Showing 430 results for Masoud
Volume 0, Issue 0 (Articles accepted at the time of publication 2024)
Abstract
The issue of polysemy has been considered within cognitive approach by Iranian linguists in recent years. That’s because the authors have analyzed the simple form of the verb /čijən/ (i.e., going) in kalhori /kermanshaian Kurdish based on principled–polysemy approach proposed by Evans & Green in 2006. In this qualitative study, the data were collected through Kurdish speakers’ daily conversation and analyzed based on the mentioned approach in a descriptive-analytic way. Also, the authors used Kurdish speakers and their own linguistic intuition to approve the authenticity of the data. The results showed that the prototypical meaning of this verb was “GO” that has forty-five distinct meanings, such as “travel”, “drive”, “migrate”, “flow”, “set”, “finish”, “charge”, “send'', etc. in its own semantic clusters including six distinct semantic clusters. Finally, these forty-five distinct meanings along with their six semantic clusters were illustrated in a semantic network. Also, the findings showed that a favorable explanation of the polysemy of this verb in Kalhori Kurdish can be obtained based on the mentioned approach. The polysemy representation of this verb in Kalhori Kurdish can be useful for a better understanding of the polysemy of other verbs in Kurdish.
Volume 0, Issue 0 (Articles accepted at the time of publication 2024)
Abstract
In cognitive semantics, a polysemous word constitutes a semantic concept, and the various meanings of that word assign themselves to radial network members of that concept. Accordingly, this study investigates the polysemy of the prefix "/pas-/" based on a cognitive semantic approach. The nature of this qualitative research is descriptive-analytical, and data have been extracted from Persian-language resources, namely Dehkhoda Dictionary (1994), Moein Dictionary (2003), and Amid Dictionary (2010), using a library research method. In this study, the two criteria of Tylor and Evans (2003), namely the prototypical fixed meaning or historically evidenced meaning and salience and prominence in the semantic network, have been employed to determine the primary or prototype meaning of Persian language prefixes. The authors aim to demonstrate that the prefix "/pas-/" is a polysemous prefix with a spectrum of lexical functions. This prefix, given its usage in Persian, has different semantic clusters such as "after, before, in front, back, and behind," which have expanded from a prototype or primary meaning. The findings indicated that the prefix "/pas-/" attaches to diverse textual foundations and generates newly derived words such as "pas-farda (the day after tomorrow), pas-pariirooz (the day before yesterday), pas-andaz (savings), pas-larze (aftershock)," and the like. It is observed that the prefix "/pas-/" possesses an extensive radial network due to the combination of this prefix with various verbs.
Volume 0, Issue 0 (Articles accepted at the time of publication 2024)
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cognitive functions on verbal fluency. For this purpose, some cognitive functions and verbal fluency in adult patients with right hemisphere damage were evaluated. The methodological nature of this study is descriptive-analytical. The statistical population of the study consists of 18 adult patients with right hemisphere damage and 18 healthy adults. Selective attention test, memory test, clock drawing test (visual neglect) and verbal fluency test were used to evaluate cognitive functions and linguistic skill of the subjects. Research data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings showed that there is a significant difference between performance of adult patients with right hemisphere damage and healthy adults in the cognitive tests (P< 0.05). Likewise, in the verbal fluency test, there is a significant difference between performance of adult patients with right hemisphere damage and healthy adults (P< 0.05). In addition, the research findings showed that there is a correlation between cognitive functions and verbal fluency. Also, the results showed that damage to the right hemisphere of brain can lead to disorders in cognitive functions of patients with right hemisphere damage. Furthermore, it seems that impairment in cognitive functions can cause problems in language skills.
Volume 0, Issue 0 (Articles accepted at the time of publication 2024)
Abstract
The present research study aimed to investigate the pragmatic awareness, attitudes, and practices of nine upper secondary English teachers in EFL (English as a Foreign Language) classrooms, with a focus on the intercultural aspects of the subject. Using a phenomenological methodology, the study conducted nine semi-structured interviews with English teachers of upper secondary students. Teachers demonstrated a high level of awareness of pragmatics, particularly when presented with pragmatic input based on syllabi formulations. The awareness suggested a recognition of the importance of pragmatic competence in language learning. Teachers incorporated pragmatics into their teaching methods. Pragmatics was used as a tool for fostering metacognitive conversations about language, helping students understand the appropriateness of certain phrases or words. Teachers aimed to make students aware of why people communicate in certain ways. The understanding of the reasons behind communication choices was deemed important for both teachers and students. Teachers perceived the intercultural dimensions of the English subject as crucial. Issues such as monocultural teaching groups, filter bubbles, and the rise of difficult conversations were highlighted. Teachers found using students' first languages to be an important tool for understanding and scaffolding their learning of English. The incorporation of pragmatics in the EFL classroom not only benefits language development but also serves as a facilitator in developing an understanding of other people. The study suggested a link between pragmatic awareness and intercultural competence in language teaching.
Volume 0, Issue 0 (Articles accepted at the time of publication 2024)
Abstract
The present study aims to investigate the meanings and productivity of derivative suffix «i» in Persian language using Plag's (2003) point of view. Data collection was conducted by library method and analysis of findings was done by descriptive-analytical method. The sampling included three works from the 5th, 8th, 11th centuries, and the contemporary period. Then, the frequency of using «i» to express different meanings was investigated in each period. The findings indicate that in the 5th and 8th centuries, noun-forming «i» was more productive than adjective-forming «i». In the 11th century and the contemporary period, adjective-forming «i» was more productive than that of noun-forming «i». Also, the productivity of the adverb-forming «i» has been less than adjective-forming «i» and noun-forming «i» in all periods. Considering the different adjective-forming meanings of this suffix, the highest frequency in the 5th, 8th and contemporary periods was related to the adjective "place" and in the 11th century, it was related to the adjective "belonging to a thing". Among the different meanings of the noun-forming «i» in the 5th century, the noun "state indicator" had the highest frequency and in the 8th, 11th and contemporary periods the "simple" noun was the most frequent. Among the different meanings of the adverb-forming «i», the highest frequency was related to the adverb "state" in the 5th century, "scale, amount and size" in the 8th and 11th centuries, and "place" in the contemporary period. The paper also explains possible causes of differences in this suffix's productivity.
Volume 0, Issue 0 (Articles accepted at the time of publication 2024)
Abstract
This study employed a mixed-methods approach to examine the utilization of two emotion regulation strategies, namely cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression, among a group of Iranian learners of English as a foreign language (EFL) at universities in Isfahan, Iran. The investigation was based on the Process Model of Emotion Regulation, a psychologically-validated theoretical model proposed by Gross (2015). The study also investigated the correlation between emotion regulation and levels of foreign language anxiety (FLA), and as an additional area of investigation, the impact of emotion regulation on the association between FLA and motivation for learning a second language. A total of 295 learners were questioned using a quantitative questionnaire. The qualitative research involved the selection of thirteen respondents from three levels (high, medium, low) of FLA. The primary component employed in this study was a stimulated recall interview. Data collection was undertaken online due to scheduling constraints. The findings indicated a low frequency of utilization for the two emotion regulation strategies, with cognitive reappraisal being more commonly employed compared to expressive suppression. Learners with low English proficiency exhibited a lower prevalence and preference for cognitive reappraisal. There was a stronger positive correlation observed between expressive suppression and FLA. The study found a negative correlation between cognitive reappraisal and FLA. It provides evidence that understanding the inner workings of learners’ emotion regulation may inform pedagogical practices.
Volume 0, Issue 0 (ARTICLES IN PRESS 2024)
Abstract
The beet cyst nematode (BCN) (Heterodera schachtii), and beet curly top virus-severe (BCTV-Svr) (Curtovirus betae) are two important pathogens of sugar beet fields worldwide. Therefore, the reaction of 14 genotypes was separately assessed, using Jolgeh and Sanetta cultivars as susceptible and resistant controls, respectively, in completely randomized design experiments for BCN and BCTV-Svr. Reactions were based on the cyst and egg counts and symptoms severity index. Experiments were performed in the greenhouse of Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran, and were repeated twice independently. Based on the results of initial experiments, the S1-960090, S1-940324, S1-960294, and S1-960284 genotypes resistant to the BCN were selected for further investigation. Furthermore, the reaction of the four selected genotypes to BCN, BCTV-Svr, and the combination (mixture) of the two pathogens was evaluated by analyzing their growth, physiological, and biochemical characteristics, and virus accumulation. Resistant genotypes showed higher levels of defense-related enzymes such as catalase, guaiacol peroxidase, and polyphenol oxidase, whereas susceptible genotypes exhibited significant reductions in photosynthesis, greenness, and chlorophyll a, b, and carotenoid content compared to non-inoculated and resistant plants. This is the first study conducted to search for dual-resistance sources against two devastating pathogens that frequently occur in the sugar beet-growing regions of Iran. Based on the results of this experiment, genotypes S1-960090 and S1-940324 were identified as resistant to both pathogens and are recommended for breeding purposes.
Volume 0, Issue 0 (ARTICLES IN PRESS 2024)
Abstract
Poly- gamma- glutamic acid (γ-PGA) is a natural polymer with diverse applications across multiple industries. However, its use in agriculture is limited due to high production costs. This study aimed to optimize the cost-effective production of γ-PGA through Solid-State Fermentation (SSF) using Bacillus velezensis UTB96, evaluate the concentration and molecular weight of γ-PGA suitable for agricultural applications, particularly in strawberry cultivation, and explore the impact of γ-PGA on extending the shelf-life of strawberry fruits during cold storage. Initially, the production of γ-PGA using SSF with B. velezensis UTB96 was investigated, along with an evaluation of the influence of physicochemical factors on the molecular weight of γ-PGA. Based on the results, three different molecular weights of γ-PGA were identified: 1156.43 kDa, 734.38 kDa, and 296.55 kDa. These were selected for greenhouse trials to assess their effectiveness in controlling gray mold on strawberry plants. The results showed that by utilizing agricultural wastes, including sesame flour, wheat straw, and banana peel in SSF methodology, γ-PGA could be produced at a rate of 70 g/kg of dry weight of the culture medium. Analyzing the impact of γ-PGA on reducing gray mold revealed that this compound could enhance the plant's defense. A significant increase in the activity of ascorbate peroxidase and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) enzymes was observed, along with the production of polyphenolic compounds such as ellagic acid. Consequently, these mechanisms improved the plant's flexibility and tolerance to the fungus, helping to maintain the quality of the fruits during cold storage.
Volume 0, Issue 0 (ARTICLES IN PRESS 2024)
Abstract
Education and research are fundamental pillars of educational systems, including agricultural higher education institutions. However, an inadequate balance between these components can lead to a deviation from the primary goals of these institutions. This study aimed to conduct a pathological analysis of the equilibrium between education and research in the higher education system of agriculture in Iran. “Three-pronged pathology model” was utilized, comprising components of “context” (including knowledge, moral, individual-psychological, satisfaction, and the thematic nature), “behavior” (including planning, coordination, control, and monitoring), and “structure” (including demonstrative, diversity, consequence, and political). This quantitative study is applied in purpose, non-experimental in design, retrospective in timing, survey-based in data collection, and descriptive-causal comparative in data analysis. The data collection instrument was a researcher-developed questionnaire, with face and content validity confirmed by experts. The reliability of the questionnaire was established using Cronbach's alpha for each variable (0.704 ≤ α ≤ 0.902). The statistical population comprised faculty members from agricultural departments of public universities in Iran (N=3335), with a sample of 307 selected. Results indicated a tendency among faculty members towards research activities. The greatest gap and imbalance between education and research were observed in the areas of context, followed by structure and behavior. This indicates that the existing context and structure push faculty members towards research activities for their sustainability and advancement in the agricultural higher education system. This poses a serious issue that must be addressed by policymakers and decision-makers.
Volume 0, Issue 0 (Articles accepted for Publication 2024)
Abstract
Aim and Introduction
Financial markets have become one of the most attractive environments for investment in the modern era. Through the efficient allocation of capital, these markets exert a significant influence across various domains, including trade, education, employment, technology, and the broader economy. Financial markets are categorized into specific industries and sectors based on the characteristics of the goods and services produced. These unique features and industry-specific conditions influence productivity, which in turn affects returns.
Industry-level returns reflect a combination of financial and non-financial factors that shape stock market dynamics. Industry data offer critical insights into the sources of a country’s economic growth, particularly from an industrial standpoint. Furthermore, industries often act as a leading force in the stock market, as their performance is closely tied to macroeconomic fundamentals.
There are two primary approaches to investing in stocks and generating returns commensurate with risk: the fundamental approach and the technical approach. The fundamental approach is based on three key levels of analysis. The first is macroeconomic analysis, which considers variables such as gross domestic product, monetary policy, and the broader economic environment, along with their effects on the returns of various industries and sectors. The second is industry analysis, which evaluates the performance of companies within a specific industry based on the unique conditions and characteristics of that industry. The third is company analysis, which focuses on assessing a firm’s current operations and financial status to determine its intrinsic value and future potential. Therefore, industry-level analysis serves as a crucial component within the broader framework of fundamental investment analysis.
At the industry level, macroeconomic variables—especially government monetary policy—play a pivotal role. Monetary policy influences capital markets through four primary transmission channels: the exchange rate, interest rate, credit, and asset prices.
Methodology
To examine the research hypotheses regarding the impact of monetary policy on the returns of small and large industries from April 2010 to March 2024, this study employs the Pooled Mean Group (PMG) estimator on monthly data. A key advantage of this method is its capacity to handle both stationary and non-stationary variables, thereby overcoming issues related to cointegration and the limited power of unit root tests in long-term estimations.
The model used is a Panel Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) framework, which enables the simultaneous estimation of short-term and long-term coefficients. In this framework, a long-run relationship is assumed between Yt and Xt , with fixed effects μi .
The error correction model is as follows:
∆yit=μi+∅iyi,t+βi'Xit+j=1p-1ωij*∆yi,t-j+j=0q-1δij*'∆Xi,t-j+…+εit (1)
The final equation is as follows:
∆yit=μi+∅iyi,t-1-θi'Xit+j=1p-1ωij*∆yi,t-j+j=0q-1δij*'∆Xi,t-j+…+εit (2)
In this study, the dependent variable is the industry return (IR) for small and large industries, and the key independent variable is Monetary Policy (MP)—measured via the Monetary Conditions Index based on principal component analysis. Additional control variables include Liquidity Volume (LV), Oil Price (OP), and the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Findings
The results for long-term relationships reveal a positive and significant relationship between monetary policy and the return of small industries on the Tehran Stock Exchange, with an estimated coefficient of approximately 4.1%. However, no significant long-term relationship was found between monetary policy and the return of large industries.
In the short term, the error correction terms are estimated at -0.78 and -0.70 for small and large industries, respectively. This indicates that roughly 78% and 70% of the disequilibrium between the independent and dependent variables is corrected each period, guiding the system toward long-run equilibrium. In the first model (small industries), monetary policy has no immediate impact on returns. Conversely, in the second model (large industries), monetary policy exerts a significant short-term effect at the 5% level.
Conclusion
Government policies exert a profound influence on financial markets, with monetary policy playing a distinct and varying role across industries. Despite its importance, this differentiation has received limited attention in Iran. This study contributes to the literature by analyzing the differential effects of monetary policy on small and large industries, using the PMG model to estimate both short-term and long-term impacts on a monthly basis from April 2010 to March 2024.
The findings reveal that, in the long run, monetary policy exerts a positive and significant impact on the returns of small industries, whereas this effect is absent in large industries. In the short run, with the significance of the error correction term confirming the adjustment toward long-term equilibrium, the dynamics between the independent and dependent variables become balanced over time. Furthermore, the analysis indicates that monetary policy has no significant effect on small industries in the short term but demonstrates a positive and significant impact in the long term. In contrast, for large industries, monetary policy has no discernible effect in the long run but exerts a positive and significant influence in the short term.
These results confirm both the main and sub-hypotheses of the study, which posit that the effects of monetary policy vary between small and large industries and differ across time horizons. Consequently, investors are advised to consider firm size, as reflected in market value, when constructing their portfolios. Specifically, they should align their investment strategies with their time horizons—favoring small industries for long-term investments and large industries for short-term opportunities.
Volume 0, Issue 2 (8-2011)
Abstract
Urmia Lake and its surroundng wetlands have been severely affected by recent droughts (1998–2003) and a considerable decrease in inflow has affected lake ecosystem components. Integrated ecosystem-based management is a useful managing tool for the wise use and biodiversity conservation of wetlands. In the process of developing an integrated ecosystem-based management model for Urmia Lake, the identification of key stakeholders is of primary importance. In this research, stakeholder analysis is used as an effective tool for establishing collaborative management in the Urmia Lake catchment in terms of the following parameters and objectives: almost all stakeholders receive multiple benefits from Urmia Lake, either directly or indirectly; almost all stakeholders also cause impacts on the lake ecosystem, many of which result from activities that take place in areas located within in the Urmia catchment but far from the lake. In general, the stakeholders who receive the most benefits seem to cause the lowest impact (for example, Environmental groups), while those who receive fewer benefits may have larger impacts (for example, water resource managers). Recognizing that all stakeholders affect the lake in one way or another is an important concept that promotes the ethic that future management of the Lake should regarded as a shared responsibility between all stakeholders.
Volume 1, Issue 1 (3-2013)
Abstract
The main concern in fish transportation is minimizing stress during transportation. In this study, the effect of zeolite and clove essence in terms of transportation on survival and stress rainbow trout was investigated. 4 treatments (each treatment included 3 replicate) including control treatment, clove essence (25 mg/l), zeolite (14g/l) and clove essence (25mg/l) + (14g/l) were considered. 156 fish (with average weight 80 ± 4.4 g) were randomly distributed with a 130 kg/m3 density. At time zero, 6, 12 and 18 hours after starting transportation, survival rates, cortisol and glucose levels (as indicators of stress) were measured and analyzed. In the end, results showed a significant difference in the survival rates that control treatment had the lowest survival rates (P
Volume 1, Issue 1 (7-2014)
Abstract
The problem of optimum assignment of base station to users in cellular network has been considered extensiveley in recent years. In this thesis we consider base station assignment problem in cellular network. The outcome of this thesis is two heuristic algorithms. First algorithm is for solving optimum base station assignment in downlink of WCDMA Network which in this algorithm we consider radio condition and capacity of each base station and fainess is considerd in decision making. This problem will be explained in form of MMKP problem that is a NP-Complete problem. So major object of this algorithm is making maximum connectivity between users and network throw the base stations such that connections between users and their assigning base stations provide a good Transactionmission environment with minimum resource consumption. Second algorithm is for a GSM network that in this algorithm we include free channel of each base station in decision making of base station assignment problem such that consult to reducing blocking probability of users requests.
Volume 1, Issue 1 (4-2014)
Abstract
Volume 1, Issue 1 (4-2014)
Abstract
Background: Differentiation ofmesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to hepatocyte-like cells could be associated with development of liver function factors. The impact of differentiation-dependent changes on DNA integrity is not well understood. In this study, hepatocytes and their progenitor stem cells were treated with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and amplification of selected genes linked to DNA damage was examined.
Methods: MSCs and CD34+ cells isolated from umbilical cord blood (UCB) were treated with AFB1 (0, 2.5, 10 and 20 µM) in selective media supporting the hepatocyte differentiation. After 24 htreatment the DNA damage (Comet assay) and amplification rates ofP53 and β-globin genes were measured using real time polymerase chain reaction (QPCR). Results:The results show that AFB1 treatments resulted in a concentration- dependent increase in the DNA damage and suppression of the specific gene amplification. The extent of DNA damage was significantly greater in hepatocytes differentiated from MSCs when compared to those obtained from CD34+ cells. The effects of AFB1 on the rate of selected gene amplification in QPCR showed that the lesions (expressed as lesions/10 kb) in P53 and β-globin genes was significantly greater in hepatocytes derived from MSCs as compared to the cells derived from CD34+ cells. Conclusions: These data together with the results of cytochrome P450 (CYP3A4) expression in the cells suggest that the non-differentiated stem cells are probably less vulnerable to genotoxic agents as compared to hepatocytes differentiated from them.
Volume 1, Issue 1 (Spring & Summer 2014)
Abstract
The Nahj al-Balagha (Arabic: نهج البلاغة Nahj ul-Balāghah) (“Way of Eloquence") is the most famous collection of sermons, letters and narrations of Imam Ali. This book is Known for its eloquent content and considered a masterpiece of literature in Arabic language and literature. This valuable book many times has been translated into Persian by capable translators and scholars. One of the most famous Persian translations of Nahj al-Balagha was done by Sayyed Jafar Shahidi, distinguished scholar of the Persian language and literature and a renowned historian of Islam. Nahj al-Balagha employs many stylistic, linguistic and rhetorical features, and this use of linguistic and rhetorical features such as simile, metaphor, irony, challenges the translators of Nahj al-Balagha. Meanwhile Shahidi’s translation of Nahj al-Balagha has been a faithful translation in a way that he has tried to convey it faithfully on the one hand, and to find the exact Persian equivalents on the other hand. Using the descriptive and attributive method, this article analyzes the diction, figures of speech, and literary graces of the 114 elementary sermon of Shahidi’s translation. Shahidi has carefully translated figures of speech of Nahj al-Balagha into Persian, to some extent that, the eloquence of this translation draws everybody’s attention. Shahidi has benefited from the Baligh simile and Makniyah Metaphor frequently. He has also used different types of figures of speech and rhetorical features such as rhyme, symmetry, contrast… which makes this translation more valuable and precious. And finally the authors have come to this conclusion that the rhyme is the most striking feature in this translation.
Volume 1, Issue 2 (7-2014)
Abstract
Background: In recent years we have successfully adopted an in vitro hepatogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). In this protocol the biologically active hepatocyte-like cells were differentiated from the stem cells isolated from either bone marrow or umbilical cord blood (UCB) samples. The aim of the present study was to compare the efficiency of the hepatogenic differentiation of MSCs isolated from UCB and MSCs. Methods: Differentiation process of MSCs was carried out in a selective medium supporting hepatogenic differentiation for 3 weeks. Then using specific markers we have examined the hepatocyte formation following hepatogenic differentiation of the stem cells. Hepatogenic markers namely albumin, α-fetoprotein (AFP) and cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) were monitored at different time intervals during differentiation. Results: Transdifferentiation of the UCB and bone marrow MSCs was also characterized by measuring albumin, AFP and CYP3A4 at mRNA levels using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). AFP was expressed in the undifferentiated UCB-MSCs and increased on day 21 of differentiation. However, AFP was not detected in the undifferentiated bone marrow MSCs. But, AFP expression started during the first week of differentiation. Albumin expression was detected in hepatocytes from UCB as well as bone marrow. The expression of albumin and its secretion from hepatocyte prepared from bone marrow appeared earlier compared to the cells derived from UCB. Metabolic function of the hepatocytes evaluated by secretion of albumin in the culture media was also similar in the cells isolated from both the sources. Conclusions: The differentiation potential of MSCs derived from human UCB and bone marrow under in vitro condition is comparable. However, it appears that there is time-dependent difference in the onset of expression of liver specific markers particularly albumin synthesis in hepatocytes derived from different stem cells.
Volume 1, Issue 3 (9-2012)
Abstract
Beet western yellows virus (BWYV), a species of the genus Polerovirus in the family Luteoviridae, is an agriculturally important virus infecting over 150 plant species in 23 dicotyledonous families worldwide. A survey of BWYV in canola fields in Golestan and Tehran provinces of Iran using indirect triple antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (TAS-ELISA) indicated 8.3 % infection. The presence of BWYV was confirmed by amplification of the coat protein (CP) gene of the virus via running a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) on total RNA extracted from ELISA positive leaf tissues. DNA sequences of the BWYV coat protein (CP) gene of seven Iranian isolates were determined and compared at the nucleotide (nt) and amino acid (aa) levels with those of twelve BWYV isolates from different countries deposited in GenBank. Sequence analysis data showed that the identity of BWYV-CP at nt and aa levels among the Iranian isolates were 93.4 % to 100 % and 93.2 % to 100 %, respectively. The maximum similarity of isolates at nt and aa levels were 97.2 and 96.6 %, which occurred among two Iranian isolates (Ir 8 and Ir 100) and four isolates from France (L39967 and X13063) and England (L39973 and L39970). The recombination analysis among the nineteen isolates including seven Iranian isolates revealed that there was no distinct intra-specific recombination event among BWYV isolates. This is the first report of sequencing and analyzing of the BWYV CP gene of Iranian BWYV isolates.
Volume 1, Issue 3 (9-2013)
Abstract
This study was conducted to choose the best species for plantation on a poor drainage soil in southern coast of Caspian Sea, Iran. Nutrient concentrations in live and senescent leaves and soil properties were compared among Alnus subcordata C.A.Mey (N-fixing tree), Populus deltoides Marsh. (Non N-fixing tree)and Taxodium distichum (L.) Rich. (Coniferous tree) plantations. In each of these plantations and an adjacent natural forest, six 20×20m plots have been selected according to a 100m × 100m randomly systematic grid. Leaf samples of green trees were collected from the bottom one-third of the tree crown by clipping two small twigs located on opposite sides of the crown (six representative trees were sampled in each plot). Senescence leaves have been collected inside wooden trap-based in each stand. Results revealed different effects of species on soil nutrients. Alnus subcordata increased soil N (%) whereas Populus deltoides and Taxodium distichum reduced it.The results of nutrition, litter quality, retranslocation and soil properties indicated that Alnus improve soil quality in comparison with the two others.
Volume 1, Issue 3 (9-2016)
Abstract
Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) has been recognized, as the most common inflammatory disease in the world. Adipose Stem Cells (ASCs), as a new feasible source with high numbers of stem cells and proliferative capacity have been used for regenerative medicine. Based immunomodulatory and chondrogenic properties of ASCs, this study aimed to assess intra articular injection of ASC effect on improvement of osteoarthritis signs. Methods and Materials: Adipose tissue samples were obtained from subcutaneous of abdomen. ASCs were isolated and cultured for at least three passages in culture media containing autologous serum and expanded them to 15-20 × 106 cell. The morphology and proliferative potency of ASCs were determined. Immuno phenotype characteristics of ASCs were analyzed by flow-cytometry. Then cell suspensions were injected into knee articular spaces. After 6 months the function of knee was assessed by WOMAC, KOOS, Lysholm and Lequesne indexes. Results: The results of this study showed that homogenous spindle-shape ASCs expanded rapidly with low doubling time. The low expression of CD14 and CD45 indicated that ASCs are non hematopoietic cells and expressed high percentages of CD44, CD105 and CD90. Our results showed that injected ASCs were effective in improvement of OA by scoring systems for evaluation of pain, joint movements and daily physical activities were significantly changed due to injection of stem cells. Osteoarthritis severity indexes means of WOMAC and Lequesne were decreased from 53 to 12.3 and 15.1 to 2.1 respectively. Also osteoarthritis improvement indexes Lysholm & KOOS means were significantly increased from 35 to 15.1 and 70 to 126.7 respectively. In six months follow up of intra articular injection of ASCs, we observed no local or systemic side effect. After ASCs injection, walking distance considerably increased. The flexion angle of knee improved by 20-30 degrees compares to before of treatment. Conclusion: Autologous ASCs injection could be resulted in increasing of knee function, alleviated of pain and quality of life improvement.
