Determination of the optimal land use allocation pattern in Nowshahr County,Northern Iran

Regional models of land use change are evaluated as a way of identifying land use pattern based on recent quantitative and probabilistic approaches. Differentiation between models in this area is the result of the approach to the concept of land use and type of indicators used in the modeling process. Since the determination of the optima land use pattern, due to the different uses of land based on the availability of regional capabilities and spatial difference in land use, depends on an integrated model, there must be a model that can assess the existing conditions of the region and present reasonable models of land use according to regional capacities and potentials. In this research, we developed a model to present the Optimal Land Use Allocation Pattern (OLUAP) for maximizing the advantages of change and determining the methods of influencing land use change priorities. This model uses spatial models and analysis, moderates the cost-benefit function, and calculates the allocation priorities of various areas based on regional conditions. The model results show that a wide scope of Nowshahr area is allocated to natural and agricultural uses. At the same time, a limited area has been assigned to urban and industrial uses. In addition, it shows that northern strip of the region due to higher accessibility of services and infrastructures is more suited than other regions to urban and industrial areas, and these two uses have first and second priority, respectively. Besides, according to the man-made environment and the special environmental conditions, the model allocates the central lowlands and southern parts sporadically to agricultural and natural areas as first and second priorities. Since the model is spatial optimization, the suggestions of the model show the OLUAP. Therefore, one can see the optimal condition for each plot and compare it with the existing land use.     

The use of some plant-derived products as effective alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters in organic poultry production: a review

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Improving poultry production, increasing poultry immunity, and reducing the disease spreading can be achieved by adding various potentially valuable...     

Potential hepatoprotective effects of vitamin E and Nigella sativa oil on hepatotoxicity induced by chronic exposure to malathion in human and male albino rats

Malathion is an organophosphorus (OP) insecticide and has a wide range of use in agriculture, veterinary medicine, and public health. Malathion and other OP insecticides produce hepatotoxic effects. The objective of the present study was to investigate the protective effects of Nigella sativa oil and α-tocopherol (vitamin E) on the hepatotoxicity induced by malathion on workers involved in the formulation of pesticides, chronically exposed to malathion, and in male albino rats orally administrated malathion. This study was conducted on both human and experimental animals, the human study was conducted on 30 control subjects working as administrators and 45 subjects working in formulation of pesticides and exposed to malathion (≥3 years), all were males with age ranges from 30 to 60 years. The 45 males working in pesticides formulation were classified into three groups; (1) 15 workers exposed to pesticides (2) 15 workers exposed to pesticides and received vitamin (E), in a dose of 10 mg kg?1 day^?1 orally for 60 days, and (3) 15 workers exposed to pesticides and received 100 mg kg^?1 day^?1 of N. sativa oil for 60 days. The animal experiment was conducted on 40 adult male albino rats weighing 150–200 g. They were divided into four groups (10 rats in each group). First group served as the control group, the second group received malathion in a dose of 50 mg kg^?1 orally per day for 60 days, the third group received malathion (in the same dose and route of administration) and vitamin E in a dose of 10 mg kg^?1 day^?1 orally for 60 days, and the fourth group received malathion (in the same dose and route of administration) and N. sativa oil in a dose of 100 mg kg^?1 day^?1 orally for 60 days. Liver function tests (alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], serum alkaline phosphatase [ALP], albumin, globulin, albumin/globulin ratio, and total proteins), antioxidant enzymes (catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total glutathione peroxidase (GPx)), and lipid peroxidation [MDA] were analyzed in both human and animal experiments. The results of both human and animal study revealed that, exposure to malathion produced significant increases in AST, ALT, and lipid peroxidation. There were significant decrease in albumin, albumin/globulin ratio, total protein, and antioxidant enzymes. There was no significant change in ALP. In addition exposed workers showed significant decreases in serum globulin. Nigella sativa oil or vitamin E administration showed significant improvement of liver function tests, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant enzymes impairment induced by malathion. Thus, dietary supplement, N. sativa oil, or vitamin E may represent a potential therapeutic agent in reducing malathion-induced hepatotoxicity.     

Red light violations at rural and suburban signalized intersections in Jordan

This case study investigated red light violations at rural and suburban signalized intersections in Jordan. Field observations were conducted at 15 signalized intersections located in different Jordanian regions: Amman, Irbid, and Zarqa. The results showed that, out of a total of 1,190 drivers who had a chance for violation, 153 (12.9%) drivers ran red lights. It was found that older drivers have less tendency for running red lights. Based on vehicle type, the analysis showed that truck drivers had the highest violation rate followed by small vehicles and then buses. The Y-shaped intersection had a higher percentage of violations as compared to the T- and cruciform-shaped intersections. The percentage of red light violations was found to be directly proportional to the subjects approach speed and inversely proportional to the conflicting traffic volumes.     

Characterization of Alginate Hydrogel Beads Loaded with Thyme and Clove Essential Oils Nanoemulsions

Journal of Polymers and the Environment - The present study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of alginate beads filled with thyme and clove essential oils nanoemulsions (EONs). The droplet size...     

Simultaneous biodegradation of harmful Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii and cylindrospermopsin toxin in batch culture by single Bacillus strain

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - This study investigates the capability of a Bacillus flexus strain isolated from decayed cyanobacterial blooms for the bioremediation of...