naser

In order to understand the dolomitization processes in the eastern margin of the foreland Zagros sedimentary basin, the dolomites of Shahbazan Formation in the outcrop, located 6 kilometers north-west of Semirom, were studied by petrography and geochemistry. The Shahbazan Formation with a thickness of 74 m conformably overlaid on the terrigenous rocks of the Kashkan Formation and was covered disconformably by carbonate rocks of the Asmari Formation. Based on field evidence, petrography (including polarizing microscopes and SEM) and geochemistry of major, minor and rare earth elements (REE), four types of dolomites have been identified in the Shahbazan Formation. The results of this research indicate that the formation of very fine to fine crystalline dolomite occurred in tidal flat and other dolomites have been formed in shallow to intermediate deep burial diagenetic environments by moderately saline marine fluids (mean Na 363 ppm), via seepage reflux of evaporate seawater into the Shahbazan Formation platform.The similar distribution of the trace element versus Mg and REE pattern in the three dolomite types indicate that the Shahbazan dolomites formed a single diagenetic fluid with similar origin. The difference between the dolomite crystals size indicate variable water-rock interaction, temperature and depth of burial.  

TDue to the increasing significance of natural gas in the global energy portfolio and also Iran being the holder of second most natural gas reserves in the world the importance of managing the production and consumption of natural gas is an apparent fact Therefore underground gas storage USG technology as a tool of gas reservoir management could play a considerable role in the future of the gas industry in Iran Nevertheless the growing trend of attaining key technologies in this field has experienced a standstill In order to analyze and plan the development of this technology there is a need to discover the roots of the problems and failures which hinder this development and also to analyze them This paper aims to provide a framework for analyzing such problems using the approach of technological innovation systems Furthermore the effect of contextual and environmental factors on the development of this technology has been discussed Finally using the structural equation modelling method the relationship between contextual structural and functional factors of the technological innovation system of USG has been tested In the end it is determined that contextual factors directly and also indirectly affect the performance of the mentioned system by influencing structural factors to the extent that the intensity of effects on functions caused by contextual factors is greater than that of structural problems

In this work, we focus on investigating the Quickbird and Landsat-8 datasets for mapping hydrothermal and gossans alterations in reconnaissance porphyry copper mineralization in the Babbiduyeh area. This area is situated in the Central Iranian Volcano-sedimentary Complex, where large copper deposits like Sarcheshmeh as well as numerous occurrences of copper exist. The alteration zones are discriminated by implementation of band ratio and principal component analysis on the Quickbird and Landsat-8 datasets. The image processing results are evaluated by field surveys, X-ray diffraction (XRD), microscopic thin section, and spectroscopic studies of field samples as well as the 1:100000 Sarduiyeh and 1:5000 Babbiduyeh geological maps. In addition, the spectral characterizations of the samples are analyzed by visual inspection, and the PIMAView, SAMS, and ViewSpecpro software programs. The combined spectroscopic measurements, XRD analyses, and petrographic studies revealed mineral assemblages typical of the phyllic, phyllic-supergen, propylitic, argillic, and gossan alterations. The results obtained from image processing and analysis of field samples illustrated examples of effects of iron oxides and hydroxides on the surface of phyllic and argillic alterations. Hence, it can be concluded that the areas discriminated in Quickbird as gossans correspond to the phyllic and argillic alteration areas.

In recent years the fat content and fatty acid composition of foods have been highlighted as consumers have become more aware of the relationships between dietary fat and the incidence of diseases (Corpet, 2011; Daley et al., 2010). Increasing ruminant’s meat content of PUFA and conjugated linoleic acid isomers accepted as targets to improve nutritional quality of ruminant meat (Mapiye et al., 2012). Among all possible factors, feeding strategies, especially dietary supplementation with PUFA rich oils, are known as the most effective factor on alteration of fatty acid composition (Boles et al., 2005). However, conflicting results have been reported on altering fatty acid content of meat by supplementing ruminant diets with lipid sources high in PUFA (Ivan et al., 2001; Radunz et al., 2009).
To study the effects of pomegranate seed oil (PSO) supplementation on non-carcass components weight, carcass characteristics and some meat quality attributes 21 male Sanjabi lambs (BW=27.5±2.6 kg, 3 months old) were used. Lambs were randomly distributed among three treatments (control, control% PSO, and control%PSO) and were fed ad libitum for 90 days before slaughter. Four lambs from each treatment were slaughtered. After slaughter, non-carcass component (head, skin, feet, lungs and trachea, liver, heart, kidneys, spleen, gastro-intestinal tract, testicles, and kidney and abdominal fat depots), were removed and weighed. Following a 24 h chilling period, the carcasses were cut into different anatomical regions (neck, behind of neck, ribs, loin, fore shank, brisket, flank, long leg and fat tail) and the weight of each region was recorded. The carcass fat depth over the midpoint of LD muscle at the 12th rib was measured; fat thickness was assessed at three sites on the location. The LD muscle depth (B), width (A), and area were measured on the cut surface of the LD muscle at the 12th rib. Enough samples of longissimus dorsi (LD) and biceps femoris (BF) muscles were vacuum-packed and frozen at −20°C until subsequent determination of meat quality attributes. Samples of LD and BF muscles, without any subcutaneous fat, were ground to homogeneity and the percentage of moisture, ash, fat, and protein was determined using AOAC (2000) methods. Meat colour was measured on both muscles after ageing for 24 h at 4°C. Meat colour of bloomed (1 h at 21 °C) samples was assessed using the L*, a* and b* system (CIE, 1986) with a Hunter Lab colourimeter (Konica Minolta, Chroma meter model CR-400, Japan). To measure cooking loss (%), samples of LD and BF muscles were weighed, placed in plastic bags, and cooked in a water bath, at 75°C for 60 min as described by Hoffman et al. (2003). After cooking, samples were dried and cooking loss (%) was estimated by means of percentage of weight loss of the cooked sample to initial sample weight. Cooked samples were used to determine shear force value. Three sub-samples (3×1×1 cm3) were taken from each cooked sample. Shear force values of each subsample was determined using a Testometric machine (Model M350-10CT, England) equipped with a Warner Bratzler (WB) shear force apparatus.
Empty total digestive tract and empty reticulum had significantly higher mass in lambs fed 2% PSO supplemented diet (P0.05). In other species, on the other hand, Engle et al. (2000) and Najafi et al. (2012) reported that dietary linoleic acid decreased kidney and pelvic fat percentage in Angus steers and Mahabadi goat kids, respectively. This discrepancy may be attributed to difference in PUFAs content of the diet among different studies (Solomon et al., 1992). The carcass cut weights of lambs were not affected (P>0.05) by the oil supplementation at 2 or 4%. This result agrees with those in which no significant effects on weights or percentage of carcass cuts were observed as a result of supplementing lambs (Boles et al., 2005) or kids (Najafi et al., 2012; Roy et al., 2013) diets with various oils. Similarly, other measured carcass characteristics of the lambs including subcutaneous fat depth, and longissimus depth, width and area were not affected (P>0.05) by oil supplementation. Similar studies in lambs (Radunz et al., 2009; Boles et al., 2005) have reported no effect of oil supplementation on rib eye area of lambs fed high unsaturated oils. In the present study, PSO inclusion in lamb diet did not make any significant change (P>0.05; Table 3) in moisture, protein and ash contents of LD muscle; although feeding this oil in 4% level caused a significant (P0.05). In contrast to the findings of the current study, fish oil (Najafi et al., 2012), soybean oil (Bessa et al., 2005), safflower oil (Boles et al., 2005) and soybean and linseed oils (Francisco et al., 2015) supplementation in lambs diet did not alter meat colour indexes. In the present study, cooking loss and WB shear force in LD and BF muscles were not affected by oil supplementation (P>0.05). Other findings in goat (Najafi et al., 2012) and lambs (Manso et al., 2009; Radunz et al., 2009; Francisco et al., 2015) confirm that oil supplementation is ineffective (P>0.05) on cooking loss percentage and WB shear force.
The results of this study suggest that pomegranate seed oil supplementation in the diet of fattening lambs up to 4% have potential to improve colour indexes of meat without negative impact on carcass characteristics and physical attributes of meat.

Biodegradable elastomeric materials are gaining extensive attention in the field of soft tissue engineering. Poly (glycerol sebacate) (PGS) is a novel biocompatible elastomer in this scope. However this polymer has poor mechanical properties especially when the molar ratio of glycerol is higher than sebacic acid. Calcium Titanate (CaTiO3) is a biocompatible ceramic with some degrees of piezoelectricity, which is in favor of cell growth. In this study; Calcium Titanate is synthesized at nano-scale by sol-gel method and dispersed into as-synthesized PGS pre-polymer in weight-ratio of 5:95 for CaTiO3 and PGS, respectively. This waxy material was cured to achieve the final product. The molar ratio of glycerol and sebacic acid for the synthesis of PGS was 1:0.8, respectively. X-ray diffraction (XRD) test confirms successful synthesis of CaTiO3 and the nano-scale of crystals are approved by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) Image. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has revealed a chemical bond between the two phases after addition of ceramic into pre-polymer. Distribution of CaTiO3 nano-structures in the polymeric matrix is shown by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).

Open-channel junctions have a broad application in civil and environmental engineering. Formation of a low-pressure zone with recirculating flow (high sedimentation) accompanied by a high-velocity zone (high erosion) is the most characteristic feature of flow in junctions. A large number of researches have been performed to study the complexity of the flow in junctions in open-channel flows. In this research, four new geometrical modifications, based on streamlinization concept, are investigated to understand their effects on reducing the sedimentation and erosion potential in a 90° open-channel junction. First, the numerical model was validated based on previous experimental studies. Then, effects of the mentioned modifications were evaluated and some efficiency measures were devised to improve their performance. The results show that employing the proposed geometrical modifications improves the flow pattern significantly via eliminating the recirculation zone and reducing the maximum flow velocity after the junction. Thereby a comprehensive reduction in sedimentation and erosion potential is produced as well as contracting the stagnation zone.

Maturity period and consumption of fresh fruits such as pomegranate are relatively short. In addition, the consumption of pomegranates is not very widespread mainly due to the difficulty of extracting the arils. Hence, minimally processed pomegranate fruit (ready-to-eat arils), presents a more appealing product to consumers than whole fruit and increases the prospect of production and consumption of pomegranate. In recent years, minimally processed “ready-to-eat” pomegranate arils have become popular due to their convenience, high nutritional value, unique sensory characteristics. According to nutritional value of pomegranate, modified atmosphere packaging of minimally processed pomegranate arils offers innovative tool for optimal use of lower grade fruit with superficial peel defects such as cracks, splits, and sun burnt. Minimally processed fruit and vegetables are susceptible to increased deterioration in quality and microbial infestation due to increase in endogenous enzymatic processes and respiration rate. Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) technology offers the possibility to retard product respiration rate and extend the shelf life of fresh product. Edible coatings also act as a barrier to gas and moisture migration and some of them such as chitosan, have antibacterial and antifungal properties. Incorporation of essential oils into edible coating also helps to improve it’s antimicrobial properties. Coating of pomegranate arils with Aloe vera gel and honey also maintain it’s quality.

Tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyran derivatives 1 were utilized for the synthesis of several new pyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives 2. Compound 2 was obtained in the presence of Ac2O/H2SO4 (as a catalyst) and was confirmed by spectroscopic data such as IR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR. Ab initio calculation was carried out to study geometric optimization, thermodynamic parameters, aromaticity and dynamic process of conformational analysis for compound 2.

Nowadays, excessive use of antibiotics in the treatment of human and animal diseases has caused bacteria’s multidrug resistant rise against antibiotics. Additionally, new antibiotics’ consumption involves new resistant genes that can shortly spread among other bacteria and need new antibiotics for its control and this requires spending millions of dollar.Methicillin - resistant staphylococcus is one of the mos invasive bacteria that quickly become resistant to the new generation of antibiotics. Bacteriophages are viruses that infect and replicate inside bacteria and finally lyse the host cells. Phage entry into the host bacterial cell requires a specific receptor. Phages are not able to identify other cells especially eukaryotic cells.

Sassanid imperial trade policies affect large parts of the ancient world.The most important decades of trade booming is in the reign of first Khosrow to the end of Sasanid government and trade was used as a tool against other powers. First Khosrow with domination of commercial regions besideBlakseaand Abrisham Road could prepare a good base for Iranian traders for business during his dominion era. Despite interior conflicts during Forth Hormoz, he could overshadow western commercial areas.KhosrewParviz also could maintain commercial reign over commercial areas by creating peace contract with Bizans imperial. This article is intended to show trade from first Khosrow to Khosrowparviz by focusing on commercial factors and Sasanid imperial policies.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a ubiquitous organism which has emerged as a major threat in the hospital environment. Overuse of antibiotics has also significantly increased the emergence of antimicrobial multiresistant bacteria. P. aeruginosa has an innate ability to adhere to surfaces and form virulent biofilms. Bacteriophage might represent one attractive solution to this problem. In this study، P. aeruginosaphage was utilized to Biofilm prevention and removal. After isolation of phages and serial dilution microplate method of biofilm formation was examined. Furthermore، the effects on biofilm bacteria isolated phages were determined on the Pseudomonas putida، Acinetobacter baumanii and E. coli. P. aeruginosa biofilm had OD: 1. 688 in 492n. m. Pure phage، 10-2 and 10-3 diluted phage decreased OD to 1. 587، 1. 341 and 1. 461،respectively. Isolated phage dramatically decline OD of Biofilm of all strains. Phages have various affinity to attach to hosts، thereby it is supposed to phages compete for their receptors. Therefore it is supposed phages have most efficiency in optimum concentration to remove biofilm or growth inhibition. Also، funding prove phages have effect on various bacteria and they can use to remove different strains.

The spatial distribution pattern of pests can be useful in planning and performing the integrated pest management. The Konar moth, Thiacidas postica Walker (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a defoliator of Konar (Ziziphus spina-christi), in south of Iran especially Bushehr, Hormozgan and Khuzestan provinces. The Larva is defoliator of Ziziphus spp. Extension of Konar cultivation in south of Iran as an economic orchards caused complete studies on some important pests. The spatial distribution of T. postica fifth instar larvae was studied in field conditions on the Ziziphus spp. during 2006-2008. A 50 cm of branches of each Konar tree was selected as sampling units. With a primary sampling sample size was determined as 40. In this research, the spatial distribution pattern of fifth instar larvae of T. postica using regression models (Taylor’s power law and Iwao’s patchiness regression) was determined. Population density of T. postica and its parasitoid, Pales murina Mes. (Diptera: Tachinidae), was studied by Regression and Linear equation. The results showed that Taylor’s power law (R2=0.98) and Iwao’s patchiness regression, (R2=0.86), that the Konar moth larval population was aggregated on the host plant branches. As the slop of regression was significantly greater than 1, and it implies that large samples are required to obtain density estimates at an acceptable level of precision. The relationship between eating and behaviors of different larval instars fitted both Taylor’s power law and Iwao’s patchiness regression model. The slop of regression, b, was 1.99 and 3.45 for Taylor’s power law and Iwao’s patchiness regression, respectively. Then spatial distribution of fifth larval instars of T. postica on Z. spina-christi was estimated aggregated (clumped). Regression and Linear equation between mean of 5th instar larva density of T. postica and percentage of parasitism of P. murina also showed that parasitoid acts as a density dependent factor.

In this study, hydroxyapatite (HA) nanocomposite powder with 0, 4 and 8 wt.% silver were synthesized via sol-gel method. Phase formation, thermal stability, microstructure and particle size distribution were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and EDS mapping. Results showed presence of silver as a reinforcement phase caused a decrease in thermal stability of HA phase and decomposition of HA to β-TCP phase was increased. The microstructure characterization revealed that silver particles until 4 wt.% uniformly distributed in HA matrix and the particles were in nano-sized.

Safety distance has already been a main measurement for the hazard control of chemical installations interpreted to mean providing space between the hazardous installation and different types of targets. But, the problem is how to determine the enough space. This study considers the application of quantitative risk assessment to evaluating a compressed natural gas station site and to identify nearby land use limitations. In such cases, the most important consideration is to assure that the proposed site would not be incompatible with existing land uses in the vicinity. This scope is possible by categorization of estimated levels of risk imposed by the proposed site. It means that an analysis of the consequences and likelihood of credible accident scenarios coupled with general acceptable risk criteria should be undertaken. This enables the calculated risk of the proposed site to be considered at an early stage, to allow prompt responses or in the later stages to observe limitations. It is concluded that not only adequate distance is not been provided but also the compressed natural gas station is located in the vicinity of populated areas and this is chiefly because of inadequate risk assessment studies and ambiguities in defining acceptable risk criteria.

Due to worldwide spread of influenza A (H1N1) virus, the World Health Organization declared the first pandemic of influenza in four decades. This study aims to report the mortality from pandemic influenza A (H1N1) in Iran population and its epidemiologic and clinical characteristics up to December 21, 2009. The data were obtained from all provinces and reported to center for disease control of Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MOHME) of Iran through nationwide surveillance system for influenza A (H1N1) was implemented by MOHME since April 2009. Of 3672 confirmed cases of influenza A (H1N1) in Iran between 22 May and 21 December 2009, 140 (3.8%) deaths were reported, mostly in 15-65 year old (yo) age group (67%). The highest admission mortality rate was in > 65 yo group (107 deaths/1000 hospitalized cases). Of decedent patients, 54% had no long term condition or risk factor, 34% had one, 11% had two, and 1% had three. Diabetes mellitus, pregnancy, chronic respiratory diseases and hypertension were the most common underlying conditions. The most common clinical pictures of death were acute respiratory distress syndrome and viral pneumonia. Although 66% of decedent patients received oseltamivir, enough information was not available about time of onset of antiviral therapy. As death due to influenza A (H1N1) occurs in all age groups and in those with and without any predisposing factors, we recommend health policy makers to provide influenza vaccination for people with underlying conditions and respiratory hygiene for all people.

Reshaping breakwater is a kind of rubble mound structure that its profile reshapes to a equilibrium one after impinging of waves. In This paper, the effects of wave parameters including significant wave height, peak and mean wave periods, storm duration, as well as structural parameters including water depth at the toe of structure, initial slope of the structure, permeability and stone gradation on irregular wave transmission through reshaping breakwaters have been studied and investigated. The present research has been carried out using the results of hydraulic model tests accomplished in the wave flume of Soil Conservation and Watershed Management Center, affiliated to the Ministry of Jihad-e Agriculture, using irregular waves. The results of the research show the variations of wave transmission coefficients versus nondimensional parameters. Moreover, a new relationship has been presented to calculate the coefficients of wave reflection from reshaping breakwaters.

Surface discharge of dens jet as a common way for disposal of produced waste water in coastal areas is strongly influenced by the hydraulical and physical fissures of discharge stream and ambient water. In the current study, considering different mechanisms of flow in surface discharge of negative buoyant jets, dominated regimes are studied. Using Length Scale (L.S.) method and utilizing an experimental set up which are merely designed for this studies, different flow regimes were experimentally simulated and its behavior were investigated. As a result of this study, the observed criteria for free jet regime, shoreline attached jet regime and intruding upstream plume in the case of surface discharge of dens jets were précised and their ranges of diversity in the form of dimensionless diagram were developed. The axis’s of this diagram are a couple of dimensionless parameters that formed by the flow variables where each shows classification criteria in the boundaries of diagram. Finally, extracted criteria as a separator of these regimes were used to develop a tree-like classification scheme in surface discharge of dens jets. In this method, through identifying the range of flow variables in occurrences of each regime and sub regimes, coming prediction of flow characteristics by empirical equations will easily be possible.

Ranked set sampling is used in situations in which measurement of the variable of interest is difficult or expensive, but it can be easily ranked in small sets. In this method the sample is divided into equal-sized sub-samples and the members of each sub-sample are ranked, separately. The rth order statistic of rthsub-sample is measured and recorded. This can also be done by an auxiliary variable by which the ranking is performed. Thus, the marginal distribution of the variables of interest corresponding to order statistics of the sub-samples will be the same as the distribution of concomitants of the order statistics of auxiliary information.Samawi and Muttak (1996, Biometr J, 38, 753-764) proposed a ratio type estimator in ranked set sampling scheme and applied it to estimate the ratio. Kadilar et al. (2007, Stat. papers, 50, 301-309) used the proposed estimator to estimate the population mean in ranked set sampling. Also Samawi et al. (2004, Comm. Statist. Theory Methods, 33, 1801-1819) used the same estimator for quantile estimation. Some comparison of these estimators with the corresponding estimators in simple random sampling scheme is studied by the above authors. However, no comparison study is done to compare the ratio estimator by other types of estimators, specially the regression estimator in ranked set sampling. In this paper the proposed ratio estimator of population mean is considered to have a general precision comparison between the ratio estimator and other types of estimators of population mean in ranked set sampling.

In This paper, the effect of wave parameters including significant wave height, peak and mean wave periods, storm duration; as well as structural parameters including water depth at the toe of structure, initial slope of the structure, permeability and stone gradation on wave reflection from reshaping breakwaters has been studied and investigated. The present research has been carried out using the results of hydraulic model tests accomplished in the wave flume of Soil Conservation and Watershed Management Center, affliated to the Ministry of Jihad- e- Agriculture, using irregular waves. The results of the research shows the variations of wave reflection coefficients versus non-dimensional parameters. Moreover, a new relationship has been presented to calculate the coefficient of wave reflection from reshaping breakwaters.

Military sector is not rich enough in terms of knowledge management Information. In line with this trend this study is an attempt to investigate the state of knowledge management in the military universities of the I. R. of Iran (AJA Universities) so that a comprehensive approach to knowledge management can be suggested while introducing its human and technical dimension. To this end a questionnaire was administered among 72 respondents. The findings revealed that though AJA Universities apply no particular knowledge management strategy, they still enjoy its parameters in their procedures, guidelines and information banks. Moreover, the pertinent academic members Classify the effective parameters into four major topics: organizational infrastructure, information system infrastructure, participatory culture and employing the models of best experiences and human resource development.

In this study we investigated the efficacy of provisional driver licensing and mandatory seat belt use legislations on reducing traffic injuries and the intensity of injuries (fatal or nonfatal). Data on traffic accidents and injuries from one year before till two years after the implementation of provisional driver licensing and mandatory seat belt use legislations were obtained from police. After data cleaning and stratification traffic injuries and mortalities from one year before till two year after the implementation of graduate driver licensing compared in those in early years of their driving experience. In addition, to evaluate the efficiency of mandatory seat belt use legislation the intensity of traffic injuries (proportion of deaths) were compared. Drivers under 23 years of age consisted 22. 8% of total accidents in the prior to the implementation of graduate driver licensing. This proportion reduced to 15. 5% and 16. 1% in the first and second year after implementation, respectively, in holders of provvisional B1 type driver license. This approximately 7% reduction in total accident was statistical significant (p<0.001). Regarding the intensity of injuries after the implementattion of the mandatory seat belt use, our findings showed that traffic mortalities consisted of 13. 3% of all traffic accidents in the year prior to the implementation, while this proporttion decreased to 9.9% and 1111.5% in the first and second years after the implementation, respectively. Our findings suggested that both interventions were efficient in reduction of intensity of traffic injuries and provisional driver licensing was also efficient in reducing the crude number of traffic injuries.

In this paper transmission line matrix method is used to simulate the wave propagation through window structures. In this analysis a single window with precise dimensions and also a group of windows are considered. The effect of window’s dimension, window’s material, and angle of incidence are all evaluated in details and in each case, the method has been compared with other numerical results, such as FDTD, ray tracing, and finite element methods. Furthermore, in one case the implementation of TLM method was shown to have a good agreement with the measured values.

This research was designed to study the organizational health in the Tehran education (19 regional administration officials) according to Hoy and Feldman model. A sample of n=272 employees were selected, using randomized cluster sampling, among total population (N= 1280) base on Morgan’s table. All participants were filled the OHI (0>0.85.86) and data was extracted from the inventories. A One-way ANOVA was revealed significantly differences for 19 regional administrations (a<0.05). A One-sample T-test was also revealed significant differences for official, technical and institutional dimensions in all 19 regions; significantly higher means were observed for technical and official dimensions (rather than expected mean=2.5), while significantly lower mean were evident for institutional dimension. Further, a Pearson’s coefficient correlation were shown significantly positive correlations between organizational health and moral(r=0.854), academic emphasize(r=0.806), consideration(r=0.632), structuring(r=0.782.), manager’s authority(r=0.555) and support of resources (0.691) dimensions, whereas no significant relation were found for institutional integrity(r=0.071).

Congenital transmission, prenatal mortality and abortion, are major problems in most coun-tries with high prevalence of Toxoplasma gondi infection and study of seroepidemiology of this infection among the pregnant women, could provide applicable approaches to preventive measures. In order to deter-mine the seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma infection in the pregnant women, this study was carried out. In this cross-sectional and descriptive study, a total of 200 cases were selected randomly from pregnant women who, were referred to health center clinics in Zahedan province (Southeast of Iran). Ob-tained sera were examined for Toxoplasma antibodies by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). A titer of 1:20 was considered as positive for Toxoplasma infection. The studies showed that, a total of 54 samples (27%) were positive at titers 1:20 or more. Frequen-cies of different titers in positive subjects were as follows: 1:20, 20%; 1:100, 32.2%; 1:200, 40%; and 1:400 or more, 7.8%. The highest rate of infection was observed in the uneducated mothers (44.4%). Seropositivity was higher in pregnant women, who aged 15 to 30 (78.5%). We found a significant correlation between edu-catin status, unwashed/unpeeled vegetables and seropositivity (P <0.05). Regarding to this study and other studies in North of Iran (western and eastern parts of Caspian Sea), this area has a relatively lower seropositivity in this group. However, there is a need for further in-depth studies to understand the significance of infection in women with history of repeated foetal wastage, congenital malformation in her infant, especially in the women of uneducated group.

Prediction of supersolubility and the width of the metastable zone has been a major concern among the workers in the field of industrial crystallization. Operation of crystallizers under the optimum supersaturation low enough to attain the desired product quality (Median Particle Size, Crystal Size Distribution (CSD), Shape, Purity) being one motif. The inherent relationship between the subject and the most fundamental concepts of crystallization being the other. Studying the conditions of primary homogenous nucleation and the crystal growth kinetics has been conducted for a wide range of inorganic materials. A simple probabilistic term called chance of having the desirable species congregation, has been introduced to account for the effect of solution composition. A semi-empirical model has been developed for occasions where primary homogenous nucleation occurs at a specified undercooling rate (0.2 oC/hr). The model has been found to satisfy the experimental results obtained for 28 inorganic systems under various conditions. The concept may be equally applicable in nucleation of organic materials and for cases where liquid nuclei (such as rain droplets) are formed.