This study aimed to estimate the genetic parameters of body weight traits in Markhoz goats, using B-spline random regression models. The data used in this study included 19549 records collected during 29 years (1992-2021) in Markhoz goat Breeding Research Station, located in Sanandaj, Iran. The model used to analyze data included fixed effects (year of birth, sex, type of birth and age of dam) and random effects including direct additive genetic, maternal additive genetic, permanent environmental and maternal permanent environmental assuming homogeneous and heterogeneous residual variance during the time. Akaike (BIC) and Bayesian (BIC) information criteria were used to compare the models and bspq.4.4.4.4 was selected as the best model. The direct heritability values for birth, 3-month, 6-month, 9-month and 12-month weights were estimated to be 0.14, 0.16, 0.08, 0.28 and 0.26, respectively. Genetic correlation between body weights at birth and 3-month, birth and 6-month, birth and 9-month, birth and 12-month, 3-month and 6-month, 3-month and 9-month, 3-month and 12-month, 6-months and 9-month and 9-month and 12-month were 0.22, 0.38, 0.21, 0.56, -0.26, 0.30, 0.62, 0.86 and 0.77, respectively. The highest phenotypic correlation was between the weight of 9-month and 12-month (0.82) and the lowest correlation was between birth weight and 3-month and 6-month (0.12). The results showed that the 9-month weight is a good criterion for selection in Markhoz goats.

The settled communities in the Middle East have historically been at loggerheads over water resources. Therefore, controlling and diversifying the ways of exploiting these resources have always been a key component of policy-making of the states in this region. For this reason, after the Second World War, modern dam-building, as the most important new way of exploiting water, has attracted the attention of these states, including Iran and Iraq, and has become one of their most important plans of development. Therefore, the growing attention to this policy has led to disputes between the two countries. In this article, we intend to answer the key question: what are the threats of dam building policies in Iran and Iraq? The second question of interest is: what diplomatic disputes and/or cooperations have these threats caused or will these threats cause in the field of dam diplomacy between them? To answer these questions, in the first section of the paper, we have proposed a special theoretical framework for dam diplomacy. In the second part of the article, we have discussed dam-building policies and the data related to the dams in Iran and its neighboring countries. In the third part of the article, as a concrete example, we have shown what threats, conflicts, and diplomatic cooperation between Iran and Iraq have been or will be created by these policies and dams. It should be pointed out that our approach here has been based on the green theory of international relations, and we have employed exploratory, documentary, and conceptual-rational modeling methods as each subject called for.

The economic effects of large dams which were constructed in Iran during the last two decades are explored in this paper and their impacts on agriculture and welfare in the township of their origin as well as downstream townships are analyzed. Ordinary least squares (OLS) method was used to investigate these effects and for more accurate results we controlled for geographical variables and rainfall. The results showed that dam construction leads to higher agricultural yield, production value and irrigated area in dam’ s own township but it does not affect yield, production and irrigated area in downstream townships. Also, dam construction results in planting more water-intensive crops in their own township and less waterintensive crops in downstream townships. In addition, per capita expenditures in rural regions of downstream townships decrease in response to dam construction, but urban regions of the downstream townships as well as urban and rural regions of dam’ s own township are not influenced by dam construction.

In the first day, the human has been struggling in order to shape the ecosystem. In fact, the most intensity was when they decided to have noting migrant and to be a resident life. The most deep-seated environmental modification against the nature that had been realized in the history of the human being has started at this time. Even the development and downfall of civilizations are correlated to this interaction between the human being and nature. It is undoubtedly true that Dams are one of the most important hydraulic structures in water resources. They were usually constructed before gaining complete information about hydrology, Hydraulic and hydromechanics parameters. However, construction of dams has any positive effects, for instance flood controlling and water supply. The most reason of the possible negative impacts in the form of increasing socioeconomic challenges, lack of water and flood, droughts, migration of people and animals, pollution, declining soil quality, infectious and other diseases, threat of earthquakes and other problems that could harm the quality of life and flora and fauna. The mentioned effects have taken into account in the environmental impact assessment concept.

IntroductionSeepage is a critical concern in the design and operation of earth dams, as uncontrolled water flow through the dam body or foundation can compromise structural integrity, leading to potential failure. Over the years, various seepage mitigation techniques have been developed and implemented to ensure the safety and stability of earth dams. Among these, the application of geomembranes and cut-off walls has shown promise in reducing seepage rates. However, the effectiveness of these methods can vary significantly depending on site-specific conditions and the design of the dam. This study focuses on evaluating the efficacy of seepage control measures applied at two earth dams in Iran—Shahid Yaghoubi and Maloo dams—located in Khorasan Razavi province. Both dams have experienced seepage issues, prompting the implementation of advanced seepage mitigation strategies. This paper presents a detailed analysis of these strategies, their impact on seepage rates, and the overall implications for dam safety.MethodologyThe research methodology involves the use of GeoStudio 2012 software, specifically the SEEP/W module, to conduct finite element analysis of water flow through the dams under study. The SEEP/W module is well-suited for analyzing both steady-state and transient seepage conditions, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of the implemented mitigation measures. The study began with the validation of seepage models using actual data recorded from the dams, ensuring that the simulations accurately reflect real-world conditions.For the Shahid Yaghoubi dam, validation was conducted using seepage data collected by onsite operators, while for the Maloo dam, piezometric pressure data was utilized. The validated models were then used to simulate different scenarios, including the application of a geomembrane layer on the dam's upstream face and the installation of a cut-off wall beneath the clay core. The effectiveness of these interventions was assessed by comparing seepage rates before and after their implementation.Case Study 1: Shahid Yaghoubi DamThe Shahid Yaghoubi dam, a rockfill structure with a clay core, has been operational since 1997. Located near Torbat Heydarieh city, the dam plays a critical role in regulating water flow from the Kal-Salar River. Despite its importance, the dam has experienced significant seepage issues, particularly in the downstream drainage gallery. The initial analysis revealed a seepage rate of 0.41 liters per second, with critical hydraulic gradients forming in the downstream drain.To mitigate these issues, two seepage control measures were proposed and analyzed using the SEEP/W module. The first involved applying a geomembrane layer to the dam's upstream face. The geomembrane, with a permeability coefficient of 5.0×10^-13 m/s, was found to reduce seepage by 15%, effectively eliminating critical hydraulic gradients within the dam. The second measure involved the construction of a cut-off wall beneath the dam core. Three different scenarios were modeled, with the wall positioned at various locations relative to the core. The results indicated that placing the cut-off wall in the downstream part of the core achieved the greatest reduction in seepage, decreasing the flow rate by 35%. However, the critical hydraulic gradient remained unchanged, highlighting the complexity of seepage dynamics within dam structures.Case Study 2: Maloo DamThe Maloo dam, an earth dam with a clay core, is located near Torbat Jam city. This dam also faced significant seepage issues, prompting the implementation of both a geomembrane layer and modifications to an existing cut-off wall. The initial seepage analysis revealed a flow rate of 0.36 liters per second, with critical hydraulic gradients identified near the core.The first mitigation measure involved applying a geomembrane layer to the upstream face of the dam. This intervention reduced seepage by 6%, a modest improvement attributed to the low reservoir levels during the study period. The second measure focused on increasing the height of the existing cut-off wall beneath the dam core by 4 meters. This modification led to a more substantial reduction in seepage, decreasing the flow rate by 25%. The results underscore the importance of tailoring seepage control strategies to the specific conditions of each dam, with structural modifications offering significant potential for improving dam safety.ConclusionsThe study's findings demonstrate the effectiveness of advanced seepage mitigation techniques in reducing water flow through earth dams, thereby enhancing their structural integrity and operational safety. The application of geomembranes and cut-off walls at the Shahid Yaghoubi and Maloo dams resulted in significant reductions in seepage, although the impact varied depending on the specific conditions of each dam. The results highlight the importance of site-specific adaptations in seepage management, with tailored strategies offering the best outcomes for maintaining dam safety.These case studies contribute valuable insights into the optimization of seepage control measures, emphasizing the need for ongoing monitoring and adaptive management to address the dynamic nature of seepage in earth dams. The research also underscores the critical role of precise instrumentation and reliable data in evaluating the effectiveness of mitigation strategies and ensuring the long-term safety of dam structures.Overall, this study advances the understanding of seepage dynamics and provides practical guidance for the implementation of seepage control measures in earth dam engineering. The findings have significant implications for the design, construction, and maintenance of earth dams, particularly in regions prone to seepage-related challenges.

Introduction: The Physiological effects of fasting on athletes have been of an interest to some researchers and different results have also been obtained. In some researches, the effects of weight training and practice in heat on blood factors, fluids and electrolytes were investigated and it was found that the plasma volume was reduced and the concentration of blood and electrolytes were increased. The purpose of this research was to study and compare the effects of weight training on hematological factors among the students of Physical Education in fasting and non- fasting conditions.Materials and Methods: This study is a semi-experimental research. The population of the study includes male physical education students of Islamic Azad University of Mashhad. Having voluntarily completed the initial questionnaire, 15 of the participants were randomly chosen as the statistical sample. Recued tests were taken twice: three days before Ramadan and in the fourth week of Ramadan (before and after the exercise sessions).The training protocol included a session of weight training (circuit training). The exercise intensity, time of training and temperature were controlled prior to the exercise sessions. Data analysis was done by using one variable analysis of variance (F test at the alpha level of 5%.Results: A) Ramadan fasting had no significant effect on the subjects’ body weight, fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cells, platelets and white blood cells. B) Training had significant effect on the subjects’ body weight, hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cells, platelets and white blood cells, but had no significant effect on their blood sugar. C) Fasting and training have significant interaction effects on the subjects’ weight, blood sugar, platelets and white blood cells and had no significant effect on the subjects’ hemoglobin, hematocrit and red blood cells.Conclusion: Training in fasting condition could probably cause some changes in hematological factors due to the reduction of body water, but changes in blood sugar are more obvious.Therefore, to prevent reducing the rate of blood sugar, it is recommended that the intensity of training be less than usual in fasting condition.

Reservoir-triggered seismicity (RTS) is a phenomenon, which has been observed in several large dam projects all over the world, especially for the reservoirs which are constructed in seismically active regions. Practically all the territory of the Republic of Armenia is characterized as the high seismic active area. A review of reservoir triggered seismicity in Armenia shows that it mainly occurs in large dams which are located near active faults. In this paper it has been shown that the number of microearthquakes increases after Tolors reservoir operation, cause changes of seismic regime in the observed regions. The correlation of seismicity and water level in Tolors reservoir allows assuming the influence of long-term harmonious changes of water level on the seismic activity in the region.