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This study was conducted to choose the best species for plantation on a poor drainage soil in southern coast of Caspian Sea, Iran. Nutrient concentrations in live and senescent leaves and soil properties were compared among Alnus subcordata C.A.Mey (N-fixing tree), Populus deltoides­ Marsh. (Non N-fixing tree)and Taxodium distichum (L.) Rich. (Coniferous tree) plantations. In each of these plantations and an adjacent natural forest, six 20×20m plots have been selected according to a 100m × 100m randomly systematic grid. Leaf samples of green trees were collected from the bottom one-third of the tree crown by clipping two small twigs located on opposite sides of the crown (six representative trees were sampled in each plot). Senescence leaves have been collected inside wooden trap-based in each stand. Results revealed different effects of species on soil nutrients. Alnus subcordata increased soil N (%) whereas Populus deltoides­ and Taxodium distichum reduced it.The results of nutrition, litter quality, retranslocation and soil properties indicated that Alnus improve soil quality in comparison with the two others.

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The present study was conducted to determine the most appropriate tree species planted in the same ecological condition considering different variables at Darabkola forest, Mazandran Province. For this purpose, the success of planted species (maple, walnut, oak, pine, ash and elm) was assessed according to ninecriteria (soil nitrogen, soil phosphorus, soil potassium, leaf nitrogen, leaf phosphorus, leaf potassium, growth of diameter at breast, diameter at breast, H/D: height/diameter at breast height ratio). Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to assess forest stands based on multiple criteria. Results showed that the maximum local priority of average annual growth, and leaf and soil nitrogenwere observed in pine stands, while the highest levels of phosphorus, potassium, and DBH were recorded for maple plantation. The calculated overall priority showed that based on concerning criteria, pine stand had higher growth and nutritional potential compare to the other stands, while other stands ranked as maple> elm> walnut>oak> ash. In conclusion, our findings from AHP suggested that the growth rate and nutrition ofpine and maple stands had more appropriate condition and efficiency than other stands and therefore found suitable for plantingin the study area.

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Processing efficiency of rainbow trout, amounts of by-products and their nutritional value as well as some correlations between whole fish weight and products yield were evaluated. Results showed that efficiency decreased up to 87.56 ± 3.43% for gutted fish and it reached up to 56.69 ± 3.26% and 45.36 ± 2.37% for skined on and skinless fillets, respectively. The highest amounts of by-product were related to head and viscera which were 15.52 ± 2.00% and 12.62 ± 2.61% of body weight, respectively. A significant negative correlation was found between fish weight and head weight percentage (P<0.01). Also, the yield of headed and gutted product increased significantly by increase in fish weight (P<0.01). Among by-products, viscera and head were the richest sources of fat (17.4 and 13.0 % of wet weight) and skin contained the highest amount of protein (24.1% of wet weight). Moreover, a significant presence of the most important and health benficial omega-3 fatty acids was detected in both head and viscera. Viscera and bone were also found as rich source of iron mineral.

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Mulberry pyralid, Glyphodes pyloalis Walker is an important pest on mulberry. The essential oil of Rosemary Rosemarinus officinalis L. (Lamiales: Lamiaceae) has been investigated on toxicity and physiological characteristics of this moth under controlled conditions. The major compounds of the oil were analyzed as 1, 8 Cineol (20.021%), Borneol (7.17%), Camphor (6.541%), Geraniol (6.281%), Camphene (5.623%), Linalool (4.993%) Alpha fenchyl acetate (4.222%) and Verbenone (4.147%). Lethal and sublethal concentrations (LC₁₀, LC₃₀ and LC₅₀) were estimated 0.77%, 1.18% and 1.59% (v/v) respectively. The essential oil affected the nutritional indices of fourth instar larvae of G. pyloalis. efficiency of conversion of ingested food (ECI), efficiency of conversion of digested food (ECD), relative consumption rate (RCR) and relative growth rate (RGR) were reduced in larvae treated with R. officinalis essential oil while approximate digestibility (AD) in treated larvae was significantly increased compared with the control. The essential oil affected the insect’s some key metabolic compounds like; lipid, protein and carbohydrates. Similarly this effect was also significant in the activities of certain key enzymes like; alpha- amylase, lipase, protease, glutathione-s-transferase and esterases.

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The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) is a serious and economically important pest of cruciferous crops worldwide. The nutritional indices of this pest on four host plants including two canola (SLM₀₄₆ and RGS₀₀₃) and two cabbage cultivars (Green-Cornet and Glob-Master) were determined under laboratory conditions (25 ± 0.5 °C, 65 ± 5% RH and 16: 8 L: D h). The highest relative consumption rate (RCR) and relative growth rate (RGR) were recorded on RGS₀₀₃ (95.68 ± 14.52 mg/mg/day) and SLM₀₄₆(0.382 ± 0.041 mg/mg/day), respectively. The efficiency of the conversion of ingested food (ECI) and efficiency of conversion of digested food (ECD) were significantly higher on SLM₀₄₆ (2.298 ± 0.646 and 2.471 ± 0.719%, respectively). However, there was no significant difference among cultivars regarding approximate digestibility (AD) index. The highest feeding performance of the larvae of P. xylostella was found on SLM₀₄₆. The nutritional indices are appropriate tools in host plant resistance evaluation and they also could provide profound understanding of the behavioral and physiological bases of insect-host plant interactions.  

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Foliar analysis of natural deciduous tree species of basswood (Tilia americana L.) (BA), American beech (Acer grandifolia Enrh) (BE), and white ash (Fraxinus americana L.) (WA) was carried out in 1994 in southern Quebec. The Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS) was developed from the traditional method to find the preliminary norm and indices of N, P, K, Ca, and Mg for the above species. The growth decade 1983-1994 in a high yielding sub-population was used to develop DRIS norms for the identification of DRIS functions and indices in relatively depleted levels of those elements in the declined growth of three species. Foliar nutrient deficiencies were found with K (-3.72) and N (-2.96) for basswood, Ca (-10.43) and Mg (-4.93) for beech, and N (-6.16), Ca (-2.56) and K (-2.05) for white ash. The DRIS analysis indicated that basswood and white ash were relatively depleted of K and N, while beech had a deficiency of Ca and Mg, and white ash had a limitation of N. These results suggest the usefulness of DRIS for foliar tissue analysis as an indicator of nutritional status and elemental stresses in natural forests. The DRIS indices were also discussed from the traditional approach.

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The effect of two salinity concentrations (35 and 40 ‰) on the daily feeding and burrowing activities of the sea cucumber, Holothuria parva was investigated, using the nutritional parameters (intestinal  indices, organic materials, and the absorption efficiency). Although no significant difference between the initial and final sections of the intestinal gut of sea cucumbers in two saline conditions was found, the maximum level of intestinal indices, organic material and absorption efficiency was associated with the 40‰ salinity. The survey results displayed that sea cucumber had better feeding activity in 40‰ than 35‰ salinity.  

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This analytical-descriptive study aimed to investigate the essence of "grief of nostalgy " as one of the most important mystical sources in the poems of Ibn Farez and Hafez; two great representatives of the mystical poetry of Persian and Arabic literature. More specifically, attempts were made to see how this grief  entered their works and how they reacted to it. The findings suggest that in their mystical thoughts, the separation of the soul from the body and the fall of man from paradise into this world are manifestation of  his grief. In turn, the mystic reaction of the poet to escape from soul nostalgy in the body is the thought of death and fatalism and to turn to earthly love, as commonly thought of, as representation of love of true beloved. The earthly love in the poetry of the two poets is a translation of divine love and a reflection of the first day vow, to which the mystics resorted to fantasize the divine love and to diminish the pain of longings for the true beloved.  Sleeping, dreaming, and seclusion are other structures  to this nostalgy
 

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Nutritional indices of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) larvae, an economic insect pest of agricultural crops in the world, were studied on five corn hybrids (SC700, SC704, SC500, DC370 and SC260) when incorporated into artificial diets under laboratory conditions at 25 ± 1 °C, relative humidity of 65 ± 5% and a photoperiod of 16:8 (L: D) h. The highest values of consumption index (CI) and relative growth rate (RGR) for the fourth instars were on SC500 (37.21 ± 3.34 and 0.43 ± 0.07 mg/mg/day, respectively) and lowest values of these indices were on SC704 (21.44 ± 2.83 and 0.18 ± 0.04, respectively). Among the five corn hybrids tested, efficiency of conversion of ingested food (ECI) of fifth instars was the highest on SC260 (6.92 ± 0.5%) and the highest value of efficiency of conversion of digested food (ECD) was on SC704 (10.71 ± 3%) while the larvae fed on SC700 had the lowest values of ECI and ECD (3.57 ± 0.3 and 4.39 ± 0.4%, respectively). For the sixth instar larvae, although the lowest CI and approximate digestibility (AD) values were observed on SC260 (3.49 ± 0.17 and 53.89 ± 3.70%, respectively) the highest value of ECI and ECD was on SC260 (9.11 ± 0.6 and 16.54 ± 1.5%, respectively). For all instars (fourth to sixth instars), ECD value of H. armigera was the highest on SC260 (10.15 ± 1.08%) and lowest on SC700 (6.32 ± 0.47%). The result of this study pointed out higher nutritional performance of the larvae H. armigera reared on SC704 and SC260 and lower performance on SC700 and SC500.

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Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of healthy nutrition education on the body mass index (BMI) of health volunteers in Ilam Province, Iran.
Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, two cities of Ilam Province were randomly selected and their active health volunteers (n = 70) were randomly placed in two groups of experimental and control after providing written informed consent. Data were collected by using the valid (by a panel of experts) and reliable (by Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.92) questionnaire (developed by the researcher) and standard equipment and methods at two stages: before and six months after the intervention. The experimental group participated in a one-day training workshop with an emphasis on increasing the knowledge of participants in the field of obesity and its problems. Data were analyzed using SPSS19 and the statistical tests, Chi-square test and T-test.
Findings: The mean of BMI in the experimental group decreased significantly by 2.4 after intervention and reached to 25.1 ± 1.8, but there was no decrease in BMI mean in the control group. In the experimental group, the relationship between age and education level and weight loss was not significant, but the relationship between weight loss and having a BMI above 25 was significant.
Conclusion: Weight loss in the experimental group compared to the control group suggests the impact of the intervention of the education; however, its difference between the existed weight loss standards imply that the education for nutrition just for modifying BMI was not enough.

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The beet armyworm Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) is a serious and economically important pest of solanaceous crops worldwide. The nutritional indices of this pest on three host plants including pepper Capsicum frutescens, eggplant Solanum melongena and tomato Solanum lycopersicum were determined under laboratory conditions at 26 ± 1 °C, 60 ± 5% RH and 16: 8 (L: D) h. The highest relative consumption rate (9.40 mg/mg/day) and approximate digestibility (95.20%) were recorded on eggplant. The relative growth rate (RGR) (0.08 mg/mg/day) was the highest on tomato. The efficiency of the conversion of ingested food (ECI) (1.66%) and efficiency of conversion of digested food (ECD) (2.22%) were significantly highest on pepper. Results showed that pepper was the most nutritionally suitable food and even small amount of this food could successfully support maximum RGR as evidenced by high value of ECI and ECD.

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Nutritional indices of the willow leaf beetle, Plagiodera versicolora Laicharting, third instar larvae and adults were studied on four host plants including Salix alba L., Salix aegyptica L., Populus caspica Bornm.and Populus alba L.at 22 ± 2 ºC, 70 ± 10% R.H., and a photoperiod of 16:8 h (L: D). The results showed that the highest consumed food by the larvae and adults (148.5 ± 18.0 and 175.21 ± 4.51 mg dry weight, respectively) was on P. caspica. The larvae fed on S. alba and S. aegyptica had the highest efficiency of conversion of ingested food (ECI) (2.3 ± 0.33 and 2.23 ± 0.67%, respectively) and efficiency of conversion of digested food (ECD) (2.5 ± 0.35 and 2.41 ± 0.72%, respectively). Approximate digestibility (AD) of larvae was the highest on P. caspica and P. alba (98.51 ± 0.25 and 98.14 ± 0.1%, respectively). The lowest relative consumption rate (RCR) of the larvae and adults was on S. alba (0.14 ± 0.001 and 0.13 ± 0.006 mg/mg/day, respectively). ECI and ECD values of the adults fed on various host plants were not significantly different. Adults fed on P. caspica had the highest values of RCR (0.59 ± 0.01 mg/mg/day), relative growth rate (RGR) (0.02 ± 0.008 mg/mg/day) and AD (98.72 ± 0.24%). These results demonstrated the higher feeding performance of the willow leaf beetle on P. caspica and its poorer performance on P. alba.  

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Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of self-care consultation on the nutrition and physical activity of women who are planning for pregnancy in Karaj, 2016.
Methods: In the present study, 40 women who were planning for pregnancy constituted the research sample who were selected by convenience sampling. Data collection tools included demographic questionnaire and self-care check list based on “CDC preconception health indicators, 2009”. Consultation was done based on 5A (asses, advise, agree, assist and follow-up) model. Self-care score scope was measured before, one month and three months after consulting in the area of nutrition and physical activity (with 19 questions). This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Alborz University of Medical Sciences. Also a clinical trial registry (IRCT2016042827557N2) was performed. Sampling was performed from April to December 2016. One and three months after counselling sessions, the follow-up was done. SPSS v22 and Friedman and Wilcoxon tests were used to analyze the data at the significance level of 0.05
Findings: The results showed that the self-care level of women planning for pregnancy in the area of nutrition has changed significantly one month (p=0/001) and three months (p=0/0001) after consultation. Also their physical activity increased significantly one month (p=0/001) and three months (p=0/0001) months after consultation.
Conclusion: Counselling based on self-care plays an important role in improving the nutrition and physical activity of women planning for pregnancy. Based on individual capabilities, focusing on self-care can promote their performance in the area of nutrition and physical activity before pregnancy.

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Aim: A theory-based research program can increase the participation of elderly people in terms of good nutritional behaviors. This study aimed at assessing the prediction of the nutritional improvement of elderly based on protection motivation theory (PMT).
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 elderly people over 60 years of age in the City of Hamadan in early April in 2016. The PMT-based questionnaire data were analyzed using measures of central tendency, dispersion, and independent t-tests.
Findings: The results showed that the knowledge item of the questionnaire had significant effect on all constructs of the model.
Conclusion: This study revealed that the PMT-based program had an effect on the improvement of nutritional performance of the elderly people; however, further investigations in other age and gender groups as well as using other educational methods are also recommended.

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The aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts from aerial parts of Berberis thunbergii L. and Alhagi maurorum Fisch. were tested against the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), for antifeedant activity, which was measured by nutritional indices parameters such as relative growth rate (RGR), relative consumption rate (RCR), efficiency of conversion of ingested food (ECI) and feeding deterrence index (FDI). Treatments were evaluated by the method of flour disc bioassay in the dark, at 27 ± 1 °C and 60 ± 5% RH. Aliquots of 10 µl of several concentrations from each extract (0.25-2.0%) and controls (solvents) were spread evenly on the flour discs. After evaporation of the solvent, 10 adult insects were introduced into each treatment. After 72 h, nutritional indices were calculated. Results indicated that nutritional indices varied significantly as extract concentrations increased. The difference between extracts and treatments was significant (P < 0.05). In this study, A. maurorum decreased RGR, RCR and ECI significantly more than those of B. thunbergii extract. In addition, hydroalcoholic extracts decreased RGR, RCR and ECI significantly more than those of aqueous extracts. Both plant extracts increased FDI as the extract concentrations were increased, showing high feeding deterrence activity against T. castaneum. Generally, antifeedant activity of A. maurorum was greater than that of B. thunbergii and hydroalcoholic extract was more effective than aqueous extract.

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This experiment was conducted to determine the effects of three binding agents, including corn starch, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and urea formaldehyde (UFA) (in diets containing 42% soybean meal) on growth performance, pellet water stability and chemical composition of Litopenaeus vannamei. Shrimps with an average initial weight of 0.73 g stored in polyethylene tanks and fed experimental diets for 52 days (four treatments and three replicates). Biometric measurements of shrimp were carried out in two periods of 15 and 21 days. At the end of experiment results showed that the average final weight of shrimp fed the UFA binder is significantly lower than other treatments (p<0.05). Specific growth rate at three sampling periods (p<0.05) and at the end of experimental (p<0.01) was significantly affected by the type of binder, with the lowest SGR in UFA and highest in shrimps were fed control diet. Statistical analysis showed that chemical body composition of shrimp was not significantly affected by dietary treatments. In general, according to the results of diet stability, growth performance and feed utilization as well as shrimp body composition, corn starch is a good binder for whiteleg shrimp feed.

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Aim: Malnutrition prevalence is unknown among elderly patients with diabetes. Nutrition therapy is an essential component in the treatment program for diabetics. Malnutrition is a clinical disorder and a common risk factor in older patients with diabetes, which can affect their health. The main purpose of this article is to evaluate the nutritional condition of elderly with diabetes in Babol City, Iran.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was done in Babol City during January-April 2017 on 200 older patients with diabetes. Malnutrition was assessed with the Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA) approach. The patients were followed up until discharge. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics methodology, and correlation among variables was determined by the Chi-square, T-test, and One Way ANOVA.
Findings: The results showed that about 50% of the elderly patients were suffering from malnutrition, and 20% had normal nutritional status, and approximately 30% were exposed to malnutrition.
Conclusion: It is possible to identify people at risk for malnutrition. These individuals are suffering from malnutrition more likely due to lower level of caloric intake that can be easily corrected by nutritional intervention. It is necessary to improve the status of elderly diabetic patients with malnutrition suffering by administering normal nutritional status and special attention.

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The Mediterranean flour moth, Ephestia kuehniella Zeller is one of the conventional hosts for rearing of natural enemies to be used in biological control programs. In this study, the effects of three cereal flours (wheat, corn and barley) on some biological parameters, nutritional responses, as well as proteolytic and amylolytic digestive activities of the fifth instar larvae of E. kuehniella werestudied to determine suitability of the cereals for optimum growth and reproduction of E. kuehniella. The highest rate of larval survival (0.88) and larval growth index (9.77) were obtained in larvae which fed on corn flour. The relative growth rate (9.17 ± 0.33 mg/mg/day) and the efficiency of conversion of ingested food (12.08 ± 1.11%) were the highest rate for fifth instar larvae which fed on corn flour. The highest protein concentration in midgut of larvae (63.77 ± 2.31 mg/ml) and consequentially, proteolytic activity including tryptic (0.0012 ± 0.00 Umg-1) and chymotryptic (0.543 ± 0.001 Umg-1) were observed in larvae that fed on corn flour. According to the results obtained, corn (Var. 704) was the most suitable cereal for laboratory rearing of E. kuehniella, resulting in the highest rate of biological and physiological parameters.

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