محسن جعفری نژاد

Science and Technology museums do special activities based on their goals as a research institute in regard with disseminating and popularization of science. In this article, the role of Iran science and technology museum in popularization of science by considering the activities of themuseum regarding to education, learning, popularizing and transferring scientific experiences to visitors has been introduced and examined.To study the activities of Iran Science and Technology Museum, with the approach of popularization of science, a questionnaire was randomly given to 100 visitors in the first half of 2014. Museum activities such as educational tours by experts, scientific learning in science and technology museum, the effectiveness of visits on visitors’ learning, interactive role of the museum’s objects in popularization of scientific concepts, chance of having scientific questions and answers about museum’s objects, increasing natural history information by visiting the hall of indigenous and modern technologies, familiarity with celebrities in different fields of knowledge, their works and inventions, scientific information about museum’s objects such as catalogue, brochure, receiving scientific information through animation and documentaries, holding workshops, seminars and scientific conferences for dissemination of science, were the mentioned materials in this survey. More than 80 percent of respondents have chosen IRSTM as a good place for popularization of science and scientific notions. In this regard one of the most important activities is the method of education and learning in science and technology museum which leads to a practical training during visit.

The study of the influence of serum indices can be a good indicator to assess the toxicity of pesticides in the environment. In this study¡ the effects of Fenpropathrine on plasma Na¡ K and cortisol level of common carp¡ Cyprinus carpio was investigated. The acute toxicity concentration (LC50) was determined for 96 hours according to O.E.C.D (1989) standard method. Then fish specimens were exposed to 5¡ 10 and 20% of LC50 (14µg/l) and also control group with three replicates. In each treatment¡ 54 healthy fish specimens (mean standard length: 7.8±0.6cm; mean weight: 10±1.2 g) were used. Sub lethal experiment was conducted for a period of 14 days and blood sampling was collected at 1¡ 7 and 14th day post exposure time. Plasma Na¡ K and cortisol levels were measured. The results show that plasma K levels of the exposed specimens increased and levels of plasma Na decreased significantly. Plasma cortisol levels increased in all treatments compared to control during the first day¡ and then decreased gradually. In conclusion¡ Fenpropathrine have direct effect on common carp stress and osmoregulation mechanisms.

Ala-Gol, Alma-Gol and Aji-Gol wetlands are situated about 60 km southwest of Gorgan city in the province of Golestan, Iran, These complex wetlands area is 3027 hectares and are one of the most valuable and important habitats in Iran from hydrological, biological and ecological point of view. And were reorded in the list of Wetlands of international importance in 1975. These wetlands included in Montreux Record in 1993 due to occurred changes in ecological characters as a result of developments, pollution or other human interference during the last two decades. Therefore it is essential to provide them with a comprehensive management plan for restoration and rehabilitation. According to the the management planning guideline of Ramsar convention, some studies and surveys conducted on occurred changes in ecological characters including drastic reduction of waterfowl birds and waders following over-hunting, decreasing in wetland water levels following unsustainable water operation, developing proper management strategies to mitigate these pressures, analyzed and implemented in 4 context. These context included in interaction among relevant organizations, determining some restriction rules to water over uses, controlling the land use changes around the wetland, organizing the recreational activities, education of local people, enhancing public culture and conducting works for improving the conservation status of wetlands. Finally Ramsar convention secretariats experts confirmed wetland restoration after 16 years performing management plan and these wetlands removed from the Montreux Record as the first experience for Montreux Iranian wetlands.

Existence value of Gomishan international wetland was determinate using Contingent Valuation Method. The study was carried out using surveying the native as well as non-native populations. Questionnaires were completed in random-systematic sampling manner. Results showed that income and education level had the highest impact on Willingness to pay for conservation of wetland. Existence value of the wetland as measured based on mean willingness to pay for native and non-native habitant was estimated at 15537056.3 and 2824249276 Rials, respectively. The economic value of the wetland, based on annual fishing revenue (common carp, kutum, vobla, zander and mullets) in the wetland, was estimated at 87000000 Rials. The economic value of game birds, based on their population and meat price, was estimated at 16000650 Rials. according to the international confirmed indexes, the economic value of the wetland for different functions (flood control, water supply, habitat for native and immigrant species, raw materials supply, Eco-tourism and cultural value), was estimated as $ 201960002.1 per hectare.