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Showing 23 results for Masoumi


Volume 3, Issue 1 (11-2012)
Abstract

The stability of recombinant proteins has become an increasingly important as more protein therapeutics are developed.In this study, the stability of recombinant human interferon gamma was investigated under storage condition for 0-9 months after production time at 4 and 25℃. The evaluation of biological activity, covalent dimerization, deamidation and oxidation of protein was done by cell culture, HPLC and SDS- PAGE. The results showed represents that antiviral activity was not decreased at 4℃ but decreased as temperature increased to 25℃. The inormation rate of deamidated and oxidized forms and covalent dimers at 25℃ was more rapid than 4℃. Therefore, rhIFN-γ has high stability at 4℃ comparing to 25℃.

Volume 4, Issue 2 (9-2013)
Abstract

Nowadays, biological substances have allocated many applications to themselves in distinct industries. In this field, biological molecules with various potentials have been identified, from which we can refer to bacteriorhodopsin (BR). Bacteriorhodopsin is found in purple membrane of halobacterium salinarum. Due to its stability and various characteristics like possession of properties of a proton pump, bacteriorhodopsin has many applications in different industries. One of the most important industrial and semi-industrial production processes for bacteriorhodopsin is the isolation and purification of the purple membrane. In this investigation, after halobacterium salinarum culture, the purification was done according to the Yucel method. So as to produce bacteriorhodopsin in semi-industrial scale, a modified method was developed by substitution of mechanical approach with enzymatically method to destruction of DNA and uses of osmotic shock instead of dialyze. This method led to decrease of time and isolation cost in comparison to Yucel method. The contamination percentage of the PM was estimated below 5% for both methods. The purification percentages were 67±1% and 68±4% for the modified method and Yucel method, respectively, which is indicating of the equal purification percentage for both methods. Bacteriorhodopsin amount was 8.2±0.4, 8.1±0.6 mg per liter for the improved method and Yucel method, respectively. The enzyme activity assay by Kuyama method indicated that the pH variation was 1 unit with the same BR amount for both methods. Hence, the modified method introduced in this investigation could reduce time and costs of the purification by maintaining the BR characteristics.

Volume 6, Issue 11 (Spring & Summer 2019)
Abstract

The holy Quran is an ocean of meaning, therefore translating it from Arabic language to Persian language and other languages requires the understanding of language delicacies. Today, semantics provide the readers with methods which help them understand the text better and understand its hidden meanings. In words level, the issue of conceptual relationships between the words has been raised in semantics which provide the readers with methods which help them figure out the relationships between the words of a text and detect its implications. One of these relations is semantic opposition between the words.  In this article, we have tried to understand the implications of opposite words of Quran in ten last parts of it based on semantic opposition principle using descriptive-analytical method. And we have tried to explain the pathology of these equivalents by critically reviewing Moezzi and Payandeh equivalencies. The significance and importance of this research is that it introduces some of delicacies of literary texts to the translators and shows them some of the probable challenges. Results of this research indicate that ignoring the opposition and emphasizing on basic meaning of words, not paying attention to the multiple implications of opposite words in the context, neglecting morphology of opposite words, not paying attention to the context and collocations of opposite words, and translating the opposite words with incomplete words are the most important pathologies of the two abovementioned translations which have resulted in deficiency in transferring the meaning or in redundancy in these equivalencies in some areas.



Volume 7, Issue 4 (Fall 2021)
Abstract

Backgrounds: This study aimed to investigate chemical and microbiological properties of 1260 meat product samples, including sausage, bologna, hotdog, Kebab, and hamburger, in Hamadan, Iran from 2012 to 2015.
Matherials and Methods: All microbial (total viable count as well as Coliform, Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium perfringens, mold, and yeast counts) and chemical (pH as well as salt, phosphate, sodium nitrite, moisture, protein, total fat, starch, nitrite, nitrate, and ash contents) properties were assessed by AOAC method.
Findings: Microbial tests on sausage and bologna samples showed that the total count of microorganisms was higher (37.3%) than the national standard limit. In 11.3% of Kebab samples, the number of yeasts and molds was higher than the national standard limits. Also, in 3.5 and 17.07% of hamburger samples, the total count of microorganisms as well as the number of molds and yeasts were higher than the national standard limits, respectively. In 34.6% of bolognas, 15.9% of sausages, 3.8% of hamburgers, and 54.3% of hotdogs, the moisture content was above the national standard. The fat content was above the national standard in 34.7% of sausages, 1.4% of Kebabs, 9.8% of bolognas, 1.2% of hamburgers, and 6.5% of hotdogs.
Conclusion: The present study results showed that the level of contamination of a considerable number of samples was not matched with national standards, which could be a major health risk for consumers.

Volume 8, Issue 1 (Number 1 - 2006)
Abstract

Some physical attributes of two common types of Iranian garlic cloves (white and pink) were identified and compared. A machine vision system was used to determine three di-mensions and both major and minor projected areas of garlic cloves at a moisture content of 42.4% w. b. The geometric mean diameter and sphericity were calculated, as well as the unit mass and volume of cloves were measured. In the moisture range from 34.9 to 56.7% w.b., the unit density, bulk density and porosity for both types were measured. Re-sults showed that the unit density, bulk density and porosity of cloves were affected sig-nificantly by moisture content (p<0.01). The type of garlic had a highly significant effect on the unit density and porosity (P<0.01), and a significant effect on the bulk density (P<0.05). The relationship between volume and dimensions of cloves was established using regression analysis. The effect of moisture content on physical properties of cloves was also expressed by appropriate equations.

Volume 8, Issue 3 (Autumn 2018)
Abstract

This study has scrutinized the methods of optimizing the energy consumption in Isfahan dwelling, and how to provide the residents with comfort, well-being and satisfaction through green architecture. Given the excessive consumption of energy in Iran and also Hot and Arid climate of Isfahan, this essay has aimed at preservation of energy resources for future generations and boosting the quality of life for the dwellers by means of green architecture. This article, by revealing the notion of comfort, has confirmed that the ecological architecture would minimize the required energy through maximum use of natural desired conditions alongside protecting buildings from unfavorable climatic factors and would provide a part of energy within the natural way. As a result, comfort would be offered in the areas, in a more pleasant way. With the green architecture approach, studies on the historical houses in Isfahan indicate the desirability of life quality in these buildings through improving comfort by means of optimizing energy use. Nowadays, the urgency of developing sustainable behavior, including the management of energy resources, is evident. Considering the prominence of the users’ behaviors in achieving sustainable architecture goals, this paper, by putting basis to Maslow pyramid, has suggested two strategies, “training” and “resource management”, so as to promote sustainable behaviors. This research has been based on applied research methods, citing library studies and electronic resources. In the end, it has argued about how to select eco-friendly materials and has proposed utilizing recycled materials and reusing of waste in favor of green design.


Volume 9, Issue 1 (Number 1 - 2007)
Abstract

Knowledge of the aerodynamic properties of agricultural materials is needed in equip-ment design for operations such as pneumatic conveying in loading/unloading operations of corn silage into/from silos. While considerable information is available on seed grains, little is known about the aerodynamic behavior of corn (Zea mays L.) silage. In this re-search, the weighed mean terminal velocity of a sample representative of the entire bulk mass was determined using Wolf and Tatepo’s method. The terminal velocity of various particle types (leaf, stalk and corncob pieces) of chopped forage corn plants, which were kept in silo for six months, at different moisture contents (40-50, 50-60 and 60-70% w.b.) was also studied. The terminal velocity was determined by measuring the air velocity re-quired to suspend a particle in a vertical air stream using a wind tunnel. A 3 3 factorial treatment arrangement with 30 replications in a completely randomized design was used to study the effect of moisture content and particle type on the terminal velocity. The mass mean terminal velocities of the corn silage at 40-50, 50-60 and 60-70% moisture con-tents were 7.1, 7.3 and 7.8 m/s, respectively. The results showed that only the effect of par-ticle type on the terminal velocity of corn silage was significant. The mean values of the terminal velocity of corn leaf, stalk and cob pieces were 3.8, 6.8 and 8.8 m/s, respectively. For each particle type at a given moisture content, the terminal velocity was best de-scribed by means of the equation of velocity squared in terms of weight.

Volume 9, Issue 1 (Number 1 - 2007)
Abstract

A systematic parasitological examination was carried out on 266 freshwater fish speci-mens, belonging to 11 species, from Northwest of Iran during the period from Summer 2001 to Summer 2002. Twelve parasite species including Diplostomum spathaceum, Al-locreadium isoporum, Ligula intestinalis, Digrama sp., Caryophylleus laticeps, Rhabdocona hellichi, Eustrongylides excisus, Argulus foliaceus, Lamprolegna compacta, Myxobolus musayevi, M. cristatus, and Neoechinorhynchus rutili were isolated and identified. It was concluded that Sander lucioperca, Albornoides bipunctatus, Capoeta capoeta, Carassius carassius and Barbus capito were five new hosts for those parasites in Iranian freshwater fishes. Furthermore, Myxobolus cristatus is recorded for the first time among Iranian freshwater fishes. All the parasites were collected from natural waters, but these rivers form a very important water reservoir in this area and these parasites can injure cultured fishes under certain conditions.

Volume 9, Issue 2 (No. 2 (Tome 44), (Articles in Persian) 2018)
Abstract

Down syndrome (hereafter DS) is a chromosomal condition caused by the presence of all or part of a third copy of chromosome 21. People with DS may have a variety of intellectual disabilities, a characteristic facial appearance and weak muscle tone. In addition, a global delay that affects their motor development, cognition, communication and language is often reported. This study aims to investigate and compare vowel spaces of healthy and DS children. This research is quantitative and to investigate vowel spaces of participants, twelve subjects (6 healthy children with the average age of 8 and 6 DS children with the average age of 10) attended the research project. The data were 36 monosyllabic (CVC) words and for each of them, the codas and onsets were occupied by similar voiced and voiceless Persian stops. The acoustic data were recorded in a soundproof chamber and the subjects’ production was recorded using SHURE® microphone (SM81 Condenser) placed at the mouth level. Each speech sample was segmented and analyzed acoustically using Praat® speech analysis software (Version 5.2.24). Making a text grid, it was possible to analyze both sound waves and spectrograms simultaneously, securing reliable analyses. Therefore, using PRAAT script, first formant frequency (F1) and second formant frequency (F2) of all the Persian vowels were measured for all the participants. In the next step, repeated measure ANOVA and SPSS (version 17) were performed to investigate differences between vowels of all subjects. The level of significance was α: 0.05. Thus, the confidence interval would be 95%. If the p-value of the repeated measure ANOVA was less than 0.05, post-hoc Bonferroni test would be employed to analyze the dependent variables. Statistical information on mean F1 of vowels shows that F1 of [ɑ, æ, o] in healthy children is more than that in children with DS. This result indicates that these vowels are articulated in a higher position in subjects with DS. From the other hand, mean F1 of [u, i, e] in healthy children is more than that of children with DS. It can be concluded that in children with DS, these vowels are articulated in a lower position. Analyzing statistical information on mean F2 of vowels in subjects with DS indicates that F2 of [æ, i, e] is less than those in healthy children. In other words, these vowels are articulated in a more back position in these participants. Also, analyzing F2 of [ɑ, u, o] in DS children shows that these vowels are articulated in a more front position. Another part of this research is dedicated to analytic statistics of vowels. It was hypothesized that the effect of DS on F1 and F2 of vowels is significant. This hypothesis is partially supported by the findings. The results indicate that there is no significant difference between F1 of all Persian vowels [æ, e, o, ɑ, u, i] in the two groups of subjects. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that the difference between F2 of all Persian vowels except [ɑ] is significant between healthy and DS children. All in all, these results support the fact that formant values are more centralized for children with DS, which means a reduced vowel space area. Consequently, it can be concluded that, in DS children, structural features of oral cavity, like smaller oral orifice, narrower but not higher palatal curve and shorter vocal cords have an effect on formant structure of vowels.
 

Volume 9, Issue 3 (Summer 2018)
Abstract

Aims: Glaucoma is an optic neuropathy that causes loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGC) and leads to blindness. This disease is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. For pre-clinical studies and finding novel therapies, using functional animal models is unavoidable. One of these models is the mice treated with N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA). The aim of this study was the acute induction of ganglion cell death and generation of mouse experimental model of glaucoma by N-Methyl-D-Aspartate.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, the creation of model mice with NMDA neurotoxin were created. For this purpose, retinal cell damage was induced in vivo in mice by intravitreal injection of NMDA. After removing the eyes, tissue analyses were performed on sample and control eyes. After tissue staining, the number of ganglion cells and the thickness of the retina layers and Ganglion Cell Complex (GCC) were evaluated. In addition, number of ganglion cells, thicknesses of the retina, and GCC of the optic nerve disc were measured in samples.
One-way ANOVA and SPSS 22 software were used to analyze the data.
Findings: Only 3 days after the injection to eye samples of NMDA, the thickness of the GCC and retinal layers as well as the number of ganglion cells significantly decreased compared to the control samples. The 50% reduction in the number of ganglion cells in the glucoma sample was confirmed.
Conclusion: Three days after the injection of NMDA to eye samples, the thickness of the GCC and retinal layers as well as the number of ganglion cells is significantly decreased compared to the control samples.


Volume 12, Issue 4 (12-2023)
Abstract

 This research was conducted to determine the effects of garlic extract as feed supplement on the growth performance, body content, blood indicators and culture water quality of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) under stress ammonia. A total number of 156 fish (Average weight 18.37±1.43g and total length 12.27±0.52cm) were reared in twelve 50-L tanks for 60 days (First period: 50 days of feeding with different levels of garlic extract) and (Second period: 10 days under ammonia stress of 0.024 mg /L). Experimental included adding different levels of extract to base food, 0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5% (control, A1, A2 and A3, respectively). The growth performance was significantly higher in fish fed garlic extract supplementation than control. There was a significant difference in feed conversion ratio between different treatments, so that was obtained the lowest in A2 and the highest in control. Protein, immunoglobulin and cortisol concentrations were significantly affected by different levels of garlic. The end of the experiment period, the fish were kept in a close recirculation system for 24 hours. Water sampling was carried out every 4 hours. Water ammonia increased from 16 to 24 hours of the test. At the end of the experiment (time 24), the highest ammonia was obtained in treatment A3 (0.43). In general, the results showed that the addition of 1 to 1.5% garlic extract improved the growth performance and immune response in rainbow trout, while in the recirculation system, the water quality of the rearing environment was better in the control treatment.


Volume 14, Issue 1 (1-2012)
Abstract

Physical and mechanical properties of alfalfa (Medicago sativa, L.) grind are required for optimum design of equipment used in transporting, processing and storage of the material. This study was conducted to determine the effect of particle size (2.38, 3.36 and 4.76 mm) and moisture content (8, 9.3 and 11% wb) on some physical and mechanical properties of alfalfa grind. These properties include: geometric mean diameter, bulk density, coefficient of static friction (on galvanized iron, Plexiglass, rubber and polished steel surfaces), filling angle of repose, coefficient of internal friction, cohesion, and adhesion to polished steel plate. The bulk density varied from 161.6 to 202.2 kg m-3. The coefficient of static friction changed from 0.26 on polished steel plate to 0.87 on rubber surface. Larger particles with higher moisture content had the highest filling angle of repose (54.5°). The coefficient of internal friction varied from 0.64 to 0.88. The 2.38-mm alfalfa grind at moisture content of 11% (wb), and the 4.76-mm at moisture content of 8% (wb) had the highest and lowest cohesion (7.65 and 4.80 kPa), respectively. The adhesion on polished steel plate varied from 0.19 to 1.54 kPa.

Volume 15, Issue 4 (12-2015)
Abstract

Preservation and optimal usage of water resources are that main aspects of sustainable development in each country. Knowing qualitative and quantitative problems in water resources monitoring systems is one of the most important steps in water resources system management and pollution reduction plan. Recent studies in the field of water quality monitoring network has showen the needs for more researches, despite the abilities and investments in this field. One of the most important problems is the difference between required data and provided data in monitoring networks. So, monitoring systems should be revised and modified in several cases. High monitoring expenses necessitates optimizing monitoring systems to prevent cost loss. Being aware of network properties is an essential step in evaluating existing quality monitoring network. Locations of sampling stations, time frequencies, qualitative variables specifications and sampling duration should be considered in these evaluations. Reduce the cost of monitoring networks and maximize the obtained information, is the common objectives of the monitoring networks planning. From a monitoring perspective, identification of the reservoir eutrophication situation is of particular importance. Eutrophication phenomenon affects water quality strongly and causes serious limitations on the water utilization ability. Autotrophic organisms and algae overgrowth increased turbidity, toxic substances, increased sedimentation rate, oxygen concentration in the middle of the day and reduced severely by decreasing sunlight from sunset until next day morning, which causes anaerobic regions creation in deeper areas of the reservoir as the result. In this study, locations of Karkheh dam reservoir that there was maximum variations in quality indices values using CE-QUAL-W2 model, was identified. PO_4, NO_3, chlorophyll A and dissolved oxygen was studied to eutrophication control in reservoir. Because of limited available data from the time frequencies and sampling location point of view, dam reservoir was modeled by CE-QUAL-W2, 2D qualitative model for a period of one year. Using time series developed in previous step in model cells, time variance of studied parameters in the entire model cells was calculated and was used as a measure of its value change during time. Critical path from monitoring point of view was obtained after fitting best curve to cells with maximum time variance for studied qualitative indices. Placement of monitoring stations on this route will get the maximum information about the quality of the monitoring operation. The results showed that the proposed methodology is efficient in determination of critical paths for quality indices from monitoring perspective, in the dam reservoirs. ...Being aware of network properties is an essential step in evaluating existing quality monitoring network. Locations of sampling stations, time frequencies, qualitative variables specifications and sampling duration should be considered in these evaluations. Reduce the cost of monitoring networks and maximize the obtained information, is the common objectives of the monitoring networks planning. From a monitoring perspective, identification of the reservoir eutrophication situation is of particular importance. Eutrophication phenomenon affects water
Omid Zargar, Abolfazl Masoumi, Mohammad Reza Ashoori,
Volume 15, Issue 12 (2-2016)
Abstract

Nowadays the Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) technique is widely used for improving Noise Vibration Harshness (NVH) performance of vehicles. High complexities in the Body In White (BIW) of vehicles lead the developed CAE models to become complex by which the optimization process will become very hard. Concept modeling could be a suitable replacement to overcome the mentioned limitations. Dynamic characteristics such as natural frequencies and mode shapes could be studied in the early phase of design with very low amount of calculations with the concept model. For this purpose, a developed concept model has been presented for the wheelhouse. The developed concept model uses approximated equivalent beam elements to model the beam like and panels of the structures. Also, the experimental test and numerical model have been utilized for the validation of the developed concept model. Two criteria of natural frequencies and corresponding mode shapes have been considered as the measure of validation. The results showed good correlation with corresponding advanced CAE models as well as experimental tests in low frequency range. The results showed that the developed concept model in this research is a powerful and effective tool to enhance and optimize the NVH performance of the vehicle in the early stage of design.
Ali Asghar Masoumi, Gholam Hossein Rahimi, Gholam Hosain Liaghat,
Volume 17, Issue 6 (8-2017)
Abstract

In this paper, numerical and analytical solution of composite metal cylindrical vessel are investigated under dynamic load using first-order shear deformation theory and differential quadrature method. For this purpose, the shell equilibrium equations are derived based on the first order shear deformation theory. The load applied to the shell is achieved from the experimental test of a double-base propellant and then, is applied to the model in numerical and theoretical analysis. The aim of this paper is study and investigate the behavior of the composite metal cylindrical vessel under dynamic load with first-order shear deformation theory and comparing its results with the numerical solution. Therefore, after extracting the shell equilibrium equations are used from differential quadrature method for solve the equations. Then, the governing equations are extracted in a composite metal cylindrical vessel to form the matrix equations to solve with differential quadrature method. To apply boundary conditions from free and support clamping conditions are used and the results of these two modes are compared together. The MATLAB programming code is used to solve differential quadrature equations. To validate theoretical results, modeling and numerical analysis done by Abaqus finite element software and then, results are compared with the analytical solution using the differential quadrature method.

Volume 17, Issue 101 (july 2020)
Abstract

In this study, stevia and guar were used as alternatives for sucrose and fat in frozen yogurt formulation, respectively. For this purpose, a completely randomized block design with 0-100% replacement levels for stevia and 0, 0.25 and 0.5 % for guar gum was used. To investigate the effect of applied treatments, the physicochemical properties of frozen yogurt including acidity, viscosity, overrun, firmness, first drop time of melting and amount of melting were measured. The results showed that the viscosity decreased by increasing the level of stevia as a replacement for sucrose, while, overrun increased with increasing levels of sucrose substitution with stevia. All levels of stevia and guar replacement resulted in a significant increase in firmness. Also, with increasing the concentration of stevia and guar gum, the first drop time and stability of the sample increased. The results showed that stevia and guar gum are good alternatives to sucrose and fat, respectively, and samples containing 75-100% stevia and 0.5% guar were identified as the optimal treatment.

Volume 19, Issue 6 (11-2017)
Abstract

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is a sterile species and biotechnological method is suggested to improve different characteristic in this valuable plant. In this study, an efficient protocol was provided for callus induction and regeneration of saffron using thin cell layer explants. Longitudinally and transversally, thin cell layer explants with approximately 1 mm thickness of apical buds were cultured on MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 6-BenzylAminoPurine (BAP) and 1-NaphthaleneAcetic Acid (NAA). The highest amount of callus induction (100%) was obtained from transverse thin cell layer explants of apical bud in MS medium containing 2 mg L-1 BAP and 2 mg L-1 NAA during 3 months incubation under dark condition at 20°C. The maximum percent of shoot regeneration (75%) was observed on the MS medium containing 0.5 mg L-1 BAP. The results of this investigation revealed that the thin cell layers from buds are suitable explants for regeneration.

Volume 21, Issue 3 (5-2019)
Abstract

Using immature embryos that undergo somatic embryogenesis, we studied the effects of different hormonal compounds and media on controlling secondary somatic embryogenesis (SSE) in Persian oak (Quercus brantii L.). To this end, we focused on the immature embryos that were subjected to several treatments including chilling (at 4 ℃) period and SH, MS, 2,4-D, IBA, BAP, and glutamine concentrations in 5 separate sequential experiments. The results showed that, by extending chilling period to 8-weeks, SSE induction was reduced (68.75%). In different MS concentrations or MS containing PGRs, the lowest globular embryo (66%) and the secondary embryo induction (87.5%) were observed in embryos treated with MS+IBA+BA. Adding 0.75 mg L-1 glutamine to MS resulted in a decrease in the secondary somatic embryogenesis (56.25%). Among MS and SH media, 1/2 SH almost entirely controlled this phenomenon (6.25%). The highest maturation progression was obtained in the SH+glutamine treatment, which had the highest conversion to plantlet percentage (100%) and vigor index of plantlets (51.93) compared to the use of SH alone. We found that nutrient and PGR concentration were critical in embryo maturation and conversion percentage and stop the embryo induction cycle that plays a major role in secondary embryogenesis.
 

Volume 22, Issue 4 (Winter 2019)
Abstract

Introduction
Organic products play an important role in the health of the people as well as in improving the livelihood of rural households. An example of this can be seen around Hamoon Lake in the Sistan region. Located in desert areas of Iran, this region, apart from drying lake water, has been witnessing serious crisis with major impact on agricultural and livelihood of the people. However, the locals, based on their limited knowledge, have been able to turn this dilemma into opportunity and have the best use of the lake's waterless land. Each year, a large area there is devoted to the organic production of melon, which is unique not only in Iran but perhaps in the world. However, these rural farmers seem to be confronting with limitation on the sale and marketing of their products. Accordingly, it is necessary to carry out an investigation into the identification of marketing restrictions for the organic product of the lake.
 
Materials and Methods
The present study applies a descriptive-survey method to reach its target. Apart from library and documentary studies, a field research and surveys (through questionnaire and interviews) were done to collect the data. The statistical population consists of 12 villages with agricultural activities around Lake Hamoon. To analyze, one-sample T-test was done with SPSS software, Fuzzy Hierarchy Analysis (FAHP), Gray Grade Analytical Method (GRA). The FAHP SOLVER 2014 software was used to perform paired comparisons, hierarchy, and weights calculation in the fuzzy hierarchy process.
 
Results and Discussion
In Sistan, farmers have long been relying on their local knowledge for organic cultivation around Lake Hamoon. In this type of cultivation, they not only avoid using toxic materials, fertilizer, and even irrigation, but production costs are very low as well. In the process, the farmers dig   cultivating the dry bed of Hamoon (15 -50cm), then sow seeds in the bottom of the pit and feed them with muddy lake. Despite its numerous benefits, there are constraints for marketing and sales of this product. Accordingly, a research on identifying and prioritizing those constraints was essential. A range of indices and components related to the constraints were identified. Some of the marketing limitations of this product were found to be policy, infrastructure and technical. Based on the results of a single sample T test, there were policy barrier with an average (3.35%) as the most important factor followed by the infrastructural barrier (with an average 3.8%). The technical (with an average 2.60%) is considered to be the least important limitation of marketing. Bachelor's Questionnaire showed the similar results. Based on the analytic hierarchy, policy barrier with a coefficient of 0.51%, infrastructural barrier with a coefficient of 0.40%, and technical barrier with a coefficient of 0.9%, ranked first, second and third, respectively.
 
Conclusion
The outcome of the study shows that factors such as the presence of intermediaries and brokers, gap between farm and market prices, lack of government support for organic production, lack of capital for product promotion, lack of storage facilities and product corruption, and failure to identify target livelihoods were the basic constraints on marketing of organic product from Lake Hamoon. It calls for the government and the authorities responsible for rural development and agriculture in the region, to address those constraints in order to expand and help farmers produce more organic melon.
 



Volume 22, Issue 4 (Winter 2019)
Abstract

Winter sports tourism is a key economic factor in many mountainous regions worldwide. This type of tourism is considered to be one of the most important and profitable that has become more popular in recent years. Ski resorts in the present era have become one of the areas of tourism planning and management.In other words, this kind of tourism has helped create local businesses due to its many enthusiasts and has turned into a strategy for economic growth and development. Iran's Ardabil province is in a relatively good position in terms of winter sports and mineral waters attractions. The authorities need to use these potentials for developing winter sports.The aim of this study is to measure sports tourism developmentwith recreational complex and ski resort of Alvaras Sarein from the perspective of tourists.
Methodology
The statistical population of this study is sports and non-sports tourists who traveled to the area at least once, as well as tourism and sportsexperts in the province of Ardebil. Due to the limited statistical population, Morgan Table was used to determine the sample size. A total of 380 questionnaires were distributed in which 318 questionnaires were approved and were collected for analysis. The data collection method was library and a researcher-made questionnaire. In order to determine the validity of the questionnaire, the views of professors and experts in the field of tourism and sportswere taken. To determine the reliability of the questionnaire, Cronbach's alpha coefficient was used. In order to analyze the data and research objectives, structural analysis equations for measuring variables were used in the smart pls software environment. In this research, effective variables for the development of sport tourism in the Alvares ski resort included infrastructure, environmental, sports factors and management factors, each of which includes a group of indices.
 
Results and Discussion
The results of load factor analysis show that all of the indices are well explained by the research structure. Indices related to the use of modern technologies (0.809), the existence of clubs and provincial league (0.801), cultural programs and native festivals in sports events (0.818), variety of products and sports activities (0.838) and the presence of a guide and translator on site (0.814) have had the most explanatory power in the structure. Whereas distance indices from the airport (496/0), safety (511/0), signs and indications for guidance (561/0), locker room and storage and heating system (591/0), distance to the ski resort (527/0). Facilities and equipment intended for the disabled (0.508), wind speed in the region (0.551), natural landscapes (0.772), rivers and hot springs (0.483),the climate of the region (0.580), cleanliness from the point of view of waste accumulation (0.548), distance to centers (0.592), booths and commercial stores (0.881), vegetation and green spaces (536/0), the presence of sports shops (516/0), travel agency services (0/510), staff specialization and performance (0.566), the overall level of prices (0.7766) and security (0.445) have the least power of structural explanation. Also, the results of their path coefficient showed that there is a causal relationship between variables of the research. The intensity of this relationship between the infrastructure variable and the variable of sport tourism development (0.446) is more than other variables. T-value was used to measure the relationship between the variables. The results show that there is a significant relationship between infrastructure factors and the variable of sport tourism development at the 95% and 99% confidence level. The amount of the T-value between the two variables of sports factors and sport tourism development is (1.85), which shows that at 90% confidence level, there is a significant relationship between the two The amount of T-value between environmental factors and sport tourism development is (4.40), which shows a significant relationship between the two at 95% and 99% confidence level. Also, T-value between managerial factors and development of sport tourism is (3.74) which show a significant relationship at a confidence level of 95% and 99%, respectively.
 
Conclusion
The results obtained through the analysis of structural equations show that all indicatorsmeasuring the variables well explained the research structure and the indices related to the use of new technologies (0.809), the existence of clubs and provincial league (0.801), cultural programs and festivals, the native sporting events (0.818), the variety of products and activities (0.838), and the presence of local guidance and translator (0.814) had the most explanatory power in the structure. The path coefficients of the research variables indicate a direct causal relationship between the variables of research and the intensity of this relationship between the infrastructure variable and the variable of sport tourism development (0.446) is more than other variables. The fitting of measurement, structural and general models also confirms the conceptual model of research.
  

 
 

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