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Aims: The oral health is one of the most of public health problems and women with pregnancy have high risk for dental caries and need more attention. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a health education intervention based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) on oral health behavior in pregnant women. Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study carried out on 130 pregnant women selected with random sampling method from health centers in Arak in 2011 (case and control groups each of 65 women). Data collection with questionnaire was based on construct HBM, as well as their knowledge and performance about oral health. The women of the case group participated during the two month of intervention and again two month after، with 2 session meeting classes as the follow up after intervention. The data were collected 3 months after intervention and analyzed. Findings: Our findings indicated that mean scores of HBM Model variables, i.e susceptibility, severity, benefit and barriers perceived, were significantly increased in the case group compared to the controls after intervention. Also, oral health care (before intervention 45 ±9.2, after three months 77±9.7) improved significantly among the case group, compared to the controls (p<0/001). Conclusion: Applying the HBM Model is very effective for developing an educational program for oral health in pregnant women. Besides such programs, follow up education on controlling and monitoring is highly recommended.

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Habrobracon hebetor Say (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) as an ectoparasitoid of larval stage of lepidopterous pests is widely used in biological control programs. In the present research, the effect of field recommended doses of imidacloprid, indoxacarb and deltamethrin were studied on life table parameters of H. hebetor in pupal stage treatment. One hundred, two-day-old pupae were treated with 1 micro liter insecticide solution using topical method. The pupae were treated with acetone in the control. Thirty emerged adults in each treatment were transferred individually to a Petri dish along with a male for mating. Three last instar larvae of Anagasta kuehniella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) were presented to each female wasp daily as host. The numbers of eggs produced per female per day were counted until all of the females were dead. The gross and net reproductive rates in control, imidacloprid, indoxacarb and deltamethrin were 204.6, 207.7, 209.1 and 112.1 and also 75, 41.3, 64.6 and 14.9, respectively. Intrinsic rates of increase were estimated to be 0.215, 0.154, 0.205 and 0.14 female offspring/female/day, respectively. Deltamethrin and imidacloprid had the most adverse effects on life table parameters of H. hebetor. Intrinsic rate of increase was not significantly affected by indoxacarb. These findings indicated that indoxacarb was relatively safe for H. hebetor and could be an appropriate candidate in integrated chemical and biological control.

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The potato tuber moth (PTM), Phthorimaea operculella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is an important pest of potato and other solanaceous plants. It is cosmopolite and oligophage that exists in most countries where potatoes are grown. Because of chemical treatment adverse effects, there is a necessity to find safe alternatives to synthetic insecticides. So, medicinal plants are promising since they are safe, inexpensive and effective. In this direction, potato tubers were dipped in 1 ml of 5% methanolic extracts of fumitory, licorice, lavender and oregano. The percentage of first larval penetration to tubers and oviposition-preference of mentioned medicinal plants was investigated on PTM. Subsequently, fumigant toxicity of essential oils of basil, european pennyroyal, lavender, mint and savory were investigated on P. operculella. Treated potato tubers by methanolic extract of lavender elicited the lowest percentage (19.3) of first larval penetration. Studying of oviposition-preference demonstrated that the largest number of eggs were laid on control and fumitory with 28 and 10 eggs after three days, respectively. Probit analysis of essential oils showed that the most effective oil was savory which exhibited LC₅₀ value on adults of PTM equivalent to 0.048 µL/L air.  

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The potato tuber moth (PTM), Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) is one of the important pests of potato in tropical regions. In this research, the toxicity of two insecticides, abamectin and deltamethrin on P. operculella was studied at 26 ± 1 C°, 65 ± 5% RH and photoperiod of 16:8 h (L: D). The concentrations were determined by preliminary dose setting experiments. Distilled water was used as control. LC₅₀ values for egg, first instar larvae and adult stages in abamectin were 0.92, 0.014 and 0.46 mg ai/l and in deltamethrin were 0.09, 0.024 and 0.29 mg ai/l, respectively. The sublethal effects of abamectin and deltamethrin on population growth parameters of P. operculella were determined at mentioned conditions. Four hundred 1 day old eggs of the pest were dipped in insecticides solutions (LC₃₀). After egg hatching, the first instar larvae were transferred on potato tubers and placed in transparent plastic dishes. After adults' emergence, 20 females were used for each treatment in life table experiments. In control, abamectin and deltamethrin treatments intrinsic rates of increase were estimated to be 0.060, 0.042 and 0.141 day^-1, respectively. Statistical analyses showed that deltamethrin had the higher toxicity to egg and adult stages of PTM and abamectin had the higher toxicity to its first instar larvae. Since deltamethrin increased the stable population parameters of P. operculella specially its intrinsic rate of increase, thus it might not be recommended for control of PTM. However based on lethal and sublethal effects, abamectin could be suitable for management of this pest.

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The early morphological development and allometric growth pattern of Caspian kutum (Rutilus frisii kutum) during early development (from 0-35 days post hatch=dph) was studied. Morphological data were obtained using ImageJ software from 2D pictures and allometric growth patterns were computed based on Log10 y = Log10 α + βLog x function. Based on inflexion point of morphological traits and body shape changes, the early developmental of kutum were divided into Eleuthero-embryo, Propterygio-larval, Pterygio-larval” and younger juvenile phases, each of which included vital developmental events. Rapid and intense changes occurred during Eleuthero-embryo and Propterygio-larvae stages such as development of gills, depletion of yolk-sac and exogenous feeding, development of feeding apparatus, sense organs and organs related to swimming performance. The results also revealed that developmental changes occurred in agreement with the inflexion points of morphological characters and their developmental priority imply on functional importance of feeding, respiration and swimming related structures.

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Objectives: During the last century, the spread of epidemics such as Sars, Ebola, and especially Corona, have fueled many crises in the world arena. In dealing with such urban crises, dealing with the category of resilience of cities against epidemics can be helpful. For this purpose, the aim of this research is to know the urban epidemiological dimension, its components and indicators and its relationship with urban resilience based on the ecological triangle model in urban environments.
Methods: Using the library method, this research examines different dimensions of meaning, approach, capacity, determining factors and characteristics in the field of resilience to the intersection of this category with pandemic crises.
Findings: The research findings indicate that disease-causing factors can be activated or deactivated under the influence of the environment and urbanization process. With regard to the capacities of resilient cities, it is possible to plan and design city-building physical measures based on the attitude of prevention, containment and control in such a way that cities can survive these crises with the least amount face dysfunction and be able to return to their desired state in the shortest possible time.
Results: Based on the results, physical activity, diet, mental health, health care systems, social distancing, infection control, and promotion of urban patrimony are criteria that can affect epidemiological resilience under the influence of the city's body.

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Lady beetles are the most important predatory species among arthropods, so studying their population parameters gives a clear picture about their life span. The life histories of variegated lady beetle, Hippodamia variegata (Goeze), fed on the English grain aphid, Sitobion avenae Fabricius, on different host plants were studied under laboratory conditions, at 25 ± 1 °C, 65 ± 5% Relative Humidity and a photoperiod of 16:8 (Light: Dark) h. Developmental, survival and fecundity data were analyzed using the age-stage, two-sex life table method. According to the age-stage, two-sex life table, the net reproductive rates (R₀) of ladybird fed on S. avenae reared on Triticum aestivum var. tajan, Hordeum vulgare var. Dasht, Zea mays var. single cross 704 and Sorghum durra var. Speed feed were estimated to be 235.38 ± 36.15, 190.74 ± 33.37, 293.54 ± 46.66 and 137.46 ± 23.66 female offspring / female, respectively. Based on the results, the intrinsic rate of increase as an index of population increase of H. variegata, was 0.181 ± 0.006, 0.179 ± 0.006, 0.163 ± 0.006 and 0.162 ± 0.006 h^-1 preyed on host reared on T. aestivum var. tajan Z. mays var. single cross 704 S. durra var. Speed feed and H. vulgare var. Dasht, respectively. Our findings demonstrate that by using the age-stage, two-sex life table we can accurately describe the growth, survival and development of the predator. Our finding may provide basic information for developing aphid biological control programs.  

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Background: The participation of local communities is considered as one of the major factors contributing to social and economic growth and development in rangeland management. Therefore, an analysis of variables affecting their participation contributes greatly to foreseeing the needs and fulfilling the shortages of a participation program. The present paper is an attempt to investigate the impact of socio- economic variables effecting local communities’ participation.
Materials and Methods:The pilot area of the present study was Gomorgan village in Malard County (Tehran Province). Regression function was used for examining the impact of explanatory variables (socio-economic) upon participation of local communities to rangeland protection. Shazam 9 software was applied for logit regression function analysis.
Results: It was found out that the variables such as age, education, bid and importance of rangelands as livestock production inputs had negative effects upon local communities’ participation in Malard’s rangeland protection, whileincome had positive effects.
Conclusions: It can be concluded that enhancing the socio- economic condition of local community could be a useful tool to increase the success level of the conservation projects in rangeland management.

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Pieris brassicae L. is one of the most important pests of Brassicaceae. The insecticidal effect of two entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and Steinernema feltiae, was determined through their interaction with Beauveria bassiana and Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki (Btk) against P. brassicae. In the interaction tests, the EPNs were applied at LC₅₀ level 0, 12 or 24h after treating the larvae with LC₁₀ or LC₂₅ of the B. bassiana or Btk. The interaction between the EPNs and B. bassiana was entirely different from the interaction of the EPNs and Btk. The interaction with B. bassiana was dependant on time intervals, while the interaction of the EPNs with Btk was almost additive or synergistic. An antagonistic effect was seen when the EPNs were applied immediately after the B. bassiana. However, the application of the EPNs 24h after their treatment with B. bassiana caused additive or synergistic effects. The results also showed the best mortality effect when the EPNs were used with Btk at 12 h and 24 h time intervals. Based on the results, a simultaneous use of the EPNs and B. bassiana is not recommended against P. brassica. However, the EPNs could be used simultaneously after Btk but it is better to allow a time interval to increase mortality.

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The potato tuber moth (PTM), Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller), is a major pest of potato, both in the field and storehouses. In this study, we have evaluated the lethal effects and persistence of Zingiber officinale (Roscoe) pure (PEO) and nano-formulated essential oil (NFO) on different developmental stages (egg, male and female adults) of PTM. Essential oil was extracted by hydro-distillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus. The essential oil was analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Nanofibers were produced by electrospinning technique. The morphology of nanofibers was investigated by SEM. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) was used to identify the characteristic functional groups in the PEO, nanofiber and PEO/NFO scaffold. Bioassays were performed in 250 ml glass jars. The essential oil consisted of α-Zingiberene as the most abundant component (14.21%), followed by Ar-curcumene (12.58%), β-sesquiphellandrene (12.48%) and cis-α-bisabolene (10.29%). The results of FTIR spectra showed the establishment of the functional groups of PEO on the structure of the nanofiber. The images of SEM also demonstrated the establishment of PEO in the structure of the nanofiber. LC50 values of PEO and NFO were estimated 75.44 and 30.24µl/l air for eggs, 19.08 and 10.28µl/l air for female adults, and 17.76 and 9.56µl/l air for male adults, respectively. Persistence data showed that nano-formulated essential oil (49 days) in comparison with pure essential oil (15 day) had longer persistence. The results demonstrated that Z. officinale PEO and its nano-formulation could play an important role as natural pesticides for the management of PTM.

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Habrobracon hebetor Say is an idiobiont and gregarious larval ectoparasitoid of many moths. In this study, lethal and sublethal effects of Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Carum carvi and Heracleum persicum essential oils on the demographic parameters of H. hebetor were assessed at 26 ± 2 °C, 60 ± 5% RH, and a photoperiod of 16:8 (L: D) h. Essential oils were obtained from these plants by hydro-distillation method using a Clevenger apparatus. The chemical constituents of essential oils were detected by Gas Chromatography-Mass spectrometry (GC-MS). 250ml Glass vials were used for the fumigant toxicity experiments. In order to assess the sublethal effects, adult wasps were exposed to an LC₂₅ of each essential oil and then the demographic parameters of live parasitoid wasps were studied. Fumigant toxicity with adults indicated that the lethal concentration (LC₅₀) values of the above essential oils against H. hebetor females were 1.116, 0.34 and 3.416μl/l air, respectively. Chemical analysis by GC-MS displayed o-Cymene (15.11%), Carvone (55.8%) and Hexyl butyrate (41.78%) were main constituents of the essential oils of E. camaldulensis, C. carvi and H. persicum, respectively. The results showed that the intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ), net reproductive rate (R₀) and gross reproductive rate (GRR) were significantly affected by the essential oils. The highest and the lowest r values were 0.226 and 0.130 day^-1 in control and C. carvi-treated insects, respectively. According to these results, essential oils have suitable potential for the integrated management of stored product pests.

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The effects of natural zeolite as a bed medium in increasing lettuce and red tilapia growth as well as improvement of water quality parameters in an aquaponic system were investigated. An experiment with a completely randomized design was run with two treatments in triplicates, 1) an aquaponic system without use of zeolite as a control group and 2) use of a small cotton bag, containing 10 g zeolite as a bed medium for planting a lettuce seedling. In each experimental unit, 42 seedlings of lettuce were introduced. The individual weight of fish and lettuce yield in treatment 2 was significantly higher (P< 0.05) than treatment 1 at the end of experiment. The initial mean individual weight of red tila-pia juveniles was 6.23 ± 0.06 g and increased to 32.50 ± 2.00 and 37.50 ± 2.20 in treat-ments 1 and 2, respectively by the end of experiment. The yield of lettuce was higher in treatment 2 (1507 ± 445.00 g/unit) compared to the control (275 ± 83 g/unit). The concen-tration of total ammonia-N in the water was significantly lower (P< 0.05) in treatment 2 compared to treatment 1 at the end of experiment. The concentration of phosphorous and potassium in the fish rearing tanks was significantly lower (P< 0.05) in treatment 2. These results indicated that the use of zeolite, as a bed medium to plant lettuce seedlings in a re-circulating aquaponic system could increase the growth of lettuce seedlings as well as im-proving water quality parameters.

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The potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) is one of the important pests of solanaceous plants, especially potato Solanum tuberosum L., in many temperate areas of the world including Iran. In this study, essential oils were extracted from Artemisia absinthium L., Achillea millefolium L. and Artemisia dracunculus L. using Clevenger apparatus. One-day-old eggs were treated by sublethal concentrations (LC₃₀) of essential oils, and their effects were studied on reproductive parameters and population growth parameters. Probit analysis of ovicidal effects showed that LC₅₀ values for A. absinthium, A. millefolium and A. dracunculuswere 2.60, 2.36 and 1.08 µl/l air, respectively. The percentage of larval penetration into potato tubers was lower than untreated control. The values of intrinsic rate of increase (r_m) in control and treatments of A. absinthium, A. millefolium and A. dracunculus were 0.107, 0.079, 0.081 and 0.087 day^-1, respectively. The results of this study showed that tested essential oils have a good potential to protect stored potatoes from P. operculella infestation.
 
 

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In this study, the effect of three temperatures was investigated on the functional response of Orius laevigatus to Aphis gossypii in climatic chambers at 20, 25, and 30 ± 1 °C, 60 ± 5% RH, and 16:8 h photoperiod. Different densities of first and second instar nymphs of A. gossypii (2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64) on cucumber leaf discs (6 cm in diameter) were separately offered to male and female predators. After 24 h, the number of consumed preys was recorded. Ten replicates per each aphid density were used. Based on the results, predator male and female exhibited types II, III, II and III, II, III functional responses at 20, 25 and 30 °C, respectively. Handling times (T_h) for males were 0.7798, 0.9177 and 0.4476 h and for females were 0.6874, 0.3921 and 0.2831 h at 20, 25 and 30 °C, respectively. Using the indicator variable method, pairwise comparisons of handling times of both males and females were significantly different. The theoretical maximum predation rate (T/T_h) of both males and females were obtained at 30 °C. The results revealed that O. laevigatus is more likely to be an effective biocontrol agent of A. gossypii at higher temperatures around 30 °C. However, additional studies under natural conditions are needed to provide further details of the predator-prey interactions.

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In the present study, the effect of different levels of magnetized water on the biochemical parameters of rainbow trout was investigated. 120 rainbow trout with mean weight (150±7 gr) were introduced to 12 tanks (500 L). Magnetizers in different intensities including 1500, 2500 and 3500 Gauss (3 replicates per treatment) were installed at the entry of every tank. Experimental period was eight weeks. The blood sampling was done at the beginning and end of the study to evaluate the biochemical blood parameters like Glucose, Lysozyme, total protein, Cortisol, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The results showed that the magnetized water had a significant effect on the biochemical parameters of the rainbow trout blood (P˂0.05). Totally, the liver enzymes (ALT, AST and ALP) decreased significantly (P˂0.05) with increasing of the magnetic intensity compared to the control treatment and in the case of lysozyme and total protein significantly increased (P˂0.05). The effect of magnetized water on stress-related parameters did not follow a specific pattern, however, the amount of glucose and cortisol in 2500- gauss treatment was 55.50±0.86 mg/dl and 11.65±0.08 ng/ml, respectively in which was decreased significantly (P˂0.05). In conclusion, some blood parameters of rainbow trout improved using different intensities of the magnetized water up to 2500 gauss.

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The tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is one of the most damaging tomato pests in the world and in Iran. The toxicity of acetamiprid, eforia (thiamethoxam + lambda-cyhalothrin) and hexaflumuron alone and in mixture with emamectin benzoate was studied against 4^th-instars of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) at 25 ± 2 °C, 65 ± 5% RH and 16:8 (L:D) h. Moreover, the mixtures of examined insecticides with emamectin benzoate at LC₁₅:LC₁₅ ratio were assessed on the general esterase enzyme activity and total protein content of 4^th-instars. The highest toxicity was found for emamectin benzoate after 72 h (LC₅₀ = 0.48 mg a.i./l), followed by acetamiprid (LC₅₀ = 46.94 mg a.i./l), eforia (LC₅₀ = 156.24 mg a.i/l) and hexaflumuron (LC₅₀ = 670.32 mg a.i/l). Mixing emamectin benzoate with acetamiprid at the ratio of LC₅₀:LC₅₀ and LC₂₅:LC₂₅ resulted in synergistic impacts while mix of two other ratios of the same pesticides represented additive influences. The mixture of emamectin benzoate with either hexaflumuron or eforia at all ratios created antagonistic and additive effects, respectively. Mixing emamectin benzoate with either acetamiprid or eforia increased larval esterase activity, however, there was no significant difference between emamectin benzoate in mixture with hexaflumuron and using it alone. Mixing emamectin benzoate with the examined insecticides considerably decreased the larval total protein content. Based on the findings of this work, the mixtures of eforia and acetamiprid with emamectin benzoate represented greater negative effects against 4^th-instars compared to emamectin benzoate alone and the control.
 

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Clinical application of embryonic stem (ES) cells faces difficulties regarding tissue rejection as well as ethical limitations. One solution for these issues is to reprogram somatic cells by the injection of their nucleus into an enucleated oocyte or zygote. However, technical complications and ethical considerations have impeded the therapeutic implications of this technology. An approach which is most recently developed is in vitro induction of reprogramming in adult cells. This was first achieved by using four transcription factors, including Oct4, Sox2, c-Myc and Klf4. Subsequently, many ongoing efforts were performed for enhancing this method, also for making it compatible with clinical applications. However, there is still a long road ahead. In this paper we review strategies to reprogram somatic cells to embryonic state and discuss about the recent strategy and the relevant developments.

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The waste produced by households, industry and factories to use as wash water and cooling systems and equipment, is caused environmental complications. Waste created a suitable environment for the growth of odor and pathogenic bacteria. This study aimed to isolate microorganisms in the wastewater and use them for the reduction of BOD (biochemical oxygen demand) and COD (chemical oxygen demand).The samples were collected aseptically from different parts of wastewater of herbal distillation industry. The bacterial strains were isolated from the samples in LB media. The isolates were distinguished based on the morphology and biochemical characteristics. Among the total 69 isolates, four isolates were selected to measure the ability to reduce BOD and COD and added to the waste water. Reduction of BOD was measured using BOD meter. Also, COD was determined by titration method. The isolates were identified by biochemical tests. The amount of BOD and COD reduction after adding selected strains to wastewater was 47.43 - 71.82% and 44.79 - 56.5% respectively. Also, the consortium of bacterial strains showed better ability to reduce BOD and COD (38.32-57.29%and 76.6-83.21% respectively). The results determined that wastewater contains bacterial strains which have shown significant reduction in BOD and COD and organic matter decomposition in wastewater and reuse it in agricultural and industrial sectors. Therefore, we can use these bacteria for wastewater treatment.

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Background: This research aimed to assess the antibacterial and anti-biofilm properties of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) produced using Artemisia biennis Willd through an eco-friendly approach, targeting four pathogenic bacteria.
Materials & Methods: A. biennis Willd extract with unit numbers “15.62-125” was prepared through maceration, drying, and powdering. Particle size distribution (PSD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) tests were used to characterize the synthesized CuNPs. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs), and sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations (sub-MICs) were determined to investigate the antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities of CuNPs against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, and Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 13883.
Findings:  CuNPs synthesized using A. biennis Willd extract exhibited a brown color change with particle sizes mainly 30-40 nm by PSD. DLS indicated uniform distribution and hydrodynamic synthesis of particles with a zeta potential of -37.8. XRD and FTIR confirmed copper nanoparticle biosynthesis. The MICs of CuNPs were 15.62-62.5 μg/mL, with S. aureus and K. pneumonia revealing the highest and lowest antimicrobial drug resistance, respectively. This trend was repeated for MBCs and sub-MICs, ranging from 15.62-125 and 7.8-31.25 μg/mL, respectively. Bacterial strains were unable to form biofilms at sub-MICs. The anti-biofilm effects of CuNPs were more significant on Gram-negative bacteria.
Conclusion: CuNPs synthesized using A. biennis Willd extract by a green method show promising anti-biofilm and antibacterial characteristics against bacteria, suggesting their potential for treating bacterial infections.