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Nizami Ganjavi was a great Masnavi writer of the 6^th century (AH.) and one of the founders of Persian poetic fiction. One of the attractions of Nizami’s Masnavi is blessing, litany, and ascensions that are seen in the beginning of each of his verses, which have been highly regarded by his followers due to their beauty and unutterable imagination. The current paper intends to make a comparative study of Nizami’s Khamsa (or five poems) and three Arabic ascensions before it; i.e. Kitab al-Maeraj of Qashiri, Maeraj al Nabi of Ibn Abbas and Al Isra’a va al Maeraj of Ibn Hajar Esghalani and Sayouti that have shown similarities and differences in structure and content. Hence, it is concluded that in spite of distinguishing features, Nizami has been much influenced by the aforementioned works in performing his ascensions. To this end, the literature of Nizami was matched with the evidences acquired from the above ascensions so that similarities become more apparent and obvious.

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In general, temporary well plugging is essential for repairing of oil and gas wells due to their long life time. One of the newest methods used for this purpose is gel polymer plugging. The strength of the gel in the well conditions is one of the most important challenges in the application of gel polymer in the temporary well plugging in work over operation. In this study, silica nanoparticles were used to improve the strength of polymer hydrogels. The bottle and rheological tests were used to determine the gel strength in desired well conditions (high temperature and high salinity). Also, the gel strength properties and swelling behavior were studied in various conditions such as distilled water, formation water, tap water and oil. It was observed that the strength of the gel increased from 520Pa to about 36kPa (5000% increase) by adding nanoparticles. Also, the gel swelling in the aqueous solution has been significantly reduced. Based on the results obtained in this study, a polymer gel containing 9 wt.% of silica nanoparticles with structural strength and thermal stability at 90 °C was introduced for field studies.

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A survey was conducted to identify the fungus gnats (Diptera: Mycetophilidae) in Kermanshah province (west of Iran) during 2010-2011. The specimens were collected from nine different localities. Adults were reared from the fruiting bodies of Agaric fungi. Five species are recorded for the first time from Iran: Mycetophila strigatoides (Lundrock), Allodia ornaticollis (Meigen), Rymosia pseudocretensis Burghele-Balacesco, Synplasta gracilis (Winnertz) and Sciophila eryngii Chandler. Eight host associations (gnats-fungi) are also reported for the first time. The diagnostic characters, host range and geographical distribution of each species are given.  

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The fauna of Onychiurinae were investigated in different parts of Kermanshah province during 2013–2014. Specimens were collected from both leaf litter and surface layer of the soil. Totally four species from three genera were found. All of them are new for Kermanshah province and Protaphorura levantina (Christiansen, 1956), Heteraphorura cf. japonica (Yosii, 1967) and Vibronychiurus archivari (Christiansen, 1956) were not previously recorded in Iran; it is also the first time that the genus of Vibronychiurus Pomorski, 1998, is collected and reported for the country.

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Aims: Many infectious diseases had traditionally been cured with herbal medicines. Antimicrobial agents are often produced synthetically to increase the food durability and quality. The purpose of this study was to determine the antimicrobial properties of the aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Allium schoenoprasum.
Materials & Methods: In this experimental study, after preparation Allium schoenoprasum samples, aqueous and alcoholic extracts were prepared and their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli and Vibrio cholerae by micro broth dilution method. Erythromycin was used as the control.
Findings: The MIC of alcoholic and aqueous extracts of A. schoenoprasum was 16-256 and 32->256µg/ml, respectively and MBC of them were 32-256 and 64->256ug/ml, respectively. The A. schoenoprasum exhibited higher activity against S. aureus and B. cereus strains.
Conclusion: The extracts of A. schoenoprasum have antimicrobial effect on S. aureus, B. cereus, E. coli and V. cholerae strains in micro broth dilution method.

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Present study was done in forests of northern Iran during 2016 to investigate Entomobryomorpha (Collembola) fauna. Seven genera and nine species belonging to families Tomoceridae and Entomobryidae were found. The genus Pogonognathellus Paclt, 1944 and species P. flavescens (Tullberg, 1871) belonging to Tomoceridae family are recorded for the first time from Iran, also three new records from Entomobryidae of genus Entomobrya Rondani, 1861 are reported for Mazandaran province fauna.

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Specimens of springtails were collected from soil and leaf litter in the forests of Mazandaran province, north of Iran during 2016–2017. Three species were recorded in this country for the first time, Xenylla szeptyckii Skarżyński, Piwnik & Porco, 2018 (Hypogastruridae), Friesea espunaensis Arbea & Jordana, 1993 (Neanuridae) and Tomocerina minuta (Tullberg, 1877) (Tomoceridae). Detailed descriptions of these species are provided based on the materials collected from Mazandaran province, Iran.

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In this study the biodiversity and relative abundance of Collembola was evaluated in two different ecosystems, citrus field and forest in Mazandaran province, Iran. Samples were carried out during 2016 and 2017. In each site, soil was sampled by a collecting core from 5×5 cm in surface area and a depth of 10 cm. Species richness, biodiversity and the indices of similarity were calculated. The results of T-Test showed that in two years (2016 and 2017), the values of Shannon-Wiener diversity and Simpson species diversity index were significantly different between sampling areas (Pvalue<0.05), but the values of Margalef richness and Pielou evenness index were not significantly (Pvalue˃0.05). In the year 2016, Shannon-Wiener index, Simpson index, Pielou evenness and Margalef species richness in Dasht-e Naz forest were 1.92 ± 0.1, 0.83 ± 0.03, 2.01 ± 0.2 and 0.94 ± 0.04 respectively, and in citrus field were 1.44 ± 0.11, 0.73 ± 0.02, 1.46 ± 0.37 and 0.9 ± 0.03 respectively. Also, in the year 2017, Shannon-Wiener index, Simpson index, Pielou evenness and Margalef species richness in Dasht-e Naz forest were 1.79 ± 0.05, 0.81 ± 0.08, 1.38 ± 0.25 and 0.94 ± 0.09 respectively, and in citrus field were 0.98 ± 0.22, 0.58 ± 0.08, 1.02 ± 0.35 and 0.95 ± 0.05 respectively. In general, the results showed that the abundance and biodiversity of Collembola in Dasht-e Naz forest was higher than in citrus field.

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­­­The biodiversity of the Noctuidae, an economically important family of Noctuoidea which include major crop pests, is becoming well-identified nowadays in Iran due to the increased number of faunal expeditions. The two large subfamilies of Noctuidae namely Xyleninae Guenée, 1837 and Noctuinae Latreille, 1809 comprise the majority of Iran's noctuid moth fauna. Two species, Leucochlaena hoerhammeri (Wagner, 1931) and Dichagyris (Stenosomides) mansoura (Chrétien, 1911) members of Xyleninae and Noctuinae subfamilies, respectively, are recorded from Iran for the first time. This is also the first record of the subgenus Stenosomides Strand, 1942 from Iran. Both the external and genital characteristics of the newly recorded species are presented together with illustrations of the adults and their genitalia.

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Prior to this study eight species of Mesopolobus Westwood were recognized from Iran. In this study, one species namely M. aspilus (Walker) is newly recorded. An illustration of the external features of this species is provided. All known species from Iran were reviewed, the key to species and their geographical distribution in Iran is provided.

 

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The purpose of the study was to investigate the role of practicing reflective assessment (RA) strategies in language classroom and to examine EFL learners’ perceptions regarding RA. In order to do so, the following research questions and hypotheses were answered:
Research questions:

1. Does applying RA strategies impact EFL learners’ achievements in General English (GE) classes?
2. Is there any statistically significant difference in post-test scores of EFL learners who practiced RA strategies and who did not?
3. Is there any statistically significant difference in retention-test scores of EFL learners who practiced RA strategies and who did not?
4. What are EFL learners’ perceptions regarding the application of RA strategies in language classroom?

 
Research hypotheses:

1. Applying RA strategies does not impact EFL learners’ achievements in General English classes.
2. There is not any statistically significant difference in post-test scores of EFL learners who practiced RA strategies and who did not.
3. There is not any statistically significant difference in retention-test scores of EFL learners who practiced RA strategies and who did not.

This study followed a mixed-methods design and both quantitative and qualitative data were used. The participants of the quantitative phase were 90 Computer Engineering students at Shahid Beheshti University who took part in General English (GE) classes. Two classes were selected and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Intermediate-level learners were selected based on their Oxford Placement Test’s scores. After pretest, in the experimental group, the students practiced Ellis's (2001) RA strategies, but in the control group, the normal course of class was followed. Five RA strategies (Ellis, 2001) were practiced in the experimental group. They were I Learned Statement, Talk about it (Think Aloud), Clear and unclear windows, The week in review, and Record keeping: After ten sessions, the posttest was administered and four weeks later, delayed posttest was administered. Considering the qualitative phase of the study, the participants were 45 computer engineering students (experimental group) and their perceptions regarding RA were extracted using questions and a questionnaire (Kourilenko, 2013). To do so, the participants were asked to complete a questionnaire and answer two interview questions regarding the application of RA and its impact on their English language achievements. After both quantitative and qualitative data collection, the data were analyzed. For quantitative data analysis, paired-samples t-test and independent-samples t-tests were used, and for qualitative data analysis, content analysis was run. The results revealed that the practice of RA strategies had a positive impact on EFL learners’ GE achievements (t (44) = -8.7, p<0.05). Furthermore, it was found that there were statistically significant differences between experimental and control groups’ scores in posttest (t (88) = 3.25, p< 0.05) and retention test (t (88) = 4.58, p< 0.05). According to the data, EFL learners, who practiced RA strategies, had higher scores in their post-test and retention-test compared to their control group counterparts. Besides, the analysis of the qualitative data showed that EFL learners had a positive approach to RA, and themes like increased collective morale, enhanced awareness of errors, and increased motivation to learn were the most frequent ones regarding positive impacts of RA and lack of time and knowledge, tediousness of over-practicing, and lack of students’ cooperation were found to be obstacles in practicing RA in the language classroom. The results of this study may have beneficial implications for EFL learners, teachers and material developers. EFL learners can apply different RA strategies in their learning process to increase their awareness of what they have learned and how they have learned them. EFL teachers should encourage their learners to practice RA strategies and provide them with appropriate feedback to help them improve their learning. Finally, EFL material developers can insert activities in the books and educational materials which trigger students’ reflection. Moreover, they can design activities which motivate learners to write reflective journals and record their scores in order to follow the way of their progress. Overall, this study revealed that practicing RA strategies are beneficial in language classroom and EFL learners have positive attitudes toward it. It is noteworthy to state that this is the first study conducted in Iran considering the implementation of RA and its effectiveness in the language classroom. It is hoped that it paves the way for further research in the realm of RA in Iran.
 
 

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Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) is one of the major limiting factors in host plant production in the world and Iran. In this study, the effect of semi-artificial diets based on the seeds of different cultivars of white and red kidney bean, canola, soybean, and cowpea on eco-physiological parameters of H. armigera were investigated. The results showed that the shortest (22.71 days) and longest (28.94 days) development time of H. armigera was observed on cowpea cultivar Mashhad and canola cultivar Opera, respectively. The maximum immature mortality of H. armigera was on soybean cultivars M7 and Clark. Cowpea cultivar Mashhad had the highest r (0.299 day^-1). The lowest level of proteolytic activity was 2.829 U mg^-1 on soybean cultivar M7 for the 3^rd instar larvae, 2.525 U mg^-1 on soybean cultivars Crark for the 4^th instar larvae, and 2.292 U mg^-1 on soybean cultivar Sari for the 5^th instar larvae. Nutritional indices of 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th, 6^th and whole instar larvae of H. armigera were affected by the artificial diets, i.e. seeds of different cultivars. According to the results, semi-artificial diets containing bean seeds (specifically cowpea cultivar Mashhad and white kidney bean cultivar Daneshkadeh) were more suitable than semi-artificial diets containing soybean and canola seeds for rearing of H. armigera. 

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The Sunn pest, Eurygaster integriceps Puton (Hemiptera: Scutelleridae), is a key pest of wheat in Iran. The nymphs and adults reduce wheat yield quality and quantity by feeding on leaves, stems, and grains. Pesticide application is the main method of Sunn pest control. Precocene, a juvenile hormone inhibitor, exerts cytotoxic effects on corpora allata of insects' species. . In this research, the effect of precocene-I (7-methoxy-2, 2-dimethyl chormene) on Sunn pest egg development and subsequent progenies was evaluated in the laboratory. Concentration range on eggs bioassay was 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 µg mL^-1. The results of bioassay tests on 2- and 5-day old eggs showed that LC₅₀ values were 15.4 and 15 µg mL^-1, respectively. Therefore, old eggs were more sensitive than young eggs. The effects of LC₃₀ and LC₅₀ of precocene-I on the egg and nymphal mortality were significantly stronger than the control, and the highest mortality rates in the first and third instars were 14.28 and 13.26%, respectively. Also, precocene-I did not affect embryonic period, but increased nymphal period (39.3 days), compared to the control (34.8 days). Morphological changes on nymphs that emerged from treated eggs included large wings and hemelytron. The fifth instars showed deformed scutellum. Also, typically, some old cuticules were not completely separated.

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In this research, the drawing force was evaluated in the cold drawing process of 410 stainless steel tubes. By FEM simulation, upper limit solving methods, slab analysis, and the experimental process of drawing force and optimal angle of the die was obtained. The practical drawing was done with an industrial drawing device using a fixed plug method. Abaqus software was used to simulate the process. Determining the required drawing force and predicting it was calculated using the methods of horizontal analysis and the upper limit of its range. According to the results, the lowest value of the coefficient of friction was 0.15 and the lowest drawing force was obtained at the die angle of 32 degrees. In addition, by simulating the process in Abaqus, the force was calculated and the validation of the results was done to predict the required force. After conducting the practical tests, the difference between the experimental and simulation predicted force was determined to be less than 7%.


 

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Oil, as a primary source of energy, has a significant impact on promoting economic activities. Oil provides considerable part of the government's revenue sources. The price of oil has always fluctuated over the years due to various reasons including political, social, and economic developments in different countries. Since the price of oil affects different sectors of the economy, including agriculture, through the government budget and the revenue sources of the government, this study investigated the effect of OPEC oil price fluctuations on the value added of the agricultural sector from 1990 to 2019. The Generalized Autoregressive Score (GAS) Model estimated these fluctuations, while the Nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) method estimated the long-term relationships. In addition to OPEC oil price fluctuations, variables such as the consumer price index, employment in the agricultural sector, and the trade openness degree were examined in the model. The results showed a negative effect of OPEC oil price fluctuations on the agricultural sector's value added. Furthermore, the trade openness had a positive effect on the agricultural value added in the long term. Results indicate that oil income is one of the most important issues that decline agricultural sector's value added, and the government should control this negative relation to develop agriculture as a vital part of the economy.

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