Environmental Sciences
Year:2008 | Volume:6 | Issue:1|Papers Count:13

RAPD analysis was performed in twenty-two plants of T. leptotes and seventeen plants of T. incana to study the intra- and inter-specific genetic diversity and to see if RAPD markers may be of use in delimitation of the species. Hundreds of RAPD primers were used out of which forty produced bands. In total, 104 bands (loci) were identified in T. incana and 71 bands were identified in T. leptotes. In total, 33 polymorphic bands were observed in T. incana, out of which 21 were specific for a single plant while 22 polymorphic bands were observed in T. leptotes plants out of which 10 bands were specific in a single plant. T. leptotes showed a higher mean gene diversity compared to that of T. incana also supported by PCO and PCA ordinations. Statistical analyses showed genetic distinctness of the two species studied and revealed the possible use of RAPD markers in the Townsendia species delimitation.

Vandalism as a concept in the field of architecture means 'conscious and constant destruction of public property'. Nowadays, this social deviancy is regarded as a complicated problem and a serious threat in many cities all around the world. Many methods and tools have been used in urban areas to prevent the occurrence of such vandalism. The main purpose of this paper is to introduce and distinguish this concept and investigate methods and techniques used in environmental and urban design, focusing on normative theory of environmental design. This theory aims to discover the most crucial aspects of quality that lead to forming resistant and stable spaces against vandalism. The findings of this paper show that the quality of elements such as 'security, 'comfort', 'richness', and 'control' are considered to be the most important criteria for evaluating vandalism in urban spaces. For preventing this environmental destruction in public spaces, we can cite certain factors such creating defensible spaces, crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED), improving the appearance of the environment, and enhancing the sense of public ownership and cooperation. Applying all these approaches in urban spaces leads to bringing a sense of affiliation to users of these spaces; in such a situation, a person feels a sense of belonging, duty, and ownership of the environment.

This article presents an overview of international wildlife protection law with the aim of presenting its breadth and the variety of approaches it takes which can be categorized as: protection by habitat; protection by species; protection through controlling trade; and protection as part of a wider ecosystem. The international law for the protection of wildlife presents a highly complex picture since (a) it relies on a variety of discreet approaches (or a combination thereof) (b) it applies to areas both within and beyond national jurisdiction (c) it applies also to areas such as Antarctica and international marine areas in which special international law regimes apply and (d) the subject of protection - animals - do not respect legally enforced territorial boundaries. In order to make it clearer, this article analyses the relevant law in the following manner: global treaties of general application; global treaties protecting habitats and/or species; and regional treaties. Other issues addressed include the use of scientific terminologies in a legal context and the relationship between wildlife conservation and animal welfare/rights. This analysis aims (a) to clarify the nature of the obligations placed on governments as Parties to these treaties (and the actions required for their implementation) and (b) to help us to identify the most effective strategies for the future development of national protective legislation and other measures. In view of the limited space available, the protection of land-based species is the focus of this article although, of course, the treaties described here apply also to the coastal and territorial waters of the Parties.

During 2005 and 2006, fourteen and seven Phalaris minor populations were found in the wheat fields of Fars and Golestan Provinces, respectively that exhibited resistance to fenoxaprop-P ethyl and diclofop methyl belonging to the aryloxyphenoxy propionate herbicides. Seed bioassay was conducted at the weed science laboratory of Ferdwosi University of Mashhad to study the resistance of the populations to the APP herbicides. Petri dish assay showed that the populations are resistant to applied herbicides with different level of resistance. Using the estimated parameters of concentration-response curves, discriminating concentration was determined for diclofop methyl at 8.04 ppm and for fenoxaprop-P-ethyl at 1.05 ppm. A study was also conducted at the agricultural biochemistry laboratory of Cordoba University to investigate the biochemical basis of resistance to ACCase-inhibiting herbicides in the resistant populations. In vitro enzyme assays revealed a herbicide-resistant ACCase enzyme in the AR, MR4 and SR3 populations. Extracted ACCase enzyme from the shoots of these populations was highly resistant to both applied herbicides compared with the susceptible population. The results suggest that the mechanism of resistance to APP herbicides in the three most resistant populations (AR, MR4 and SR3) relates to an altered ACCase. In the case of the rest of the resistant populations, other mechanisms including enhanced metabolism, lack of absorption and translocation, and other unknown mechanisms may be involved. These results also confirmed seven populations are cross-resistant to both the herbicides studied.

Planning and development are important concepts in the tourism (and ecotourism) industry and one that has several sides, Striking a balance between the requirements of these and viable economic development planning for local tourism and ecotourism is an important task. The objective of his paper is to consider the planning and development of cultural tourism and ecotourism - two significant types of niche tourism for Iran- in such a way as to derive the maximum benefits from it while incurring the minimum negative impacts. In its case study this paper considers the strengths and weaknesses of Iranian tourism planning and in less extended ecotourism and makes recommendations as to the best way to develop Iran's potential in the field of cultural tourism and ecotourism. This study has been outlined as follows: tourism planning, ecotourism planning, carrying capacity as an important tool for planning and a case study of Iran.

The order Hymenoptera, with more than 115000 described species, makes up about 10% of the species diversity of the planet. Vespidae, one of the major families of this order, plays an important role in the biological control of plant pests. In the present study, a tumistic investigation with an estimation of some of the ecological indices of inter-specific associations of vespid wasps was carried out in the northern part of Zanjan Province (Northwest Iran). The specimens were identified using available keys, and Dr. Josef Gusenleitner from Austria confirmed the identifications. The following 23 species were identified: Subfamily: EumeninaeAncistrocerus auctus, Antepipona deflenda,Antepipona vagabunda*, Eumenes dubius crimensis*,Eumenes mediterraneus, Eumenes papillarius,Euodynerus disconotatus sulfuripes*, Euodynerusfastidiosus*, Euodynerus posticus*, Eustenancistrocerusamadanensis, Eustenancistrocerus israelensis*,Katamenes dimidiatus, Knemodynerus excellens,Parodontodynerus ephippium*, Stenodyneruschevrieranus, Stenodynerus chitgarensisSubfamily: PolistinaePolistes dominula, Polistes dominulus bucharensis*,Polistes gallicus,Polistes iranus, Polistes nimpha irakensis*Subfamily: VespinaeVespa orientalis, Vespula germanicaAll the species and taxa above that are marked with an asterisk must be regarded as the first records for Zanjan Province and Iran, respectively. Inter-specific association indices were detennined for all the species.

Concentrations of zinc were determined in liver, muscle as an edible tissue and skin of a demersal fish, Spangled emperor (Lethrinus nebulosus) from fisheries stations in Bandar Abbas and Bandar Lengeh (Northern part of Persian Gulf) during autumn 2007 and spring 2008. After preparation of the samples and digestion with microwave, concentrations of zinc were determined using Flameless Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (THERMO FS95). The mean of fish weights were 1320.7g (308-3054) and the mean Zn levels in the liver, muscle and skin of all samples were 0.326 (0.039-0.856), 0.084 (0.041-0.265) and 0.0228 (0.0011-0.0508) mg/g dry weight, respectively. The positive correlations between liver weight and concentrations of Zn in the liver (mg/g dw) were observed (p<0.05). There were significant differences between concentrations of zinc in the skin in regions, moreover between concentrations of zinc in muscle and skin in seasons (p<0.05). The mean Zn in different tissues was less than those reported from other regions of the Persian Gulf (Qatar, Oman and UAE). Based on the results, the Zn content found in the studied fish samples is no sufficient to cause toxic effects on human health when these fish are included in the diet.

Regarding the importance of water sources in Iran, it is necessary to protect better water bodies such as reservoirs. The most efficient way of conserving water sources is to apply proper management to decrease erosion and sedimentation. The first step of this process is to be aware of sediment yield and identify erosion hazard areas in upper reach of reservoirs. The present study is the preparation of a map of erosion hazard and sedimentation in Dez watershed (area: 17320 km2) which is to be applied in the rehabilitation project of Dez dam. The inaccessible location and the fact that covers a wide area have made the use of satellite images inevitable. In this study, after examining several erosion and sedimentation modeling methods, the PSIAC - with 9 effective parameters - was selected; it is an empirical model in itself In order to prepare the first series of data, IRS satellite data, Land sat ETM+, basic maps, the Arial photos, helicopter flights and also field checks were all applied. A calibration model with the data achieved from reservoir studies, and taking account of local characteristics of the area, prepared the opportunity to identifying classify erosive zones with GIS. The results which are presented as maps and erosion statistics, not only identify hazardous erosive areas, but also open a new horizon in the field of watershed management and sediment control by having a special outlook towards executive priorities.

The aim of this study is to examine the current situation of Iranian organic fig growing and exportation. SWOT analysis was applied to the production, processing, storage, exports and structure of market competition and distribution aspects. The data were gathered using two methods, consisting of firstly of documentary studies and secondly a survey study. The research instrument used was a questionnaire. The results have been presented in a SWOT frame, and the results from this research are divided into four categories as follows. (1) strengths - such as the supply of an effective organic figs, the supply of an small size product, lowest raining climate and product with low moisture content; (2) weaknesses - such as lack of research and development of high-yielding varieties and domestication, lack of cooled and controlled atmosphere storages facilities in region, the absence of a national logo and standards for organic products, lack of fig processing facilities, lack of well equipped and specialized laboratories, lack of appropriate processing, storage and packaging system, and having no integrated, systemic approach in organic fruits growing; (3) opportunities - such as dry farming, lower cost of production, the geostrategic conditions of Iran (the fastest growing market of organic consumption in the world, region and Iran's reputation as a dried fruits exporter); and (4) threats - such as drought and climate change, fluctuation of fig price, irrigation of orchards, bulk selling, merging low quality and un-organic figs from other regions, limited research and development centres in this case, lack of developmental, extension and advisory services.

The art and knowledge of landscape architecture spans many disciplines, while landscape design in itself is an expression and treasury of cultural values and beliefs, natural and visual impacts. In the case of ecological and environmental paradigms and knowledge, the designed landscape faces particular challenges to environmental design quality and landscape identity. This threat is even more significant for a country like Iran with considerable ecological diversity and an ancient civilized culture. This paper addresses the potential contribution of both of Iranian tacit knowledge of landscaping and landscape ecology to manage, or at least help alleviate, some of these issues. The key questions are:• What new challenges are there in landscape design related to landscape ecology?• What concepts and values can help us create a fit and beautiful landscape with environmental benefits, while making use of vernacular potentials?• How can various aspects of knowledge influence the way we design, construct and manage landscape and develop urban and rural landscapes architecture? In an effort to answer these questions, we hope to identify measures for appropriate choice of vegetation; appropriate grading; use of barriers; and the promotion of environmental archetypes, native methods and ecological patterns. In order to cover these delicate discussions, the author presents two main concepts tacit environmental knowledge and the oasis paradigm.

The present study focused on the possibility of using recycled tires in the production of composite boards. Variables included: Mixing ratio of rubber particles and wood chips at four levels, namely 0, 25, 50, and 75 percent (based on the weight of dry wood); resin content at three levels, namely 3, 4, and 5 percent; and density at two levels, namely 0.55 and 0.75 gr/cm3. In total, 24 different treatments of bending strength, modulus of elasticity (MOE), and shear strength were examined according to DIN standards as well as impact strength in compliance with ASTM standard. The treatments were then compared with the control samples. Results showed that mixing ratio of rubber chips influences the mechanical and physical properties of the composite board produced. The increase in rubber chips content decreased bending strength, MOE, and shear strength; but it increased the specific gravity, MOR, MOE, and shear strength. Maximum MOR, MOE, and shear strength were at the mixing ratio of %25 rubber chips, using % 5 resin, and having 0.75 gr/cm3 specific gravity. Maximum impact strength was at the mixing ratio containing 50 percent rubber chips, using a 5 %resin and having 0.75 gr/cm3 specific gravity.

After Rio summit, Department of Environment (DOE) was identified as responsible for policy making and integrating of environmental concerns into the country's social and economic development plans in Iran. It is clear that the performance of Department of Environment is dependent on the perceptions and knowledge of its staff and experts, since perception and attitude is learned predisposition to respond in a consistently favorable or unfavorable manner with respect to a given object and creates action or behavior that is generally consistent. Regarding, this study, staff perceptions were assisted toward items in relate with the chapter headings of the UNCED document Agenda 21. The number of participants was 120, randomly drawn from the selected population. Factor analysis was utilized to reveal the latent attitudes behind the staff's perceptions. The findings were indicated that there are 8 factors to measure the construct of sustainable development about 82.3 percent the variance. Results were indicated that the most important domain of sustainable development in environmental experts' viewpoints is natural resources protection and environmental management. Then, it was concluded that perceptions are more towards the environmental dimension than economic and social dimensions of sustainable development.