s.h. razavi

It is very clear that in today's world, empowered women are one of the main indicators of the superiority of a society over other societies, because they will significantly increase individual performance to achieve society's goals. A developed society needs capable women so that they can create good and novel ideas and then realize them by participating in decision-makings and activities. Rural women, as hidden workers, play a vital role in home and farm activities, especially in planting, growing, harvesting, and processing livestock products. By empowering rural women, they can find appropriate solutions for problems in terms of technical, skill, interaction, etc. In other words, capable rural women can understand their duties well before they are told what to do . Empowerment strategies include equal access to opportunities, resources, credits, and education. Studies show that by empowering women, the whole society finds benefits, because empowered rural women expand the acquired capabilities in the family. They act like catalysts. By transferring the acquired abilities to others, on the one hand, the time to reach the development goals is reduced, and on the other hand, the desired goals are achieved more easily.

The present research is a sequential qualitative-quantitative mixed research with an exploratory approach. In the qualitative part, the dimensions and components of rural women's empowerment were first extracted using the meta-composite method. Due to the existence of an information gap in the data, an attempt was made to resolve this gap by using the foundation's data theory. The population of this phase of the research to conduct interview of a focus group included experts in the field of women (N=64) and a number of rural women who work in the projects of the Agriculture-Jahad Organization (N=36324). The categories extracted from the qualitative section were converted into questionnaire items, and in the quantitative section, they were validated with the help of a questionnaire survey and factor analysis. The population of the quantitative section included 80 experts from the Office of Rural Women Affairs and the service centers of Lorestan province. Due to the limited statistical population, all of them were considered as samples. In this phase, a five-item Likert scale was used to measure the importance of the measurement items. Ensuring the quality of the questionnaire, its validity and reliability were checked. The face validity of the questionnaire was checked and confirmed by providing corrective opinions of relevant experts and professors. Cronbach's alpha test was also used to check the reliability. The results showed that the questionnaire has acceptable reliability and all alpha values are higher than 0.70

The findings in the metacomposition section showed that 14 survey sources, 12 review sources, 13 descriptive sources, and 1 causal-comparative source were used in metacomposition, 70% of which had a quantitative approach, 27% a qualitative approach, and 3% enjoyed a mixed approach. Also, research tools included 23% of sources and documents; 57%, questionnaire; 10% interviews and 10% a combination of questionnaires and interviews. The results of the analysis in the quantitative part are chi-square value of 1.27 degrees of freedom, which is at the optimal threshold of less than 3. Also, the root mean square error of estimation (RMSEA) should be less than 0.08, which is 0.051 and acceptable. The values of goodness of fit indices of GFI and AGFI, NFI and CFI should also be more than 0.90, which in the present study are 0.97, 0.95, 0.97 and 0.98, respectively, and are at the optimal level. Therefore, the dimensions and components obtained from the qualitative step of the study have the necessary quality to present the rural women's empowerment model of Lorestan province.The t value of all indicators is higher than 1.96 and significant at the level of less than 0.05. Also, the values of the factor loadings showed that all the measurement items are at an acceptable level above 0.5. The values of Cronbach's alpha were higher than 0.7 and were acceptable. The calculation of composite reliability (CR) and average variance extracted (AVE) values and their placement at higher levels than the acceptance threshold of 0.7 and 0.5, respectively, also construct the validity. In order to check the diagnostic validity, the Fornell-Larker criterion was used. The investigation showed that the square root of the AVE values is all greater than the internal correlation values between the other components of the model at a significance level of less than 0.05. This finding shows how different the measurement items of one component are from other components. Based on this, the model has the necessary diagnostic validity.

In this research, it has been tried to identify and explain the dimensions and components of rural women's empowerment in Lorestan province. The findings of this research showed that although some dimensions of rural women's empowerment are consistent with the results of previous literature (such as educational, structural and socio-cultural dimensions); it is diverted in parts due to having a comprehensive, broad and context-oriented view on the problem of explaining and classifying the dimensions and components of rural women's empowerment through successive quantitative and qualitative mixed studies and including the benefit of focus group interviews with rural women and experts. The field of rural women is distinguished from other conducted researches. Based on this, the main dimensions of empowerment of rural women in Lorestan province include five dimensions of comprehensive education, individual-cognitive, economic, structural and socio-cultural, which have been reported in the findings of some previous researches. Therefore, the obtained results show double importance of these dimensions in the issue of empowering rural women and also achieving rural development. In addition, 52 items were identified, explained and classified for the twelve components of these dimensions.

In this paper, advanced manufacturing and eco-friendly welding between AISI 409 finned to high pressure T22 boiler tube produced by "High-frequency resistance welding (HFRW)" process has been studied. The current development in the power generation industry is HFRW clean energy contributes to the resolution of the greenhouse effect. HFRW technology was implemented on actual samples by changing multiple parameters. Meanwhile metallography of weld bond, tensile strength and hardness tests were performed on several sections of the samples according to international standard finned tube.  The diffusion zone indicating the schematic of weld width and weld depth of finned tube observed under the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) which is used for analyses width are that the weld width must be ≥ 90% of fin thickness which can be calculated at the weld interface, with applying optimum welding parameters. Moreover, as the pitch and fin thickness are reduced, the output transfer surface treatment in final process diminished. Hence, the parametric optimization HFRW and the higher quality of finned tube welding bond is revealed by the best conditions of fin pitch.

Panoramic radiography is one of the common dental imaging procedures using ionizing radiation. It is necessary to control the level of exposure and use the optimized levels. So, the current work aimed to estimate the surface absorbed doses of critical organ regions, namely thyroid and parotid glands. Moreover, dose area product (DAP) values were measured and a local DRL was then established for panoramic radiography.

The data from 201 patients including 141 adults and 60 children (5-10 years) were used for this cross-sectional study. Seven panoramic radiography systems were selected from 6 radiology clinics in Yazd province. For each patient, 12 thermoluminescence dosimeters (TLD GR-200) were used to obtain the surface absorbed dose in both the thyroid and parotid gland regions. The DRL values were calculated using DAP values in terms of the ICRP recommendation.

The mean and standard deviation (SD) of thyroid and parotid glands’ surface absorbed doses were equal to 60.6±3.7 and 290±12.4 µGy in the adult group, respectively. In the children group, these values were 40.7±2 and 189.3±11.5 µGy, respectively. Moreover, the local DRL values were obtained as 99.7 and 73.4 mGy.cm2 for the adults and children groups, respectively.

The higher surface absorbed dose values in the adult group can be related to the use of higher radiation parameters. The local DRL proposed for the adult and pediatric groups in the current study was relatively lower than those established by other reports, which seemed acceptable for panoramic radiography in Yazd, Iran.

Tendency toward consuming ready-foods has been increased due to industrialization of countries. Noodle is one these foods. Low mobility and consuming ready-foods make interference in digestion system causing bloat, Constipation, and fatness. Therefore, in this study we try to solve this problem and turn this product to a functional product resulting in decreased complications and increased satisfaction and health of consumer.In this study, two mixtures of Lactic sourdough and fermentation wheat bran, both separately and mixed have been used in producing noodle.This includes 9 attendances, 1 witness, and 3 repetitions. Physic-chemical and microbiological and rheological tests and sensual evaluation have been carried out for the samples. One-way ANOVA was used to compare attendances. Multi amplitude test of Duncan was used to compare attendances average. Tests results in the factorial form were reported in 3 repetitions based on completely randomized design. They showed that in lactic sourdough samples in attendance 1 (1%) we have the best texture and appearance.

In this research, densification and shape distortion of the Al-Cu-Mg (Al2024) pre-alloyed powder compact in the supersolidus liquid phase sintering process (SLPS) were investigated. The effect of Sn on the sintering process was also studied. The powders were compacted at pressures ranging from 100 to 500 MPa in a cylindrical die. The sintering process was performed in a dry N2 atmosphere at various temperatures (580-620 ºC) for 30 min at a heating rate of 10 ºCmin-1. Results showed that the onset of densification process was observed at 600ºC and onset of distortion was occurred at 610ºC. Addition of 0.1 wt. %Sn to the alloy has increased the distortion of the samples produced from Al-Cu-Mg pre-alloyed powder, but their densification has been improved. The compact pressure of 200MPa caused the complete densification at the optimum sintering temperature and at the compact pressures greater than 200MPa; the sintered density was independent of green density.

During the cancer treatment course, in addition to the destructive effects on the tumor cells, chemotherapy also damages healthy tissues and disrupts the balance of oxidant and antioxidant levels. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of omega-3 on sperm DNA methylation and histological structure of rat testis after treatment with combination chemotherapy using bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin (BEP).

In this experimental study, 40 male rats were randomly divided into four groups of control, BEP, BEP+omega-3 and omega-3 (n=10). The control group was treated with 0.9% normal saline intraperitoneally for 18 weeks. The second group (BEP) first received 0.9% normal saline intraperitoneally for nine weeks. Then, it received BEP at 5.1 mg / kg for nine weeks, received etoposide and cisplatin at 5.7 mg/kg through gavage on days 1-5 of each week, and then received bleomycin at 75 mg/kg on days 2 of each week. The third group was gavaged with 0.9% saline for 9 weeks and then, orally received 300 mg/kg/day omega-3(capsule containing 1000 mg, 18% EPA and 12% DHA) for 9 weeks and in BEP + omega-3 group treated with BEP based on the same method and then orally received 300 mg/kg omega-3 as an antioxidant for the second nine weeks daily. Sperm DNA methylation and histological structure of rat testis including seminiferous tubules and basement membrane thickness were respectively evaluated by immunofluorescence staining and Periodic acid – Schiff (PAS) after 18 weeks of treatment in all groups.  

The mean percentage of sperm DNA methylation in the BEP-treated group (52.22±3.11) was significantly decreased compared to the control group (81.80±2.92) (p<0.001). However, the mean percentage of sperm DNA methylation increased significantly with omega-3 use after treatment with BEP (67±2.18) compared with BEP group (p<0.01). In light microscopy of testicular tissue, the number of spermatogonial cells (44.95±1.56), primary spermatocytes (47.60±1.45) as well as the epithelial thickness of seminiferous tubules (145.5±5.64) and basement membrane (7.07±0.29) decreased in the BEP-treated group in comparison with control group (p<0.001). However, the use of omega-3 after treatment with BEP significantly improved the number of germ cells and epithelial thickness of the seminiferous tubule and basement membrane (p<0.01).

Based on the results of this study, omega-3 as an antioxidant can improve the cytotoxic effects of chemotherapy drugs and it is recommended to be used for cancer patients after chemotherapy to reduce the cytotoxicity of these drugs.
 

The species of Lactobacillus are widely present in many natural environments that areimportant in fermented processes. Among these species some belong to the lactic acid bacteria group that areuseful in fermented food. One of the species of lactobacilli group such as L. plantarum provides health benefits,but their identification is one of the main issue. In order to proceed with this project, conventional culturemethod and PCR primers have been employed to identify L. plantarum. According to the conventional culturemethod, colonies were Gram-positive and catalase-negative in the form of coccoid-rod, short, long, thin and fine.Under the PCR conditions, L. plantarum and L. brevis strains were detected in only one sample at 250C. Inchemical technique, L. plantarum was separated from L. brevis in four cultures medium with 4-7% NaCl whereL. brevis became inactive. The isolated L. plantarum that was used in the fermented cucumbers prevented thegrowth and development of pathogenic organisms.

Beer is a popular drink worldwide. Due to the disadvantages of alcoholic beer consumption on pregnant women، those with cardiovascular diseases، professional athletes، driving accidents، traffic events، and work-place considerations، there has been being a trend among population to consume non-alcoholic beer with pleasant sensory characteristics. This research investigates the effects of different saccharomyces strains and fermentation conditions on production of non-alcoholic beer. Four strains of saccharomyces (S. cerevisiae 70424، S. ludwigii 3447، S. rouxii 70535 and S. rouxii 70531) were added to the wort with defined gravity in two levels. The wort was fermented in three temperatures for 48 h under anaerobiosis or under periodic aeration (each 12 h). Optical density was assessed by spectrophotometry، and wort gravity and ethanol content by beer analyzer (at 12-h intervals during fermentation) over 48 h. Sensory analysis was performed by a panel group consists of 6 trained panelists. Experiments were performed in triplicate and the ranked orders of means were determined in significance level of 0. 05 (p<0. 05) using two-way ANOVA test from Minitab software (State College، PA، USA). The design was ‘completely randomized design’. Treatments with 4×107 (cfu/mL) inoculation rate and fermentation temperature of 24˚C resulted in the greater growth rate under periodic aeration and the higher ethanol production under anaerobic condition. The greatest wort gravity was seen in treatments with inoculation rate of 107 (cfu/mL)، periodic aeration and fermentation at 4˚C (p<0. 05). Treatments with 107 (cfu/mL) inoculation level، fermentation at 4˚C possessed the lowest growth rate under anaerobiosis and the lowest ethanol production under periodic aeration. Among the yeasts used، the highest and lowest amounts of growth rate، ethanol production and wort gravity were related to S. cerevisiae and S. rouxii، respectively. The greatest scores for flavor in sensory analysis was observed for the sample fermented with S. cerevisiae. Using S. cerevisiae in restricted fermentation methodology under the conditions of 107 (cfu/mL) inoculation level، periodic fermentation and fermentation temperature of 4˚C were found suitable for production of non-alcoholic beer due to its acceptable sensory properties and the alcohol amout less than 0. 5%.

The viability of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis was monitored during the storage of probiotic Doogh for 21 days as influenced by incubation and storage temperatures and product’s final pH value. Samples were fermented at various temperatures (37، 40 and 44°C) till the pH value dropped to 4. 6، 4. 4 or 4. 0. The highest viability of probiotics was achieved at fermentation temperature 37°C and final pH values 4. 4 and 4. 6. Storage of these two best treatments in various temperatures (5، 10 and 15°C) for 21 days resulted a rapid decrease in B. lactis population in the first 7 days after which the bacteria became compatible with the harsh condition. The highest viability occurred for L. acidophilus merely at pH lower than 4. 05 ± 0. 05 and its growth was observed in first week of storage. Samples stored at 5°C showed the highest viability and samples at 15°C had the best sensory properties.

Lycopene is a naturally red carotenoid that can be produced by some plants and microorganisms. It is not provitamin A, but it has 11 conjugated double bounds with high antioxidant activity. The antioxidant activity of lycopene has been extensively evaluated based on its ability to scavenge free radicals. Lycopene is a major carotenoids found in human serum and by virtue of its ability to interact with free radicals can preserve the important cell biomolecules such as DNA, proteins and lipids and it plays a significant role in the prevention of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular, prostate, osteoporosis and gastrointestinal. Tomato and tomato products are the most important sources of lycopene and the increasing consumption of lycopene diets is benefit to human health. Because of high demand for natural carotenoids, the production of kinds of carotenoids from microbial sources has been focused by many researchers. Lycopene has been found in several microorganisms. The production of lycopene could been enhanced by using kinds of media cultures, metabolic stimulators and inhibitors, mutagenic materials, environmental and cultural factors and genetic engineering. This review summarized the information about structure and characteristics of lycopene and it,s role in human health and introduce the some microbial resources of it.

Combining antimicrobial agents directly into a food packaging is a form of active packaging. In this study chitosan-based edible films containing thyme and cinnamon essential oils at 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% v/v were prepared to examine their antibacterial, physical and mechanical properties. Scanning electron microscopy was carried out to explain structure-property relationships. Films were more effective against gram-positive bacteria than gram-negatives. Films containing thyme essential oil revealed larger inhibition zones than those of containing cinnamon essential oil against bacteria tested. Incorporating thyme essential oil into chitosan-based films increased moisture content, solubility in water, water vapor transmission rate and elongation at break of edible films. Cinnamon-enriched films had opposite changes such as increase in tensile strength and decrease in moisture content and solubility in water. It is postulated that the unique properties of the cinnamon essential oil added films could suggest the cross-linking effect of cinnamon essential oil within the chitosan matrix. Electron microscopy images confirmed the results obtained in this study. The results of this study showed that thyme and cinnamon essential oils have a good potential for using with chitosan to make antimicrobial films and coatings for various food applications.

The aim of the present study was to understand if EBs can promote generation of neurons following co-culture with chick embryo somites.

The mouse ES cells line Royan B1 were cultured in hanging drops to induce embryoid bodies (EBs) formation. Then RA was added to some EBs according to 2-/2+/2+ protocol to evaluate the potential of their neuron generation. Somites were isolated from the chick embryos and then embedded in alginate solution. Finally alginate beads containing somites were co-cultured with EBs as 1:1 and 4:1 ratio.

Mean percentage of EBs containing neurons in RA somite 4:1 somite 1:1 and control were 82.8% 35.3% 21.1% and 4.8% respectively. Our results showed that EBs can promote generation of neurons following co-culture with somites and somite 4:1 had more profound effect on neural induction compared to somite1:1. The neurons were formed rapidly in RA and somites groups than control group. The somite groups induced higher rosette formation which had the capacity to generate neurons upon isolation and replating. Finally the neural properties were confirmed by immunocytochemistry procedures.

Chick embryonic somites can induce ES cells –derived EBs to generate neurons in vitro and may lead to formation of rosette structures with neuron formation capacity.

Different studies have shown that there is no relation between sperm chromatin stability and fertilization rate in both IVF and ICSI patients. However, the relation between SDS tests, as a detergent, along with DTT as reducer of disulphide bridges has not been studied so far in ICSI patients. Since different concentrations of DTT can induce different degrees of sperm chromatin decondensation, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of DTT on sperm chromatin decondensation in IVF and ICSI cases.

During this study, 85 patients were divided into two groups according to their treatment procedure (IVF or ICSI).Semen samples of each patient was evaluated for sperm chromatin tests including SDS, SDS+EDTA & SDS+DTT for assessment of free thiole groups level (-SH), amount of non covalent bond between Zn and thioles(-SH Zn SH-) and levels of disulfide bond (-S-S-) in sperm chromatin, respectively. In this study, seminal fructose concentration, corrected seminal fructose level and true corrected fructose level as indicators of seminal vesicle function on sperm chromatin stability were assessed.

No correlation was observed between any of the above tests and rate of fertilization, both in IVF and ICSI cases. However, in IVF patients, a significant correlation was observed between SDS, SDS+DTT test and seminal fructose level, while in ICSI patients, only a significant correlation was observed between SDS+DTT and corrected or true fructose concentration.

Since no correlation was observed between sperm chromatin test and fertilization rate, it is suggested that the chromatin status of these samples are adequate for fertilization to take place and extent of disulphide bridges has no effect on fertilization rate. However, the amount of disulphide bound present in sperms of ICSI and IVF patients are different, and this difference is related to seminal vesicle performance in these patients.