Showing papers by "Islamic Azad University North Tehran Branch published in 2012"

Dietary pattern and risk of multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: Background: It has been suggested that nutrition might play a role in the etiology of multiple sclerosis (MS). However, dietary patterns associated with MS risk are unknown. This study was conducted to compare the dietary patterns of patients with MS and healthy controls to find the relationship between dietary patterns and MS.Methods:Usual dietary intake of 75 women with relapsing/remitting MS (RRMS) and 75 healthy controls were assessed with a food frequency questionnaire consisting of 168 food items. To define major dietary patterns, we used factor analysis. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between dietary patterns and risk of MS.Results:Traditional pattern (high in low-fat dairy products, red meat, vegetable oil, onion, whole grain, soy, refined grains, organ meats, coffee, and legumes) was inversely related to the risk of MS [odds ratio (OR) = 0.15; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.03-0.18; P = 0.028]. A similar inverse relationship was noted between MS risk and lacto-vegetarian (high in nuts, fruits, French fries, coffee, sweets and desserts, vegetables, and high-fat dairy products) and vegetarian (high in green leafy vegetables, hydrogenated fats, tomato, yellow vegetables, fruit juices, onion, and other vegetables) patterns (OR = 0.31; 95% CI: 0.12-0.82; P = 0.018 and OR = 0.42; 95% CI: 0.19-0.90; P = 0.026, respectively). In contrast, the prevalence of MS was higher in those who had high animal fat dietary pattern (high in animal fats, potato, meat products, sugars, and hydrogenated fats and low in whole grains) (OR = 1.99; 95% CI: 1.63-2.94; P < 0.005).Conclusion: Our findings showed that the risk of RRMS can be affected by major dietary patterns.

Removal of Orange 7 Dye from Wastewater Used by Natural Adsorbent of Moringa Oleifera Seeds

Abstract: This paper presents mathematical study by using computer simulation program (ANSYS), in order to measure the effect of ceiling and wall fans in decreasing air temperature during night time in Aswan, Egypt (latitude 24° N), Where the indoor temperature exceeds the thermal comfort through overheated period. Heat gain of the high mass building during the day time increases the indoor temperature at the night time. As a result, the indoor temperature becomes higher than the outdoor temperature at the night time in summer. Simulation study for three experimental models according to ventilation conditions. The first model that depends on cross ventilation (cross ventilation model), the second model is hybrid ventilation that consists of natural ventilation (cross ventilation) and mechanical ventilation (ceiling fan), the third model is same as second model but using wall fan instead of ceiling fan. The boundary conditions are according to Aswan weather in overheated period. Simulation results of cross ventilation and hybrid ventilation models decreased indoor temperature from 5 oC to 8.5 oC in case of outdoor temperature is 27°C during night time, while indoor temperature is 38°C. The wall fan enhances indoor air flow more than the ceiling fan and air flow is well-distributed inside the room at sitting level.

Isolation of keratinophilic fungi from soil in Isfahan province, Iran.

Abstract: Summary Objective To evaluate the epidemiology of keratophilic fungi in Isfahan province, Iran. Material and methods The present research has been conducted on soil samples collected from 16 townships of Isfahan province. For isolate geophilic dermatophytes and keratinophilic fungi, the keratin baiting technique has been applied. Results Of 800 soil samples examined, 588 (73.5%) keratinophilic fungi were isolated. The present studied recognized 727 isolates including 16 species of 11 genus, as follows: Chrysosporium keratinophilum (31.4%), C. pannicola (16.9%), C. tropicum (15.4%), Microsporum gypseum (12.4%), Chrysosporium spp. (9.9%), C. indicum (7%), Sepedonium spp. (3.3%), Malbranchia spp. (1%), Trichophyton terrestre (0.8%), T. ajelloi and Paecilomyces lilacinus (0.4%), Engyodontium album and Acremonium spp. (0.3%), Curvularia spp., Fusarium spp. and Ulocladium spp. (0.1%). In this study, E. album was isolated for the first time in this country (Iran). The frequency these keratinophilic fungi are discussed in relation to different agents such as soil pH. Conclusion This study contributes to the knowledge of keratophilic fungi in Iran.

A Cluster-Chain based Routing Protocol for Balancing Energy Consumption in Wireless Sensor Networks

Abstract: Wireless sensor networks have recently emerged as an important computing platform. Energy conservation and maximization of network lifetime are commonly recognized as a key challenge in the design and implementation of wireless sensor networks. Clustering provides an effective method for prolonging the lifetime of a wireless sensor network. In this paper, we propose an Energy Efficient Cluster-Chain based Protocol (ECCP) for wireless sensor networks. The main goal of ECCP is to distribute the energy load among all sensor nodes to minimize the energy consumption and maximize the network lifetime of wireless sensor networks. ECCP organizes sensor nodes into clusters and constructs a chain among the sensor nodes within cluster so that each sensor node receives from a previous neighbor and transmits to a next neighbor. Furthermore, ECCP improves the data transmission mechanism from the cluster heads to the base station via constructing a chain among the cluster heads. Simulation results demonstrate that our proposed protocol significantly outperforms LEACH, CBRP and PEGASIS in terms of network lifetime, stability period, instability period, energy savings, balancing energy consumption among sensor nodes and network throughput.

A quantitative structure–property relationship for determination of enthalpy of fusion of pure compounds

Abstract: In this study, the quantitative structure–property relationship method is applied to predict the enthalpy of fusion of pure chemical compounds at their normal melting point. A genetic algorithm-based multivariate linear regression is used to select the most statistically effective molecular descriptors for evaluating this property. To propose a comprehensive and predictive model, 3,846 pure chemical compounds are investigated. The root mean square of error and the average absolute deviation of the model are equal to 2.57 kJ/mol and 9.7%.

A Two-Fold Linear Programming Model with Fuzzy Data

Abstract: Linear programming LP is the most widely used optimization technique for solving real-life problems because of its simplicity and efficiency. Although LP models require well-suited information and precise data, managers and decision makers dealing with optimization problems often have a lack of information on the exact values of some parameters used in their models. Fuzzy sets provide a powerful tool for dealing with this kind of imprecise, vague, uncertain or incomplete data. In this paper, the authors propose a two-fold model which consists of two new methods for solving fuzzy LP FLP problems in which the variables and the coefficients of the constraints are characterized by fuzzy numbers. In the first method, the authors transform their FLP model into a conventional LP model by using a new fuzzy ranking method and introducing a new supplementary variable to obtain the fuzzy and crisp optimal solutions simultaneously with a single LP model. In the second method, the authors propose a LP model with crisp variables for identifying the crisp optimal solutions. The authors demonstrate the details of the proposed method with two numerical examples.

New super-critical cohesion parameters for Soave–Redlich–Kwong equation of state by fitting to the Joule–Thomson Inversion Curve

Abstract: In this work, super-critical cohesion parameters for Soave–Redlich–Kwong (SRK) equation of state (EOS) were adjusted by fitting cohesion parameters to the reliable Joule–Thomson Inversion Curve (JTIC) data. For this purpose, the reliable JTIC data for CH 4 and CO 2 were adopted from literature. To evaluate the result, the modified SRK EOS was also compared to the EOSs including square-well (SW) EOS, four-parameter Trebble–Bishnoi (TB) EOS and Peng–Robinson (PR) EOS. Moreover, The JTICs obtained from the new EOS for nine substances Ar, Ne, N 2 , O 2 , C 2 H 4 , C 2 H 6 , CO 2 , CH 4 and CO indicated new EOS abilities to present good predictions, while the SRK EOS produced the results underpredicted at high-temperature regions. In addition, a detailed analysis of the ideal curves including JTIC, Boyle curve and Zeno line and also compressibility factor curve, which were calculated by the new EOS was carried out.

Motivation and the Choice of Language Learning Strategies

Abstract: The present study aims at investigating the relationship between intrinsic/extrinsic motivation and language learning strategyuse among Iranian EFL learners. Motivation is viewed within the framework of Self-determination Theory (SDT), in which intrinsic and extrinsic types of motivation are not antagonistic, and extrinsic motivation is seen along a continuum. To this end, 72 participants filled in two questionnaires on motivation and language learning strategies. The results indicated that intrinsic motivation was significantly related to cognitive and metacognitive strategies. However, extrinsic modes of motivation, namely, identified and external types of motivation were not significantly related to the use of language learning strategies. Yet, integrated mode of extrinsic motivation was negatively associated with memory and affective language learning strategies, and introjected motivation was negatively associated with cognitive strategies. In addition, it turned out that Iranian learners were mainly intrinsically motivated towards learning English language, and used metacognitive strategies more frequently than other types of strategies.

Caf2 nanoparticles: synthesis and characterization

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to prepare nano-sized calcium fluoride (CaF2). Calcium fluoride nanoparticles were synthesized by CaCl2.6H2O and ammonium fluoride. Nanoparticles were synthesized by co-precipitation method. The synthesized nanocrystals were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The crystallite size estimated using Scherer’s formula was found to be in the range of 20–30nm for nanocrystals synthesized by this method. The morphological features as studied using SEM revealed that the nanoparticles were agglomerated, crispy with porous.

Effects of Three Types of Oil Dispersants on Biodegradation of Dispersed Crude Oil in Water Surrounding Two Persian Gulf Provinces

Abstract: Objective. To determine the most effective and biodegradable dispersant of spilled oil in water surrounding two Persian Gulf provinces. Methods. This study compared the effects of three dispersants, Pars 1, Pars 2, and Gamlen OD4000 on removal of oil in two Persian Gulf provinces' water. Overall, 16 stations were selected. Using the Well method, the growth rate of isolated bacteria and fungi was identified. To specify the growth rate of microorganisms and their usage of oil in the presence of the above-mentioned dispersants, as exclusive sources of carbon, the bacteria were grown in culture medium for 28 days at 120 rpm, 30 ∘ C , and their optical density was measured by spectrophotometry. Then, we tested biological oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) in microorganisms. Results. The highest growth rate was documented for the growth of microorganisms on either Pars 1 or Pars 2 dispersants or their mixtures with oil. However, the culture having microorganisms grown on Pars 1 had higher BOD and COD than the other two dispersants (9200 and 16800 versus 500 and 960, P 0.05 ). Mixture of oil and Pars 2 as well as oil and Pars 1 dispersants showed the highest BODs and CODs, respectively. In the Bahregan province, microorganisms grown on Pars 2 had maximum amount of BOD and COD in comparison with Pars 1 and Gamlen dispersants (7100 and 15200 versus 6000 and 10560, P 0.05 ). Conclusion. Pars 1 and Pars 2 were the most effective dispersants with highest degradability comparing Gamlen. In each region, the most suitable compound for removing oil spill from offshores with least secondary contamination should be investigated.

Magnetic Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube as an Adsorbent for Toluidine Blue O Removal from Aqueous Solution

Abstract: Toluidine Blue O (TBO) is a cationic dye which is extensively used in the industries. In the present paper a simple and efficient wet chemical method was introduced for removal of TBO from waste aqueous solution. Magnetic multi-walled carbon nanotubes were synthesized using commercially available multi-wall carbon nanotubes and magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles which were examined for removal of TBO. The magnetic adsorbents were easily manipulated using an external magnetic field for desired separation, causing the removal of dyes from polluted water. The experimental results revealed that after 30 min, the separation process for TBO absorption reaches to equilibrium at pH 7.0. The optimum condition for removal of TBO was reported.

A Two-Level Cluster based Routing Protocol for Wireless Sensor Networks

Abstract: Wireless sensor networks have emerged as a promising technology for a wide range of important applications. Energy conservation and prolonging the network lifetime are significant challenges in the design and implementation of wireless sensor networks. Clustering techniques have emerged as a popular choice for prolonging the lifetime of a wireless sensor network. In this paper, we propose a Two-Level Cluster based Protocol (TLCP) for wireless sensor networks to minimize the energy consumption and maximize the lifetime of wireless sensor networks. TLCP organizes sensor nodes into clusters and improves the data transmission mechanism from the cluster heads to the base station via constructing a cluster among the cluster heads. Simulation results show that our proposed protocol has better performance than LEACH and CBRP in terms of network lifetime, stability period, instability period, energy consumption and network throughput.

Influence of thickness error on the operation of adjustable magneto-optical isolators

Abstract: We have performed a theoretical study on the case of transmission-type one-dimensional magnetophotonic crystals (MPCs) to establish a practical magneto-optical isolator (MOI) that operates properly even in the presence of construction errors. We have introduced a very thin MPC structure with high transmittance and a large Faraday rotation, with the capability of adjusting to a perfect MOI. A minor thickness error for the individual layers of this MOI may take it from being a perfect MOI; however, its adjustability can provide a stable operation against fabrication errors.

Changes in Biogenic Amines and Bacteria of Tiger-Toothed Croaker (Otolithes ruber) during Ice Storage

Abstract: Changes in the content of biogenic amines (BA; e.g., putrescine, tyramine, and histamine) and the mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacterial counts of tiger-tooth croaker (Otolithes ruber) were monitored during ice storage for 18 days. BA and bacterial loads gradually increased (p < 0.05) with storage time. On the first day of storage, no amines were detected, and no histamine was detected up to 6 days. The best linear regressions between BA and bacterial counts were found between putrescine and psychrotrophic bacteria. Furthermore, it was found that psychrotrophs were the dominant microorganisms during storage and showed significant (p < 0.05) differences with storage time. The initial concentration of putrescine was 1.27 μg g−1 and reached 18.8 μg g−1 when the psychrotrophic bacterial load was over 108 CFU g−1. The results suggest that the level of putrescine is a suitable indicator of freshness for O. ruber, and the shelf life of O. ruber stored in ice as determined by BA content and microbiological data ...

Synthesis of Silica Nanostructures and Optimization of their Size and Morphology by Use of Changing in Synthesis Conditions

Abstract: The aim of the present research was optimization of practical conditions of the sol-gel synthesis. In so doing, silica particles were synthesized using sol-gel method and their size and morphology were investigated by use of SEM and TEM images. The effect of changing molar ratio of reactive including acids and silica pre-matter on the particles' morphology and size was studied. Also, acid type and silica pre-matter used in reaction was examined and the result product of the reaction were investigated in the presence of several acids and two types of silica pre-matter. The reaction time was studied as a very important factor in products' digestion phase which plays a significant role in determining particles’ size and rate of cracking products. Finally, in optimized conditions 50-80 nm diameter nanostructures were synthesized. These products can be used as drug delivery systems.

Impact of the corporate governance characteristics and ownership on earnings quality of the Islamic private banks in Iran

Abstract: Article history: Received April 20, 2012 Received in Revised form June, 12, 2012 Accepted 29 June 2012 Available online July 2 2012 This paper investigates corporate governance and ownership effects on earning quality in Iranian private banks. The study uses the information of 12 private banks from year 2005 to 2010 using regression analysis based on panel data. Among different factors, the effect of big five shareholder are considered to be significant and positive on earning quality. In addition, the effect of one variable regression test reveals that institutional ownership has positive impact on earning quality. However, the impacts of other variables including percentage of ownership concentration, the size of board of directors, reliance on debt, logarithm of sum of assets, return of assets, logarithm of operating cash flow on earning quality are not meaningful. The result of this survey indicates that institutional ownership plays an important role earning quality simply because institutions normally have the access on professionals to control management. © 2012 Growing Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Application of taguchi method for optimizing the adsorption of lead ions on nanocomposite silica aerogel activated carbon

Abstract: Using the Taguchi method, this study analyzes the optimum conditions for removal of lead from aqueous solution in batch method by Nanocomposite Silica Aerogel Activated Carbon (SA–AC), which is prepared using the sol gel method. The controllable factors used in this study consisted of the following: (1) pH of the solution(A); (2) adsorption temperature(B); (3) lead initial concentration(C); (4) adsorbent dosage(D); (5) contact time (F).The effects of each factor were studied at four levels on the removal efficiency of lead from aqueous solution.L 16 orthogonal array (OA) has been used for experimental design. Concentrations of lead were assessed by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The statistical analysis revealed that the most important factors contributing to the removal efficiency are pH of the solution and adsorption temperature. The study shows that the Taguchi's method is suitable to optimize the experiments for total lead ions removal. The total optimum adsorptive removal of leadions were obtained with C 0 = 10 mgL 1 , T = 65°C, pH = 6, m = 0.16 g and t = 6 h.

The effect of nano fe chelate and fe chelate on the growth and activity of some antioxidant enzymes of satureja hortensis

Abstract: Department of Biology, Facoulty of Biology, Islamic Azad University, Tehran –North Branch, Tehran Research Institute of Forest and Rangelands, Tehran, Iran Abstract Aim and background . Satureja is a genus of aromatic plants of the family Lamiaceae .The effect of nano Fe chelate and Fe chelate on the growth of Satureja hortensis was investigated . Materials and methods . The experiment was conducted in farm condition in the form of randomized design based on four replications. Plants were treated by different concentrations of iron chelated fertilizer (0, 1.5 ,4.5 ,7.5 kgha) and nano chelated fertilizer (0, 1, 3 ,5 kgha). Results. Catalase and ascorbate peroxdiase activity was significantly increased in nano Fe fertilizer (4.5 kgha). The chlorophyll a content was significantly increased in the Fe chelate (1 kgha) and all nano Fe treatments. The effect of nano Fe on chlorophyll b content was more than Fe chelate. Conclusion. The length of stem and root were decreased in all Fe and nano Fe treatments in comparison to control. Also by using the fertilizers, the protein content showed significant differences. High concentrations of Fe chelate and nano Fe chelate decreased the protein content. In the nano Fe treatments indicated that decreasing protein content was more than Fe treatments. Fe chelate decreased and nano Fe increased the total chlorophyll content.

An empirical study on the effects of human resource supporting strategies on job satisfaction

Abstract: Article history: Received March 22, 2012 Received in Revised form May, 8, 2012 Accepted 11 May 2012 Available online May 14 2012 One of the essential functions of human resource management is to take care of skilled employees. The process is normally divided into two categories: first category includes different activities such as having health and safety in working centers, performing healthy and sport programs and some other similar activities to save and improve employees' physical characteristics. The second group includes other important issues normally called benefit packages, which includes good health insurance and retiring plans. Whenever an organization provides good benefit package and supporting programs, there is a better job satisfaction among employee. In this paper, the effects of related services to support employee to reach job satisfaction and employee activities in one of Iranian banks called Mellat bank is investigated using 276 random samples. The results show that employees are relatively satisfied from the benefit package of the bank and they were relatively happy on working for such organization. © 2012 Growing Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

A New Fuzzy Algorithm For Improving Quality of Service In Real Time Wireless Sensor Networks

Abstract: A wireless sensor network comprise a large number of cheap sensors as nodes. These sensors used for data collection and transmition to a central node(sink), are distributed in packed formats in an intended wide area of operation. One of the vital issues in these networks, is their energy constraints which directly affects the network life span. In real time wireless sensor networks (RWSN), not only energy constraints but data delivery time has a vital role in network successful operations as well as data validation. In real time programs, quality of service parameters such as delays must be reduced to a minimum . Reduction of packet losses to increase reliability of data deliveries is another issue in these networks. In this article, a new routing algorithm with fuzzy technique for improving quality of service in RWSN, is presented. The main objectives of this technique are two folds. The first is reduction of energy consumption which results in an increase in the network operations life span and the second is to meet a defined end-to-end delay and hence increasing reliability by reducing number of packet losses considerably. By using different fuzzy parameters and if-then rules, each node can make a decision to choose its next step for routing towards destination (sink). Simulation results show that our proposed new protocol considerably reduces energy usage in the network as well as guaranting the quality of service and noticeable improved performance in comparison with SPEED and THVR.

Biosorption of Pb (II) from aqueous solutions by modified of two kinds of marine algae, Sargassum glaucescens and Gracilaria corticata

Abstract: Biosorption of Pb (II) from aqueous solutions by modified of two kinds of marine algae, Sargassum glaucescens and Gracilaria corticata In this research, the batch removal of Pb2+ ions from wastewater and aqueous solution with the use o two different modified algae Gracilaria corticata (red algae) and Sargassum glaucescens (brown algae) was examined. The experiment was performed in a batch system and the effect of the pH solution; initial concentration and contact time on biosorption by both biomasses were investigated and compared. When we used S. glaucescens as a biosorbent, the optima conditions of pH, Pb2+ concentration and equilibrium time were at 5, 200 mg/L and 70 min, in the range of 95.6% removal. When G. corticata was used for this process, pH 3, 15 mg/L pb2+ concentration and 50 min contact time, resulted in the maximum removal (86.4%). The equilibrium adsorption data are fitted to the Frundlich and Langmuir isotherm model, by S. glaucescens and G. corticata, respectively. The pb2+ uptake by both biosorbent was best described by the second-order rate model.

Synthesis, characterization, solution study and crystal structure of complexes of Cr(III), Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) with chelidamic acid and 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline

Abstract: The title compounds, (dmpH)[Cr(chelH)2]·3H2O, 1, (dmpH)[Co(chelH2)(chelH)]·3H2O, 2, (dmpH)[Ni(chelH2)(chelH)]·2H2O, 3 and [Cu(chelH)(dmp)]·3H2O, 4 (dmp is 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline and chelH3 is chelidamic acid or 4-hydroxypyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid) were obtained by one-pot reaction of 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline and 4-hydroxypyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid with corresponding salts in aqueous solution. The compounds were identified by IR, MS, elemental analysis and single crystal X-ray crystallography; also they were studied in the solution phase. The compounds 1, 2 and 3 are similar in coordination sphere around the metal ions, with some differences between protonation sites of chelidamate ion and the charge of complex, but compound 4 is essentially different. The compounds 1, 2 and 3 are six coordinated, but 4 is five coordinated. There are various O–H···O, O–H···N and N–H···O hydrogen bonds found in the structures. In a solution study, the protonation constants of dmp and chel, the equilibrium constants of the chel–dmp proton-transfer system and the stoichiometry and stability of complexation of this system with Cr(III), Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) ions in an aqueous solution were investigated by potentiometric pH titration method. The stoichiometry of the most complexes species in solution was found to be very similar to the crystalline cited metal ion complexes.

The effect of macroeconomic factors on credit risk in the banking system of Iran

Abstract: Article history: Received December 18, 2011 Received in Revised form February, 28, 2012 Accepted 16 April 2012 Available online April 17 2012 These days, there are increasing changes on environmental and economic networks and different risks of various institutions affect the financial structure. Different institutions including financial and credit institutions are facing with the risk of lack of their timely obligations to make sure the repayment of the funds is granted. In this study, the effects of economic factors not affected by intentional behavior of customers are investigated. Statistical study of the banking system includes all public and private banks. Statistical research community from 2005 to 2010 is considered. The cross-sectional data of the study and a combination of regression analysis is used. The regression analysis of combined data, fixed effects model based on the data is a cross-sectional fit. According to results of regression analysis, Pearson and Spearman's Correlation Coefficient, there is no significant relationship between the inflation rate, employment rate, unemployment rate, the dollar, the euro, with import growth of credit risk in the banking system in Iran. Therefore, based on probability theory, it can be stated that the credit risk in the banking system in Iran under the influence of variables is not mentioned. In addition, positive and significant relationship between stock index and credit risk in the banking system in Iran has increased by Weber in this index increases and reducing credit risk is reduced. © 2012 Growing Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Adventurous robots equipped with basic emotions

Abstract: One of the grand challenges of the future generation intelligent systems is how to build a robot which can think in a way similar to human beings. In this case, cognitive robotics attempts to embed cognitive abilities of the natural intelligence, specially the human brain, in robotics applications. To provide the context of such an objective, an interdisciplinary approach which is a merger of different fields of study like artificial intelligence, cognitive informatics, psychoanalysis, and neuroscience, should be adopted. In this paper, to design the behavioral mechanism of adventurous robots, the Motivation/Attitude-Driven Behavior (MADB) model, which is a plausible computational model of human behavior with the purpose of simulating robots equipped with basic humanoid emotions, is exploited. As a result, the proposed model has provided adventurous robots with the capability of showing emotional behaviors. Finally, adventurous robots and conventional ones are separately implemented in a virtual ecosystem and their effort for survival is compared. Consequently, the simulation results show that adventurous robots have a greater chance to survive in the simulated environment.

Bioextraction of Cu (II) Ions from Acid Mine Drainage by Bacillus Thuringiensis

Abstract: In this study, biosorption of Cu and Mn ions from Sarcheshme copper mine wastewater by a locally available bacterium, Bacillus Thuringiensis, was investigated in batch mode. Optimum amounts for various parameters such as contact time, pH, initial ion concentration, biosorbent dosage and temperature were determined. In the first 30 minutes, most of Cu and Mn ions were removed by the sorbent. Optimum pH and temperature were determined to be 6 and 308 ৹ K. The experimental data were fitted to both Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models. Desorption studies showed that bacterial biomass can be eluted by 1M HCL solution and reused in five biosorption-desorption cycles.

Study of antimutagenic and anticancer effect of lactic acid bacteria isolated from Tarkhineh by Ames Test

Abstract: Background: Deaths due to cancer have been increasing in many countries in recent years. Probiotics are live microorganisms that have beneficial effects on consumer’s health. The aim of this study was to investigate antimutagenic and anticancer effects of Lactobacilli strains isolated from Tarkhineh in order to select potential probiotic strains. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 25 strains of Lactobacillus that had previously been isolated from Tarkhineh were used. Antimutagenicity test was performed based on proposed method of Ames. The results of the test were individuated after comparison between samples (suspensions of Lactobacilli) and positive (sodium azide) and negative (distilled water) controls. SPSS version 16 was used for statistical analysis. Results: Antimutagenic activity was observed only in four strains of Lactobacilli. The inhibitory percentage in the four strains of Lactobacilli, in its highest level was equal to 60.38 and in its lowest percentage equal to 39.37%. Also, the inhibitory percentage of mutation among the four strains in the presence of microsome were significantly different (P<0.05) than the absence of microsome. Adding the microsome of rat liver (S9) proved the anticancer effects of four Lactobacilli strains. Conclusion: Of the 25 strains of Lactobacilli, 4 strains which had the highest antimutagenicity