mahmoud karami

Religiosity has had important political effects as one of the most important features of Iranian identity. These effects based on contemporary and historical developments, indicate clearly the dynamic and creative nature of this identity in the social construction of political realities in Iran. The present study applies Hunter (1991; 2006) and Wuthnow’s (1988) theory of cultural wars to investigate the impact of religiosity on electoral behaviors in terms of voting tendency and participation in elections. The statistical population of the study consists of young people aged 22-40 who have participated in at least three general elections. From this statistical population, 377 people were selected by multi-stage cluster sampling as the statistical sample of the research.. Linear regression and logistics were used to analyze the data. The results show that the Degree of religiosity of youth has a significant effect on their electoral behaviors in terms of voting Tendency and participation in elections. So that, the youth who had a high average religiosity tended to the fundamentalists and Participate more in elections.

Religiosity has had important political effects as one of the most important features of Iranian identity. These effects based on contemporary and historical developments, indicate clearly the dynamic and creative nature of this identity in the social construction of political realities in Iran. The present study applies Hunter (1991; 2006) and Wuthnow’s (1988) theory of cultural wars to investigate the impact of religiosity on electoral behaviors in terms of voting tendency.The existence of research contradictions regarding the relationship between religiosity and electoral behavior has been provided the necessity of clarifying this relationship in the form of a new research. The statistical population of the study consists of young people aged 22-40 who have participated in at least three general elections. From this statistical population, 377 people were selected by multi-stage cluster sampling as the statistical sample of the research.. logistics Regression were used to analyze the data. The results show that the Degree of religiosity of youth has a significant effect on their electoral behaviors in terms of voting Tendency. So that, the youth who had a high average religiosity tended to be more fundamentalist than reformist. Whereas, young people with low average religiosity tended to be reformists Than fundamentalist. This study contributes to Hunter (1991; 2006) and Wuthnow’s (1988) theory of cultural wars by testing it in a unique political context and therefore contextualizes the theory.

Religiosity has had important political effects as one of the most important features of Iranian identity. These effects based on contemporary and historical developments, indicate clearly the dynamic and creative nature of this identity in the social construction of political realities in Iran. The present study applies Hunter (1991; 2006) and Wuthnow’s (1988) theory of cultural wars to investigate the impact of religiosity on electoral behaviors in terms of voting tendency and participation in elections. The statistical population of the study consists of young people aged 22-40 who have participated in at least three general elections. From this statistical population, 377 people were selected by multi-stage cluster sampling as the statistical sample of the research. Linear regression and logistics were used to analyze the data. The results show that the Degree of religiosity of youth has a significant effect on their electoral behaviors in terms of voting Tendency and participation in elections. So that, the youth who had a high average religiosity tended to the fundamentalists and participate more in elections. Whereas, young people with low average religiosity tended to be reformists and were less likely to participate in elections This study contributes to Hunter (1991; 2006) and Wuthnow’s (1988) theory of cultural wars by testing it in a unique political context and therefore contextualizes the theory.

This experiment was performed to evaluate the different levels of Echinacea extract in drinking water on performance traits, blood metabolites and immune system in Japanese quail over a period of 35 days. 400 quail chicks were used in a completely randomized design with 5 treatments and 4 replications with 20 chicks per replication. Experimental treatments include 1- control diet without any additives of antibiotics and or herbs (negative control); 2- control diet plus antibiotic flavophospholipol 500 mg/kg (positive control); 3- control diet plus one ml of Echinacea extract in one liter of water; 4- control diet plus 2 ml of Echinacea extract in one liter of water; 5- control diet plus 3 ml of Echinacea extract in one liter of water. The traits tested included performance traits, blood metabolites, cortisol secretion, and immune system indices. The results showed that food intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio were not affected by the treatments. Among blood metabolites, only serum albumin was significantly affected by treatments (P<0.05). Cortisol and SRBC levels as well as IgG titer were significantly affected by experimental treatments (P<0.05). In general, it was shown that the addition of Echinacea extract to the water consumed by Japanese quails significantly stimulated the immune system and altered cortisol secretion; thus it seems this extract can be used to enhance the immunity of these birds.

Reducing conflicts and wildlife damage are the most important aspects of their management. Different species of wildlife are in conflict with humans to meet their vital needs due to competition over food resources and habitat occupation. Considering the location and importance of Khojir National Park, the present study was conducted to develop a strategic management plan for the Hystrix indica in Khojir National Park with the aim of protecting and reducing conflicts of this species in the region. In the conflict management program of the mentioned species, appropriate strategies were selected based on internal factors (strengths and weaknesses) and external factors (opportunities and threats). Then, through classification, weighting and factor analysis using SWOT matrix, appropriate strategies were developed and pairwise comparisons of each of the sub-criteria and determination of weight and prioritization were performed using AHP method. In the next step, using the Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM), the feasibility and sustainability of the proposed strategies were evaluated and prioritized. According to the obtained results; Three strategies, including 1) Improving the quantity and quality of monitoring and updating the demographic and ecological information  of Hystrix indica with the help of the facilities of other organizations, 2) promoting and propagating of wildlife values and controlling the landuse change and habitat destruction and critique of superstitions, and 3) Reduction of damages in agriculture and horticulture with the cooperation of other active organizations in the region; were proposed as the most important management strategies to reduce the Hystrix indica conflicts in Khojir National Park.

Recently, aerosols as one of the air pollutants (with natural or anthropogenic sources) have received increasing attention. In this study, the purpose is investigation of soil potential in production of dust (aerosol) storms using wind rose and storm rose.

Meteorological data and WRPLOT view software were used to draw the wind rose and hurricanes. Also, in order to study the wind direction on dusty days, the data of the Meteorological Organization and also to investigate the effect of meteorological parameters such as gentle wind percentage and prevailing wind percentage, statistical methods such as regression relationship, Pearson coefficient have been used. Also, the trend of annual and seasonal changes in the concentration of suspended particles (dust) has been studied in order to determine the seasons with the highest frequency of dust occurrence.

The results indicated that winds blow from northwestern and west in all seasons. The highest frequency of winds is western. The wind roses of spring and summer indicated that the most frequent direction of prevailing winds are western to northwestern. Southeastern direction comes in next level. These storms are more frequent in winter and autumn seasons. Also, investigation of storm roses demonstrated that dominant winds have speed of less than 4.5 meter per second (80%). This research shows that in study area, winds cannot erode the soil and product the aerosols.

Therefore, the main source of recent dust must be searched in the neighboring countries.

The purpose of this research is investigation of the heavy metals pollution in PM10 aerosols in atmosphere in city of Kermanshah. The concentrations of thirteen elements consisting of Cu, Ni, Pb, Cd, Se, Zn, Fe, Cr, Co, As, Mo, V were analyzed by ICP for 55 soil samples (in various point of the height of 600-1600m) and 41 aerosols samples. The heavy metals pollution have been investigated using geo- accumulation index, contamination factor, enrichment factor, factor analysis. The results obtained from this studying, showed that elements of Cu, Ni, Pb, Cd, Se, Co, As, V have low pollution, elements of Fe, Cr have medium pollution, element of Zn has high pollution, element of Mo has very high pollution. Based on results of enrichment factor, Zn is the most enriched element. Mo have located after Zn. These elements have high EF-values. This indicates that they are probably dependent on non-soil sources such as vehicle exhaust. Enrichment Factor for Cu, Pb, Ca, Ni, V and Cr are in the range of 1 to 10. This implies that these elements were influenced not only by crust, but also by other pollution sources. Enrichment Factor of other elements (selenium, arsenic, cobalt) are less than 0.1. This indicates that these elements have originated from the crust. Based on results of enrichment factor and factor analysis, these elements have anthropogenic source that emissions of vehicle and industry-oil burning emissions have the main role in emission to atmosphere.

One of atmospheric phenomena of dry and semi-dry areas and areas adjacent to these areas is the phenomenon of dust and production of particulate matter (PM10) that have many environmental hazards. The purpose of this research is determination of chemical composition and source identification of elements in aerosols in city of Kermanshah. Enrichment factor are used to identify natural and anthropogenic sources of these elements in aerosols. Tracing of sreams is performed using contour line in level of 500hpa . Samples of aerosols is analyzed for 20 elements by ICP-OES. According to this study, The elements such as iron, potassium, calcium, selenium, arsenic, cobalt, phosphorus, magnesium and sodium have low EF- values, this indicates that these elements have originated from the crust. These elements account for 84% of the total concentration of elements. This shows that crustal elements are the main contributor to the elements in PM10 in the Kermanshah atmosphere. The results of this research show that the most frequent pass of streams to west Iran; west to east of Iraq is in the first rank, then, westnorth to eastnorth of Jordan, east to westsouth of Syria and east to west of Mediterranean. Therefore, it can be stated that Iraq and its neighboring regions have important role in production of aerosols.

Particulate matters are particles that have placed as dispersed particles, in solid or liquid, in gaseous intermediators. Recently, aerosols as one of the air pollutants, from natural or anthropogenic sources, have received the attention of many researchers due to the roles they play in global climate change and the environmental and health problems. They can scatter or absorb solar radiation and thermal radiation emitted from the earth surface. The aerosols as condensation nuclei of cloud droplets can also affect cloud formation and precipitation. Numerical studies have performed particulate matter (PM10) and their source identification.
Source identification of trace elements in PM2.5 in Mira Loma, in southern California, was performed using factor analysis, the backward air mass trajectory analysis, enrichment factor calculation and the Al/Zn ratio. Al is a major constituent in the earth crust but it is not in vehicle emissions. This study suggests that the Al/Zn ratio can be used to understand the dominance of soil-related sources. The low Al/Zn ratio shows that dominant sources are vehicle emissions.The purpose of this research is source identification of the main and trace elements of PM10 aerosols and also, investigation of effective areas in production of the aerosols (PM10) using satellite images in Kermanshah. In this research, the exploratory factor analysis has been used to identify natural and anthropogenic sources of the elements in PM10 aerosols.
In this research, sampling of aerosols has been performed by aerosol sampler. Then, the concentrations of the eleven elements (K,Al, Na, Ca, Cu, Ni, Pb, Mn, Fe, Mg, V) have been detected by ICP-OES.
In this study, the exploratory factor analysis has been used to identify potential sources of major and trace elements in aerosols. In this method, variables are placed in the factors so that the percentage of variance decreases from first factor to next factors. Hence, the variables in the first factor are most effective.
In this study, the days that particulate matter concentration was higher than permissible level, we have determined daily information of particulate matter concentration at Air Quality Monitoring Station in Kermanshah. Then, effective areas in production of aerosols (PM10) have been investigated using satellite images during February to July 2010.
In the factor analysis, the variables (elements) with the factor-loading less than 0.5 are not listed in the table. The total number of factors has been selected so that the cumulative percentage of the variance explained by all the selected factors was more than 77%. Only the factors are selected that had an eigenvalue greater than one. The last column shows the values of the communalities which explains the amount of common variance for each of the variables (elements) with the four factors.

Gazelle gazelle darreshourii belongs to Gazella genus and Gazella gazelle species which has been only reported from Faror protected area in the Persian Gulf. The aim of this study was to investigate phylogeny and genetic diversity of this population using Cytochrome b. 10 tissue samples due to flood were collected from Faror Island in February 2011. After DNA extraction, Part of Cytochrome b, 414 bp length, was amplified by Polymerase Chain Reaction and was sequenced. After editing,sequences were compaire to sequneces of Gazella genus on ncbi site. Then, Genetic factors between and within population such as nucleotide and haplotype variations and genetic distance were calculated and finally the phylogeny tree and haplotype network was drawn for these samples. Results were shown that all of samples were pertained to one haplotype and genetic distance between these samples was too low which could indicate unsuitable genetic variation in this small island population.

Wild sheep (Ovis orientalis) is a threatened (VU10) species living in mountainous areas of Iran. Very little is known about habitat associations of wild sheep as a prerequisite for conservation planning. We studied habitat associations and seasonal pattern of habitat use by wild sheep over a complete year in Ghemashlou National Park.
The existing vegetation types within the park were considered as different habitats for wild sheep and their structure were quantified. Wild sheep pellet group density as well as habitat variables including vegetation types, percentage cover of dominant bush species, and EC, SP and pH of the soil were quantified within the permanent strip transects. General Linear Models (GLMs) were used to relate habitat variables to pellet group density.
Use of habitats was not significantly different in none of the studied periods except in spring. In this season, wild sheep had significantly used Astragalus-Scariola more than Artemisia vegetation type.
In addition, wild sheep had used areas with steeper slopes in spring and areas with higher EC in autumn.

For protection of biodiversity and because of fast destruction of revocable national source which is becoming more challengeable every day, strengthening and expansion of protected area is the only proper way. In Iran, in addition to existence of fourfold conservative area, there are no hunting areas as an example of natural areas. These areas are valuable and prepared for conservation of nature ecological balance and preventing the extinction of plant generation and animal species. This area "with an area of about of 81373 hectare" is located in the West of Meybod and North-East of Sadouq in Yazd Province. In this study, for the first time, the ecological land capability of Marvar, with perception of conservation according to IUCN criteria, was evaluated to be designated as a protected.
Systematic Analysis method, Makhdoum (2001) ecological models and GIS were used for evaluation of Marvar no-hunting area. In this study, at first regional resources (socio-economic & ecological) were found. Digital data along with attribute data were insetted to the ArcGIS system to make the data base. Therefore, by overlaying information layers in the mentioned system, the ecological details were mapped for the area and the table of characteristic unit was presented. The evaluation of capability and zoning were done and fertilized area for suitable uses was selected. Finally, baised on the obtained result for the protected area classification system, the area was introduced as a conservative area according to national and international criteria.
According to the obtained results for ecological and economical-social resource, six zones were identified in this area as wilderness/ecological zone:(4.25%), protected zone:(41.62%), extensive use zone:(26.3%), intensive use zone:(9.4%), spatial use zone:(1.25%) and land use zone:(17.18%), and nearly half of the area was allocate to protection use. The, small extent of this area with high vulnerability shows its capability to be placed in higher conservative class. Hence, evaluation of obtained results under the condition of protected area according to available criteria explain shows that Marvar no-hunting area with approximately broad extent, has a high ecosystem diversity (mountain, plain and hill), considerable species diversity (52 plant and 82 animal species) and also high wildlife values such as economical, biological, and science-training values. Moreower, tourism attractions have high conservative value and can introduce a protected area in classification of fourfold areas of Iran, as well as in fifth class of IUCN, including areas under management of protected landscape or Seascape.

Great cormorant is dependent on aquatic ecosystems. The breeding success and daily survival rate of the Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo sienensis (early April until late of July) was studied in 2009 in a colony at Amirkelayeh international wetland, south of the Caspian Sea, Iran.
In this study, Mayfield method was use to estimated nest survival during incubation and nestling and post- nestling stages.
Findings: The mean of clutch size was 2.88±0.8 eggs in each nest Based on this method, daily survival rate nests in incubation period was 98.3%,in nestling and post-nestling were 99.4%and 100% respectively. The overall breeding success was 56.4%.
Discussion and Results of this study showed there were higher stages of chick rearing than the incubation period and no losses occurred in fledged chicks. Some climatic factors such as high wind and prolonged rain had more impacts and losses in incubation period (30.7%).In other hand, chicks are more sensitive in nestling stage. Results suggest that Amirkelayeh colony site needs more improvement mitigation for better conservation of the cormorant colony in breeding period.

Habitat is an important component of biodiversity conservation. Understanding the habitat characteristics to achieve conservation programs is inevitable. The present study was carried out with an aim to identifying microhabitat ecological factors effecting habitat use of Iranian Mountain Steppe Viper (Vipera ebneri) in Alborz Mountains. Sampling was carried out during spring and summer in 2012-2013. Ecological variables were measured in 31 presence and 33 absence plots of 12 ´ 12 m. Results of binary logistic regression analysis showed that hillsides with dense vegetation cover and decimetric stones at the appropriate distance from water sources, are the most important variables in habitat suitability of Iranian Mountain Steppe Viper in the area. The results of this study can fascilitate effective conservation of the remainig populations of Iranian Mountain Steppe Viper through determining factors limiting the distribution of this species as well as identifying and protecting its critical habitats.

Among 4 species of fox in Iran, Branford's fox is the smallest one. The previous studies on this species are limited and not significant. Therefore we researched the main factors that affect its distribution and its potential distribution throughout Iran using MAXENT modeling based on the presence data. The presence data gathered from camera trap pictures and some of the incidental observations and also several environmental variables including climatic, topographic and manmade were used for modeling. The output model indicates that rainfall in the coldest season; slope and daily temperature mean are the 3 variables that respectively have the most impact on Branford's fox distribution in Iran. Moreover 64787.5 km2 of Iran, mainly in the central region, is assumed as suitable habitat for Branford's fox.

Understanding food resources of large herbivores and their interactions with habitat is crucial for effective wildlife conservation in arid environments. However, the carrying capacity (CC) value may be influenced by a variety of human-induced perturbations, e.g., habitat fragmentation and potential competitors. The goitered gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa) inhabits a wide range of semi-desert and desert habitats in Iran. To estimate the CC of the species in Sorkh-e-Hesar National Park (SHNP), four different habitats were surveyed during the winter period in 2011-2012. The grazing behavior was recorded by direct observations. The grazing spots were identified and studied for vegetation types in 6 sites. In total, 80 plots and 10 T-square random points were sampled. About 15 herbal species were identified in gazelle diet, with the main contribution of the family Poaceae. Dry weight and density of herbal species preferred by the gazelle were estimated. Moreover, the nutritional CC of the habitats and available forage during the winter period was determined using the cutting-weighting technique. The CC value of the goitered gazelle population was estimated as 56-107 individuals over 91.68 km 2 (0.62-1.17 individuals/km 2), which was estimated with the inclusion and exclusion of competitive herbivorous species, respectively.

Seladin-1 protein protects the neural cells against amyloid beta toxicity and its expression decreased in vulnerable regions of Alzheimer's disease (AD) brains. On the other hand, changes in serum levels of S100 have been considered as a marker of brain damage in neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, this study was carried out to determine the relation between the change profile of serum S100β protein levels and hippocampal Seladin-1 gene expression in a rat model of sporadic AD. In this experimental study that established in Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, from March 2011 to April 2013, 72 animals were randomly divided into control, 4, 7, 14, and 21days ICV-STZ/Saline administrated rats. Alzheimer's model was induced by intracerebroventricular (ICV) injections of streptozotocin (STZ) [3 mg/kg] on days 1 and 3. Serum levels of S100β and hippocampal Seladin-1 gene expression were evalu-ated in experimental groups. The initial and step-through latencies (STL) were deter-mined using passive avoidance test. Serum levels of S100β were significantly different between the STZ-7 day and STZ-14 day groups in comparison with the control, saline and STZ-4 day groups. As well as, there was a significant difference between the STZ-7 day group in comparison with the STZ-14 day and STZ-21 day groups (P=0.0001). Hippocampal Seladin-1 gene expression in STZ-14 day and STZ-21 day groups significantly decreased as compared to the control, saline and STZ-4 day groups (P=0.0001). However, significant correla-tion was detected between serum S100β protein decrement and Seladin-1 down regula-tion (P=0.001). Also, the STL was significantly decreased in 21 days ICV-STZ adminis-trated rats as compared to the control or saline groups (P=0.001). Monitoring the changes of serum S100β protein levels by relationship with changes in hippocampal Seladin-1 gene expression can be a useful indicator of neu-ronal damage in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Considering the reduction of populations of carnivores such as leopard and cheetah in most habitats of Iran, wolves are becoming key species of many habitats as predators. Habitat evaluation leads to understanding the relation between habitat variables and species presence. These results could benefit management plans. In this research, we studied effective habitat variables affecting the habitat selection of Grey wolf (Canis lupus) using MaxEnt method based on species presence data in Khangormaz Protected Area in Hamedan province. Was record in this study 40 Presence point. Habitat variables including elevation, slope, vegetation, distance to village and livestock, distance to road and distance to water were studied. Calculated correlations between factors were using SPSS software. Distance to village was the most important variable with percent contribution of 42.2%. Other important variables were distance to livestock and poultry farming, distance to road and slope. According to the habitat suitability map and the tables of important factors, our results suggest that wolves prefer habitats near villages, livestock, and area near the roads with medium slope.

This study was conducted to investigate theallometric growth pattern and sexual dimorphism in the skull of both sexes ofIranian brown bear (Ursus arctos) in theAlborz Mountains using geometric morphometric and traditional morphometric techniques. Morphometric parameters were obtained from 2D pictures of skulls using the software ImageJ and allometric growth pattern was calculated as a power function of total length using non-transformed data. The results revealed significant differencesbetweendifferent parts ofthe skullin both two sexes. Allometric growth patternalso showedthat differencebetweenmales and femalesduring their ontogenic growth of skull. Results showed that during development of skull parts from Immature to adult in male and female، similargrow pattern will continuetoa certainage until sexual dimorphism appears. Growth patterns is a factorfor the sexual dimorphism differences. Different charts shows more consolidate in different parts of the male skull. Based on the results، there is significant differences between skull shape of male and female of brown bear skull in ventral، dorsal and lateral faces. According to the results Males in different parts of the skull is stronger whereas have shown more length، narrower andweaker in females.

Gazella subgutturosa, which is herbivorous and ruminating mammals, is one of the artiodactyls in Iran. This species is one of the most important herbivorous species of Iranian plain. It is also distributed in some protected area like Sorkhe-hesar national Park. The aim of this project was determination of Nutritional carrying capacity of habitat and amount of available forages in critical season by using cutting and weighing method. Primary observations have been performed for determination of habitat restrictions and monitoring tracks of this species. Therefore total monitoring tracks for this species was measured 44 Km. Then these tracks have been visited daily and exact points for species presenting were recorded by GPS. In addition, herbaceous species, which are feed by Gazella subgutturosa were identified and also listed by direct observation. Dried weight and density of herbaceous species which were grazed by Gazella subgutturosa were detected and biomass of Gazella subgutturosa habitat was calculated as well. In next section, nutritional carrying capacity of Gazella subgutturosa in critical period was measured by using animal units and daily requirement of Gazella subgutturosa to feeding. Cutting and weighting method and direct observation were also used for this measurement. At the end of this project, 15 herbaceous species from 8 classes, which are using by Gazella subgutturosa and wild sheep, have been identified. Furthermore it is recognized that Poaceae with 8 species have most diversity in Gazella subgutturosa diet. To sum up, total carrying capacity for Gazella subgutturosa protection in this area has been calculated 56 and 107 units with and without competitor’s assumption respectively.

Ovis orientalis is a species from the Artiodactyla order and the Bovidae family. The subspecies of Ovis orientalis are classified as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List. Dare Anjir wildlife refuge is the best and safest habitats of this species in the center of Iran. The present study is done with the aim of determining the effective factors in the presence of Ovis orientalis using MAXENT during 2012 to 2013 for seasons winter (cold period), spring (lambing), summer (hot and dry period) and autumn (mating period). Environmental factors used in model for three seasons are elevation, Slope, aspect, distance to water resources, distance to plant communities, distance to roads (soily and asphalted) and distance to mines. Results (with used MAXENT Software) show that the most important factor in the presence of Ovis orientalis as one of the most important food resources for Acinonyx jubatus (Asiatic Cheetah) (Critically Endangered) in the study area, in winter, spring, summer and autumn is slope. According to the prediction (with MAXENT Software), north, center and south east areas of Dare Anjir wildlife refuge which are the most suitable habitat for Acinonyx jubatus (Asiatic Cheetah) and its dependent predators for three seasons have the most probability of presence of ovis. The result of the present study could be used in performing conservation and management for increasing suitable habitats in Yazd province.

The forests and grasslands of Dez and Karkhe National Park and Protected area are considered as the last habitat for Persian Fallow Deer (Dama dama mesopotamica). In this research the trend of habitat change for was studied in two separate time periods of 1973-1989 and 1989-2007 by interpretation of data gathered from MSS 1973, TM 1989 and LISSIII 2007 Two unsupervised and supervised classification methods were used, Initially the maps of five cover and land-use classification including: settlements; agriculture; forest; degraded forest, and water classification were prepared Then, the accuracy classification was assessed, using Cross Tabulation method. The results indicate that in the total time of study the forest cover reduced 35% and degraded forest increased by 48%, from which 23% reduction in forest cover and 32% increase in degraded forest happened in the second period of study. In the total period of study 25% of forest cover converted to degraded forest and another 10% along with 20% degraded forest converted to agricultural lands. Therefore the vast habitat change and reduction of forest cover can be considered as one of the important factor resulted in rapid population reduction of Fallow Deer, which caused no sign of species presence to be recorded in the region for the past decade.

Markazi province with high elevation mountains consist suitable habitats for wild goat as a representative of biodiversity in Markazi province. Wild goat habitats in this province is fragmented and degraded due to intensive industrial, agricultural and mining activities. Ecological niche factor analysis and landscape characteristics including patch shape, area and edge were studied to develop habitat suitability modeling and analyzing patch fragmentation. Results indicate that four ecological factors explain 93% of species habitat selection information. Marginality value of 1.603 and tolerance value of 0.299 indicate that wild goat preferred habitat with elevations and slopes higher than habitat's mean and had low tolerance to habitat variations. About 8% of southern parts of Markazi province encompass three suitable habitat patches for wild goat. Comparison of landscape characteristics of these three patches showed that HaftadGholleh- PalangDareh patch with an area of 63.25 %, edge density of 13.04 m and total perimeter of 761 kilometer is less disturbed by human made structures and more parts of it is under protection and therefore has more suitable condition than two other patches. In order to reduce the fragmentation of wild goat habitats in Markazi province, suitable patches should be developed and corridors should be designed.

One of atmospheric phenomena of dry and semi-dry areas and areas adjacent to these areas is the phenomenon of dust and production of particulate matter (PM10) that have a lot of environmental hazards. In this research، the purpose is investigation of temporal variations of PM10 concentration during 2005-2010 and influence of meteorological parameters on it. Meteorology information have obtained from April 2005 to August 2010 at synoptic station in Kermanshah and also، PM10 samples were collected from April 2005 to August 2010 at Air Quality Monitoring Station in Kermanshah. Then، data have analyzed using EXCEL and SPSS software. The results of monthly variations of PM10 concentration show that july and january months have minimum and maximum PM10 concentration، respectively. Highest PM10 concentration have been related to April 2009 to April 2010. Also، the results indicate that the relationship of relative humidity، precipitation and percentage of calm wind with PM10 concentration are inverse and the relationship of temperature، percentage of prevailing wind and velocity of prevailing wind with PM10 concentration are direct. Therefore، It can been concluded that meteorological parameters have effected PM10 concentration.

Black rat (Rattus rattus) is the only rodent present in the mangrove forests of Harra biosphere reserve in Hormozgan province. Identifying signs of this nocturnal species is the preliminary study for other ecological researches in this fragile ecosystem. Signs of this species were studied with 18 random transects in three growth formations (deltaic، island and coastal formations) of grey mangrove (Avicennia marina). Signs of black rat in mangrove forests are nests، food stations، shelters، feces، tracks and food remains. Nests are the most significant and useful sign which consists of branches and leaves of mangrove tree. Nest is the most suitable sign for black rat studies and can be used forecological investigations such as habitat selection. Food stations are nearly flat places that food is transferred there for eating and usually are located on the nests. Shelters are found in the trunk of mangrove trees and only observed in island formations. Because of the tide، feces and tracks are not reliable signs and can be observed accidentally. By investigating food stations it was determined that black rats in mangrove forests are omnivore species which feed on all species of crabs، shells،fishes، insects، seeds of mangrove trees and birds (eggs، nestlings and adults).