The Effect of Phyllanthus Amarus Aqueous Extract on Blood Glucose in Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetic Patients

The glycaemic response to 124.5 ± 9.3 (mean ± SD) g of pancakes was monitored in 21 non-insulin dependent diabetic (NIDDM) patients while on oral hypoglycaemics, after a one week washout period and after a one week twice daily treatment with 100 ml of an aqueous extract from 12.5 g of powdered aerial parts of Phyllanthus amarus. After the one week washout period, fasting blood glucose (FBG) and postprandial blood glucose increased significantly compared to when on oral hypoglycaemics (P ≤ 0.05). After one week herbal treatment no hypoglycaemic activity was observed. Both FBG and postprandial blood glucose remained very similar to that recorded after the washout period (P > 0.05). Both liver and renal functions based on alanine transaminase (ALAT) and serum creatinine, respectively, were not significantly affected by the use of the extract. Although lymphocyte and monocyte levels were significantly decreased (P ≤ 0.05) and granulocyte level was significantly increased after treatment (P ≤ 0.05) overall total white blood cell (WBC) count and haemoglobin (Hb) were not significantly affected by the one week herbal treatment. We conclude that one week treatment with the aqueous extract of Phyllanthus amarus was incapable of lowering both FBG and postprandial blood glucose in untreated NIDDM patients

The effect of Levo and Trigard pesticides on the life of potato moth insect Phthorimaea Operculella (Zeller)=Влияние пестицидов Levo и Trigard на смертность картофельной моли Phthorimaea Operculella (Zeller)

The study was conducated in the laboratories of the Department of biogenic control techniques/Technical College/Al-Mussaib for the period from 2015-2016, different concentrations of Levo and Trigar

Computational investigation of particle penetration and deposition pattern in a realistic respiratory tract model from different types of dry powder inhalers

The aim of this study was to evaluate the device performance of a new design by comparing with a typical commercial DPI. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) coupled with the discrete element method (DEM) collision has been utilized in this study to characterize and examine the flow field and particle transportation, respectively. A typical commercial DPI and an in-house designed novel DPI with distinct design features were compared to explore their dispersion capabilities and suitability for delivery to the respiratory tract. For this exploration, realistic oral to larynx and tracheobronchial airway models consisting of bio-relevant features were adopted to enhance practical feasibility. Distinct aerosol performances were observed between the two DPIs in the respiratory tract, where the in-house DPI, in comparison with the commercial DPI, has shown approximately 30% lower deposition fraction in the mouth-throat region with approximately 7% higher escape rate in the tracheobronchial region under the identical inhalation condition. This observation demonstrates that a novel in-house designed DPI provides higher device efficiency over the selected typical commercial DPI

Monitoring of tuna resources (yellowfin and skipjsck tunas) in Oman Sea along Sistan & Balouchestan coastal waters

Collecting of biometric parameters and catch and effort data were made for yellowfin and skipjack tunas from artisanal gillnet and industrial purse seine fisheries during the years 2002-2004 in Oman Sea along Sistan and Balouchestan coastal waters. The previous available data was used for the purpose of better monitoring the resources. The frequency of maturity stages and GSI values obtained from yellowfin showed a spawning period from February to May, peaking in April-May. For skipjack, the data indicated a long spawning period which beganed in December with peaking in April-May. LM50% was obtained as 83.1 and 62.4 for yellowfin and skipjack tunas respectively. Sex ratio by size group showed a predominance of males with larger fish. Analysis of stomach contents showed a significant proportion for the both species. The composion of food contents by occurrence method revealed that fish were the most dominant food items by year for the specise. Presence of squilla, crabs, shrimps (Larval stage), belonging to Peneaidea family, in large quantities were the oblivious food items so that they had not been reported by previous studies. Blooming of squilla, Natosquilla investigators, in the western Indian Ocean provided a situation to be observed in large occurrence in yellowfin and skipjack stomach contents. The ratio was more in yellowfin stomachs when compared to skipjack ones which accounted for 38%, 19% and 35% of the total stomachs studied by the study year. The shrimps prey were only observed in skipjack gut contents (with exception of one case in yellowfin stomach) which were the second major component in 2002 and 2003(24% and 17% respectively). Comparsion of mean length showed a sharp decrease from 1992 to 2004 for the species. Regarding yellowfin the mean length from 93.2 cm FL in 1992 reached to 83.2 cm FL in 2004 and from 64.95 to 58.51 cm FL for skipjack. In spite of decreasing mean length for yellowfin, the value increased in 2004 in comparison to 2003 which was in agreement with Indian Ocean data. Comparative analysis of length frequency with LM50% indicated that immature fish were the major part of the catch. There are available information on population dynamic parameters. A comparative analysis of CPUE,s (kg/panel.day) from artisanal gillnet fishery for yellowfin and skipjack tunas revealed a decreased value by fishing craft class in 2005 when compared to 1998 data, but increased in 2003. Increased trend of the species catches by fishing craft class was due to increased fishing effort. Analysis of the statistical catch and effort data for the study years, irrespective of fishing craft class, showed that total landings of the species have increased 4.4 fold in spite of attaining CPUE to 7% in decrease which was a consequence of increased fishing effort up to 4.7 fold. The CPUE, s (tons / positive set) from industrial purse seine fishery increased in 2003 and 2004(39% and 10% respectively), but declined up to 54% in 2005. The trend is in agreement with purse seine fishery data from Indian Ocean where the increased values were attributed by larger size of yellowfin. The purse-seine fishing ground data revealed that the major sets were made in Persian Gulf, whereas a shift towards Oman Sea in eastern part of Sistan and Balouchestan coastal waters is recommended to be a suitable fishing area for the first half of year and towards offshore waters in Indian Ocean for the second half of year. For attaining a sustainable fishery system, it is recommended to regulate the gillnet mesh size and introduce longline fishery in the area along with stopping any further increased fishing effort in artisanal gillnet fishery

Data on groundwater quality, scaling potential and corrosiveness of water samples in Torbat-e-Heydariyeh rural drinking water resources, Khorasan-e-Razavi province, Iran

According to World Health Organization guidelines, corrosion control is an important aspect of safe drinking-water supplies. The data presented is physical and chemical parameters of drinking water in the rural areas of Torbat-e-Heydariyeh city, also to determine corrosion indices. This cross-sectional study has carried out with 188 taken samples during 2014 with 13 parameters, which has been analyzed based on standard method. Also with regard to standard conditions, result of this paper is compared with Environmental Protection Agency and Iran national standards. Five indices, Langlier Saturation Index (LSI), Ryznar Stability Index (RSI), Puckorius Scaling Index (PSI), Larson-Skold Index (LS) and Aggressive Index (AI), programmed by using Microsoft Excel software. Owing to its simplicity, the program can easily be used by researchers and operators. Parameters included Sulfate, Sodium, Chloride, and Electrical Conductivity respectively was 13.5%, 28%, 10.5%, and 15% more than standard level. The amounts of Nitrate, in 98% of cases were in permissible limits and about 2% were more than standard level. Result of presented research indicate that water is corrosive at 10.6%, 89.4%, 87.2%, 59.6% and 14.9% of drinking water supply reservoirs, according to LSI, RSI, PSI, LS and AI, respectively. © 2018 The Author

Introduction of Litopenaeus vannamei to shrimp culture industry of Iran

Various Problems in front of shrimp culture, mainly in biological fields and restrictions of production cycle, emphasized the species diversity in aquaculture industry of Iran in fourth socio- economic development plan of fisheries department. By this means, the Iranian Fisheries Research Organization, defined a Programme with four sub- projects, and started the activities on beginning of 2004. On the year 2004, 80 pairs of SPF/SPR Litopenaeus vannamei broodstocks imported from Hawaii, but late importation and prolonged acclimatization period, caused propogation and PL production on mid-September. Despite of terminated culture season, some PL's stocked in earthen ponds of Helleh site in Bushehr province. Results of this phase showed that, L.vannamei could support the cold winter of about 9 C temperature and about 20000 broodstocks harvested at the next year. At the next year, 55 pairs of SPF/SPR broodstocks imported by the same way, and after production of PL in Bandargah hatchery, the farming carried out in Helleh research earthen ponds. At this year, shrimp farms of Bushehr province infected with WSSV, but L.vannamei growth was very good, and gained more than19g after 90days farming. On the year 2006, the farming pilot project repeated, and the way for extension smoothed. In a parallel action, introduction of L.vannamei to Choebdeh site (Khouzestan province) showed remarkable results after 5 years collapses by WSSV. The results of broodstocking, breeding and farming research projects transferred very soon to shrimp producers, as the production of L.vannamei in Khouzestan and Bushehr provinces raised to 2575tons in the year 2008. In addition the condition for introduction of this species to Golestan province smoothed on 2008, and stocking at rate of 5-6 individuals per m2 in earthen ponds of Gomishan resulted in 20g. Shrimp weight after 75 days culture. This stock used as brood stock for commercial production on 2009 by private sector. It seems that all four southern provinces are going to utilize L.vannamei as the main species in 2009, and domesticated brood stocks

Quantitative and qualitative development of shrimp culture in Iran

Primary researches on aquaculture of endemic shrimp species carried out since 1984-5 by Iranian Fisheries Research Organization (IFRO) .After a decade, the condition for extension and development of shrimp culture in the country prepared. Despite huge investment of government for preparation and construction of shrimp sites, only small part of present potential in southern coast of the country is under production. About 18 different shrimp species inhabit in Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman, in which 4 species have larger size, and more abundant, and harvest commercially . Penaeus semisulcatus, Fenneropenaeus merguiensis and Metapenaeus affinis as commercial species distributed throughout of Persian Gulf from mouth of Arvand River in north- west to strait of Hormoz, and also some parts of Oman Sea. While Fenneropenaeus indicus distributed mainly in coastal area of Oman Sea. Shrimp culture begin in Iran by P.semisulcatus, continued by imported Penaeus monodon, and developed by using of F.indicus. After confront to slow growth and viral diseases in 2001 (Khouzestan province) and 2005 (Bushehr Province), at the same time I.F.R.O acquired the bio-technique for production of Litopenaeus vannamei, and hence the condition for introduction the new species to the shrimp culture industry provided. In accordance for development of shrimp culture, I.F.R.O carried out various research activities, and established specific research center for this purpose. Research projects regarding brood-stock management, breeding and larvae production, grow out, water management and disease identification and treatment have been carried, and induced considerable impacts on quantitative and qualitative development of shrimp culture in the country

Properties of Modified Warm-Mix Asphalt Mixtures Containing Different Percentages of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement

The Rapid reduction of energy resources and the escalated effects of global warming have created a strong motivation to find some new techniques in the field of paving construction. Adopting new technologies, such as warm-mix asphalt (WMA) or the recycling process of asphalt can be very helpful for the economy and have a significant impact on the environmental footprint. Thus, this research aimed to study the mechanical and durable characteristics of modified WMA mixtures using (1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0%) Sasobit REDUX®, (0.3%, 0.4%, and 0.5%) Aspha-Min®, and (0.07%, 0.1%, and 0.125) ZycoTherm® additives corresponding to three percentages of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) (20%, 40%, and 60%). Three mixing temperatures have been conducted in this study to generate WMA mixtures at (135 °C, 125 °C, and 115 °C) corresponding to three compacting temperatures (125 °C, 115 °C, and 105 °C). The mechanical properties of the developed WMA mixtures have been evaluated using the Superpave volumetric properties (air voids, voids filled with asphalt, and voids in mineral aggregate), while the durable properties have been investigated using the resilient modulus test (MR) at 25 °C, resilient modulus ratio (RMR), and Hamburg wheel-track test in terms of permanent deformation, moisture susceptibility, and rutting resistance. To make the WMA mixtures accept high quantities of RAP (>25%), an insignificant increase in the amounts of WMA additives was needed to produce mixtures carrying sustainability labels. Results indicated that all the used additives had pushed the WMA mixtures to achieve considerable mechanical properties, whereas the best properties for the WMA mixtures containing 0%, 20%, 40%, and 60% of RAP have been achieved by mixing with (1.0% Sasobit REDUX® @ 125 °C), (1.0% Sasobit REDUX® or 0.3% Aspha-Min® @ 135 °C), (1.5% Sasobit REDUX® @ 125 °C), and (2.0% Sasobit REDUX® or 0.5% Aspha-Min® @ 135 °C), respectively. On another hand, the best durable properties have been achieved by mixing the mentioned WMA mixtures containing 0%, 20%, 40%, and 60% of RAP with 0.07%, 0.07%, 0.1%, and 0.125% of ZycoTherm® at 153 °C, respectively. Using such additives in the recycled WMA mixtures made it possible to activate waste recycling in the paving industry

Determination of suitable feeds for western white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) broodstock maturation

For the successful breeding of western white shrimps (Litopenaeus vannamei) brooders (females and males), we used cuttle fish (Sepia pharaonis) and sand worm (Perinereis nuntica) of Persian Gulf as principle feeds, 3 times a day, and from cow livier and edible bivalve meat (Solen brevis) of Persian Gulf, as secondary feeds, 1 time a day. Nutritional value of Sepia pharaonis, Perinereis nuntica and Solen brevis, with determination of the amount of fatty acids such as arachidonic acid (20:4n-6), stearic acid (18:00), oleic acid (18:1n-9), palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid (16:1n-7), eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid, essential amino acids inclusive arginine, lysine, leucine, isoleusine, threonine, valine, histidine, phenylalanine, methionine, tryptophane and crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, ash and moisture were done in laboratory. The results showed that, the amount of essential amino acides and nonessential amino acides (in the more causes) in Sepia pharaonis were more than Solen brevis and in Solen brevis more than Perinereis nuntica. Only nonessential amino acides, glysine and alanine in Solen brevis were more than Sepia pharaonis. Also in chemical analysis of wet feeds determined that, crude protein percent in cattle fish was 2.9 times and 2.2 times more than Solen brevis and Perinereis nuntica, respectively. The crude fat in cattle fish was 2.1 times and 1.6 times more than Solen brevis and Perinereis nuntica respectively. Tottaly, the amount of essential fatty acides in Sepia pharaonis and Perinereis nuntica were more than Solen brevis, and in Sepia pharaonis and Perinereis nuntica were almost, equal. Total lipids of Sepia pharaonis, Perinereis nuntica and Solen brevis determined 7.92, 5.90 and 3.63 percent respectively. Totally the percent of fatty acids in cattle fish and Perinereis nuntica is almost equal and was more than Solen brevis meat. We can noted that, the Sepia pharaonis and Perinereis nuntica are suitable as principle feed and Solen brevis and cow livier, as secondary feed for L.vannamei broodstock maturation

Direct damage controlled seismic design of plane steel degrading frames

A new method for seismic design of plane steel moment resisting framed structures is developed. This method is able to control damage at all levels of performance in a direct manner. More specifically, the method: (a) can determine damage in any member or the whole of a designed structure under any given seismic load, (b) can dimension a structure for a given seismic load and desired level of damage and (c) can determine the maximum seismic load a designed structure can sustain in order to exhibit a desired level of damage. In order to accomplish these things, an appropriate seismic damage index is used that takes into account the interaction between axial force and bending moment at a section, strength and stiffness degradation as well as low cycle fatigue. Then, damage scales are constructed on the basis of extensive parametric studies involving a large number of frames exhibiting cyclic strength and stiffness degradation and a large number of seismic motions and using the above damage index for damage determination. Some numerical examples are presented to illustrate the proposed method and demonstrate its advantages against other methods of seismic design. © 2014, Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht