Vegetation composition differentiation and species-environment relationships in the northern part of Isfahan Province, Iran

A considerable proportion of Iran＇s territory is covered with arid and semi-arid rangelands and mismanagement and overexploitation of those rangelands have resulted in serious ecological degradation. Thus, the need is pressing to examine the present species composition and the relationships with environmental factors for providing the needed scientific references to species conservation and ecological rehabilitation efforts. The aims of this study were to examine the species composition and to delineate the most important factors influencing the distributions of plant species and groups in the northern rangelands of Isfahan Province （Iran） using two-way indicator species analysis （TWINSPAN）, detrended correspondence analysis （DCA）, principal component analysis （PCA）, and canonical correspondence analysis （CCA）. Field investigations were conducted in the growing season of 2014 using stratified random method in 22 homogeneous sampling units. In total, 75 plant species belonging to 52 genera and 19 families were identified. The most important families were Asteraceae and Papilionaceae, the most important genera were Astragalus, Cousinia, and Acanthophyllum, and the most important species were Artemisia aucheri and Artemisia sieberi. Plant species were classified into 10 groups using TWINSPAN. DCA was used to estimate the magnitude of changes in species composition along the first two ordination axes to provide gradient length estimations for PCA and CCA ordinations. The first three PCA axes and the first three CCA axes demonstrated similar cumulative percentage of variance, indicating that the environmental factors （selected by PCA） used in CCA ordination were acceptable for explaining the species composition and the distributions. CCA ordination showed that the first axis was closely related to elevation, slope, surface bare soil cover, surface litter cover, gravel proportion, organic matter, total nitrogen, CaCO3 content, and grazing intensity and that the second axis was closely related to sand proportion, silt proportion, clay proportion, and saturation percentage. Among these factors, elevation was the most effective factor to separate the plant groups and grazing was the major cause of rangeland degradation.

Diversity and frequency of Nocardia spp.in the soil of Isfahan province,Iran

Objective:To isolate and identify Nocardiaspp. from soil in different regions of Isfahan province in the center of Iran.Methods:This study was conducted in 32 districts(16 cities and 16 villages)in Isfahan province during two years. A total of 800 soil samples from these regions were studied by using kanamycin. The isolated Nocardiaspecies were examined by gram and acid-fast staining and were identified biochemically and morphologically. The frequency and distribution of Nocardia spp. were determined in relation to different factors such as soil pH and temperate climate.Results:From 153(19.1%)Nocardiaisolates identified,Nocardia asteroids(N. asteroids)complex(45.5%) andNocardia brasiliensis(N. brasiliensis)(24.7%) were the most frequently isolated species, followed by Nocardia otitidiscaviarum (2.2%),Nocardiopsis dassonvillei,Actinom adura actinomadura(each 1.7%) and Nocardia transvalensis(1.1%) and also unknown spp.(23.0%). In this study, most species(54.4%) of Nocardia, especially N. asteroides complex were isolated fromsoils with pH: 7.01-8, whereas in pH: 8.01-9 more N. brasiliensis was isolated. The most Nocardia spp. was detected from regions with semi-nomadic and temperate climate(41.1%).Conclusions:N. asteroids complex is more prevalent in Isfahan province and soil can be a potential source of nocardiosis infections. It is to be considering that climate and soil pH are involved in the frequency and diversity of aerobic Actinomy cetes.

Feasibility of Simultaneous Application of Fuzzy Neural Network and TOPSIS Integrated Method in Potential Mapping of Lead and Zinc Mineralization in Isfahan-Khomein Metallogeny Zone

Iran is located on a silver, lead, and zinc belt and according to the latest studies holds 11 million tons of lead, zinc, and silver stones which constitute 4 percent of global resources. Considering that mineral materials are explored in an uncertain space, exploration investment risk is an inseparable part of these activities. The important fact is to minimize the effect of this undesired factor in exploration. To achieve this, it is required that exploration activities and withdrawals are performed in a certain framework in which risk minimization is considered. Using mineral potential modelling for determining promising zones which should be taken into consideration in more detailed stages could make achieving the purpose possibly. This work is aimed at applying fuzzy neural network and TOPSIS methods simultaneously in order to explore zinc and lead resources. In this article, geological, telemetry, geophysics, and geochemistry data is integrated using fuzzy-neural network (neuro fuzzy) and using TOPSIS method rating for lead and zinc ore deposit potential mapping in Isfahan-Khomein strip which has been introduced as one of zinc and leads mineral scopes in Iran. This area which is composed of several zinc and lead ore deposits has been considered as the target area. Fuzzy integration results of zinc and lead mineralization witness layers confirm the relatively high potential of lead and zinc mineralization in this region having a northwest-southeast trend and involving more than 90 percent of the known indices and ore deposits of the region. In this research, it was shown that the results of TOPSIS-Neuro-Fuzzy integrated model (a combination of neural network and fuzzy logic) have increased the resolution of talented areas from the areas with no mineralization potential in comparison with the fuzzy method individually.

INAA to Determine Trace Element Concentrations in the Hair of Street Children of Isfahan City, Iran

This study aimed to assess trace element concentrations in the hair of street children. Nutritional status was assessed by 24 hours’ dietary recall and anthropometric measurements. Data analysis found that Br, Sc, Sm and Ti concentrations show a normal distribution, and there is no significant difference between street children and control group. However, in the street children’s hair, the levels of Au, U, V are decreased and the levels of Co, La, Sb, Th are increased compared to the control group.

Planning for Wellness Tourism Center in Isfahan Province, Iran

In today’s life, because of industrial cities with long time of work, environmental pollutions and the aging of the population demanding to have leisure, recreation and outdoor recreations for every group of population, the necessity of construction a place for health outdoor recreation is obvious. Such a place would provide both entertaining in a happy family atmosphere and enjoying from fresh air, healthy food and nature cures like hydrotherapy, fish spa, herbs, acupuncture etc. for all the people from a kid to elderly guy and healthy to sick. This project was aimed to introduce and make a plan for constructing this site, known as wellness tourism center in Isfahan province, Iran. For reaching this purpose with taking advantage of original and second hand text, library resources, filed observations, specialist opinion on questionnaire, SPSS software and analysis and evaluation of statistical models with 2-square test, the best plan for this site has been suggested.

The Effect of Molybdenum Rate in Soil on Multiple Sclerosis:Case Study New Zealand and Isfahan(A Review)

Scientists believe that Multiple Sclerosis disease occurs because of some of environmental factors such as soil pollution.In this paper,relationship among Multiple Sclerosis disease,Molybdenum and soil properties in New Zealand and Isfahan,Iran has been investigated and from the point of view of nature of the soil for example pH and the distribution of disease was observed similarities.

An Analysis of Natural Factors Affecting the Dispersal and Establishment of Iron Age III (800-550 B.C)Settlements in the Western Zayandeh- Rud River Basin (West and Northwest of Isfahan)

Humans are always effect to their surroundings,which makes it possible to create habitable environments and create habitat patterns that fit the surrounding environment.The interaction between human being and environment either in the form of human effect on the environment or the environment effect on the human,cannot be considered out of the environment.According to this approach in archaeology,environmental factors have an important role in assessing settlements in each period.In addition to the recognition of the degree of environmental impact,this approach makes the degree of adaptation of the habitats with the dominant environmental conditions possible.As geospatial tools become more powerful,GIS archaeology has evolved as well,making it possible to visualize ancient settlements and analyze changes in the use of space over time.By incorporating historic map data,physical details of an area’s landscape and known information about past inhabitants,archaeologists can accurately predict the positions of sites with cultural,historical relevance.In this research Iron Age III(800-550 B.C)sites in the west and northwest of Isfahan were studied via GIS.The area studied is one of the most important but unknown areas of archaeological research due to its location in the center of the Iranian plateau and a link between the north-west and the south-west of the country.The environmental characteristics of the studied area have attracted the attention of humans since ancient times.Therefore,it was considered necessary to conduct archaeological excavations.To achieve this goal,the area was first studied archaeologically.As a result of this survey,approximately 50 ancient sites were identified which included the statistical population used for analysis.The effect of environmental variables including altitude,slope(percentage and direction),climate,geological structure,distances and proximity to water resources,land use and proximity to communication paths on the distribution of settlements in the study area was investigated.Through analytical-descriptive method,the factors affecting the formation and distribution of the establishment patterns of the period in question were examind.After analyzing the information and maps,the results indicated that among all the factors,three environmental factors were the most important in the formation of ancient settlements of the Iron Age III era in the west and northwest of Isfahan:factors relating to water resources,proximity to communication paths,and slope percentage and direction.

DETECTING DESERTIFICATION PROCESSES USING TM AND ETM＋ DATA, NORTH OF ISFAHAN, IRAN

Aims Desertification results in ecological and biological diminution of the earth,and can happen naturally or cause by anthropogenic activities.This process especially affects arid and semi-arid regions,such as the Isfahan region,where the spread of desertification is reaching critical proportions.The aim of this study is to use remotely sensed data to review the trend of desertification in the northern of Isfahan,Iran.Methods Multi-temporal images were employed to evaluate the trend of desertification,specifically the TM and ETM+ data of September,1990 and September,2001.Geometric and radiometric corrections were applied to each image prior to image processing and supervised classification,and vegetation indices were applied to produce a land use map of each image in nine classes.The land use classifications in the two map images were compared and changes between land use classes were detected over the 11 year period using a fuzzy and post-classification technique.Important findings The maps and their comparison with false color composite images showed the differences efficiently.With the fuzzy and post-classification method the land use changes were sited on the map.Fuzzy confirmed 53% changed area and 47% unchanged areas in the study region.The results verify the desertification expansion in the study areas.Because of poor land management,agricultural lands converted to desert and abandoned areas,and some marginal pasture lands had to be changed to agricultural land which are desertification spreading according to United Nations Conference on Desertification(UNCOD).Also farmland and pastures have been converted to urban and industrial areas,and the rangelands have been spoiled due to opencast mine excavations.With the mine margins eroding as well as their debris accumulating on the pasture lands,desertification has become worse.Three areas of less-elevated mountains have remained unchanged.This study confirmed that the anthropogenic activities accelerated the desertification process and severely endangered the remaining areas.

Role of bazaars as a unifying factor in traditional cities of Iran： The Isfahan bazaar

A city is a vital organism that lives and grows （ike other organisms. Therefore, implementing development plans that would provide a sense of unity and integration in relation to the city as a who（e is necessary. Traditional Iranian architecture is full of samples evolved during the course of Iranian history that can serve as architectural paragons of the city. In Iran＇s traditional cities, a sense of unity exists in various urban areas. The traditional city of Isfahan is one of the most valuable samples and was selected as the case study in this research. According（y, the most important questions of this research are as follows： （1） What is the role of bazaars in creating a sense of unity in the traditional cities of Iran？ （2） How do bazaars play out their ro（e in the integration of these cities？ This research focuses on the concept of a ＂traditional city＂ to determine the role of bazaars in such cities. The results show that bazaars are crucial in giving a sense of integrity to the concept of a traditional Iranian city. Bazaars provide cohesion among the different parts of cities, such as residential areas, as well as socio-political and trade centers. This condition means that traditional bazaars play two important roles in traditional cities： （1） they interconnect the different parts of thecity＇s physical structure; and （2） the crucial role of bazaars in a city＇s socia（ and cultural structure brings about unity among the citizens in the city. Bazaars as a unifying etement connect the main urban functions and guarantee the city＇s economic and social rife.

伊朗伊斯法罕地区的步甲科(鞘翅目)记述(英文)

步行虫(鞘翅目:步甲科)作为强劲的捕食者,对农业害虫和森林害虫的生态学控制起着举足轻重的作用.本文研究了伊朗中部伊斯法罕地区的有益步行虫,共收集确定了42个种与亚种,来自7个亚科Broscinae、Carabinae、Cicindelinae、Harpalinae、Nebriinae和Pterostichinae.这其中有6种是伊朗区系的新记录种,分别是Cephalota(Taenidia)circumdata cappadocicaFranzen,Lophyridia concolor concolor Dejean,Lophyridia littoralis mandli Mandl,Ophonus(s.str.)cribricollis(Dejean),Pachycarus(Paramystropterus)bravipennis Chaudoir和Cymindis(s.str.)scapularis Schaum.

Acoustics in urban parks:Does the structure of narrow urban parks matter in designing a calmer urban landscape?

Urban parks can function as a proper sink of noise pollution.However,lack of universally-agreed upon methodologies and differing urban conditions have fueled controversy surrounding the effectuation of this urban park function around the world.Hence,to address this controversy in narrow urban parks(with a mean width of∼109 m)in Isfahan City,Central Iran,noise levels(Lq30)were measured along two longitudinal transects placed along the interior northern river-and adjacent to the southern edge of the parks bordered by a heavily-conjected road.We used statistical tests and models to determine the association of noise levels measured along the northern transect with the distance to,and the intensity of noise emitted from,the road,vegetation biomass,and vegetation height within two 50 and 100 m buffer rings drawn around northern sites and the richness of bird species.The average Lq30 values differed significantly between the southern(∼73.21 dB)and northern(∼66.43 dB)transects and correlated negatively with species richness(r(98)=−0.324,p<0.01).Three variables including mean NDVIwithin the 100 m buffer ring,distance from the road and mean Lq30 values of the nearest three southern sites were included to build the best predictive multiple-linear regression model through the step-wise procedure with r2 of 0.52.These findings suggest that further attempts aiming to alleviate the parks’interior noise level should be attentive to distance to road,traffic at the nearest road part,and the interior vegetation characteristics.