Biological control of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (oilseed rape isolate) by an effective antagonist Streptomyces

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib) De Bary, the causal agent of stem rot of oilseed rape, is one of the most important phytopathogens. In order to find appropriate biocontrol agents, antagonistic and especially chitinolytical activities of 110 soil actinomycetes were examined. Among assayed isolates, Streptomyces sp. isolate 422 significantly reduced (P ≤ 0.01) the incidence of disease. Biological and physiological analysis of this isolate shown that, its active metabolite had polar nature, long shelf life and fungicidal activity features. Moreover, a partial chitinase (600 bp) gene was cloned and sequenced. This study has tried to introduce an effective biocontrol agent against S. sclerotiorum with a broad spectrum of antagonistic activity against phytopathogens.Key words: Biocontrol, Brassica napus L. ssp. Oleifera, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, streptomycetes

Identifying the Dimensions and Sustainable Supply Chain Operations for Knowledge-Based Decision Making in Iran’s Tax Affairs Organization

Abstract—This research was conducted by the aim of Identifying the dimensions and sustainable supply chain operations for knowledge-based decision making in the Iran tax affairs organization. From the point of purpose, this study is a fundamental research which is implemented by qualitative research. There is two main part in this study: the first one is about the background and theoretical basics which is related to the dimensions and components of knowledge-based decision making; the second part is a qualitative research that is implemented in a grounded theory methodology. This research’s population concludes experts of tax affairs organization in Iran. That experts has been chosen which have required qualifications and information by the use of purposive sampling method. The process of choosing these experts has continued until reaching the theoretical saturation which ended in 50 interviews. Open, axial and selective coding have been conducted respectively for analyzing the gathered data from interviews. The triangulation and control methods have implemented for confirmation and enhancement of the reliability of findings and interview transcripts. Based on a partial least squares approach, the confirmatory factor analysis method has also conducted for the estimate of indices. Respectively, the confirmatory factor analysis, Path analysis, and Bootstrapping have done in the frame of this approach. Findings of this study show that components of knowledge-based decision making are: 1- performance factor, 2- behavioral factor and 3- attitude factor

In vitro and in vivo antifungal properties of silver nanoparticles against Rhizoctonia solani, a common agent of rice sheath blight disease

Sheath blight disease in rice has caused major crop losses worldwide. Managing the causal agent of disease Rhizoctonia solani Kühn is difficult because of its broad host range and formation of sclerotia which can survive in harsh environmental conditions; therefore developing innovative disease management methods without application of hazardous chemicals has been considered as the main concern to maintain sustainable agriculture. This presented research has revealed the negative impact of Silver nanoparticles (SNPs) on R. solani and disease progress both in vitro and in vivo. The adverse effects of the SNPs on R. solani are significantly dependent on the quantity of SNPs, sprayed at different concentrations in vitro. The highest inhibition level against sclerotia formation and mycelia growth are 92 and 85%, respectively, at a SNPs concentration of 50 ppm. In vivo glasshouse experiments also showed that SNPs at the same concentration favorably affects both the fresh and dry weight of rice plants with a remarkable suppressive effect on the lesion development in leaves

A review and systemization of the traditional Mongolian yurt (GER)

Over the course of human history, vernacular architecture has developed according to the climate, culture, geographical conditions and lifestyle. One of the fascinating designs from around the world that have survived over the years is the yurt. Although it has developed over thousands of years, the basic round form of the yurt remains unchanged. Nomadic people have traditionally utilized the yurt because due to its portability, lightness and can be erected easily. This unique architectural structure allowed the nomadic tribes to live and thrive in the harsh Central Asian climate. In this study, the history, design, and construction of the traditional yurt are reviewed and also proofed whether literature about the building physics performance of the yurt still exists

Comfort and energy performance analysis of a heritage residential building in shanghai

Along with its rapid growth in economy, the protection of heritage buildings has recently gained importance and awareness in China. This paper investigates the energy performance of a heritage building (Wang’s House) in Shanghai, as well as the thermal comfort of the users, using dynamic thermal simulations. The analysis showed that heating accounts as the highest energy demand, followed by cooling and lighting. The resulting study will help the authors to identify various sustainable strategies to improve users comfort as well as reduce the energy demand of heritage buildings in China