نشریه کارافن
سال هجدهم شماره 56 (زمستان 1400)

Increasing human societies' need for food security and the development of new science and technology, such as the production of high-yielding cultivars, the use of chemical inputs and genetic engineering, have devastating effects on the environment and natural resources. Therefore, extensive efforts have been made to introduce alternative agriculture as one of the ways to achieve sustainable development. Organic farming is a type of sustainable agriculture with the aim of creating integrated, systematic and humane agricultural production systems that are not in conflict with environmental and economic benefits. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors affecting organic farming activities among farmers in Bushehr Province. Using a survey, this study collected data from 67 farmers in two regions of Bushehr Province using stratified random sampling method. The face validity and reliability of the questionnaire were confirmed by university professors and Jihad Keshavarzi Research Center and a pilot study, respectively. Cronbach's alpha coefficients ranged from 0.6 to 0.91. The findings of structural equation models of the both regions revealed that factors such as knowledge of organic farming principles, attitude toward environmental conservation, attitude toward human health, attitude to conventional agriculture consequences and attitude toward reference group were the main determinants of farmers` attitude and behaviors toward organic farming systems.  Finally, suggestions are presented to encourage farmers to use organic farming.

Taking into consideration the priority of providing healthy food for all society and eliminating all forms of nutritional deprivation mentioned in the Islamic Republic of Iran's Vision Policy of 1404 which declares the government's political commitment and overall determination in national-level policies to reduce hunger and malnutrition and achieve sustainable food security, the aim of the present study was to design a model for commercialization of organic products in Kermanshah Province. The present study used qualitative research methodology and with data foundation theory approach. The statistical population of the research included active professors in the field of organic products in the Faculty of Agriculture of Razi University, as well as city stores of organic products and experts of organizations related to the research topic. Targeted sampling was used first and then the snowball method. The number of participants in the study using the theoretical saturation index reached 19 people. Data was collected through in-depth interviews, direct observation, and library and online document study. The results of the research showed 27 main categories drawn paradigmatically. At the core of the paradigm model was the production and commercialization of organic products. Based on the findings in research of equipped laboratories, research and development of organic products in scientific centers, consumer disposable income level, marketing mix design, support rules and regulations, the need for a single organ in the field of organic products and alternative production process strategies were the most important factors influencing the commercialization strategies of clean (organic) products in the agricultural sector of Kermanshah Province.

Since the correct selection and adaptation of the tractor to the equipment and vice versa and considering the justifying level of ownership in the agricultural economy and its efficiency and timely performance of agricultural operations play an important role, there is a need for great care and sensitivity in this matter. A farm manager or farmer will achieve complete success in applying mechanization when they achieve the highest degree of agricultural mechanization according to the working time with the minimum number of agricultural machines and the least amount of power. In this research, a decision-making computer system was designed and developed using Visual Basic programming language. This system is able to use effective and overlapping evaluation criteria to select the appropriate crop for the available power source and vice versa according to the crop calendar to perform mechanized operations. Finally, this system was used to measure flexibility and efficiency in a paddy field with an area of ​​8.6 hectares. The advantages of using the decision-making system developed in the study project include reduced consulting costs, elimination of personal preferences and reliance on technical and real knowledge, increased work efficiency, and prevention of energy loss, capital and over-compaction of farm soil. In addition, this system can be used for management, training and research purposes in the field of agricultural machinery.

The presence of soil surface roughness and plant residues can slow down the erosion process, particularly on rainfed fields. The aim of this study was to select the most suitable tillage method, which has the highest soil surface roughness index and the lowest rate of the burial of plant residues. Three factors of plowing machine (Moldboard-plow, Moldboard-plow + Disc harrow, Disc plow and Chisel plow), speed (3, 5 and 7 km/h) and tillage depth (15-20 cm and 25-30 cm) were evaluated in a factorial experiment in a completely randomized design. The soil surface roughness was measured using a pin-meter. Image processing techniques were used to determine the percentage of burial of plant residues. The results showed that the effect of all main factors on the soil surface roughness index was significant and the highest and lowest roughness indices were related to moldboard plow (12.8cm) and Moldboard plow+Disc harrow (3.6cm), respectively. In addition, Chisel plows and Disc harrow+Moldboard plow treatment showed the lowest and highest rates of plant residue burial of 29.3% and 92.9%, respectively. Taking into account the results, chisel plow can be selected as the most suitable tillage method in terms of soil protection against wind and water erosion.

For study of the effect of planting dates and irrigation intervals on quality and quantity performance of Nutrifeed Millet, an experiment was conducted as split plot in a randomized complete block design with three replications on four planting dates (22nd May, 2nd June, 13th June, 24th June) and three levels of irrigation (8, 11 and 14 days) in Neyshabour Agricultural College fields in 2019. Forage crop in the first and second harvest were assessed according to quantity characteristics (fresh and dry forage, leaf to stem ratio, number of tillers per plant, number of tillers in m2) and quality characteristics (total protein content, ash percent). The results indicated that by reducing the irrigation period time distance, fresh forage yield increased per unit area. With any delay in planting date, performance of fresh forage yield per unit area decreased. A decrease in the number of tillers at the second harvest caused an increase in protein and ash percentage because of the increase in leaf to stem ratio. Total dry matter, protein percentage, number of tillers in plant, weight of fresh stem decreased when time distance of irrigation periods increased. In addition, total dry matter, fresh leaf weight, protein performance value and fresh leaf weight decreased with delays in planting date.

Apple is a valuable agricultural product that can be dried in the form of slices to create much added value in the economic landscape. In the present research, a laboratory hot-air channel dryer was employed for economic optimization of the drying process of red apple slices by means of response surface methodology (RSM). In the RSM technique, by designing experiments in which all independent parameters are changed simultaneously, the simultaneous effect of all parameters on the test output(s) was determined which provided a complete picture of how the parameters affect the test output for the researcher. For designing the experiment by means of RSM in this research, two parameters of temperature and velocity of air passing through the dryer channel were selected as independent variables and two parameters of drying time and energy consumption were chosen as target (response) variables for optimization. In order to design the experiments by RSM approach, the central composite design (CCD) method was used. Finally, by performing pre-designed experiments and using analysis of variance (ANOVA), the optimal drying conditions of red apple slices were determined as the passing air temperature equal to 70 °C and the passing air speed equal to 3 m/s, where the amount of energy consumption and the drying duration of validation test were 1.51 kWh (in comparison to predicted value of 1.36 kWh) and 46 minutes (in comparison to predicted value of 41 minutes), respectively.

In recent years, following the increasing attention to maintaining a healthy and balanced body weight, much research has been carried out on the use of sweeteners and finding alternatives. In this study, the reduction of sugar in cucumber jam formulation was investigated using stevia sweetener. In order to optimize the formula and produce low-calorie cucumber jam, two factors, sugar and stevia, were studied at three different levels (30, 50 and 100%). After production, the jam was refrigerated and its physicochemical and organoleptic properties including quality control tests, microbial tests and sensory evaluation were assessed in four time periods of immediately after production and 10, 20 and 30 days after production. The results showed that it is possible to replace the percentage of sugar in the formulation of cucumber jam with stevia and the sample containing 50% sugar and 50% stevia obtained good scores from sensory evaluators and can be used as diet cucumber jam.

In this study, some physical, gravitational and mechanical properties of a type of lunar cabbage called Ghonabid were measured and evaluated. The results of the physical properties showed that the averages of large diameter, middle diameter, small diameter, arithmetic mean diameter, mean geometric diameter, surface area and spherical coefficient of lunar cabbage were 87 mm, 82.57 mm, 72.71 mm, 80.76 mm, 80.45 mm, 8.34 cm2, 0.922, respectively. The results of gravity properties showed that the averages of mass density, real density and porosity were 280.33 kg/m3, 928.76 kg/m3 and 69%, respectively. The mechanical properties evaluation tests showed that the averages of fracture stress, fracture strain, elasticity coefficient, degree of toughness, rolling friction coefficient and sliding friction coefficient of this plant were 1.12 MPa, 0.25, 4.24 MPa, 0.658 mJ/mm2, 0.05 and 0.64 in the order mentioned. Findings of this research can be widely applied in the design of machinery used in harvest, transfer, separation, grading, washing, quality inspection, maintenance, processing and food packing operations.

In the current century, extensive research has been carried out on medicinal plants, and drugs of natural origin have opened new horizons for the community of doctors, pharmacists and researchers. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different solvents on the percentage of free radical scavenging DPPH and antioxidant activity of native medicinal plants in Jiroft city and six native plants (Achillea millefoliom, Thymus vulgaris, Satureja hortensis, Ziziphora Clinopodioides, Mentha piperita and Rosmarinus officinalis) were sampled for testing. Extraction of the aerial parts of plants was performed using 80% methanol, 50% ethanol, acetone 100% and hexane 100% solvents. The extraction time was 24 hours at ambient temperature using a stirrer. The amount of antioxidant activity was measured using 2 and 2 diphenyl-1-pyrrolidrazyl, DPPH free radical inhibitory concentration. Among the studied solvents in all six plants, the extracts extracted with 80% methanol solvent had the highest and the hexane solvent had the lowest free radical adsorption. Among the studied plants, peppermint extract with all four solvents (methanol IC50: 20.9 ppm, ethanol IC50: 34ppm, acetone IC50: 44.2ppm, and hexane IC50: 49.19ppm) had the highest antiradical activity and Ziziphora Clinopodioides (methanol IC50: 1090.78ppm, ethanol IC50: 1209.3ppm, acetone IC50: 1439.23ppm and hexane IC50: 1898.7ppm) had the lowest anti-radical activity. The findings of the present study showed that all the 6 studied medicinal plants had anti-radical properties and using 80% methanol extracts of these plants can be used as an antioxidant in various industries.

In order to evaluate the effects of surfactants on the herbicidal properties of different acetic acid to citric acid ratios, a two-factor factorial greenhouse experiment was conducted with a completely randomized design with three replications. The first factor had twelve levels including acetic acid to citric acid ratios of 100:0, 80:20, 60:40 and 50:50 at concentrations of 2, 5, 10% of the said ratios as foliar application. The second factor involved the use of surfactants CDEA, LAE, SLS, KECO and control (no-surfactant) together with acetic acid-citric acid mixture. The results showed that at higher acetic acid to citric acid ratios, dry weight and leaf area of wild oat and wild mustard significantly decreased while their mortality rates increased considerably. When used in combination with acetic acid-citric acid mixture, surfactant tend to enhance herbicidal properties more than two times, particularly at concentrations of 5 and 10%.  According to the results, acetic acid to citric acid ratios of 100:0 and 80:20 at concentrations of 5 and 10% when used with CDEA or LAE provided the highest efficacy for non-selective weed control.

The aims of this study were to produce biodegradable and antimicrobial films based on wheat gluten and investigate the effects of adding alginate gum (0 to 1.5%) and walnut leaf extract (800, 400 and 200 ppm) on their physical and chemical properties. The results showed that by adding different amounts of alginate gum and extract to the films, the solubility and permeability of the films to water vapor was significantly reduced. The film containing 1.5% gum and 800 ppm of the extract, had the lowest solubility (22.109%) and water vapor permeability at a rate of 5.039 -10 10-10 g / m.s. By adding the extract and increasing the concentration used in the composition of the films, there was a significant increase in the antioxidant content of the films. Thus, the film samples containing 800 ppm of extracts had the highest antioxidant capacity. Evaluation of the mechanical properties also showed that the addition of alginate extract and gum caused a significant reduction in the percentage of tensile strength and tensile strength of the films compared to the control sample. The maximum no growth halo diameters of the sample containing 800 ppm of the extract on E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus were 27.631 and 25.076 mm, respectively. The results illustrates that walnut leaf extract can be used as a natural preservative in combination with film for food packaging.

In this study, experiments were carried out on six native medicinal plants of Jiroft (Thymus vulgaris, Satureja hortensis, Mentha piperita, Salvia officinalis, Rosmarinus officinalis and Achillea millefolium). Essential oils were obtained from the aerial parts of plants by hydro-distillation and analyzed by gas chromatography using mass spectrometric detection. The results showed that the highest amount of total phenolic compounds was related to Mentha piperita, Salvia officinalis sage essential oils (18.1 mg gallic acid/ ml) and the lowest amount of phenolic compounds was related to Satureja hortensis essential oil (4 mg gallic acid/ ml). Salvia officinalis essential oil had the highest percentage of free radical scavenging of DPPH in all concentrations and Satureja hortensis essential oil had the lowest. Chemical composition of the essential oils by GC/MS showed one common chemical compound of alpha-pinene was found in all the oils. Major composition oil of salvia officinalis were campher (33.60%), alpha-thujone (25.45%), 1,8-cineol (13.83%), alpha-pinene (7.01%) and beta-pinene 6.49%) while those of Achillea millefoliom were 1,8-cineol (24.37%), carvacrol (15.57%) and gama-terpinene (9.63%). Major composition oil of Thymus vulgaris were Thymol (56.23%), gamma-Terpinene (14.59%) and Cymene (13.49%) and those of Satureja hortensis L. were carvacrol (54.16%), gama-terpinene (28.87%) and Cymene (8.74%). Major composition oil of Mentha piperita were Menthol (40.34%) and Menthone (29.57%) and those of Rosmarinus officinalis were Verbenone (16.93), α-pinene (15.48), Camphor (11.99%) and Bornyl acetate (10.32%). In this study, it was found that the essential oils of all studied plants had phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity and could be used as natural antioxidants in the food and pharmaceutical industry.

In this study, the effect of the number of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) injections with progesterone on ovulation in the non-reproductive season (winter) was studied in Kerman region, Iran. For this purpose, 160 Kermani sheep were selected with the same average weight 60 days after delivery and ranged in age from 5 to 7 years. They were divided into 4 groups according to age and weight; all groups except for the control treatment were treated with progesterone for 12 days via CIDR. After CIDR withdrawal, the first group was injected with 25 mg FSH on one day while the second group received 25 mg on the first day and 10 mg on the second day. The third group was injected with 25 mg FSH on the first day, 10 mg on the second day and 5 mg on the third day. After five days, the ewes were slaughtered and the number of corpus luteum on the ovaries was counted. The results showed that the number of days of FSH injection had a significant difference in the ovulation rate (P <0/05). The results of this study suggest that the injections of FSH on three consecutive days had the greatest impact on oocyte maturation and ovulation rate.

Wood and wooden products are one of the most important materials that have been traditionally used for building constructions. In this study, Mazandaran Sangdeh Beech and imported Georgian Beech wood were used. Physical properties (including dry and critical densities, shrinkage and swelling) and mechanical properties (including bending strength, modulus of elasticity, compression parallel to grain, shear parallel strength to grain, tensile strength parallel and perpendicular to grain, screw withdrawal strength and hardness) were investigated. Physical and mechanical tests were performed according to international standard methods such as ISO 3129 (2012) and ASTM (D143-14). The moisture content of all samples was 12% during mechanical tests. The mean dry densities of Sangdeh and Georgian beech were 0.61(g/cm3) and 0.65(g/cm3), respectively. The result showed that significant differences were observed among the properties of the mentioned species after T-test, except in critical density, radial shrinkage and radial swelling. Moreover, the obtained strengths of Georgian timber were significantly higher than the Iranian beech, which was attributed to the higher density of Georgian timber.

To investigate the effect of wood extractives on thermal properties, wood of Elaeagnus angustifolia L. species was provided from the southern region of Hamadan. The Heartwood part was turned into wood powder.  Extraction of wood powder have been with Soxhlet method using ethanol-toluene solvents and in accordance with ASTM: D 1107-96 standard, T 204 OS-76 method. The extracted and unextracted wood powders, were examined by Thermal analysis device. The obtained graphs of Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Derivative of Thermogravimetric analysis (DTG) and Differential Thermal analysis (DTA) showed the wood extractives were the cause of occurred the weight loss due to degradation at higher temperature. Wood extractives have reduce on the degradation rate of thermal decomposition. The presence of extractives in wood caused greater thermal energy release due to the burning of these materials. The findings of this study demonstrated that the extractive materials in this wood increased thermal resistance.

Investigating changes in biometrics and anatomy of wood species in different parts of tree stems is one of the issues that have been of long interest to researchers in the wood and paper industry. In this study, a comparison of the anatomical and biometrical characteristics of heartwood and sapwood Elaeagnus angustifolia was made. For this purpose, a completely healthy tree native to Khorasan Province, Iran was selected and cut. Test specimens with dimensions of 2 × 2 cm and a length of 3 cm sequentially taken from near the pith (heartwood) to near bark (sapwood) were prepared for biometric and anatomical experiments. Biometric characteristics including fiber length, fiber lumen diameter, fiber diameter and cell wall thickness were evaluated. The results showed that the effect of different parts of the stem on the biometric characteristics of the fibers at the upper level was significant, so that biometric properties had an increasing trend as they moved away from the pith area and neared the bark area. Microscopic studies of wood close to the bark of the elaeagnus angustifolia showed that this species is of the ring porous hardwood species, with distinct growth ring, simple perforation plates and scalariform, alternate intervessel pits and presence of Tyloses.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the biometric, anatomical and physical characteristics of plum wood and its applicability in the wood and paper industry. For this aim, three completely healthy plum trees were selected and cut from citrus orchards located in Mazandaran Province. Three discs of 5 cm thickness at three heights (breast height, 3 m height, and 4.5 m height) were cut from the tree trunk in transverse direction and the test specimens were 2 cm × 2 cm × 3 cm- long from the pith to the bark and cut consecutively for examination. Fiber biometric properties including fiber length, fiber lumen diameter, fiber diameter, and cell wall thickness were evaluated. Physical properties including oven-dry density and basic density were calculated. Microscopic sections (transverse, tangential and radial) were prepared and evaluated in accordance with the list of the International Association of Anatomists of the World (IAWA) to study anatomical features. Examination of the anatomy of the plum tree showed that this wood is a semi ring porous hardwood that has distinct growth ring, heterogeneous rays, simple perforation plates, alternative intervessel pits and helical thickenings in vessel elements. In addition, the results of the plum tree biometrics showed that the biometric properties of the fibers in the radial axis of the stem from the pith to the bark follow an increasing pattern, so that the maximum fiber length at the breast height in the area close to the bark averages 1.23 mm and its lowest value at a height of 4.5 m in the area close to the pith was calculated to an average of 0.62 mm. However, in the longitudinal axis with increasing height from the trunk to the crown of the tree, a downward pattern was observed. The results showed that the oven-dry density and basic density from the pith to the bark of the tree had an upward trend and from the bottom of the tree to the crown of the tree had a downward trend.

Higher education is influenced by globalization having a profound effect on all levels and dimensions of higher education. Judging architectural designs is one of the current issues in higher education. Criteria that can be used to measure designs are old concerns in the field of architecture. By knowing how to judge architectural projects in the world's leading universities, it is possible to quantitatively and qualitatively develop higher education in architecture. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify the effects of globalization of higher education on education and judging architectural projects. The research method was mixed (quantitative-qualitative). Data was collected using the method of classification and arrangement of documents, after which their content was analyzed and propositions that represent the educational and judgmental characteristics of the world university were extracted. In order to get acquainted with the methods of judging architectural designs in Iranian universities, the Delphi technique was used. Data was collected through questionnaires and open interviews with professors of architecture at the departments of Architecture at prominent Iranian universities. The findings showed that the effects of globalization on the teaching and judging of architectural designs can be divided into two categories of indicators related to the design process, which included curriculum, students, faculty members, international cooperation, budget, and new electronic communication systems. Criteria for final evaluation included jury, student defense, presentation, and analysis of information. The results showed that the globalization of architectural project judging will lead to intensification of university competitions, upgrading of educational standards, improvement in the quality of education and judging of architectural projects.

The aim of this study was to investigate the application of employable skills of female graduates in the field of architecture of girls' technical and vocational schools. The research method of this research was descriptive-case study with an applied purpose. The sample consisted of 50 graduates at Yazd Girls Technical and Vocational College who graduated in the field of architecture between 1988 and 1997. The frequency of interfering factors in the employment of graduates was one of the methodological limitations of this study. The necessary data for the present study was collected using a researcher-made questionnaire and using a 5-point Likert scale. The reliability of the present questionnaire was obtained by Cronbach's alpha of 0.882. According to research data, job fields that had the highest absorption of architectural graduates including plotting (operator and designer assistant), design, study and research implementation was monitored. The results of the present study indicated that the skills required by the labor market to attract and employ female architecture graduates were, in order of importance, technical skills, social skills, skills in using appropriate technology, teamwork skills, systematic thinking and attitude, work and project management skills, skills in working with data and information. According to the findings, in order to increase the employment rate of graduates, the policy and orientation of the education system should be changed in order to further strengthen and enhance the skills required in the labor market.

The Seljuk period was considered the peak of growth and development of various arts, particularly the art of metalworking in the fifth to seventh centuries A.H. The two great schools of metalworking in this period included the Khorasanian School and Mosul School, which became grandees of Islamic metalworking employing quality materials as well as developing innovative techniques for decoration design and production. Their reputations led to production of charming, variously formed and sized objects and containers. This research aimed to identify and analyze production and decoration methods, analyze metal work motifs, to determine the degree of mutual interactivity of Khorasan and Mosul metalworking schools. This was carried out through describing, analyzing and comparing the motifs of the identified works. This research attempted to answer the following questions: What are the characteristics of Khorasan Metal School and Mosul Metal School’s works? Which decorations and motifs are seen in their work? How do motifs and designs of these two schools differ? Are there any similarities? This research was motivated to study the motifs of Khorasan and Mosul Schools. Based on historical facts and using a comparative style, this paper, descriptively and analytically, analyzed metalworking motifs of the two schools. With a brief comparison between the motifs used in the metal works of Khorasanian and Mosul schools, we found that the motifs in both schools could be divided into six main categories using the differences and similarities in terms of appearance and concept.

Given the global energy crisis, architects need to focus one of the most practical energy management solutions in buildings, the issue of using passive design strategies.  By using indigenous passive cooling methods and updating them, strategies optimizing the cooling energy consumption in contemporary buildings can be achieved.  The main purpose of this study was to find and prioritize inactive solutions by adding shading volumes in building form to increase the shading of the building form in the hot and humid climate of Bushehr, which can reduce the energy consumption of coolers while maintaining thermal comfort. The research method of this study was a combination of field surveys to collect data on selected buildings and the cluster method to classify the data. Then, with the help of Design Builder software, the annual energy consumption of buildings was studied.  In the present study, the building was first studied in terms of form, shape, geometry and feature details and the optimal form for each model was extracted. By integrating and combining the selected optimal models, the buildings were re-examined and the amount of energy consumption reduction was analyzed. The shading selection strategies were such that by combining the appropriate form and shading elements, the energy consumption of the first building was reduced by 25% and the second building by 16%, reducing the annual initial energy consumption.

In contemporary architecture, sound comfort is a key concept and issues such as noise pollution, sound clarity and suitable sound distribution have a special place in architectural spaces. Therefore, sound clarity and suitable sound distribution in studios are the themes considered in the present study. In studio space, appropriate reverberation time is of great importance in creating sound clarity. All architectural elements in a studio play an effective role in achieving optimal reverberation time. With the aim of recognizing acoustic properties of substances, materials and physical form, installations, insulation, and location in architectural space, three studios of Jam-e Jam radio were investigated as case studies. This study is a mixed research conducted by means of qualitative analysis method. By using logical argumentation and performing simulation in AutoCAD and ODEON softwares, indicators affecting optimal reverberation time were calculated. The available reverberation time was measured using the 2260 investigator device, and calculated with Sabine's Damping Equation. Then, the obtained values were compared with Odeon's tables. The results showed the reverberation time of 0.29-0.3 seconds at a medium frequency of 500 Hz for Studio No.2. This value was close to the standard one, showing the validity of using a suitable geometric form, high absorption materials, and the lack of vibration of mechanical and electrical equipment to achieve optimal reverberation time without secondary acoustic interferences.

According to historical sources and archaeological evidence, Behbahan was located on two extra-regional routes from Khuzestan to Fars and Khuzestan to Isfahan. This region has been a dock and a resting place for commercial caravans due to its strategic position on the one hand and its location on the highway connecting Basra to India on the other. The characteristic of "being a bridge-crossroads" of Behbahan city has made the life of its inhabitants have two faces; "interior" and "exterior". This feature, as one of the cultural characteristics of the people of this region, has manifested itself in the architecture of the house using the "interior-exterior" pattern. The present study analyzes the spatial structure of traditional houses in Behbahan city and uses the space syntax technique in this regard. The main purpose of this study was to analyze and compare spatial organization and hidden order of traditional houses in Behbahan, considering the impact of the presence of merchants in this city with the help of space syntax software. The research methodology was a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods. In the quantitative section, the data obtained from the explanatory graphs and software were used to extract the findings. Finally, the findings were analyzed by the qualitative method of logical reasoning. The results showed that despite the use of a fixed "interior-exterior" pattern in Behbahan houses, there are differences in their spatial order and space arrangement pattern based on the amount of commuting of strangers.

In recent decades, the use of natural energy sources such as light and solar energy in the field of construction and architecture has been very useful. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the location of openings on indoor air flow distribution for thermal comfort of users and natural ventilation, in addition to the distribution of daylight factor and pmv in space. Air circulation, wind speed, air temperature and daylight factor in 16 scenarios of placement of openings in a cube-shaped residential architecture was studied in the hot and dry climate of Yazd as a case study. In addition, in the present article, computer modeling method, library studies and field measurement were used. The analyses of air circulation, wind speed, air temperature and user satisfaction (PMV) were carried out using CFD method in Design Builder software and the amount of daylight factor (DF) distribution, uniformity rate (Uo) were analysed using Relux Software. The results indicated that the placement of one opening in the direction of the prevailing wind and the other two openings in its lateral directions provided the desired air flow and turbulence with appropriate speed and air circulation creating thermal comfort conditions for users in space. The amount of ventilation and air circulation in space, speed, temperature and distribution were balanced. In this scenario, the user satisfaction index (PMV) was 5% higher than other scenarios and the amount of daylight distribution and visual comfort (uniformity rate = 0.6) were in the appropriate range.

Increasing population and increasing waste production have made urban waste management essential and unfortunately, due to lack of appropriate management and the use of undesirable methods, public health and the environment have been endangered. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and investigate why waste management laws are not implemented and to provide appropriate strategies using SWOT and quantitative matrix (QSPM) techniques for the case under study. The city of Ramsar was selected because of its special natural and ecotourism features and seasonal floating population. To collect data, library tools were used in addition to field and survey methods (Delphi). The statistical population was selected by sampling method and based on the Delphi technique, 25 people were selected. Data analysis was performed based on SWOT technique, quantitative matrix method and strategic planning (QSPM). The results of this study indicated that an aggressive strategy needed to be implemented in urban waste management for it to be effective. Creating employment and entrepreneurship related to the field of waste segregation and recycling, updating waste transportation fleet and facilitating government rules and regulations to help private sector investors were among the favorable effects and consequences of this approach. Based on the analysis and the proposed aggressive strategy, it was inferred that significant weaknesses in the urban structure including revenue and waste management issues could be remedied with the help of strengths and opportunities in waste management law.

Atriums in malls as a passive solar system can additionally on lighting, reduce the consumption of lighting and artificial ventilation systems. However, at present, due to the lack of suitable materials or lack of climatic information with the required formats of energy simulation software, all research conducted in different cities of Tehran Province have been carried out only with meteorological data of Mehrabad airport, which has sometimes led to erroneous results. This study was conducted to study the effect of materials in reducing energy consumption in commercial centers in the north and center of Tehran Province using Design Builder software and took steps in solving the issue by modifying climate information in the study area. The general method of this research was simulation with a case study approach and in terms of application type. The results of this study was in complete contrast to previous research which had expected the reduction of energy consumption in buildings by increasing the thermal resistance of materials. The present research findings based on atrium commercial centers (chain stores) in the north and center of Tehran and corrected meteorological data in the micro-climate of the study area showed that heating resulting from the internal equipment of chain stores led to completely different results from previous research. Thus, increasing the thermal resistance of materials in the northern climate of Tehran Province reduced energy consumption by 24.7% and in the central Tehran climate increased energy consumption by 13.7%.

The continuous release of emerging pollutants into aquatic environments has become a global problem. The long-term stability of drugs (emerging contaminants) discharged into wastewater, even in small quantities, is one of the many environmental consequences. Improvements in laboratory analysis equipment as well as test methods have made it possible to identify these drugs at low concentrations in the environment. For this purpose, in the current study on the size of diclofenac, Ibuprofen, Naproxen and Selex (Celecoxib) and the rate of reduction of these drugs in the treatment plant system of Tehran Province (WP1-12) in two “one-year” periods from August 2015 to August 2016 and August 2017 to August 2018, HPLC tests were performed. Limit of Quality (LOQ) for diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen and Selex were in the range between 0.001 to 37, 0.005 to 52, 0.001 to 45 and 0.005 and 48 micrograms, respectively. The average residual amount of these drugs in all refineries (WP1-12) was between 46 to 2%, showing an average elimination of 57.7%, with the highest amount in July and the highest removal in March. In addition, in all studied treatment plants, the removal percentage of ibuprofen was higher than Selex, the removal percentage of diclofenac was the highest and the removal percentage of naproxen was the lowest of all. Statistical analyses showed that there is no significant correlation between different seasons and the measured amount for these pollutants.

One of the most practical methods for thermal energy storage is the use of phase change materials (PCMs). In this study, the effect of nanomaterial loading on some important thermophysical properties of PCMs including melting enthalpy and thermal diffusivity coefficient was investigated. Silica (SiO2) and copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO) were incorporated into Paraffin wax as a PCM to enhance its thermal properties. To produce the samples, the most accurate methods were used and their morphology was studied by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Melting enthalpy and thermal diffusivity were measured by a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and a laser flash apparatus (LFA), respectively. The experiments were performed in a factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design with three main factors including the weight percentage of nanoparticles (three levels), the type of nanoparticle (two levels), and the size of the nanoparticles (three levels), and pure Paraffin wax as a control sample with three replications. The results showed that the melting enthalpy of the nanocomposite decreased with the increasing weight percentage of nanoparticles while the size of the nanoparticles displayed no significant effect. In addition, the size and type of nanoparticles affected thermal diffusivity coefficient of Ne-PCMs significantly (p<0.01). Since the enhancement of thermophysical properties of the nanocomposites containing silica nanoparticles was better than copper oxide, it can be concluded that this nanoparticle is more effective in improving the thermal energy storage properties of PCMs.