Correction to: Improved model for studying hydrological process in the field-to-field irrigation system

Paddy and Water Environment -     

The effect of rotation speed on the power consumption and cutting accuracy of guided circular saw: Experimental measurement and analysis of saw critical and flutter speeds

ABSTRACT

This paper investigates the effect of rotation speed and vibration response of a circular saw on the sawing process of Douglas-fir wood. An idling test was conducted on a guided circular saw to determine its stable operation speeds and vibration behavior. Short-time Fourier transform analysis was performed on saw idling test data, and variation of excited frequencies of the blade as a function of rotation speed was obtained. The saw blade critical speeds and the rotation speeds that correspond to saw flutter instability were identified. Then experimental cutting tests were conducted at different cutting conditions and the effect of rotation speed and saw vibration response on cutting power consumption and sawing accuracy was investigated. The results showed that conducting a saw idling test and vibration response analysis can identify the saw critical and flutter speeds, which is essential for identifying the optimum rotation speed of circular saw. There was a significant increase in power consumption when cutting at super-critical and super-flutter speed. The effect of rotation speed on sawing accuracy is complex and nonlinear. This effect interacts with feed speed, which makes it difficult to generalize sawing accuracy versus rotation speed in the circular sawing process.     

Diversity of woody plant species and their relationship to physiographic factors in central Zagros forests (Case study: Perc forest,Khorramabad, Iran)

Topography is the most factor that has the greatest impact of all factor that affect the distribution.To study the diversity of trees and shrub species in the Perc forest situated in Khorramabad,Lorestan,140 circular plots of 1200 m~2 in a grid of 300 m 9 250 m were surveyed,using a systematic random sampling method.In each plot,the Margalef richness index,Shannon–Wiener diversity index,Hill's N_1 and Simpson indices and the evenness index of Simpson and Smith-Wilson were calculated and ordered on the basis of different classes of elevation,exposition and slope.The results indicated that slope did not have any significant effect on the indices.Exposition and elevation classes significant impacted the richness and diversity indices,but did not influence evenness.In general,the highest plant diversity was observed for slopes less than 15 %,northern aspects,without geographical direction,and elevations of 2100–2200 m.This information can be very useful in achieving the goals for sustainable management of forests.In addition to greater protection for regions with high diversity and reforestation(compatible species) in degraded area,we can help increase diversity in forests.     

Effects of daily consumption of probiotic yoghurt on inflammatory factors in pregnant women: a randomized controlled trial

Previous studies have shown that inflammatory factors increases in pregnancy and is associated with several complications of pregnancy. The aim of this study was to assess effects of daily consumption of probiotic yoghurt on inflammatory factors in pregnant women. In a randomized clinical trial, seventy primigravid (the first pregnancy) and singleton pregnant women aged 18-30 years were assigned to two groups. Subjects consumed daily 200 g probiotic yoghurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus La5 and Bifidobacterium animalis BB12 (10(7) CFU g(-1) for each) or 200 g conventional yoghurt for 9 weeks. Fasting blood samples were collected at baseline (28 weeks of gestation) and after intervention (37 weeks of gestation). Inflammatory factors, hs-CRP and TNF-alpha, were measured by Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Independent t-test was used to compare the two groups after intervention and paired-sample t-test compared variables before and after treatment. The results showed that the probiotic yogurt brought about a decrease in the serum hs-CRP level, from 10.44 +/- 1.56 to 7.44 +/- 1.03 microg mL(-1) (p = 0.041). There was no significant change in the conventional yogurt group in the serum hs-CRP level (12.55 +/- 1.57 to 14.51 +/- 1.62 microg mL(-1), p = 0.202). The probiotic yogurt had no effect on TNF-alpha (from 73.75 +/- 6.59 to 77.91 +/- 5.61 pg mL(-1), p = 0.633). Serum TNF-alpha did not change in the conventional yogurt group (p = 0.134). In conclusion probiotic yogurt significantly decreased hs-CRP in pregnant women but had no effect on TNF-alpha.     

Educational Needs Assessment of Rice Supervising Agents Regarding Multifunctional Agriculture in Guilan Province,Iran

The aim of this study was to identify rice supervising agents' educational needs in the field of multifunctional agriculture in Guilan Province, Iran. The statistical population included rice supervising agents in Guilan Province in 2014 (N = 169), of which 106 people were randomly sampled. The data collection tool was a research-designed questionnaire which was filled out by respondents using the self-reporting method. Results showed that among production functions of agriculture, rice supervising agents had a high need to be trained in the functions of “the production of raw material for rural handicrafts,” “the production of animal feed,” and “the production of medicinal herbs for medical and pharmaceutical purposes.” Participants' needs for training in nonproduction functions of agriculture were ranked by the Friedman test; results indicated a great need for education in the environmental functions of agriculture and a lesser need for education in its economic functions.     

Development and characterization of MWNTs/Chitosan biocomposite fiber

The Preparation of conductive biocomposite fiber through Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) incorporation into biopolymer matrixes has stimulated much interest for bio-implant applications. The present study focuses on development and characterization of biocomposite fiber composed of chitosan (CHT) as a biopolymer and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) as a conductive filler. In term of processing, the most important challenge is to prepare a highly stable dispersion of MWNTs in biopolymer matrix. The hydrodynamic diameter distribution of CNTs in acetic acid solution acquired by dynamic light scattering (DLS).Results demonstrate the supreme stability of CNTs dispersion which is extremely essential for homogenous distribution of CNT in polymeric matrix. Rheological properties of the spinning solution have also been investigated to adjust the viscosity for fiber processing step. A range of viscosity between 2000–8000 cP, has been recorded in different CNT loading. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the surface and cross sectional area of the fibers reveal the formation of nano-pores after MWNT addition. The tensile strength show a maximum increase of about 33.65 % compared to bare CHT. Also, the measurement of four probe electrical conductivity for different MWNTs loading shows a maximum conductivity of 0.107 S/cm at percolation threshold of 2.89 wt%.     

Elevated Serum Anti-Müllerian Hormone in an Arabian Mare with Granulosa Cell Tumor

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), produced by granulosa cells, has been reported to be elevated in mares with granulosa cell tumor. A 13-year-old Arabian mare was referred after 3 years of infertility. Rectal and ultrasonographic examination revealed enlargement and multicystic appearance of the left ovary. The mare had substantially higher concentration of AMH (21.6 ng/mL) compared with normal cyclic mares (n = 5; 0.36 ± 0.02 ng/mL). Testosterone (50 pg/mL) concentration was also elevated, but progesterone concentration (0.4 ng/mL) was lowered. Accordingly, the mare was presumptively diagnosed with granulosa-theca cell tumor and a left ovariectomy implemented using ventral midline approach under general anesthesia. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of granulosa-theca cell tumor. Serum concentrations of AMH decreased to 2 ng/mL and 0.5 ng/mL 2 and 4 weeks after tumor removal, respectively. In conclusion, the current report presents confirmatory evidence that evaluation of serum AMH could be useful for diagnosis of granulosa cell tumor in mare.     

Including 793/B type avian infectious bronchitis vaccine in 1-day-old chicken increased the protection against QX genotype

Tropical Animal Health and Production - Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is a highly infectious pathogen, which affects the respiratory tract, reproductive system, and kidney of chickens. Many...     

Vulnerability and Adaptation of Livestock Producers to Climate Variability and Change

Rangeland-based animal husbandry has been frequently exposed to the vagaries of weather. While the current rates of climate variability are unprecedented in arid and semiarid regions, climate change is expected to put further pressure on rangelands with medium- and poor-quality forages and increase the vulnerability of households who mainly depend on livestock production. Therefore, it is imperative to ensure that livestock producers increase their resilience to climate variability or change. However, few field-based studies have focused on simultaneous investigation of both vulnerability and adaptation of livestock keepers to climate-related risks. To fill this gap, a field-based research study was conducted in southwest Iran. A survey of 274 herder families, selected using a cluster sampling technique, revealed low, medium and high levels of vulnerability, which were principally distinguished by various degrees of exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity. Further, this study identified the main adaptation strategies employed by the herders of this region (i.e., purchasing fodder; rotational grazing; raising a mixed-herd, on-farm occupation; and postharvest grazing). Results indicated that most herder families applied traditional adaptation strategies in response to climate variability. Findings revealed that herders had to reduce their livestock due to low adaptability. Loan term, purchasing insurance, level of exposure, income, experience, response efficacy, and knowledge were the major determinants of the herders’ adaptation decisions. To increase the resilience of livestock producers against climate change, restructuring traditional livestock production systems, producing participatory knowledge and information for sustainable management of rangelands, and designing or redesigning effective adaptation strategies are required.     

Arginase alteration in the reproductive system of alloxan-diabetic dogs

This study was conducted to evaluate possible alteration in the activity of arginase, an important enzyme of cell proliferation and vascular smooth muscle contraction regulator in diabetics, that may be correlated with low fertility in diabetic patients. In this investigation, 6 apparently healthy adult male dogs were selected and divided in two groups, diabetics and non-diabetics. Diabetes mellitus was induced in one group by intravenous (IV) injection of alloxan (100 mg/kg). Dogs with a fasting blood glucose (FBS) of more than 200 mg/dl were considered to be diabetic. Four weeks following induction of diabetes mellitus, the animals in both groups were anesthetized by an IV injection of sodium thiopental. Livers and whole reproductive systems, including the testes, penis, urethra, and prostate, were dissected. The epididymides, corpus cavernosum, corpus spongiosum, penile urethra, and vas deferens were also dissected and removed from the reproductive system. Arginase activity and total protein were measured by the urea and Lowry's methods respectively in above mentioned sections. Plasma testosterone was determined by the radioimmunoassay method. The results showed significantly (P<0.05) increased arginase specific activity (ASA) in the liver, epididymis, prostate, corpus cavernosum and corpus spongiosum of the diabetic dogs. In the reproductive system of the diabetic dog, the maximum and minimum ASA was seen in the corpus cavernosum and testes, respectively (105.12 +/- 8.76 vs. 25.0 +/- 0.55). No such variation was observed in the ASA of normal dogs (39.0 +/- 5.47 vs. 25.0 +/- 5.47). There was no significant difference in plasma testosterone level between the groups. In conclusion, diabetes increased the ASA in liver, prostate, epididymis, corpora cavernosa, and corpora spongiosum of the male dogs and may contribute to erectile dysfunction or low fertility in diabetics.