A Study on the Feasibility of Subject Authority Control of Web-based Persian Medical Databases: An Iranian Experience

One of the most important factors challenging the issue of "information storage and retrieval" in the Internet environment is the lack of control on authorities, i.e. subject authority control. The present research aims at examining the feasibility of subject authority control of Persian medical databases available on the Net. Based on research methodology, we have randomly chosen 50 keywords utilized by users searching databases for articles. In the pre-test stage, these keywords were searched through Iranmedex, a database for Persian medical articles. Comparing them with Persian medical thesaurus, those keywords exactly matched to the thesaurus words were entered in a designed database using Microsoft Access software. Then, we entered these authorized keywords in Iranmedex. Findings of new search sessions revealed that control of authorities on the one hand, makes information retrieval more precise and accurate and, on the other prevents false drops. The research findings can be used for modifying the process of information storage and retrieval on the Internet. The research concludes with a model for applying thesauruses as authority control tools for other databases available at Internet

GROUNDWATER POTENTIAL ASSESSMENT USING GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND AHP METHOD (CASE STUDY: BAFT CITY, KERMAN, IRAN)

The purpose of the present study is to use Geographical Information Systems (GISs) for determining the best areas having ground water potential in Baft city. To achieve this objective, parameters such as precipitation, slope, fault, vegetation, land cover and lithology were used. Regarding different weight of these parameters effect, Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used. After developing informational layers in GIS and weighing each of them, a model was developed. The final map of ground waters potential was calculated through the above-mentioned model. Through applying our developed model four areas having high, average, low potential and without required potential distinguished. Results of this research indicated that 0.74, 41.23 and 45.63 percent of the area had high, average and low potential, respectively. Moreover, 12.38% of this area had no potential. Obtained results can be useful in management plans of ground water resources and preventing excessive exploitation

Qualitative Evaluation of Central Library's Web Sites of Medical Universities in Iran with WEBQEM

Introduction: The homepage is the initial place at which the users are directed towards having access to the available resources. This makes web designing of high importance to university administrators and authorities. The purpose of this study was to conduct a qualitative evaluation of websites with WEBQEM in libraries of Medical Universities in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Methods: This study was a descriptive survey which was conducted on 24 websites. Data were gathered on the basis of WEBQEM checklists. Data analysis was performed by using SPSS software version 13. The evaluation was carried out by applying four criteria of WEBQEM. Results: The websites' reliability was evaluated as "Very Good", with the average score of 0.82, and its efficiency as "Good" with the average score of 0.64. Usability and functionality scored an average of 0.5 and 0.52, respectively. Finally, half of the websites, on which this study was conducted, were evaluated as "Good "while the other half were as "Average". Discussion: Considering the average scores obtained by using the four main criteria of the study, it was conceived that the in terms of functionality and usability of these web sites had some shortcomings. Although reliability and efficiency scored average, some of the websites were not of the expected quality by the main criteria. Keyword

Application of recent biotechnologies in the conservation of rare fruit species from developing countries

International Symposium on Seed Enhancement and Seedling Production Technology -- 13 August 2006 through 19 August 2006 -- Seoul --Results of this work are from different international projects studying germ-plasm from rare fruit species in developing countries including the argan tree (Morocco), the date palm (Morocco) and several wild almond species (Iran). In this study, the application of recent biotechnological tools for conservation of these rare fruit species, including in vitro and hydroponic culture protocols, improved propagation techniques and molecular marker application, is described. Promising propagation methods include in vitro protocols well adapted to these rare fruit species that allow the introduction, micropropagation and rooting of plant material, and developing hydroponic culture protocols that allow the early propagation of high-risk genotypes. In addition, the growth of seedlings in controlled environmental conditions in greenhouse and cold chamber provides a useful strategy for obtaining vigorously growing plants from seeds year round. Molecular markers have also become an essential tool for the study and conservation of these species. Regarding the PCR amplification of the DNA, two main strategies have been applied, RAPD and SSR markers, in the genetic characterization of this germplasm, the establishment of genetic relationships between cultivars and species, and the future construction of genetic maps of these rare fruit species