ferula persica extract, their Correlation coefficients (R²) were 0.91, 0.94 and 0.93, respectively. However, the proposed model for total phenolic compounds does not indicate the significant effect of these mention parameters. The results showed that the optimum conditions for antioxidant activity of Ferula persica extract were at 52.9 ° C and 53.5% ethanol concentration in water-ethanol solvent with 34.1 minutes for sonication. It was also found that the experimental results were close to those predicted by the response surface methodology. Evaluation of the antioxidant activity results of various extracts of Ferula persica showed that in most conditions, it has a suitable antioxidant power.

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The exchange rate overshooting, which results from the monetary disruptions, has negative impact on production and investment in the main economic activities and de-stabilizes the whole economy because of their input-output linkages. Therefore, identifying the causes of economic instability can help to adopt appropriate policies and to create economic stability in the country. The main question is to what extent the exchange rate can cause instability in the economy. To answer this question, first, the exchange rate overshooting was calculated using the Hodrick- Prescott filtering method during 1989-2012. Then, it was introduced into the model by specifying the generalized Solow production function, and finally, the production function was estimated for the main activities of the economy using the panel data technique. The results show that the impact of the exchange rate overshooting on the major economic activities is negative.

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Dual laminate pipes made of thermoset polymer composite structure and thermoplastic liner are the only alternative in pipelines conveying high temperature corrosive fluids. Investigating the bonding between thermoset composite and thermoplastic liner is very important in these pipelines. Calculating the strain energy release rate of first mode of failure is very important criteria in bonding strength and failure of doulas pips. ASTM-D5528 is the standard for experimental test procedure of strain energy release rate of symmetric double cantilever beam. In this study, using the classical laminates theory, the general equation for determination the laminates thicknesses in unlike double cantilever beam is presented, for the first time. To study the validity of the equation, in unlike double cantilever beam samples consists of laminates with different thicknesses are manufactured for the experimental tests. Upper, lower and bonding regions consist of composite made of unidirectional fiberglass/Vinylester resin, PVCU and epoxy or Vinylester primers, respectively. The samples of this study are manufactured base on the practical case studies of chemical fluid pipelines with chlor-alkali process like Arvand Petrochemical units. The main aim of this work is to help manufacturers of these unites equipment to have practical guideline. To qualify the efficiency of the proposed equation, finite element simulation base on the virtual crack closure technique is presented. Good agreement is achieved in comparing the numerical and experimental results that shows the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed equation.

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The extent of masonry structures and their weaknesses against earthquakes will increase the need for research on new ways of seismic rehabilitation of these structures. Recently, in addition to conventional techniques such as Mesh, Shotcrete, and FRP, new materials such as ECC materials have been considered by the researchers to retrofit the masonry walls. The composite materials of cement base, which is one of the types of cement base materials, due to the presence of fibers in the matrix, has a significantly different tensile strain capacity than that of conventional concrete, so that the range of this parameter for a typical mortar is 0.015%, and for composite materials of ECC is from 0.5 up to 6%. In the present study, the effect of these materials on the performance of the bearing masonry walls with in-plane failure modes including the diagonal tension mode (brittle mode) and the bed-joint sliding mode (the ductile mode) were investigated. The results of the research are based on the numerical method. ABAQUS software was used for numerical modeling. Due to validate the model, the available laboratory information of as-built masonry walls has been used. The as-built masonry walls are half scale. The wall dimensions for diagonal tension mode and bed-joint sliding mode were 1900x1400x110 and 2700x1400x160 mm, respectively. The gravity load of the wall was 0.1 MP. The walls strengthened with 20 mm ECC layers on one and both sides. In one case, ECC layers were joint to the foundation and in other case were not. A change in failure mode of strengthened walls (brittle to ductile) and hardening behavior were the main achievement of this research. If the connection between ECC layers and the foundation is absent, the failure mode of strengthened walls will be toe-crushing and rocking mode. If the connection between ECC layers and the foundation is present, the failure mode of strengthened walls will be toe-crushing and bed-joint sliding mode. Other obtained results showed an effective increase in strength and dissipated energy. The extent of this increase depends on how ECC layer is connected to the foundation. If there is no connection between ECC layers and the foundation, the strength and dissipated energy of walls with diagonal tension failure mode for one-side and both-sides ECC layers will be 2.3 and 3 times, respectively, in comparison with those of as-built masonry walls. Whereas for the bed-joint sliding mode, the extent of wall strength and dissipated energy is 1.4 and 1.8. according to the obtained results and comparing the properties of the wall strengthened by one-side and both- sides ECC layers, a significant difference was not observed, especially in bed-joint sliding mode. Appositively, if there is a connection between ECC layers and the foundation, the strength of walls for one-side and both-sides ECC layers will be 3.5 and 6 times, respectively, in comparison with those of as-built masonry walls. Whereas the dissipated energy of walls will be 3 and 4.5 times. Based on these results, if the ECC layers and the wall foundation are connected, the capacity of strengthened walls will be optimized.

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The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ten different sugar beet genotypes on nutritional indices of the beet army worm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) (Lep.: Noctuidae) at 25±1°C, 60±5% RH and a photoperiod of 16:8 (L: D) hour. The sugar beets evaluated in this study included two sugar beet cultivars (HM 1339 RZ and SBSI006), five populations (SB26, SB27, SB29, SB33, SB34), one hybrid (7112*SB36)*Sh-1-HSF-5 and two lines (FC 301 and FC 220). Fourth instar larvae reared on (7112*SB36)*Sh-1-HSF-5 showed the highest Relative Growth Rate (RGR) of 0.31 mg mg^-1 day^-1, Relative Consumption Rate (RCR) of 4.79 mg mg^-1 day^-1 and Approximate Digestibility (AD) value of 94.35% compared with the other host plants. The lowest value of RCR (0.81 mg mg^-1 day^-1) was on SBSI006. The Efficiency of Conversion of Ingested food (ECI) was varied from 1.80% on FC 220 to 9.14% on SB34. The highest AD value of fifth instar (92.63%) wason (7112*SB36)*Sh-1-HSF-5 and the lowest value of this index was recorded on SB27 (83.71%). The highest AD value of whole larval instars was noted in (7112*SB36)*Sh-1-HSF-5 (93.73%). The lowest value of RCR (1.78 mg mg^-1 day^-1) was found on SB27. The heaviest pre-pupa (81.01 mg), pupa (72.55 mg) and wet adults (19.14 mg) of beet armyworm were recorded on (7112*SB36)*Sh-1-HSF-5. The results indicated that (7112*SB36)*Sh-1-HSF-5 was the most suitable host for S. exigua that should be considered in cultivation or breeding programs.

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An undesirable failure mode of a reinforced concrete beam is shear mode. Low tensile strength of conventional concrete and brittle crushing due to shear failure in reinforced concrete beams can be improved by adding adequate percentage of steel fibers. The combination of high and low elasticity fibers is capable of arresting macro- and micro-cracks. In fact, the bridging action of fibers on crack faces causes a strong limitation on opening of the crack. This phenomenon improves the aggregate interlock on the crack faces which results in increasing the shear strength of the cracked section. In order to accurately study the pull-out characteristics of crimped-steel fibers with end hook and to compare the results with the behavior of hooked steel fibers and crimped steel fibers alone, an experimental study was conducted. Pull-out load versus slip was thoroughly investigated in 25 specimens and parameters such as maximum pull-out force and its associated slip were taken into account for comparison purposes. The results indicated that the crimped-steel fibers with end hook have better performance in pull out test. In fact, the post-peak behavior of this type of fiber shows a slight drop in carried load. This increases the area under the load-displacement curve in comparison with the others. It can be predicted that cementitious composites reinforced with crimped-steel fibers with end hook would be more ductile than those reinforced with other fibers. In addition, the effect of modified polymer fibers along with different amounts of crimped end hook steel fibers on the mechanical properties of conventional concrete such as compressive strength and indirect tensile strength was studied. The modified polymer fibers were added into the mixes for arresting micro-cracks. 45 specimens were made in 5 groups and the volume fraction of polypropylene fiber was kept constant (0.25%). The volume fraction of steel fibers were selected in three ranges of 0.5%, 0.75%, 1.0%. Also a mix was cast without any fibers to be used for comparison purposes. The results of this study showed that by adding 0.25% polypropylene fibers and 1.00% crimped end hook steel fibers, 27.5% and 66.7% increase in compressive strength and indirect tensile strength are observed compared to conventional concrete. In all cases, by adding steel fibers with polypropylene fiber in the mentioned percentages, the fibers can show desirable performance in post-cracking behavior. Finally, the criteria of ACI 318-2011 for using this fiber reinforced concrete (without shear reinforcement) as the minimum shear reinforcement was investigated. The test is based on ASTM C1609 and it is applicable to the sections of a beam when the applied shear is less than the concrete strength from one hand but, on the other hand, it is greater than the half of that. It was found that this requirements is met in all proposed fiber reinforced concretes. It can be concluded that in such sections the cementitious composites studied in this paper can be utilized without accompanying any stirrups. In fact, the ductility required by ACI 318-2011 in this area can be provided with steel fibers, rather than stirrups.