Investigating The Sustainable Development of Tabriz University Based on Green Management Parameters and Preferences of University Managers

In recent years, the destruction of the environment on the one hand and the increase in awareness of the consequences of this great danger on the other hand, has led to global actions and consequently, local actions to protect the environment and sustainable development. One of these actions is the sustainable development of universities. The reason for the importance of this case is, firstly, the goal of the universities themselves, which as the center of knowledge and training of the country's elites, is also at the top of environmental affairs, and secondly, as a center with a large number of students and staff which can have a great impact with action for environment. In this research, by using library studies, field observations and interviews, we try to identify sustainability measures of Iranian universities in order to achieve sustainable development and finally present the results of these measures to improve the methods of establishing sustainable development in universities and provide a comprehensive and complete model taking into account all aspects of sustainable development in universities with special emphasis on the campus and its green management. A questionnaire-based on international and domestic standards on the effectiveness of green management parameters in the sustainable development of Tabriz University was prepared and sent to university administrators and faculty members, and then the top ten rankings of this questionnaire were used using interviews with Tabriz university administrators to be determined their preferences in this regard

Short term management of hydro-power system using reinforcement learning

The fundamental objective in operation of reservoir complex is to specify an optimal decision policy so that it can maximize the expected value of reward function over the planning horizon. This control problem becomes more challenging as a result of existing different sources of uncertainties that reservoir planner needs to deal with. Usually, a trade-off exists between a value of water in storage and the electricity production. The function on the side of the value of water is uncertain and nonlinear in the reservoir management problem and it heavily depends on storage of reservoir and storage of other reservoirs as well. The challenging task is then how to solve this large-scale multireservoir problem under the presence of several uncertainties. In this thesis, the integration of a novel approach known as Reinforcement Learning (RL) is presented in order to provide an efficient optimization of a large-scale hydroelectric power system. RL is a branch of artificial intelligence method that presents several key benefits in treating problems that are too large to be handled by traditional dynamic programming techniques. In this approach, an agent tries to learn the optimal decision continuously so as to maximize the reward function based on interacting with the environment. This study presents the major concepts and computational aspects of using RL for the short-term planning problem of multireservoir system. The developed reinforcement learning based optimization model was successfully implemented on the Hydro-Quebec multireservoir complex located at the Rivière Romaine, north of the municipality of Havre-Saint-Pierre on the north shore of the St. Lawrence. This model was subsequently used to obtain optimal water release policies for the previously-mentioned reservoir complex. The output of the designed model was compared to the conventional optimization methods known as deterministic dynamic programming. The results show that the RL model is much more efficient and reliable in solving large-scale reservoir operations problems and can give a very good approximate solution to this complex problem

Disaggregating radar-derived rainfall measurements in East Azarbaijan, Iran, using a spatial random-cascade model

The availability of spatial, high-resolution rainfall data is one of the most essential needs in the study of water resources. These data are extremely valuable in providing flood awareness for dense urban and industrial areas. The first part of this paper applies an optimization-based method to the calibration of radar data based on ground rainfall gauges. Then, the climatological Z-R relationship for the Sahand radar, located in the East Azarbaijan province of Iran, with the help of three adjacent rainfall stations, is obtained. The new climatological Z-R relationship with a power-law form shows acceptable statistical performance, making it suitable for radar-rainfall estimation by the Sahand radar outputs. The second part of the study develops a new heterogeneous random-cascade model for spatially disaggregating the rainfall data resulting from the power-law model. This model is applied to the radar-rainfall image data to disaggregate rainfall data with coverage area of 512 × 512 km[superscript 2] to a resolution of 32 × 32 km[superscript 2]. Results show that the proposed model has a good ability to disaggregate rainfall data, which may lead to improvement in precipitation forecasting, and ultimately better water-resources management in this arid region, including Urmia Lake.East Azarbaijan Regional Water Compan

Nonlinear Interval Parameter Programming Combined with Cooperative Games: a Tool for Addressing Uncertainty in Water Allocation Using Water Diplomacy Framework

This paper shows the utility of a new interval cooperative game theory as an effective water diplomacy tool to resolve competing and conflicting needs of water users from different sectors including agriculture, domestic, industry and environment. Interval parameter programming is applied in combination with cooperative game theoretic concepts such as Shapley values and the Nucleolus to provide mutually beneficial solutions for water allocation problems under uncertainty. The allocation problem consists of two steps: water resources are initially allocated to water users based on the Nash bargaining model and the achieved nonlinear interval parameter model is solved by transforming it into a problem with a deterministic weighted objective function. Water amounts and net benefits are reallocated to achieve efficient water usage through net benefit transfers. The net benefit reallocation is done by the application of different cooperative game theoretical methods. Then, the optimization problem is solved by linear interval programming and by converting it into a problem with two deterministic objective functions. The suggested model is then applied to the Zarrinehrud sub-basin, within Urmia Lake basin in Northwestern Iran. Findings suggest that a reframing of the problem using cooperative strategies within the context of water diplomacy framework - creating flexibility in water allocation using mutual gains approach - provides better outcomes for all competing users of water

A study on the concepts and themes of color and light in the exquisite islamic architecture

Today, diverse ideologies, thoughts, and beliefs exist in the world all of which try to transfer concepts and ideas to others using the indirect language of semantics. In this regard, architecture, especially the valuable architecture of Iran with wide application and permanent presence in human life has gained considerable attention. Iranian art has always been in coordination with the spirit of Islam and an indicator of its truth. Architecture is where meaning is represented in the formal, structural, and spatial aspects. Light and color are two important visual elements of formation and cognition of architectural works. Color does not manifest by itself unless it is seen through a design, when becomes the origin of work and intervenes in its sense of space.It should be considered that how the existence of light and color in the patterns has been effective in the environmental psychology and how the space is defined in terms of these two elements? And whether the sole use of light and color in the historical architecture was to represent meaning?The present study adopts a descriptive-analytical approach to review and explain the semantic elements of light and color, their application and conceptual features in the historical architecture and hence examines these two distinct elements in the art and architecture of the past and tries to find their semantic features to the extent that have influenced the face and essence of modern architecture in the hope of providing useful insights for the modern architecture.Keywords: Islamic architecture, light, color, concepts, exquisite architectur

Multi-Criteria Evaluation of the Vulnerability of the Urban Water Supply Network Against Biological Attacks

The water supply network is one of the most critical infrastructures of human societies, which could cause illness or death in many consumers due to its expanding nature. Water pollution is one of the ways of spreading biological pollutants among the population, which is known as bioterrorism today. Biological contamination usually occurs with the use of pathogens and biotoxins. Therefore, recognizing the vulnerable stages of the water supply network against various pollutants is of particular importance. In this research, in the first stage, a selection of five pathogens (Bacillus anthracis, Cryptosporidiosis, Francisella tularensis, Vibrio cholerae, Shigella) that are more likely to pollute water sources have been made. Thus, employing each component of the water supply system (including raw water source (dam)), Raw water storage tank, water treatment plant, treated water transmission line, treated water tanks, and distribution network (30 scenarios) were defined. In the next step, using multi-criteria group decision-making and employing three main criteria (vulnerability of each water supply stage, the amount of contaminant damage power, the amount of contaminant risk in each of the water supply stages) and their sub-criteria, the weight of each criterion was determined from the perspective of decision-makers by utilizing GFDM software. After analyzing the scenarios, the risk level of each scenario was ranked. Scenario 26 created the most risk, which consists of introducing the pathogen Bacillus anthracis into the distribution network. The entry of contamination into the distribution network due to high availability and lack of subsequent treatment steps, as well as the slight chance of preventing the contaminant from reaching consumers, can cause many diseases and deaths. Furthermore, it has a high resistance against chloride and is stable in water, so the entry of this contaminant into the distribution network can be dangerous. Considering the existing conditions, recognizing and calculating the risk of different scenarios can lead to readiness and increase the speed of action in response to possible biological attacks

Compressive Strength of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate and Calcium-enriched Mixture Cement Mixed with Propylene Glycol

Introduction: The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the compressive strength (CS) of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and calcium-enriched mixture (CEM) cement when mixed with propylene glycol (PG). Methods and Materials: Twenty four custom-made split molds with 5 holes in each were prepared. Molds were allocated into eight groups (n=15 holes) as follows: Groups 1,5: CEM and MTA mixed with PG (100%), Groups 2,6: CEM and MTA mixed with PG (20% )+CEM or MTA liquid (80%) respectively, Groups 3,7: CEM and MTA mixed with PG (50% )+CEM or MTA liquid (50% ) respectively, Groups 4,8: CEM and MTA mixed with CEM or MTA liquid respectively as control groups. All specimens were kept in 37°C in an incubator and the compressive strength was evaluated after 7 days. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal Wallis and Dunne tests. The level of significance was set at 0.05. Results: In all concentration of PG, MTA samples showed better results than CEM cement. In CEM samples, adding 20% PG could significantly increase the compressive strength in comparison with control group and 100% PG (P=0.047 and P=0.011, respectively). In MTA samples, adding 100% and 50% PG significantly increased the compressive strength of the cement in comparison with control group (P=0.037 and, P=0.005, respectively). Conclusion: Considering the limitations of the present study, appropriate concentration of PG could improve the CS of MTA and CEM cement.Keywords: Calcium-Enriched Mixture Cement; Compressive Strength; Mineral Trioxide Aggregate; Propylene Glyco

Development of a System Dynamics Model for Improving Sustainable Urban Water Management (Case Study: Isfahan City)

The use of a systematic view has increased to deal with social and environmental problems in recent years. Recently, various models have been developed to address urban water issues. Most of them are focused on runoff and storm water management and few have addressed the problems of the Drinking water system. However, the lack of an effective model that supports complex and multi-objective urban water system in terms of management and decision-making is felt. This article focuses on the importance of a sustainable approach to the conventional approach in urban water management and the need to change attitudes due to the current state of water resources. In this paper a novel system dynamics model has been developed, taking into account the technical, economic, social, environmental and government subsystems that simulate and predict the results of urban water management measures. The results of the implementation of the proposed model on the city of Isfahan showed that the model has a high precision in simulating system condition. The model error rate in simulation of different parameters is less than 5%. Therefore, the model can be used as a tool for analyzing different management strategies before implementing and spending time and cost to assist decision makers

The symbolic Role of Water in Iranian- Islamic Architecture based on Spirituality

The architecture of our traditional buildings in the Islamic era reached to the extent that the traditional architects of Islamic period due to their beliefs would see architecture beyond the body as well as considering its duty the induction of the symbolic and mysterious meanings. In their perspective, a building was a tool to induce spiritual concepts. One of the elements which was focused in The Holy book and mysticism is the element of the water. Water in Islamic traditional architecture reached to its higher spiritual position in a way that by investigating the buildings in this era we can find out the symbolic role of water through philosophy and theology. The term water was mentioned in The Holy book several times as well as great poets referring to it. That’s why architects have tried to consider water as an important element in their buildings. This article is trying to study the symbol role of water in Iran - Islamic architectures based on spirituality as well as pointing to its importance for Muslim architects through examples. Research Methods are based on library studies as well as being descriptive analytic. The findings of the study show that in Islamic era water in architecture was to induce the belief and ideas which The Holy book has referred to and talked about. On the other hand, considering this dimension by traditional architects led to the creation of beauty in their architecture. It is hoped that by considering this approach we could pay more attention to present architecture and try to benefit Islamic values in our buildings

Targeted delivery of silibinin via magnetic niosomal nanoparticles: potential application in treatment of colon cancer cells

Introduction: In recent years, various nanoparticles (NPs) have been discovered and synthesized for the targeted therapy of cancer cells. Targeted delivery increases the local concentration of therapeutics and minimizes side effects. Therefore, NPs-mediated targeted drug delivery systems have become a promising approach for the treatment of various cancers. As a result, in the current study, we aimed to design silibinin-loaded magnetic niosomes nanoparticles (MNNPs) and investigate their cytotoxicity property in colorectal cancer cell treatment.Methods: MNPs ferrofluids were prepared and encapsulated into niosomes (NIOs) by the thin film hydration method. Afterward, the morphology, size, and chemical structure of the synthesized MNNPs were evaluated using the TEM, DLS, and FT-IR techniques, respectively.Results and Discussion: The distribution number of MNNPs was obtained at about 50 nm and 70 nm with a surface charge of −19.0 mV by TEM and DLS analysis, respectively. Silibinin loading efficiency in NIOs was about 90%, and the drug release pattern showed a controlled release with a maximum amount of about 49% and 70%, within 4 h in pH = 7.4 and pH = 5.8, respectively. To investigate the cytotoxicity effect, HT-29 cells were treated with the various concentration of the drugs for 24 and 48 h and evaluated by the MTT as well as flow cytometry assays. Obtained results demonstrated promoted cell cytotoxicity of silibinin-loaded MNNPs (5-fold decrease in cell viability) compared to pure silibinin (3-fold decrease in cell viability) while had no significant cytotoxic effect on HEK-293 (normal cell line) cells, and the cellular uptake level of MNNPs by the HT-29 cell line was enhanced compared to the control group. In conclusion, silibinin-loaded MNNPs complex can be considered as an efficient treatment approach for colorectal cancer cells