a. gholizadeh

Knowledge about genotype × environment interaction helps breeders to select the best adaptable and stable genotypes for different regions. The main objective of this research was to select higher yielding bread wheat genotypes, compared to control cultivar, that are adaptable to the climatic conditions of the tropical and subtropical rainfed regions of Iran. Thus, 15 bread wheat genotypes selected from advanced yield comparison experiments, along with the check cultivar of Aftab, were studied in a randomized complete block design with three replications for three cropping seasons (2017-2020) in four regions (Gachsaran, Gonbad, Khorramabad and Moghan). In order to analyze the genotype × environment interaction the multivariate method of Additive Main Effects and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) was used. The Results of combined analysis of variance indicated that 91.49, 1.54 and 5.03 percentage of the total variations are related to environment, genotype and genotype × environment interaction, respectively. Moreover, results showed that the first seven principal components of the AMMI model were significant and explained 97.94% of genotype × environment interactions. The biplot of mean grain yield and the first principle component of genotypes and environments revealed that genotypes G1, G12 and G11 with a higher grain yield than the overall mean and lowest genotype × environment interaction were stable with high grain yield. Among them, genotype 11 with suitable general adaptability can be selected as promising genotype and a candidate for introducing a new cultivar for arid and semiarid rainfed regions. In this research, Khorramabad, with high proportion of genotype × environment interaction was recognized as the ideal environment for differentiation and separation of bread wheat genotypes. The cluster analysis classified the studied environments into three groups. The inclusion of all three years experiments related to Moghan location in one group indicates the high predictability and repeatability of this region.

Evaluating of sunflower genotypes under different environmental conditions would be useful to identify genotypes with high stability and yield potential. In order to study yield stability of sunflower genotypes, 11 new hybrids along with four cultivars (namely Golsa, Ghasem, Shams and Farrokh) were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with four replications under four experimental field stations across Iran including Karaj, Sari, Kermanshah and Dezful during 2018-2020. The results of combined analysis of variance indicated that the effects of environments, genotypes and genotype × environment interaction were significant for seed yield. Existence of genotype × environment interaction, suggested that genotypes responded differently to the studied environment conditions. Therefore, there is the possibility of stability analysis. Cluster analysis based on the nonparametric stability statistics grouped genotypes in to three main clusters. According to the mean rank of all studied nonparametric stability parameters, the genotypes No. 5 and 14 with the lowest value of mean rank were distinguished as stable genotypes, meanwhile genotypes No. 1, 11, 12 and 9 with the highest values of mean rank were identified as non-stable genotypes. Also, the results indicated that the nonparametric statistics Si, NPi and NPi were associated with mean seed yield and the dynamic concept of stability. Therefore, these methods would be suitable for selecting stable and high yielding genotypes in sunflower. Finally, the genotype No. 5 with mean seed yield of 3355 kg ha-1 and high broad stability was distinguished as superior hybrid which can be used in the future breeding programs for producing the new cultivar with high yield and stability potential.

The effect of Ba ion substitution on structural, optical, and magnetic properties of Mn0.3-xBaxCu0.2Zn0.5Fe2O4 ferrites was investigated. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometer at room temperature. Structural results show that the structure of the samples with x up to 0.20 is completely indexed to a single-phase cubic structure (space group Fd m), while the impurity phase of BaO is observed in the samples with x = 0.25, 0.30. As the substitution content increases, the presence of non-magnetic Ba2+ ions in the octahedral site decreases the saturation magnetization of the samples. Comparison of the bandgap energy of the samples shows an increasing trend with Ba substitution for x up to 0.10 and then decreases, which can be interpreted in terms of changes in the electronic structure of the samples.

Selection of high yielding genotypes is very important in sunflower. Thus, 24 new sunflower hybrids along with Golsa cultivar were evaluated in a simple lattice design (5×5) with two replications in the Agriculture Research Station of Gorgan, north of Iran, during 2020. The genotype by yield × trait (GYT) biplot method was used in order to study the relationships between different traits and to select the new hybrids of sunflower based on yield-trait combinations. The result of polygon view of GYT biplot indicated that G19 was the best genotype in terms of the combination of seed yield with traits such as stem diameter, head diameter, seed number per head, thousand seed weight, early maturity and leaf number. Similarity, G5 also was superior genotype in terms of the combination of seed yield with a number of traits, including plant height, head height from ground level, leaf length, leaf width and petiole length. Based on average tester coordinate (ATC) view of GYT biplot, the genotypes G19 and G5 in terms of all positive yield-trait combinations were recognized as the best genotypes and genotypes G24, G23 and G25 as the weakest genotypes. A significant positive correlation was observed between seed number per head, thousand seed weight and early maturity in combination with seed yield. Moreover, these traits had high broad sense heritability. Therefore, it seems that traits such as seed number per head, thousand seed weight and early maturity could be used as suitable selection criterions for increasing seed yield in sunflower.Selection of high yielding genotypes is very important in sunflower. Thus, 24 new sunflower hybrids along with Golsa cultivar were evaluated in a simple lattice design (5×5) with two replications in the Agriculture Research Station of Gorgan, north of Iran, during 2020. The genotype by yield × trait (GYT) biplot method was used in order to study the relationships between different traits and to select the new hybrids of sunflower based on yield-trait combinations. The result of polygon view of GYT biplot indicated that G19 was the best genotype in terms of the combination of seed yield with traits such as stem diameter, head diameter, seed number per head, thousand seed weight, early maturity and leaf number. Similarity, G5 also was superior genotype in terms of the combination of seed yield with a number of traits, including plant height, head height from ground level, leaf length, leaf width and petiole length. Based on average tester coordinate (ATC) view of GYT biplot, the genotypes G19 and G5 in terms of all positive yield-trait combinations were recognized as the best genotypes and genotypes G24, G23 and G25 as the weakest genotypes. A significant positive correlation was observed between seed number per head, thousand seed weight and early maturity in combination with seed yield. Moreover, these traits had high broad sense heritability. Therefore, it seems that traits such as seed number per head, thousand seed weight and early maturity could be used as suitable selection criterions for increasing seed yield in sunflower.

In this paper, a comprehensive study of structural and elastic properties of MnFe2-xCoxO4 (x = 0.00, 0.40, 0.80, 1.20, 1.60, 2.00) nanoparticles, prepared by citrate-nitrate methodhas, been carried out. Samples were structurally analyzed using X-ray diffraction and Rietveld refinement. The results showed that the structure of the samples could be indexed in cubic symmetry with the space group Fdm, which is confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The values ​​of the elastic constants of the samples were calculated using the values ​​of the structural parameters as well as the frequencies obtained from the infrared spectrum of the samples. The values ​​of shear and transverse wave velocities obtained from force constants were used to determine the values ​​of Young's modulus, rigidity modulus, bulk modulus, and Debye temperature. The change in the elastic values ​​of the studied samples can be explained in terms of the presence of Co ions and the bond lengths obtained from the Rietveld method.

Sunflower is an important crop that its oil has high nutritional and economic value. In this study, genotype-trait biplot method was used to study interrelationships between different traits and new sunflower hybrids. For this study, 24 new sunflower hybrids along with Golsa cultivar were evaluated in a simple lattice design with two replications in Gorgan Agriculture Research Station, Gorgan, north of Iran, during 2020 cropping season. The results showed that thousand seed weight, head diameter, seed number per head, stem diameter, leaf length, leaf width and petiole length had a positive correlation with seed yield. Also, a negative correlation was observed between seed yield and phonological traits and plant height. Therefore, it can be concluded that improving seed yield may simultaneously lead to improve in the early maturity and dwarfism. Based on biplot polygon view, the genotypes No. 5 and 19 had superior characteristics in terms of seed yield and its attributes. Also, based on a hypothetical ideal genotype biplot, the genotypes No. 3, 2 and 10 outranked the other genotypes in terms of all examined traits. A majority of the examined traits had high discriminating ability and were able to show differences between genotypes. The stem diameter was the nearest trait to an ideal trait and, therefore, it has the highest discriminating ability and representativeness.

In the present study, the feasibility of planting ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) and spruce (Picea abies L.) tree species was investigated for rehabilitation of the Toroq Watershed in the northeast of Iran. The estimated land suitability indices ranged from 23.95 to 71.05, and 22.47 to 69.38 for ash and spruce plantations by parametric approach, categorized into moderately suitable (S2) in the east to not suitable (N) in the middle and western parts of the study area. The values of land indices by the AHP approach varied between 35.45 to 94.09 and 34.67 to 83.98 for ash and spruce plantations ranging from highly suitable (S1) in the east to moderately suitable (S2) in the middle and scattered parts in the east and not suitable (N) in the north and southwest of the basin. The results showed that the most important limitations were climate, elevation, soil depth, and soil texture. The regression coefficient (R2) of land suitability indices between parametric and AHP approaches for the two spices was 0.894 and 0.866 respectively. The results of the two models revealed that the moderately suitable class S2 is dominant for ash and spruce plantations in the eastern parts of the basin, while the middle and western parts of the basin were not suitable for plantation of the trees. The findings of this study may help land-use planners to rehabilitate the watershed by expanding forest plantation which ecologically tolerates extreme conditions of the region.

Evaluation of the different genotypes under different environmental conditions helps plant breeders in detecting stable and high-yielding genotypes. In this regard, 13 winter rapeseed cultivars and lines were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replications in six experimental field stations of cold and temperate regions of Iran (Isfahan, Hamedan, Karaj, Kermanshah, Khoy and Zarghan) during two cropping seasons. For analyzing genotype × environment interactions the multivariate method of additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) was used. The Results of combined analysis of variance indicated that 50.26, 4.68 and 23.49 percent of total variation were related to the environment, genotype and genotype × environment interaction effects, respectively. The results showed that the first five principal components of AMMI were significant and described 85.4% of the variance of genotype × environment interaction. Biplot graph of mean seed yield and first interaction principle revealed that genotype G13 had a higher average seed yield than the overall mean yield and lowest value for first principle component. Therefore, this genotype was selected as a high-yielding and stable genotype. Also, Zarghan and Khoy indicated the strongest interactions and, hence, were recognized as the most ideal environments for distinguishing and discriminating winter rapeseed genotypes. The cluster analysis classified the studied environments in three groups. The presence of Isfahan, Hamedan and Zarghan locations each in a group indicates that these locations had the higher predictability and repeatability power compared to other locations. Genotype G13 with mean seed yield of 4086.02 kg ha-1 and a broad adaptability could be used for cultivation in cold and temperate regions of Iran.

Bimetallic parts are widely used in chemical industry, petroleum, heat exchangers, and pressure vessels due to their properties of bimetallic workpieces, especially high weight strength, better mechanical properties, and at the same time reducing cost and weight loss compared to single-layer parts. Among the various processes used to produce these components, extrusion is a good choice for the formation of bimetallic parts due to the compressive stress and the possibility of metallurgical bonding. In the current study, the effect of temperature on the production of bimetallic parts in the case of shell copper and core aluminum alloy by extrusion method has been investigated. In this study, the two-layer connection of metal for a 45% thickness reduction the ratio was performed for three temperatures of 200, 300, and 400°C. Mechanical properties were also examined using a uniaxial tension test and a microstructure by using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that at the ratio of 45% thickness reduction at 200°C, there was no acceptable connection between the two layers, and after the process and cutting off the workpiece, the two layers did not separate, but a weak connection was established The microscopy images at the temperature of 300°C showed that this temperature was the threshold for the two-layer connection, and finally, at the 400°C, a more suitable connection was obtained in the bimetal parts.

Black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) is an annual plant from the buttercup family that has been used in food industry and cosmetic products in addition to its medicinal value. It is well known that abiotic stresses especially drought stress are very restrictive factors for agricultural production around the world. Drought stress affects a vast range of morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics of plants. Due to the decrease and shortage of agricultural water resources, researchers have conducted various researches to find materials that increase the efficiency of water use and maintenance in plants. One of these compounds is salicylic acid, and this material is naturally present in most plants and affects many physiological activities of the cell. Due to the decrease and shortage of agricultural water resources, researchers have conducted various researches to find materials that increase the efficiency of water use and maintenance in plants. One of these compounds is salicylic acid, and this material is naturally present in most plants and affects many physiological activities of the cell. Salicylic acid is a naturally occurring plant hormone that controls plant growth and induces water deficit tolerance in plants. One of these compounds is salicylic acid, and this material is naturally present in most plants and affects many physiological activities of the cell. Salicylic acid is a naturally occurring plant hormone that controls plant growth and induces water deficit tolerance in plants.

This study was conducted based on randomized complete design with factorial arrangement of treatment and three replications at research field of Gonbad Kavous University, Iran in 2018 winter and spring. Different irrigation regimes at four levels including no irrigation (dry farming), once irrigation at flowering stage, once irrigation at grain filling stage and twice irrigation at flowering and grain filling stages as well as salicylic acid factor at three levels including no application (control), seed priming (with 0.5 mM concentration), foliar spraying (with 0.5 mM concentration) were studied. After application of the treatments, the necessary sampling was done and the traits such as plant height, number of lateral branches, number of follicle per plant, number of seeds per follicle, weight of follicle per plant, plant dry weight, essential oil content, essential oil yield and, finally, grain yield in the plant were evaluated. Statistical calculations were performed using SAS 9.1 software. The mean of studied traits was also compared by using the least significant difference between the protected LSD at 5% probability level. The required graphs were also drawn using Excel software.

The results showed that simple effects of irrigation and salicylic acid on all traits were significant. The effects of irrigation and salicylic acid on all studied traits were also significant, except essential oil percentage and essential oil yield. The use of salicylic acid increased morphological traits. Also, the effects of irrigation and salicylic acid on all studied traits were significant, except essential oil percentage and essential oil yield. The use of salicylic acid increased morphological traits. The highest amount of essential oil and essential oil yield in irrigation levels were related to the irrigation at filling stage (0.65%) and twice irrigation at flowering and grain filling stages (7.93 kg ha-1), respectively. Salicylic acid treatment was the most essential oil and essential oil yield for salting. The highest grain yield (1330 kg ha-1) was obtained in foliar spraying application of salicylic acid under twice irrigated conditions and the lowest grain yield (817 kg ha-1) was obtained in non-application of salicylic acid at dry farming conditions.

Salicylic acid is able to reduce the negative effects of drought stress on black cumin plant. In general, the results showed that by using salicylic acid in the form of foliar application and twice irrigation, optimal yield of black cumin was achieved.

Salinity is one of the main osmotic stresses limiting plants growth and development through changes in osmatic and ionic balance. In order to mapping of the genomic regions of controlling quantitative trait locus (QTLs), related to salinity tolerance in barley and assessment of associated indices, an experiment was conducted during 2016-2017 using 100 families of barley along with their parents (badia × comino) in randomized completely design with three replications. The application of stress in four leaf stages of barley was applied as salting with a 10-day interval. Irrigation with 5 dS of water was started and in next steps, the salinity of irrigation water increased at 10, 15 and 20 dS / m2. In total 12 QTLs detected in the situation of normal and 8 QTL in the stress. condition. Total phenotypic variance explained by the QTLs varied from 9 to 14.3 percent, which the lowest related to stem length, chlrophyll content under normal conditions and the highest related to total number of leaves under stress conditions. The highest LOD was the total leaf weight trait obtained under stress condition (3.354). Stable QTLs in three environments as well as linked markers could be used in the marker assisted selection (MAS) to improve characteristics under salinity conditions at different trials replicated over years.

Due to the fresh water scarcity in many parts of the world, desalinating of water and wastewaters has been taken into consideration now. Microbial desalination cell (MDC) is a new technology which can desalinate water, generate electricity, and simultaneously purify wastewaters in a reactor. However, low current generation and deionization are from main challenges of this process. This study aimed to improve the MDCs efficacy. Three-cell MDC consisted of anode, cathode, and middle chambers, was designed. Here, ozone was used as a new electron acceptor in MDC (O3-MDC), and middle chamber solution containing 20 g/L NaCl was pretreated by ultrasonic process. The reactor operated under oxygen diffusion (O2-MDC), and without ultrasonic pretreatment was chosen as control. Biofilm formation on anode surface and dominant bacteria in the O3-MDC reactor were studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and 16S rRNA gene sequencing, respectively.
Findings: saltwater pre-treatment caused to increase the electrical conductivity from 28.1 ms/cm to 35.5 ms/cm. Moreover, the use of ozone in the reactor significantly improved the reactor performance in terms of bioelectricity generation and water desalination, so that O2-MDC and O3-MDC were able to remove 74% and 55.58% of NaCl from water, respectively. Proteobacteria, firmicuites and acidobacteria were dominant microbial communities in the anode biofilm based on 16S rRNA sequencing. Modified MDC can be a good option for water desalination if properly navigated. Although the process is still subject to some limitations, conducting such studies can provide basics of process operationalization and commercialization.

  Nurses are one of the most important members of healthcare teams, who are directly responsible for the care of the elderly. Positive attitude toward the recipients of care plays a fundamental role in the provision of care. The quality of care provision to the elderly, especially those with delirium, is influenced by several factors, including the attitude of nurses toward this patient group. The present study aimed to assess the attitude of nurses toward the care of elderly patients with delirium in the dimensions of knowledge, ability and self-confidence, ability to identify and understand the consequences, willingness to enhance knowledge, and burden of care. This cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 200 nurses employed in three teaching hospitals affiliated to Iran University of Medical Sciences, Iran, who were selected via convenience, proportionate stratification sampling in case they met the inclusion criteria. Data were collected using questionnaires of demographic data and attitude of nurses toward delirium consisting of 38 items. Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 16 at the significance level of P≤0.05. The attitude of head nurses toward the elderly patients with delirium was significantly better compared to nurses (P=0.005). The results of the analysis of variance indicated a significant difference with the variable of work experience with the elderly (P=0.003). In addition, occupational position (head nurse) was the only significant variable in the linear regression model. According to the results, occupational position and work experience with the elderly had the most significant associations with the attitude of the nurses toward the elderly patients with delirium. It is suggested that continuous training, evidence-based, and performance-based education be implemented to improve the attitude and practice of nurses. Furthermore, the care of elderly patients must be assigned to trained, experienced, enthusiastic, and interested personnel.