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Life table parameters of Aphis pomi DeGeer (Hemiptera: Aphididae) were determined on two host plants: apple (Malus pumila L.) and flowering quince (Chaenomeles japonica Lindl.). This study was carried out under laboratory conditions (25 ± 1 ºC and RH of 70 ± 5 % and a photoperiod of 16: 8 h (L: D). The survivorship from first instar nymphs to adult was very close in M. pumila and C. japonica. The longevity of A. pomi was 8.1 ± 0.458 and 9.65 ± 0.412 days and the fecundity of female was 37.25 ± 2.198 and 32.9 ± 1.802 nymphs on M. pumila and C. japonica, respectively. Peaks of reproductive value occurred at ages of 8 and 9 days when reared on M. pumila and C. japonica, respectively. The intrinsic rate of increase (r) on M. pumila was higher than that on C. japonica, as it was 0.396 ± 0.015 on M. pumila and 0.329 ± 0.006 day^-1 on C. japonica. The mean generation time (T) was 9.13 ± 0.35 and 10.62 ± 0.18 days, on M. pumila and C. japonica, respectively. The results showed that the two closely related host plants had significant influence on life table parameters of A. pomi and the aphid showed a better performance on M. pumila than on C. japonica. These results indicated that M. pumila is more suitable for A. pomi, resulting in a higher reproductive performance.  

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Demographic parameters of the ladybeetle, Serangium montazerii Fursch feeding on citrus whitefly, Dialeurodes citri Ashmead were determined on two host plants, Page tangerine and Thompson navel orange. This study was carried out under laboratory conditions (25 ± 1 °C and RH of 60 ± 5% and a photoperiod of 16: 8 h (L: D). Total pre-adult periods of the lady beetle were 20.84 ± 0.302, 19.27 ± 0.251days on Page tangerine and Thompson navel orange, respectively. The survivorship from egg to adult were very close to each other on the two host plants. The oviposition periods were 29.64 ± 0.905 and 33.36 ± 0.599 days and the total number of eggs per female (fecundity) were 457.14 ± 11.099 and 528.57 ± 12.369 on Page tangerine and Thompson orange, respectively. Peaks of reproductive value occurred at ages of 31 and 33 days when reared on Thompson navel orange and Page tangerine, respectively. The intrinsic rates of increase (r) on Thompson orange and on Page tangerine were 0.134 ± 0.063 and 0.126 ± 0.006d^-1 with no significant differences. The mean generation time (T) on these host plants were 39.03 ± 0.5 and 40.57 ± 0.46 days, respectively. It can be concluded that S. montazerii feeding on D. citri in general showed a slightly better reproductive performance on Thompson navel orange than on Page tangerine.

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Life table gives the most comprehensive explanation of the survivorship, development, and reproduction of a population. The life table parameters of an aphidophagous midge, Aphidoletes aphidimyza were studied on different densities (5, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80) of third instar nymphs of Aphis gossypii as prey in a growth chamber (25 ± 1 °C, 70 ± 5% RH and a photoperiod of 16L: 8D h). The pre-ovipositional period of female A. aphidimyza was reduced as prey density increased with no significant difference. The oviposition period was 3.833 ± 0.401 and 5.5 ± 0.463 days in lowest and highest prey density, respectively. Fecundity increased significantly with increasing prey density. The lowest fecundity was obtained at density of 5 preys/day (49.667 ± 6.053 eggs) and the highest was at density of 80 preys/day (104.25 ± 7.78 eggs). Intrinsic rate of increase (r_m) ranged from 0.110 ± 0.016 to 0.166 ± 0.014 d^-1 with increasing prey density. Net reproductive rate (R₀) was positively dependent on prey density. The peak reproductive values showed that female aphidophagous midge at ages of 17, 18, 19, 22 and 25 days made the highest contribution to the population when reared on 5 to 80 preys in a day, respectively. However, mean generation time (T) ranged from 22.42 ± 0.55 to 24.47 ± 1.04 days. It was concluded that the increase in the density of third instar nymphs of A. gossypii significantly affected the demographic parameters of A. aphidimyza and it had a better reproductive performance in higher prey densities.

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Searching efficiency and handling time are two major components of functional response and are usually used to evaluate effectiveness of natural enemies. The effect of different foraging periods on the functional response of larval Aphidoletes aphidimyza (Rondani) (Dip.: Cecidomyiidae) feeding on third instar nymphs of Aphis craccivora was studied. The experiment was conducted in terms of time-specific (1, 2, 4, 6,12, 24 h.) functional response to varying densities (5, 10, 20, 40, 60 and 80) of third instar nymphs of A.craccivora at 23 ± 1 °C, 70 ± 5% of R.H., and a photoperiod of 16:8 h (L: D). Parameter estimates for logistic regressions showed a type II functional response for 4 day-old larvae of the predator at different foraging periods to varying densities of A. craccivora. The estimated searching efficiency (a') and handling times (T_h), varied with foraging periods. The searching efficiency showed a decreasing trend as the foraging periods increased. The estimated maximum rates of predation (T/T_h) for the 4-day old larvae were directly related to the foraging periods increase but handling times (T_h), showed a decelerating trend. In conclusion it was found that searching efficiency was a variable parameter in different foraging periods of A. aphidimyza and was lowest at the foraging periods of 24 h. It was also suggested that A. aphidimyza with type II functional response in all foraging periods, could be considered as a highly effective biological agent in suppressing A. craccivora population.    

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Pot experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) on some morphological characteristics of Thlaspi caerulescens L., and also on the accumulation of lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) in roots and shoots of T. caerulescens L.. Experiments were then set up in three treated pots with doses of 3, 6 and 9 mmol kg^-1 of EDTA and control pots (C: uncontaminated soil and W: contaminated soil). The results indicated the significant effect of EDTA on morphological characteristics and accumulation of heavy metals in the plant (P<0.05). Data revealed that the maximum of germination (99.11 and 96.00%), maximum of root length (73.31 and 70.14 mm) and maximum of shoot length (51.64 and 44.14 mm) and maximum of biomass weight (61.31 and 52.18 mg) were achieved by C treatment followed by W treatment. The maximum bioconcentration factor (3.57) and translocation factor (0.89) was observed on 9 mmol kg^-1 EDTA. In addition, the effect of EDTA on Tolerance Index (TI) showed that the TI decreased with increasing doses of EDTA. The findings indicated that the study species tolerated heavy metals concentration. EDTA had potential to promote the uptake of heavy metals for T. caerulescens L., butwith respect to non-significant differences between 6 mmol kg^-1 EDTA and 9 mmol kg^-1 EDTA treatments. Thereore, low dose of EDTA suggested to be applied because of its environmental risk.

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The East Asian psyllid, Acizzia jamatonica (Kuwayama, 1908) (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) is newly reported from Iran. This is also considered as the first record of the genus Acizzia Heslop-Harrison and the subfamily Acizziinae for the country. The psyllid was collected from Persian silk tree, Albizia julibrissin Durazzini (Fabaceae), in Rasht, Guilan province, in July 2013. A brief taxonomic diagnosis is provided to facilitate its recognition.

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The cotton leaf roller moth, Haritalodes derogata (Fabricius, 1775) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) was collected on two kinds of flowering shrubs, Hibiscus syriacus L. and Hibiscus mutabilis L., in Rasht, Guilan Province, during August 2013. This species represents a generic new record for the fauna of Iran. A brief description of the species is provided to facilitate the identification.

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A Castanea crenata agglutinin (abbreviated as CCA) was extracted and purified from bitter apple, Citrullus colocynthis L., to determine its effects on the demographic parameters of Apomyelois ceratoniae Zeller. Two groups of first larval instars were reared on an artificial diet containing 2% (w/w) of CCA and control diets until emergence of adults. Two Sex MS-chart life table software was used to analyze data and calculate life table parameters. Developmental times of larvae in control and CCA dietsshowed statistical differences for male, female except for third and fourth larval instars. It was found that A. ceratoniae larvaefed on control had a survival of 18 days but individuals fed on CCA diet survived for 12 days. The highest fecundity values of individuals fed on control and CCA diets were obtained at the age of 30 and 27 days, respectively. Adult longevity, pre-oviposition period, oviposition period and mean fecundity of A. ceratoniae fed on control were higher than those of individuals fed on CCA diet. The probabilities of a newborn egg surviving to age 28 days were 0.42 and 0.3 for control and CCA, respectively. Each female started egg laying on day 22 for control and 25 for CCA. Life expectancies of a newly laid egg were 29 days for control and 26 days for CCA treatment. Life table parameters except for mean generation time showed statistical differences between control and CCA treatments. These results demonstrated the negative effects of CCA on life table parameters of A. ceratoniae that might lead to a promising and alternative way to suppress population increase and damage caused by A. ceratoniae.

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Glyphodes pyloalis Walker is a serious pest of mulberry trees in Iran. In this study, lethal (LC₅₀ = 19 ppm) and sublethal effects (LC_{10 =} 3.74 andLC₃₀ = 9.77 ppm) of lufenuron were evaluated against 4^th instar larvae of G. pyloalis. After treating the larvae at LC₃₀ and LC₅₀ level, most of them died during the molting process and only a few individuals developed to the 5^th larval instar. The highest rate of mortality wasobserved in 5^th larval (68.42%) and pre-pupal (59.57%) stages at LC₅₀ concentration. Also, lufenuron caused an increase in larval, pre-pupal and pupal developmental periods. The successful pupation decreased to 53.64% at the LC₃₀. Also, no prepupa molted to pupation after treatment of larvae at the LC₅₀. Larval weight was significantly reduced at 48, 72 and 96 h after treatment, compared to the control. Adult emergence and female longevity were also reduced at LC₃₀. The LC₃₀ of lufenuron negatively affected reproduction of G. pyloalis. Larval content of carbohydrate and protein were decreased significantly 48 and 72 h after treatment, however, lipid and glycogen content were decreased significantly only 72 h after treatment at LC₁₀, LC₃₀ or LC₅₀. Findings indicated adverse effects on some biological and biochemical parameters at lethal and sublethal concentrations of lufenuron which necessitate further investigations for its application in an integrated management of G. pyloalis.

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Angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier) is one of the most important pests of stored products and known as factitious host for mass rearing of insect natural enemies. Effect of four commercial barely varieties including Fajr 30, Behrokh, Nik and Yousef on life table parameters of S. cerealella was determined at 26 ± 2 °C, 65 ± 5% RH and a photoperiod of 12:12 h (L: D). Data were analyzed based on the age-stage, two-sex life table theory. The results revealed that there were significant differences among various barely varieties regarding the developmental times, adult longevity and fecundity of S. cerealella. The longest developmental time (56.72 ± 0.29 days) was observed on Yousef. The longest and shortest male longevity were obtained on Behrokh (6.77 ± 0.27 days) and Yousef (5.79 ± 0.16 days). Moreover, female longevity ranged from 6.20 ± 0.18 to 7.23 ± 0.24 days on Yousef and Behrokh, respectively. The highest values of intrinsic rate of increase (r) were estimated 0.0719 ± 0.004 and 0.0717 ± 0.003 day^-1 on Fajr 30 and Behrokh, respectively and the lowest values were 0.0539 ± 0.004 and 0.0542 ± 0.003 day^-1 on Nik and Yousef, respectively. The longest generation time (T) was observed on Yousef. Furthermore, peaks of reproductive value occurred at ages of 45, 49, 48 and 53 days when reared on Fajr 30, Behrokh, Nik and Yousef, respectively. It can be concluded that Fajr 30 and Behrokh can be used for mass rearing programs of S. cerealella as an alternative host for natural enemies.

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Aims The purpose of this study was to evaluate the competency of logistic regression (LR) and maximum entropy (MaxEnt) models to predict the distribution of Dorema ammoniacum D. Don. in rangeland habitats in the central region of Iran, Yazd province.
Materials & Methods The potential distribution map of Dorema ammoniacum D. Don. was prepared. The homogenous habitats were identified, and vegetation sampling was conducted using a systematic random method. The data including: soil (physical and chemical properties), physiographic (slope, aspect and altitude), and vegetation data (presence and absence) were used. Soil sampling was performed at two depths of 0-30, and 30-60 cm. The required maps were prepared using interpolation method. Statistics were taken from 90 plots along 9 transect both in the presence and absence area. Response curve and Jackknife test (for MaxEnt method) were employed to identify the most important environmental predictive factors. The kappa index was used to determine the agreement between the actual and predicted maps.
Findings The accuracy of predicted map was weak in LR Model (AUC= 0.65), but it was considerably high in the MaxEnt model (AUC=0.87). The agreement between the predicted map of MaxEnt model, and ground truths was very good (kappa=0.74), and the agreement between predicted map generated by LR with the ground-truths was medium (kappa=0.5).
Conclusion This plant has a limited ecological niche; therefore, the MaxEnt model could take precedence over the LR model because the only data it employs is the presence of the species.

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This study aimed to investigate the oviposition behavior, distribution, and host plants of Orosanga japonica (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) in Guilan province, Iran. Random sampling was conducted across various locations within Guilan province. Adult insects typically emerge in late July and deposit their eggs from early August to mid-September. This species prefers laying eggs on young shoots and leaf midribs of various plants, from annual herbaceous species to shrubs. This oviposition behavior can lead to stem desiccation. Additionally, the females' oviposition behavior, sap-sucking activities on stems, and the potential transmission of pathogenic fungi can cause substantial damage to host plants. This research provides information regarding the distribution of pest egg masses across several host plants. Our findings revealed that the mean number of egg masses per twig was higher on chinaberry, averaging 13.75, than on bitter orange, elm trees, and mulberry. The longest average egg mass length, measuring 16.1 mm, was observed on mulberry. Furthermore, this study confirmed the presence of O. japonica in 13 cities within Guilan province, including Rasht, Anzali, Amlash, Astaneh, Lahijan, Langroud, Rezvanshahr, Rudsar, Rudbar, Sowme'eh Sara, Siahkal, Shaft, and Fouman. The insect was predominantly found infesting kiwi, tea, beans, corn, eggplants, peppers, elm leaf blackberries, chinaberries, mulberries, Japanese spindles, cucumbers, citrus plants, fig-trees, rice, cabbage, and grapes.


 

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Aims: This study aimed to develop and validate a model for predicting productivity in university administrative staff.
Instrument & Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 614 participants completed a survey that included the Job Stress Questionnaire, Job Security Scale, Role Clarity Scale, Distributive Justice Subscale, Procedural Justice Subscale, Job Content Subscale, Physical Health Questionnaire, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale, and Stanford Presenteeism Scale. To validate the proposed model, structural equation modeling was conducted using SPSS 23 and AMOS 23 software.
Findings: Distributive justice, job content, and procedural justice had the greatest direct impact on employee productivity. Additionally, workload, colleague support, management support, role clarity, and procedural justice were found to have significant positive relationships with mental health. Workload, management support, and job content also showed significant positive relationships with physical health, and both mental health and physical health positively predicted presenteeism. The findings revealed a mediating pathway in the relationship between mental health, physical health, and productivity. The data further suggested that mental health has a substantial impact on physical health. Moreover, mental health was found to mediate the relationship between job stressors and presenteeism through its effect on physical health.
Conclusion: Psychosocial factors, including distributive justice, job content, and procedural justice, have the greatest impact on employee productivity.

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Aims: In the past years, the increase in economic pressures and the shrinking of families and the motivation to live a simple life have caused an increase in the demand for small-scale houses. The purpose of this research is to identify the framework and ranking of flexibility components that can be effective in small-scale housing.

Methods: In this research, using the descriptive-analytical method, the effective components in the design of flexible small-scale houses were identified and the conceptual framework of the research was confirmed using the Delphi method. Then, using the survey method, these components were ranked in the 10th district of Isfahan through Shannon's entropy test. The statistical population includes three groups of experts, architectural experts and the public, whose opinions have been compared and analyzed using comparative analogy.

Findings: The research findings show that the components that are important from the point of view of all three groups include: multi-functional spaces, mezzanine spaces, adaptable facade with variable uses, use of shallow plans with rectangular geometry, movable furniture according to ergonomics and movable partitions according to It is ergonomic.

Conclusion: In the end, it can be concluded that among the identified components, several components such as partitions and movable furniture are compatible with human ergonomics and adaptable view, and modern technology is an important tool to achieve them.
 

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Aims: In contemporary residential architecture, semi-open spaces have lost their quality as one of the essential spaces of a home. Therefore, the aim of this research is identifing the components that increase the quality of semi-open residential spaces and assessing the level of intersections and differentiation of these components in literature review and contemporary residential architecture of the country.

Methods: The components of semi-open spaces were identified using a descriptive method, and then 30 case studies in IRAN were evaluated using a cese study method. The frequency and weight of the components were obtained based on Shannon's entropy in the literature and case studies. Subsequently, a comparative analysis was conducted between the prioritization of components between literature review and case studies.

Findings: the intersectional components of semi open space include diverse activities and spaces, desirable activities, view, interaction with environment, privacy and natural elements, adjacency to interior spaces, spatial dimensions - height, spatial proportions, openness, materials, and spatial construction elements. The semantic differentiations are as follow social interaction, safety, and comfort are protorized in the literature review, while aesthetic components such as restraint, visual continuity, and beauty are protorized in case studies. The physical differentiations are such that the literature emphasizes the physical structure, including surface areas, porosity, spaciousness, and depth of space, whereas the case studies illustrate a superiority of aesthetic considerations, involving color, volumetric balance, and form.

Conclusion: After considering the intersectional semantic and physical components as primary design imperatives, the differences indicate that what is crucial in enhancing the quality of semi-open spaces in contemporary residential works is desires, housing budgets, and socio-cultural requirements of diverse contexts.
 

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 Functional response of the female ladybeetle, Hippodamia variegata (Goeze) (Col., Coccinellidae) to varying densities (5, 10, 20, 40, 60 and 80) of third instar nymphs of Aphis gossypii Glover was assessed in a growth chamber (25˚C, 65± ­5% RH and a photoperiod of 16L: 8D h), on the black eyed bean, Vigna unguiculata (L.), in an open patch design. The logistic regression showed a type II functional response for female ladybeetles with the parameters (using Rogers’ model) as follows: a= 0.083±0.011^h-1 and T_h =0.197±0.040h. The mean time for the predator to be settled in a patch was 36.1±9.25, 26.8±5.81, 17.18±4.71, 8.5±2.12, 3.3± 0.88 and 0.8±0.35 minutes at densities of 5, 10, 20, 40, 60 and 80 third instar nymphs of A. gossypii, respectively. The settlement time decreased as prey density increased. The maximum theoretical predation (T/T_h) for the females was 121.475. The proportion of female H. variegata that remained at the end of the experiment and their voracity were dependent on prey density. This may give an indication for the ability of the predator to persevere in the high pest infestations, and thus a high level of control could be expected.

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The parasitoid Trichogramma brassicae Bezdenko is used for inundative releases in biological control programs against lepidopteran pests in agro-ecosystems. Age-specific functional responses of T. brassicae to different egg densities (5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 60, and 80) of sterilized eggs of Ephestia kuehniella at 23±1°C, 60±5% RH, and 16:8 h (L:D photoperiod ) were studied. E. kuehniella densities were separately presented to a single mated female of T. brassicae (1-day-old). The egg densities were replaced every day until the parasitoid died and each density was replicated 20 times. A type III functional response was obtained for the one-day-old females and a type II for two- to nine-day-old ones. Results show that parasitoid age influences searching efficiency and handling time. Searching efficiency (a´) varied as adult parasitoids aged. In contrast, handling time increased with age. The lowest and highest values were obtained in days 1 and 9 of the parasitoid's life, respectively. The maximum rate of parasitism (T/T_h) decreased significantly with an increase in parasitoid age. It was concluded that T. brassicae females were most efficient at early ages of their life and might be capable of efficiently suppressing lepidopteran pest populations.

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Demographic analyses of dubas bug, Ommatissus lybicus de Bergevin, (Hemiptera: Tropiduchidae), reared on five date palm varieties (Zahdi, Mazafati, Piarom, Khasi, and Shahani) were constructed under laboratory conditions at 27±1ºC, 70±5% RH, and a 14:10 hours (L: D) photoperiod. Data were analyzed based on the age-stage, two-sex life table theory to take the variable developmental rate among individuals and both sexes into consideration. Results showed that different varieties of date palm influenced development time and fecundity of dubas bug. The total pre-adult developmental time was the shortest on Zahdi (85.21 days) and the longest on Khasi (88.39 days). The longevities of both male and female adults on different varieties were significantly different. The mean fecundity per female was significantly higher on Zahdi (78.62 eggs) and Mazafati (68 eggs) than on Shahani (43.53 eggs) and Khasi (46.32 eggs). The highest and lowest net reproductive rates were obtained on Zahdi (40.58 offspring per individual) and Shahani (16.88 offspring per individual), respectively. The intrinsic rates of increase were 0.0401, 0.0368, 0.0355, 0.0312 and 0.0301 per day on Zahdi, Piarom, Mazafati, Khasi and Shahani, respectively. The mean generation times ranged from 92.78 days reared on Zahdi to 95.25 days on Mazafati. According to results obtained in this study, Shahani and Khasi were the most resistant varieties while Zahdi was the most susceptible variety to dubas bug among the varieties tested.

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Demographic parameters of the parasitoid wasp Trichogramma embryophagum Hartig reared on Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier) were determined for 40 generations (G5-G40). The experiments were done in a growth chamber at 26±2°C, 65±5% RH and photoperiod of 16:8 h (L:D). The results showed that the female longevity decreased significantly during successive production, ranging from 10.68 (in G5) to 9.64 days (in G40). On the other hand, the male longevity decreased significantly in the 20^th generation and no significant difference was found from G20 to G40. The oviposition days and mean total fecundity of T. embryophagum decreased as the number of generations increased. Generally, the wasps in earlier generations had longer adult longevity, longer life span, and higher fecundity than later generations. Moreover, sex ratio of T. embryophagum was not significantly different in successive generations. Results of paired bootstrap test indicated that all population growth parameters of T. embryophagum reared on S. cereallela were significantly different in successive generations. The highest and lowest values of the intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ), net Reproductive rate (R₀), Gross Reproductive Rate (GRR) and mean generation Time (T) of T. embryophagum were observed in G40 and G5, respectively. These results suggest that T. embryophagum wasps reared in sequential generations can be used successfully in biological control programs until the 20th generation without any loss of quality or performance; after that, regular rejuvenation of laboratory population by occasional importing of field-collected parasitoids should be done.