Abstract: The Kowsar dam supply water for different usages
such as drinking, industrial, agricultural and aquaculture farms
usages and located next to the city of Dehdashat in Kohgiluye and
Boyerahmad province in southern Iran. There are some towns and
villages on the Kowsar dam watersheds, which Dehdasht and Choram
are the most important and populated cities in this area. The study
was undertaken to assess the status of water quality in the urban areas
of the Kowsar dam. A total of 28 water samples were collected from
6 stations on surface water and 1 station from groundwater on the
watershed of the Kowsar dam. All the samples were analyzed for Ni
concentration using standard procedures. The results were compared
with other national and international standards. Among the analyzed
samples, as the maximum value of Nickel (0.01 mg/L) was observed
on the station 2 at the autumn 2010, all the samples analyzed were
within the maximum admissible limits by the United States
Environmental Protection Agency, EU, WHO and the Iranian. In
general results of the present study have shown that a Ni mean value
of station No. 2 with 0.006 mg/L is higher than the other stations. Ni
level of all samples and stations have had normal values and this is an
indication of pollution potential and hazards because of human
activity and waste water of towns in the areas, which can effect on
human health implications in future. This research, therefore,
recommends the government and other responsible authorities to take
suitable improving measures in the Kowsar dam watersheds.
Abstract: Renewable water resources are crucial production
variables in arid and semi-arid regions where intensive agriculture is
practiced to meet ever-increasing demand for food and fiber. This is
crucial for the Dez and Moghan command areas where water delivery
problems and adverse environmental issues are widespread. This
paper aims to identify major problems areas using on-farm surveys of
200 farmers, agricultural extensionists and water suppliers which was
complemented by secondary data and field observations during 2010-
2011 cultivating season. The SPSS package was used to analyze and
synthesis data. Results indicated inappropriate canal operations in
both schemes, though there was no unanimity about the underlying
causes. Inequitable and inflexible distribution was found to be rooted
in deficient hydraulic structures particularly in the main and
secondary canals. The inadequacy and inflexibility of water
scheduling regime was the underlying causes of recurring pest and
disease spread which often led to the decline of crop yield and
quality, although these were not disputed, the water suppliers were
not prepared to link with the deficiencies in the operation of the main
and secondary canals. They rather attributed these to the prevailing
salinity; alkalinity, water table fluctuations and leaching of the
valuable agro-chemical inputs from the plants- route zone with farreaching
consequences. Examples of these include the pollution of
ground and surface resources due to over-irrigation at the farm level
which falls under the growers- own responsibility. Poor irrigation
efficiency and adverse environmental problems were attributed to
deficient and outdated farming practices that were in turn rooted in
poor extension programs and irrational water charges.
Abstract: Today many countries have the ambitious purposes of long-term and continuous development: constant growth of competitiveness, maintenance of a high standard of living of the population, leadership in the world market. One of the best possible ways of achievement of these purposes is a transition of the countries to innovative economy. The paper presents the analyses of problems of forming of innovative receptivity to innovations and creation of «innovative society». Creation of an innovative culture in a society and increase of the level of prestige of innovative activity are the best ways of developing of innovative processes. The base of the analysis is a comparing of Russia and different developed countries according to the level of some indictors of innovative activity.1
Abstract: The nexus between language and culture is so
intertwined and very significant that language is largely seen as a
vehicle for cultural transmission. Culture itself refers to the aggregate
belief system of a people, embellishing its corporate national image
or brand. If we conceive national rebranding as a campaign to
rekindle the patriotic flame in the consciousness of a people towards
its sociocultural imperatives and values, then, Nigerian indigenous
linguistic flame has not been ignited. Consequently, the paper
contends that the current national rebranding policy remains a myth
in the confines of the elitists' intellectual squabble. It however
recommends that the use of our indigenous languages should be
supported by adequate legislation and also propagated by Nollywood
in order to revamp and sustain the people’s interest in their local
languages. Finally, the use of the indigenous Nigerian languages
demonstrates patriotism, an important ingredient for actualizing a
genuine national rebranding.
Abstract: Many people regard food events as part of gastronomic tourism and important in enhancing visitors’ experiences. Realizing the importance and contribution of food events to a country’s economy, the Malaysia government is undertaking greater efforts to promote such tourism activities to international tourists. Among other food events, the Ramadan bazaar is a unique food culture event, which receives significant attention from the Malaysia Ministry of Tourism. This study reports the empirical investigation into the international tourists’ perceptions, attraction towards the Ramadan bazaar and willingness in disseminating the information. Using the Ramadan bazaar at Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur as the data collection setting, results revealed that the Ramadan bazaar attributes (food and beverages, events and culture) significantly influenced the international tourist attraction to such a bazaar. Their high level of experience and satisfaction positively influenced their willingness to disseminate information. The positive response among the international tourists indicates that the Ramadan bazaar as gastronomic tourism can be used in addition to other tourism products as a catalyst to generate and boost the local economy. The related authorities that are closely associated with the tourism industry therefore should not ignore this indicator but continue to take proactive action in promoting the gastronomic event as one of the major tourist attractions.
Abstract: The aim of this work was to study the in vitro effects
of δ-lactam 1 and its 4-chlorophenyl derivative 2, on the proliferative
responses of human lymphocytes and Th1 and Th2 cytokine
secretion. The possible protective role of vitamin E on intracellular
stress oxidative induced by these compounds was also investigated.
Peripheral blood lymphocytes were isolated using differential
centrifugation on a density gradient of Histopaque. They were
cultured with mitogen concanavalin A, vitamin E (10 μM) and with
different concentrations of the compounds 1 and 2 (0.1 to 10 μM).
Proliferation (MTT assay), IL-2, INFγ and IL-4 (Elisa kits),
intracellular superoxide anion were determined. 1 and 2 were
immunostimulant and increased cytokine secretion with a shift away
from Th1 response to Th2. These properties were however
accompanied by an increase in intracellular oxidative stress. The
presence of vitamin E exhibited protective effects by reducing δ-
lactam-induced superoxide anion generation in lymphocytes.
Abstract: Unlike Christianity and Buddhism, Islam, being one
of the three universal world religions, actively penetrates into
people-s everyday life. The main reason for this is that in Islam the
religion and ideology, philosophy, religious organizations and state
bodies are closely interrelated. In order to analyze the state of being
of interrelations of religion and civil society in Kazakhstan, it is
necessary to study Islam and its relations with spiritual culture of the
society. According to the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan
the religion is separated from the state, i.e. each performs its own
function without interfering into each other-s affairs. The right of the
citizens of our republic to freedom of thinking and faith is based on
the Constitution of the RK, Civil Code, Law “On freedom of faith
and religious unions in the Republic of Kazakhstan".
Legislatively secured separation of the mosque and church from
the state does not mean that religion has no influence on the latter.
The state, consisting of citizens with their own beliefs, including
religious ones, cannot be isolated from the influence of religion.
Nowadays it is commonly accepted that it is not possible to
understand and forecast key social processes without taking into
account the religious factor.
Abstract: The research object was apple-black currant
marmalade candies. Experiments were carried out at the Faculty of
Food Technology of the Latvia University of Agriculture. An active
packaging in combination with modified atmosphere (MAP, CO2
100%) was examined and compared with traditional packaging in air
ambiance. Polymer Multibarrier 60 and paper bags were used.
Influence of iron based oxygen absorber in sachets of 500 cc
obtained from Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Europe Ageless® was tested
on the quality during the shelf of marmalade. Samples of 80±5 g
were packaged in polymer pouches (110 mm x 110 mm),
hermetically sealed by MULTIVAC C300 vacuum chamber machine,
and stored in room temperature +20.0±1.0 °C. The physiochemical
properties – weight losses, moisture content, hardness, aw, pH, colour,
changes of atmosphere content (CO2 and O2) in headspace of packs,
and microbial conditions were analysed before packaging and in the
1st, 3rd , 5th, 8th, 11th and 15th weeks of storage.
Abstract: Twelve lactating Etawah Crossedbred goats were used
in this study. Goat feed consisted of Cally andra callothyrsus,
Pennisetum purpureum, wheat bran and dried fermented cassava
peel. The cassava peels were fermented with a traditional culture
called “ragi tape" (mixed culture of Saccharomyces cerevisae,
Aspergillus sp, Candida, Hasnula and Acetobacter). The goats were
divided into 2 groups (Control and Treated) of six does. The
experimental diet of the Control group consisted of 70% of roughage
(fresh Callyandra callothyrsus and Pennisetum purpureum 60:40)
and 30% of wheat bran on dry matter (DM) base. In the Treated
group 30% of wheat bran was replaced with dried fermented cassava
peels. Data were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance
followed SPSS program. The concentration of HCN in fermented
cassava peel decreased to non toxic level. Nutrient composition of
dried fermented cassava peel consisted of 85.75% dry matter;
5.80% crude protein and 82.51% total digestible nutrien (TDN).
Substitution of 30% of wheat bran with dried fermented cassava peel
in the diet had no effect on dry matter and organic matter intake but
significantly (P< 0.05) decreased crude protein and TDN
consumption as well as milk yields and milk composition. The study
recommended to reduced the level of substitution to less than 30% of
concentrates in the diet in order to avoid low nutrient intake and milk
production of goats.
Abstract: Water is the key of national development. Wherever a spring has been dried out or a river has changed its course, the area-s people have migrated and have been scattered and the area-s civilization has lost its brilliance. Today, air pollution, global warming and ozone layer damage are as the problems of countries, but certainly in the next decade the shortage and pollution of waters will be important issues of the world. The polluted waters are more dangerous in when they are used in agriculture. Because they infect plants and these plants are used in human and livestock consumption in food chain. With the increasing population growth and after that, the increase need to facilities and raw materials, human beings has started to do haste actions and wanted or unwanted destroyed his life basin. They try to overuse and capture his environment extremely, instead of having futurism approach in sustainable use of nature. This process includes Zayanderood recession, and caused its pollution after the transition from industrial and urban areas. Zayandehrood River in Isfahan is a vital artery of a living ecosystem. Now is the location of disposal waste water of many cities, villages and existing industries. The central area of the province is an important industrial place, and its environmental situation has reached a critical stage. Not only a large number of pollution-generating industries are active in the city limits, but outside of the city and adjacent districts Zayandehrood River, heavy industries like steel, Mobarakeh Steel and other tens great units pollute wild life. This article tries to study contaminant sources of Zayanderood and their severity, and determine and discuss the share of each of these resources by major industrial centers located in areas. At the end, we represent suitable strategy.
Abstract: Shoots, with three leaves, of Paphiopedilum 'Delrosi'
were used as explants for multiple shoot induction. Modified
Hyponex medium was supplemented with thidiazuron (TDZ), N6-
benzyladenine (BA) or kinetin (Kn) alone and in combinations with
2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). All explants were cultured
for 15 weeks. It was found that TDZ alone at the concentration of
0.45μM or in combination with 4.52μM 2,4-D and 8.88μM BA in
combination with 13.56μM 2,4-D promoted multiple shoots. The
highest shoot sprouting efficiencies (80.0, 90.0 and 80.0%) and new
shoot numbers (1.5, 1.3 and 1.1) were obtained, respectively. Fresh
weight, height, numbers of leaf and root of new shoots and initial
explants were discussed.
Abstract: According to FDA (Food and Drug Administration of the United States), vinegar is definedas a sour liquid containing at least 4 grams acetic acid in 100 cubic centimeter (4% solution of acetic acid) of solution that is produced from sugary materials by alcoholic fermentation. In the base of microbial starters, vinegars could be contained of more than 50 types of volatile and aromatic substances that responsible for their sweet taste and smelling. Recently the vinegar industry has a great proportion in agriculture, food and microbial biotechnology. The acetic acid bacteria are from the family Acetobacteraceae. Regarding to the latest version of Bergy-s Mannual of Systematic Bacteriology that has categorized bacteria in the base of their 16s RNA differences, the most important acetic acid genera are included Acetobacter (genus I), Gluconacetobacter (genus VIII) and Gluconobacter (genus IX). The genus Acetobacter that is primarily used in vinegar manufacturing plants is a gram negative, obligate aerobe coccus or rod shaped bacterium with the size 0.6 - 0.8 X 1.0 - 4.0 μm, nonmotile or motile with peritrichous flagella and catalase positive – oxidase negative biochemically. Some strains are overoxidizer that could convert acetic acid to carbon dioxide and water.In this research one Acetobacter native strain with high acetic acid productivity was isolated from Iranian white – red cherry. We used two specific culture media include Carr medium [yeast extract, 3%; ethanol, 2% (v/v); bromocresol green, 0.002%; agar, 2% and distilled water, 1000 ml], Frateur medium [yeast extract, 10 g/l; CaCO3, 20 g/l; ethanol, 20 g/l; agar, 20 g/l and distilled water, 1000 ml] and an industrial culture medium. In addition to high acetic acid production and high growth rate, this strain had a good tolerance against ethanol concentration that was examined using modified Carr media with 5%, 7% and 9% ethanol concentrations. While the industrial strains of acetic acid bacteria grow in the thermal range of 28 – 30 °C, this strain was adapted for growth in 34 – 36 °C after 96 hours incubation period. These dramatic characteristics suggest a potential biotechnological strain in production of cherry vinegar with a sweet smell and different nutritional properties in comparison to recent vinegar types. The lack of growth after 24, 48 and 72 hours incubation at 34 – 36 °C and the growth after 96 hours indicates a good and fast thermal flexibility of this strain as a significant characteristic of biotechnological and industrial strains.
Abstract: Groundwater is an essential and vital component of our life support system. The groundwater resources are being utilized for drinking, irrigation and industrial purposes. There is growing concern on deterioration of groundwater quality due to geogenic and anthropogenic activities. Groundwater, being a fragile must be carefully managed to maintain its purity within standard limits. So, quality assessment and management are to be carried out hand-in-hand to have a pollution free environment and for a sustainable use. In order to assess the quality for consumption by human beings and for use in agriculture, the groundwater from the shallow aquifers (dug well) in the Palakkad and Chittur taluks of Bharathapuzha river basin - a paddy dominated agricultural basin (order=8th; L= 209 Km; Area = 6186 Km2), Kerala, India, has been selected. The water samples (n= 120) collected for various seasons, viz., monsoon-MON (August, 2005), postmonsoon-POM (December, 2005) and premonsoon-PRM (April, 2006), were analyzed for important physico-chemical attributes. Spatial and temporal variation of attributes do exist in the study area, and based on major cations and anions, different hydrochemical facies have been identified. Using Gibbs'diagram, rock dominance has been identified as the mechanism controlling groundwater chemistry. Further, the suitability of water for irrigation was determined by analyzing salinity hazard indicated by sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), residual sodium carbonate (RSC) and sodium percent (%Na). Finally, stress zones in the study area were delineated using Arc GIS spatial analysis and various management options were recommended to restore the ecosystem.
Abstract: This paper presents the development of analysis tools
for Home Agriculture project. The tools are required for monitoring
the condition of greenhouse which involves two components:
measurement hardware and data analysis engine. Measurement
hardware is functioned to measure environment parameters such as
temperature, humidity, air quality, dust and etc while analysis tool is
used to analyse and interpret the integrated data against the condition
of weather, quality of health, irradiance, quality of soil and etc. The
current development of the tools is completed for off-line data
recorded technique. The data is saved in MMC and transferred via
ZigBee to Environment Data Manager (EDM) for data analysis.
EDM converts the raw data and plot three combination graphs. It has
been applied in monitoring three months data measurement for
irradiance, temperature and humidity of the greenhouse..
Abstract: The modern Kazakh society is characterized by strengthen cross-cultural communication, the emergence of new powerful subcultures, accelerated change in social systems and values. The socio-political reforms in all fields have changed the quality of social relationships and spiritual life.Cross-cultural approach involves the analysis of different types of behavior and communication, including the manifestation of the conflict, and the formation of marginal destructive stereotypes.
Abstract: The main purpose of this research was to analyze Socio-Cultural obstacles of disseminating of nanotechnology in Iran's agricultural section. One hundred twenty eight out of a total of 190 researchers with different levels of expertise in and familiarity with nanotechnology were randomly selected and questionnaires completed by them. Face validity have been done by expert's suggestion and correction, reliability by using Cronbakh-Alpha formula. The results of a factor analysis showed variation for different factors. For cultural factors 19/475 percent, for management 13/139 percent, information factor 11/277 percent, production factor 9/703 percent, social factor 9/267 percent, and for attitude factor it became 8/947 percent. Also results indicated that socio-cultural factors were the most important obstacle for nanotechnology dissemination in agricultural section in Iran.
Abstract: Social media has led to paradigm shifts in ways
people work and do business, interact and socialize, learn and obtain
knowledge. So much so that social media has established itself as an
important spatial extension of this nation-s historicity and challenges.
Regardless of the enabling reputation and recommendation features
through social networks embedded in the social media system, the
overflow of broadcasted and publicized media contents turns the
table around from engendering trust to doubting the trust system.
When the trust is at doubt, the effects include deactivation of
accounts and creation of multiple profiles, which lead to the overflow
of 'ghost' contents (i.e. “the abundance of abandoned ships"). In
most literature, the study of trust can be related to culture; hence the
difference between Western-s “openness" and Eastern-s “blue-chip"
concepts in networking and relationships. From a survey on issues
and challenges among Malaysian social media users, 'authenticity'
emerges as one of the main factors that causes and is caused by other
factors. The other issue that has surfaced is credibility either in terms
of message/content and source. Another is the quality of the
knowledge that is shared. This paper explores the terrains of this
critical space which in recent years has been dominated increasingly
by, arguably, social networks embedded in the social media system,
the overflow of broadcasted and publicized media content.
Abstract: Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) account for an estimated 25-40% nosocomial infection, out of which 90% are associated with urinary catheter, called Catheter associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI). The microbial populations within CAUTI frequently develop as biofilms. In the present study, microbial contamination of indwelling urinary catheters was investigated. Biofilm forming ability of the isolates was determined by tissue culture plate method. Prevention of biofilm formation in the urinary catheter by Pseudomonas aeruginosa was also determined by coating the catheter with some enzymes, gentamycin and EDTA. It was found that 64% of the urinary catheters get contaminated during the course of catheterization. Of the total 6 isolates, biofilm formation was seen in 100% Pseudomonas aeruginosa and E. coli, 90% in Enterococci, 80% in Klebsiella and 66% in S. aureus. It was noted that the biofilm production by Pseudomonas was prolonged by 7 days in amylase, 8 days in protease, 6 days in lysozyme, 7days in gentamycin and 5 days in EDTA treated catheter.
Abstract: Forming a legal culture among citizens is a
complicated and lengthy process, influencing all spheres of social
life. It includes promoting justice, learning rights and duties, the
introduction of juridical norms and knowledge, and also a process of
developing a system of legal acts and constitutional norms. Currently,
the evaluative and emotional influence of attempts to establish a legal
culture among the citizens of Kazakhstan is limited by real legal
practice. As a result, the values essential to a sound civil society are
absent from the consciousness of the Kazakh people who are thus, in
turn, not able to develop respect for these values. One of the
disadvantages of the modern Kazakh educational system is a
tendency to underrate the actual forces shaping the worldview of
Kazakh youths. The mass-media, which are going through a
personnel crisis, cannot provide society with the legal and political
information necessary to form the sort of legal culture required for a
true civil society.
Abstract: Mycophenolic acid “MPA" is a secondary metabolite
of Penicillium bervicompactum with antibiotic and
immunosuppressive properties. In this study, fermentation process
was established for production of mycophenolic acid by Penicillium
bervicompactum MUCL 19011 in shake flask. The maximum MPA
production, product yield and productivity were 1.379 g/L, 18.6 mg/g
glucose and 4.9 mg/L.h respectively. Glucose consumption, biomass
and MPA production profiles were investigated during fermentation
time. It was found that MPA production starts approximately after
180 hours and reaches to a maximum at 280 h. In the next step, the
effects of methionine and acetate concentrations on MPA production
were evaluated. Maximum MPA production, product yield and
productivity (1.763 g/L, 23.8 mg/g glucose and 6.30 mg/L. h
respectively) were obtained with using 2.5 g/L methionine in culture
medium. Further addition of methionine had not more positive effect
on MPA production. Finally, results showed that the addition of
acetate to the culture medium had not any observable effect on MPA
production.