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Showing 57 results for Maghsoud
Volume 2, Issue 1 (9-2011)
Abstract
Lentiviruses are considered one of the most effective recombinant viruses for gene transfer to mammalian cells and tissues. This study comprises of two essential parts: (1) evaluation of efficiency of protein purification columns in concentration of recombinant lentiviruses, and (2) production of recombinant lentiviruses carrying GDNF coding sequences. In part (1) we co-transfected human embryonic kidney cell line HEK-293T with three lentivirus vectors called transfer (carrying either GFP or Jred), packaging and envelope vectors. After a filtration step, we applied the supernatant from transfected cells to Amicon protein columns for concentration purposes. Centrifugation removed 99% of the supernatant and left behind 500-µl-volume of solution full of virions. We thereby produced a of virus stock. Various dilutions of this stock were added to HEK-293T cells that produced up to 100% infected cells positively expressing transgenes. To examine whether the removed supernatant (overflow) has any trace of infective virus by chance, we also used dilutions of the overflow for infection and observed no sign of eGFP or Jred expression. Given the need for a high-titer virus stock for successful target cell transduction, our results indicate that our filtration method of virus concentration is able to produce high virus titer and is cost-effective and less time consuming than previous methods. In part (2), due to the importance of neurotrophic factor GDNF in differentiation and neuroprotection as well as in therapy of neurodegenerative disorders, we ligated GDNF coding sequence into the lentivirus backbone in the second phase of our study. We applied the same method outlined above to produce high-titer recombinant viruses. Following infection of human astrocytoma cells with this virus stock, we detected 3-fold increase in GDNF mRNA expression using RT-PCR. Lentiviruses carrying GDNF can therefore be generated at high titer using the column method and applied for differentiation and neuroprotection studies.
Volume 3, Issue 4 (12-2014)
Abstract
Variable rate spray applications using proportional control systems can greatly reduce pesticide use and off-target contamination of environment in orchards. Variable rate spraying of the canopy allows growers to apply pesticides only to the target, only use the correct quantity according to canopy size, season and growth stage and to apply plant protection products in an economic and environmentally sound manner. A major challenge is the reduction of agrochemicals used as Plant Protection Products (PPP) while achieving suitable deposition on the canopy. Spraying efficiency can be improved by reducing the spray losses associated with deposition on the ground and off-target drift. Adjustment of application rate proportional to the size and shape of tree crops has shown high potential for reducing agrochemicals in automatically controlled sprayers. In recent years target detection methods have been developed by using advanced techniques such as vision and laser scanning systems or simpler ultrasound, infrared and spectral systems. These systems have made it possible to develop geometric maps of trees allowing site-specific management of orchards. Variable rate spraying can thus be utilized as a methodology for applying the required amount of PPPs to the canopy while preventing over dosage as well as drift. Utilization of sensors to monitor canopy, distances and location ensures better use of expensive inputs, resulting in a sustainable approach to an important practice. This paper discusses various methodologies available for determination of canopy structural parameters and introduces some applicable commercial systems while pointing out their similarities and differences.
Volume 8, Issue 4 (Number 4 - 2006)
Abstract
In drought prone environments wheat crop growth and production depends strongly on the water stored in the soil before anthesis and, although some water remains in the soil after harvest, plants experience water deficit. In order to investigate whether water ex-traction patterns, as a plant feature, have a regulating effect on the amount of water used by them at different soil depths, three wheat cultivars (Asakaze, BR9, BR10) differing in origin and drought resistance in terms of grain yield were grown in pots under gradually downward soil drying conditions. The total water used by cultivars was the same up to the post anthesis stage of growth when plants were harvested. However, Asakaze used more water from emergence to the beginning of the stem elongation period of growth and BR9 used more after that period up to the post anthesis stage. Cultivars showed significant dif-ferences in root length at different soil depths. Asakaze was predicted to use more water from topsoil layers compared to BR9 and BR10. On the other hand, BR9 was expected to use more water from deep layers in comparison to Asakaze. These were suggested to be the effect of the higher root density of each cultivar in the top and deep soil layers. It is also suggested that higher root length density in deep soil layers could be targeted as a fa-vorable trait for breeding wheat Cultivars, which are growing under gradually downward soil drying conditions.
Volume 10, Issue 1 (Winter 2022)
Abstract
Aims: The social status of nurses is one of the factors affecting the professional identity and plays an important role in how people perceive this profession and also the tendency of people to this profession. So this study was conducted to determine the Iranian population's attitude toward the social status of the nursing profession.
Instrument & Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-section study was conducted in public places in Hamadan from October to February 2019. Four hundred citizens participated in the study by available sampling method from 4 urban areas of Hamedan. The data were collected by a social status researcher-made questionnaire. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS 16 and, parametric statistical tests such as t-test and ANOVA and non-parametric tests such as Chi-square.
Findings: The mean age of participants was 34.30±9.98 years. The mean of the obtained score from the status questionnaire was 71.23±11.76, which was at a moderate level in qualitative leveling. Statistical tests showed that social status score was statistically significantly related to gender, education, and media relations (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Considering that individuals' attitudes on the social status of the nursing profession are moderate and people who had more contact with the media reported lower scores of social status, it is recommended that members of the media take action to reflect the true image of the nursing profession.
Volume 10, Issue 4 (Fall 2019)
Abstract
Aims: Curcumin is a natural molecule that due to its various curative effects including antibacterial properties, it can be used as a medicine, albeit after reducing its disadvantages. The aim of the present study is to develop a method for preparation of nanoparticles of curcumin using PAA, PVA, and PEI polymers with a view to improve its stability, increasing bioavailability and aqueous solubility as well as study its effectiveness against methicillin-resistant to Staphylococcus aureus.
Materials & Methods: In order to synthesize polymeric nanoparticles including curcumin with the nano-precipitation method, optimizing the effective concentration of polymer, curcumin, and water were determined by using the Response Surface Method (RSM). Synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and zeta potential measurement methods. Furthermore, minimal concentration inhibitory of synthesized nanoparticles against the Staphylococcus aureus resistant to methicillin was measured.
Findings: The created nanoparticles were round, discrete and smooth in surface morphology and the average particle size for PAA, PVA, and PEI were 149±7nm, 175±8nm, and 184±9nm respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration for PAA, PVA and PEI nanoparticles against the Staphylococcus aureus were 0.480±0.024, 0.390±0.019 and 0.340±0.017mg/ml. The concentration of solvent, polymer, and curcumin was important to obtain small size particles.
Conclusion: The results indicated that the water solubility of curcumin significantly improved by particle size reduction up to the nano range. The inhibitory property of curcumin nanoparticles has greatly increased due to the smaller particle size and their increased penetration into the bacteria and nanoparticles loaded with curcumin could be a promising drug carrier for the treatment of cancer, infections and other diseases.
Materials & Methods: In order to synthesize polymeric nanoparticles including curcumin with the nano-precipitation method, optimizing the effective concentration of polymer, curcumin, and water were determined by using the Response Surface Method (RSM). Synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and zeta potential measurement methods. Furthermore, minimal concentration inhibitory of synthesized nanoparticles against the Staphylococcus aureus resistant to methicillin was measured.
Findings: The created nanoparticles were round, discrete and smooth in surface morphology and the average particle size for PAA, PVA, and PEI were 149±7nm, 175±8nm, and 184±9nm respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration for PAA, PVA and PEI nanoparticles against the Staphylococcus aureus were 0.480±0.024, 0.390±0.019 and 0.340±0.017mg/ml. The concentration of solvent, polymer, and curcumin was important to obtain small size particles.
Conclusion: The results indicated that the water solubility of curcumin significantly improved by particle size reduction up to the nano range. The inhibitory property of curcumin nanoparticles has greatly increased due to the smaller particle size and their increased penetration into the bacteria and nanoparticles loaded with curcumin could be a promising drug carrier for the treatment of cancer, infections and other diseases.
Volume 11, Issue 2 (Spring 2023)
Abstract
Aims: The World Health Organization recommends preventive behaviors despite the approval of several vaccines to control COVID-19. Mass media and digital technologies also play an important role in addressing public health issues. This study aimed to investigate the protection motivation theory constructs by COVID-related information channels on protective behaviors against COVID-19 in southwestern Iran.
Instrument & Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study from July to August 2021, 255 patients referred to urban health centers were included by simple random sampling. Data were analyzed by SPSS 24 software using correlation and regression tests.
Findings: 32.2% of the participants received COVID-19 information through radio, TV, and satellite, and 30.6% through WhatsApp and Telegram social networks. Awareness predicted 11% of protective behavior (p<0.001; R=0.118; β=0.343). Protective motivation (behavioral intention) predicted 49.5% of behavior (p<0.001; R=0.495; R2=0.487).
Conclusion: Using protection motivation theory by information channels facilitates preventive behavior against COVID-19.
Volume 12, Issue 1 (Spring 2022)
Abstract
Aims: Hasty urbanism resulted in large-scale derelict industrial sites in iner parts of the cities. The Tehran Silo in Nazi Abad of Tehran, is a famous shared-heritage of Iran and Germany which was designed by the German architects, was built by the companies during WWI and WWII, and was completed after WWII by the Russian companies. The article aims to discuss the role of ITC (information and communications technology) in green development of the context.
Methods: Highperformance architecture theory is selected for conceptual framework of the research in order to meet sustainable architecture prerequisites in the industrial site. The study is based on mixed method by SWOT matrix as a strategic planning and strategic management technique. The descriptive – analytical research method is selected to implement and interprete SWOT matrix.
Findings: The SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analytical model provides strategic solutions for sustainable development and green adaptive reuse of the Tehran Silo to become the main core for the development initiatives for a deteriorated adjacent context.
Conclusion: The results concluded that ITC palys a key role in green contemporization of the Tehran Silo site as a deteriorated brownfield. The research results emphasize the benefits of using new technologies and sustainable architecture in modernizing the abandoned area of Tehran Silo. Information and communication technology on the formation of a vibrant and dynamic social and cultural environment, will be an effective factor in creating new activities, as well as suitable for the economic conditions of the region.
Volume 12, Issue 2 (June & July 2021 (Articles in Persian) 2021)
Abstract
Analysis of Oral Discourse Based on Hyme's Speaking Model that unvestigates the interwoven relation between culture and language has long been discussed by anthropologists, pragmatists and sociolinguists. One of the new areas of research on this type of relation is the study of cultural representation of a language or cultuling.This research aimed at investigating respect cultuling with regard to the status of etiquette in the Iranians Islamic-Iranian culture. The objectives of the study were to identify the realizations of the current culture of the Persian-speakers in respect cultuling and to probe what aspects of etiquette were mirrored in it. Accordingly, 140 excerpts pertaining to etiquette were selected from a pool of 320 oral discourse excerpts recorded in different situations. They were ShadGan, Tabriz, Rasht, Herand, Dehloran, Kermanshah, Khoram Abad, Sarepol Zahab, Brojen, Aran Bidgol, Najaf Abad, Eizeh and Miandasht. They had various educational backgrounds (illiterate to highly educated) and also various occupations as: housewife, school student, university student, teacher, engineer, clerk, physician, nurse, retired, and self-employed. Having been recorded, the excerpts were then transcribed into forms using conversational transcription conventions highlighting pauses, interruptions, etc. Hymes' (1967) SPEAKING model was used to study respect cultuling. Data analysis based on this model showed that the frequency of use of this cultuling in public situations is higher than private ones and is more common among unequal participants (formal and informal) than people with equal social status. Regarding the purpose of pragmatics, expressing interest and devotion (love and affection), praisecollected from the individuals (132 females and 169 males) whose ages ranged from 15 to 61. They came from different cities in Iran as Arak, Isfahan, Shahre Kord, Tehran, Ghom, Saveh, Gplpaiegan, , reverence, invitation, modesty and flattery had the highest frequency in this cultuling. Deeper study showed that respect cultuling has to be distinguished from power cultuling. In addition, it overlaps power cultuling and ambiguity cultuling, despite it's an independent concept. In addition, it is influenced by collectivism metacultuling and class society metacultuling. The results also indicated that the respect cultuling, as being reflected in the data, was justifiable in terms of power and interdependence as two axes of etiquette, and its intensity and variety were simultaneously determined by these two factors.
1. Introduction
The interwoven relation between culture and language has long been discussed by anthropologists, pragmatists and sociolinguists. One of the new areas of research on this type of relation is the study of cultural representation of a language or cultuling. The concept of cultuling was introduced by Pishghadam (2012) based on three theories that have been previously proposed in the field of linguistics. In this regard, first, the functional grammar which proposed and stated that language is a function-oriented phenomenon and its meaning cannot be studies outside the context in which it appears, and at the same time, language, as a systemic phenomenon, contains a set of options for constructing a particular meaning. Another pillar of the concept of cultuling is the view that the phenomenon of language, like learning any other phenomenon, is understood in the form of its socio-cultural context, and considers language learning as a kind of social transfer of knowledge. It goes on to say that it considers an equal role for the individual and society, during which the language and consequently the thought of the individual are formed in his socio-cultural context become part of his nature. Finally, the concept of language owes much to the theory of Sapir and Whorf. This theory itself consists of two parts; one is the linguistic determinism, which states that it shapes the language of human thought, and the other is the relativity of the language, which states that speakers of different languages have different worldviews. Cultuling is the result of a combination of these three theories and is defined as "cultural representation of a language" (Pishghadam, 2012, p. 52).This research aimed at investigating respect cultuling with regard to the status of etiquette in the Iranians Islamic-Iranian culture. The objectives of the study were to identify the realizations of the current culture of the Persian-speakers in respect cultuling and to probe what aspects of etiquette were mirrored in it.
The interwoven relation between culture and language has long been discussed by anthropologists, pragmatists and sociolinguists. One of the new areas of research on this type of relation is the study of cultural representation of a language or cultuling. The concept of cultuling was introduced by Pishghadam (2012) based on three theories that have been previously proposed in the field of linguistics. In this regard, first, the functional grammar which proposed and stated that language is a function-oriented phenomenon and its meaning cannot be studies outside the context in which it appears, and at the same time, language, as a systemic phenomenon, contains a set of options for constructing a particular meaning. Another pillar of the concept of cultuling is the view that the phenomenon of language, like learning any other phenomenon, is understood in the form of its socio-cultural context, and considers language learning as a kind of social transfer of knowledge. It goes on to say that it considers an equal role for the individual and society, during which the language and consequently the thought of the individual are formed in his socio-cultural context become part of his nature. Finally, the concept of language owes much to the theory of Sapir and Whorf. This theory itself consists of two parts; one is the linguistic determinism, which states that it shapes the language of human thought, and the other is the relativity of the language, which states that speakers of different languages have different worldviews. Cultuling is the result of a combination of these three theories and is defined as "cultural representation of a language" (Pishghadam, 2012, p. 52).This research aimed at investigating respect cultuling with regard to the status of etiquette in the Iranians Islamic-Iranian culture. The objectives of the study were to identify the realizations of the current culture of the Persian-speakers in respect cultuling and to probe what aspects of etiquette were mirrored in it.
2. Literature Review
What is discussed in this study about the concept of respect is actually discussed in the literature related to social sciences, cultural studies and anthropology as social politeness, which is equivalent to etiquette in English and is also referred to as the first type of politeness. (Spencer-Oatey & Zing, 2003). This type of politeness, as previously defined, refers to a person's behavior within the social norms of the society in which he lives (Jahangiri, 2008). But what has been considered in previous researches such as Ahmadi (2014) about politeness is linguistically-oriented, which is also called the second type of politeness (Spencer-Otti & Jing, 2003). This type of politeness examines the verbal behavior of an individual or individuals in a linguistic community within the framework of the linguistic rules of verbal behavior. These rules are discussed in the works of Grice, Searle, and Leech under the category of face which is the general image that others have of each person, which can be positive or negative (Brown & Levinson, 1987). Being positive means being interested in being respected, and being negative means being interested in freedom of action, privacy, and not being offended by others (Brown & Levinson, 1987). Accordingly, positive linguistic politeness (such as praise or empathy) involves the needs of individuals' positive aspects, and negative linguistic politeness involves threatening or endangering the speaker's image (such as leaving a question unanswered). Since the purpose of this article was to examine the first type of politeness, it was necessary to choose a foundation other than what was used in previous research on linguistic politeness, or the second type of politeness, as was used in the speech of Persian speakers. Therefore, the use of categories such as the strategies of Brown and Levinson (1987) politeness taxonomy did not fit the purpose of this study. For this reason, in order to better understand the representation of the dimensions and aspects of social politeness of Persian speakers' discourse, the concept of cultuling was used.
3. Method
Accordingly, 140 excerpts pertaining to etiquette were selected from a pool of 320 oral discourse excerpts recorded in different situations. They were Shadegan, Tabriz, Rasht, Herand, Dehloran, Kermanshah, Khoram Abad, Sarepol Zahab, Broujen, Aran Bidgol, Najaf Abad, Izeh and Miandasht. They had various educational backgrounds (illiterate to highly educated) and also various occupations as: housewife, school student, university student, teacher, engineer, clerk, physician, nurse, retired, and self-employed. Having been recorded, the excerpts were then transcribed into forms using conversational transcription conventions highlighting pauses, interruptions, etc. Hymes' (1967) SPEAKING model was used to study respect cultuling.
4. Conclusion
Based on this model, data analysis showed that the frequency of use of this cultuling in public situations is higher than private ones and is more common among unequal participants (formal and informal) than people with equal social status. Regarding the purpose of pragmatics, expressing interest and devotion (love and affection), praise collected from the individuals (132 females and 169 males) whose ages ranged from 15 to 61. They came from different cities in Iran as Arak, Isfahan, Shahre Kord, Tehran, Ghom, Saveh, Golpayegan, , reverence, invitation, modesty and flattery had the highest frequency in this cultuling. Deeper study showed that respect cultuling has to be distinguished from power cultuling. In addition, it overlaps power cultuling and ambiguity cultuling, despite it's an independent concept. In addition, it is influenced by collectivism metacultuling and class society metacultuling. The results also indicated that the respect cultuling, as being reflected in the data, was justifiable in terms of power and interdependence as two axes of etiquette, and its intensity and variety were simultaneously determined by these two factors.
In addition, more features can be enumerated from the perspective of cultuling with more reflection and attention on the manifestations of respectful language from a sociological and psychological point of view. One of these dimensions is underestimation by the speaker, which sometimes manifests itself in the denial of his abilities, strengths or positive characteristics by the speaker. Humility comes from human perfection and consequently from cultural values. In other words, since Iranian thought, in particular, and Eastern thought, in general, are based on the philosophy of perseverance and endurance, the dignity of the human soul is less attended in them than Western culture. Therefore, honoring and exalting the other party in speech and placing him in a higher position than the speaker himself can have historical roots in the class culture of Iran and Eastern culture in general. This historically institutionalized practice, rooted in the imbalance of class power, forces the speaker to sacrifice his dignity and to show the other side in a dignified manner, to meet his primary and secondary needs in an unequal interaction.
Dependence of respect on power and its event as a verbal action, especially in situations where participants are in unequal positions, can turn into extreme praise or flattery. Although it should be said that respecting the other party is not always accompanied by flattery, but it can be said that this verbal action depends on the depth or intensity of the need of the participant and the distance or degree of inequality between participants. In general, apart from honoring and respecting the other party as a respecting strategy, it should be said that in most cases, more precisely, in cases where participants are in unequal positions, honoring and exalting the other party appears as the other side of the coin of underestimation and self-forgiveness.
Volume 12, Issue 4 (3-2023)
Abstract
Today, many organizations meet with many risks to employee development. They are suspicious about return on investment in employee development. Managers expect that developing investments improve employee performance and organizational wellbeing. The organization spent time, cost, and experience on employee development, but the turnover of employees, less of competence, limitation of competence, absence, and leaving the organization cause human resource development risk. The purpose of this research is to review the articles on risks and human resource development. After that, a model of human resource development risk in the knowledge-Based organization was presented. The method of this research is a mixed approach. This mix-method is a developmental and applied study. The model of human resource development risk used was designed based on interviews with 17 experts in this field. To evaluate the model, a fieldwork questionnaire was distributed among 100 experts. The collected data were analyzed via Theme analysis and Structural Equation Modeling. The findings indicate individual dimension is less mentioned in the literature, but it is a high priority for the organizational dimension. perceptual risk, knowledge risk, and behavioral risk are three components of individual risk and human resource environment risk with operational risks are two components of organizational risk. Managers can better analyze via the human resource development risk model in individual and organizational dimensions.
Volume 13, Issue 1 (March & April 2022 2022)
Abstract
The contribution of bilingualism to L3 learning has been a controversial issue, as stated in the existing body of the related literature. Accordingly, the main purpose of this study was to investigate the possible differences between mono-lingual and bilingual learners of English in terms of its syntax with regard to their self-regulation strategy. In order to achieve the objectives of the study, 411 female and male participants from eight senior high schools in Arak were selected among Persian speaking learners and Persian-Turkish bilingual learners based on stratified sampling method A general English proficiency test, a self-regulation questionnaire and a syntactic structure test were administered to both groups to collect the required data. The results of one-way ANOVA, independent samples t-test revealed that monolingual and bilingual learners did not differ in learning syntactic structure. It was also indicated that there was a significant relationship between the subjects' self-regulation strategy and their general English proficiency. That is, the higher their levels of self- regulation strategy use, the higher their general English proficiency. According to the findings of the study, it is suggested that the high school teachers in Iran become familiar with self-regulation strategy and develop their teaching repertoire in terms of teaching techniques needed for developing self-regulation among their learners. In addition, in-service courses are required to help teachers learn and discuss the possible teaching techniques for developing EFL learners' self-regualtion strategy in high school EFL classes where bilingual or a mix of bilingual and monoloingual students are present.
- Introduction
The aim of the present study was to reduce the ambiguities about the effects of bilingualism on new language learning. Although half of Iranian people speak languages other than Persian, a few studies have been done on bilingualism and lots of questions have been unanswered. Therefore in this study the following hypotheses were formulated:
H1: Monolingual and bilingual students differ in the application of syntactic structures.
H2: There is a significant difference between students' self-regulatory learning skills and their language ability.
2. Literature Review
Bilingualism is a difficult concept to define, since many theories vary with respect to how much exposure a person needs to become native in a language. There is no general agreement among child language researchers about the 'normal' course of development among monolingual, nor among bilingual children. It is not possible to define the concept of complete acquisition, since it is difficult to define a person's control over a language. Researchers have found the following about the opportunity or threat of bilingualism in learning a new language: Kohnert (2010), Faiazi Barchini (2011) Golestani et al. (2016) and Barek and Bialy Stock (2011) mentioned that bilinguals not only suffer from academic retardation when learning a new language, but also show greater social maladaptation than monolinguals. Contrary to this view, many researchers have found that bilinguals are more careful and sensitive to learning a new language (foreign language), which helps them to learn more than one language (Vahedi & Jangi, 2016). In other words, they believe that bilinguals, as they experience the process of learning another language and are better equipped with general language learning strategies, their metacognitive awareness is increased. Therefore, they show better performance in learning the next language (Cenoz & Jessner, 2000; Ceylan & Harputlu, 2015; Tajalli & Satari, 2013). Thus, the benefits of bilingualism can be studied in relation to other areas of classroom learning, such as self-regulation as one of the most well-known mental performance functions. In other words, it can be seen whether bilingualism leads to higher mental executive functions, for example, higher self-regulation.
- Methodology
- Results
- Conclusion
Volume 13, Issue 11 (1-2014)
Abstract
The stability analysis of a curved sandwich beam with isotropic skins and flexible core is investigated in this research. Derivation of equations for face sheets is accomplished via the classical theory of curved beam, whereas for the flexible core, the elasticity equations in polar coordinates are implemented. The beam construction consists of two skins (not necessarily identical), metallic or composite laminated symmetric, and a soft core made of foam or a low-strength honeycomb that is flexible in the vertical direction. Employing the von-Karman type geometrical non-linearity in strain-displacement relations, nonlinear governing equations are resulted. Linear pre-buckling analysis is performed neglecting the rotation effects in pre-buckling state. Stability equations are concluded based on the adjacent equilibrium criterion. Considering the movable simply supported type of boundary conditions, suitable trigonometric solutions are adopted which satisfy the assumed edge conditions. The critical uniform load of the beam is obtained as a closed-form solution. Numerical results cover the effects of various parameters on the critical buckling load of the beam. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this research is investigated here in for the first time.
Volume 13, Issue 51 (7-2016)
Abstract
In recent years, extensive researches has been done on use of edible coating in food packaging. Edible coatings can increase the shelf life of coated foods and they are suitable alternative for synthetic packaging. In this research, the effect of carboxy methyle cellulose based edible coatings with thyme extract on reducing moisture absorption and decreasing lipid oxidation productions have been evaluated. The edible coatings were prepared at different concentration levels of carboxy methyle cellulose (0.0, 0.5, and 1.5% W/V) and thyme extracts (0.0, 0.5 and 1% V/V). The moisture content, peroxide, thiobarbituric acid and acid number changes were determined for samples. The experiment was performed by Dunnett statistical tests in three replications using factorial design based on completely random design. The results indicated that the coating containig of 1.5% W/V of carboxy methyle cellulose and 1% V/V of thyme extract showed better results in reduction of peroxide value in fresh hazelnut. Carboxy methyl cellulose coating can delay the lipid oxidation of fresh hazelnut by providing a barrier against moisture and oxygen permiability to the texture of hazelnut. Adding of thyme extract into coating formulation, in addition to increasing the shelf life of hazelnut, is important regarding functional aspects of hazelnut. This coatings have both edible and environmentally friendly properties and preferable to synthetic packaging.
Volume 13, Issue 57 (0-0)
Abstract
Sour orange is a citrus with high antioxidant content (mainly ascorbic acid and phenolic compound). Its juice is consumed as a food seasoning. Thermal pasteurization is a common way to improve safety of sour orange juice. By considering the high thermal sensitivity of ascorbic acid and phenolic compounds, the aim of this study is the investigation of the effect of thermal processing on ascorbic acid, total phenol and an antioxidant capacity of sour orange juice at 70, 75, 80, 85 and 90 °C in 76, 66, 48, 35 and 21 min, respectively. Ascorbic acid and total phenolic content were measured according iodine titration and Folin- Ciocalteu methods, respectively. Ascorbic acid and total phenol degradation during thermal processing were evaluated by Arrhenius and Eyring models. Enthalpy of ascorbic acid degradation changed slightly due to its high thermal resistance (29.15°C) and free energy (101.11-102.64 kJ/mole). With 5°C increase in temperature, the half-life of ascorbic acid and the total phenol content decreased about 1.31 to 1.80 and 1.39 to 2.05 times, respectively. Also there was a good correlation between total phenol content and DPPH of sour orange juice (R2> 0.97).
Volume 14, Issue 2 (3-2012)
Abstract
Mechanical properties of non-split pistachio nuts are among the lada required for the design of equipment needed for processing of the nut. Unsplit pistachio nut samples were uniaxially loaded to determine the nut’s needed splitting force and energy, as well as Poisson’s ratio and Young’s modulus of elasticity. The tests were carried out at four moisture contents (5, 10, 15 and 20% wb), under four loading rates (10, 20, 30 and 40 mm min-1), and on two varieties (O’hadi and Badami) of the nut. The highest splitting forces for the varieties (281.9 N for Badami and 102.4 N for O’hadi) were obtained at a moisture content of 5% wb and loading rate of 40 mm min-1, while the lowest forces, 97.0 N for Badami and 16.8 for the case of O’hadi, occured at moisture contents of 20% wb along with loading rate of 10 mm min-1. Different trends were observed between O'hadi and Badami varieties for the required energy to split nuts with increasing moisture content and loading rates. By increasing moisture content, Poisson’s ratio for unsplit pistachio nuts increased from 0.374 to 0.388 and from 0.326 to 0.337 for O’hadi and Badami varieties, respectively. Young’s modulus exhibited an indirect relationship with moisture content while a direct relationship with loading rate, in either of the varieties. Increase in moisture content from 5 to 20% wb led to a decrease in Young's modulus, from 322.59 to 223.23 MPa and from 816.25 to 719.28 MPa, for O’hadi and Badami variety nuts, respectively.
Volume 14, Issue 3 (5-2012)
Abstract
The oil extracted from three major canola cultivars (Hyolla401, Hyolla420 and RGS003) grown in Golestan Province was analyzed for physico-chemical properties, fatty acid composition, minerals content, and stability during 16 weeks of storage. According to the results, the highest iodine value and refractive index belonged to Hyolla401. The highest saponification value was observed in Hyolla420. There was no significant difference (P< 0.05) between the relative densities of the three cultivars. Study on the mineral content showed the highest level of iron and phosphorus in Hyolla420 and the maximum sulfur content in RGS003 cultivar. Oleic acid (ω-9) was the major fatty acid in all cultivars and the highest level was found in RGS003 (include % of oleic acid here). The highest level of essential fatty acids, linoleic acid (ω-6) was found in Hyolla420 and linolenic acid (ω-3) in Hyolla401. In all three cultivars, erucic acid content was low and within the permitted level (include % of oleic acid here). The Hyolla420 had the highest content of free fatty acid, acid value, peroxide value, anisidine value and Totox value compared to the other cultivars, during storage. However, result of oil stability based on Rancimat test showed that the Hyolla420 cultivar had the highest induction time during storage, which was in agreement with its low polyene index (PI).
Volume 15, Issue 1 (In Press 2023)
Abstract
With the arrival of Muslims in Iran, a new chapter in the social and religious history of the Iranian people began. However, the arrival of Islam in Iran faced many challenges and resistances in various regions. Among the various regions, Persia was one of the regions that showed resistance and practically became the base for the protection of the former religion; Meanwhile, due to the establishment of a Zoroastrian local government, Kazerun was able to maintain the cohesion of its Zoroastrian community until the early fifth century AH. Given the various pressures on Zoroastrian communities by newcomers and neo-Muslims, understanding the continuity of the independent Zoroastrian community in southwestern Persia until the early fifth century AH seems necessary. This research seeks to examine the contexts of continuity and evolution of the Zoroastrian community of Kazerun during the first centuries of Islam. The present research has been done by descriptive-analytical method and relying on library resources.
The findings of this study show that despite the excessive pressure of the new rulers of the Zoroastrian community of Kazerun and the imposition of various restrictions, they managed to survive by maintaining coherence in their structure and actions and having a Zoroastrian ruler, but from the late fourth century and In the early fifth century, with the emergence of many conflicts with the Morshidiyya sect of Kazerun, they faced problems in the management of society, and finally, by migrating to mountainous and rural areas, they continued their life in a different style and way.
Volume 15, Issue 3 (July & August (Articles in English & French) 2024)
Abstract
Possible selves represent individuals' ideas of what they might become, what they would like to become and what they are afraid of becoming. This paper, using a mixed method design, probes the possible teaching selves of 108 pre-service and 41 in-service Iranian EFL teachers to explore their professional fears and hopes. Data were collected via Possible Language Teacher Self Questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. Analysis of the qualitative data using MAXQDA demonstrated the fears and hopes of the teachers in terms of professionalism, instructional strategies, classroom management and professional interpersonal relationship. Moreover, both fears and hopes were found to be rooted in personal (cognitive and affective) and social (mostly organizational) sources. Further, analysis of quantitative data via ANOVA, independent-samples T-test also revealed that the pre-service teachers and their in-service counterparts are similar in terms of their feared and ideal to selves whereas their ought self has a determining role in justifying the observable variations in their possible self. In addition, pre-service teachers' year of education was also found to be a significant factor affecting their possible selves; that is, it was shown that first-year, second-year and third-year pre-service teachers' ought self is significantly different from that of in-service teachers. Nevertheless, there was no significant difference between fourth-year-pre-service teachers and in-service teachers in terms of their ought self.
Volume 16, Issue 1 (3-2016)
Abstract
In this paper, multi objective genetic algorithm is applied to optimize one type of recuperator in a 200 kW microturbine by considering two key parameters such as recuperator efficiency and cost. ε-NTU method is selected for the recuperator efficiency and pressure drop calculation. The recuperator total cost consists of capital cost, operational cost and maintenance cost. A plate-fin heat exchanger with offset strip fin for counter and cross flow arrangements is chosen for optimization. Fin pitch, fin height, fin offset length, cold stream flow length, non-flow stream length and hot stream flow length are considered as six design parameters. NSGA-II (Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm) is conducted to maximize recuperator efficiency and minimize its total cost. Results of the optimization are presented as a set of designs, called ‘Pareto-optimal solutions’. The results reveal the confliction between the two objective functions. It can be concluded that any change in the geometry of the recuperator increasing the efficiency also increases the total cost and vice versa. Finally, the optimal designs are compared together based on non-dominated sorting concept and the final optimal designs are obtained.
Volume 16, Issue 6 (11-2014)
Abstract
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) is an industrial medicinal plant with different pharmaceutical and food applications. In this study, the leaf essential oil composition of 12 Iranian accessions of fennel collected from different geographical regions was assessed. The essential oil yield of fennel leaves ranged from 0.65% (Varamin accession) to 2.03% (Tabriz accession). Trans-anethole, fenchone and limonene were highly abundant in all of the examined oils. Trans-anethole ranged from 41.19% in Shiravan to 56.6% in Shiraz accessions and had negative correlation with most of the constituents. According to the major compounds, two chemotypes were defined in which group 1 was considered as the high trans-anethole (> 50%) and group 2 was a high limonene group. The correlation of essential oil yield and trans-anethol with climatic conditions and some morphological characters were also assessed. Higher temperatures and essential oil yield had negative Pearson correlation (r= -0.371), while trans-anethol and high temperature showed positive correlation (r= 0.459) in fennel. Furthermore, the studied accessions had different flowering time and height. The early flowering and dwarf accessions had higher essential oil yield, while the late flowering ones had higher trans-anethol in their leaves.