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Showing 127 results for zarei
Volume 22, Issue 2 (3-2020)
Abstract
The flavonoid and phenolic compounds are among the main pharmaceutical components of medicinal plants. These compounds are considered as effective anti-oxidant sources. Five cyanobacterial extracts were used to stimulate the plant growth and increase production of specific secondary metabolites in Plantago major as a medicinal plant. These cyanobacteria were isolated from the growth bed of the plant in its natural habitats. Nitrate-free BG11 medium was used for preparing axenic monoalgal cultures. Pot experiments were performed by spraying cyanobacterial extracts on the soil of treated plants every 20 days from the time of planting. Growth of plants was evaluated by measuring growth parameters such as plant height, root length, dry and fresh weight of plant, leaf number, leaf area, as well as inflorescence characteristics 60 days after planting. In addition to growth factors, the total amount of phenol and flavonoid of plants was also assessed. Statistical analysis showed that there was a significant difference in the vegetative and reproductive characteristics compared to the control plants. Also, the methanolic extraction of treated and control plants displayed the highest total phenolic and flavonoid content 77.23±3.21 µg of GA mg-1 and 389.67±34.43 µg of RU mg-1 in plants treated with Cylindrospermum michailovskoence. Based on the obtained results, cyanobacterial fertilizers are suggested as the biological elicitors to improve the quantity and quality of medicinal plants products. As a result of this study, chemical content of cyanobacterial extracts and the production of plant growth stimulating substances such as phytohormones can be proposed as factors affecting plant growth parameters and metabolites production.
Volume 22, Issue 2 (6-2022)
Abstract
Petroleum products and their derivatives cause severe soil pollution through transportation, leaks in pipelines or improper storage. These contaminants may affect the physical or chemical parameters of the soil. Nowadays, due to the increase in construction projects and consequently the need for suitable lands, the construction of structures on lands with contaminated soils is necessary. To determine the optimal methods for rehabilitation of contaminated soils, it is necessary to recognize the contaminated soil behavior and characteristics. There are several methods for stabilization of contaminated soils depending on the type of soils and their pollution. In selecting the appropriate method and materials, various aspects such as environmental issues, availability and cost-effectiveness of the method should be considered. In this study, the effect of oil pollutants on the geomechanical parameters of the sandy soil has been investigated and on the other hand, the performance of different environmentally friendly materials as adsorbents of pollutants and also their effect on the contaminated soil behavior was studied. The studied soil is poorly graded sand that has been sampled from Qazvin district. The petroleum pollutants studied in this study are kerosene and gasoil. Three different materials incuding zeolite, perlite, and produced magnesite were used as sorbent in this study. In this study, the carbon dioxide emissions from industry were utilized to produce magnesium carbonate minerals. In the first step, the percentage of pollutant absorption for studied materials including the sand and sorbents was investigated. The results showed that the magnesite had the highest capability to absorb petroleum contaminants. The percentage of pollutant absorption in magnesite was about 91% for gasoil and 85% for kerosene, while in studied sand it was 26% and 21% for gasoil and kerosene, respectively. The other sorbents including perlite and zeolite also showed high percentages of pollutant absorption. In order to investigate the effect of petroleum pollutants in the shear strength of sand, the direct shear tests was conducted on pure and polluted sample. The soil specimens with dimension of 10x10x3 cm and dry density of 18.35 kN/m3 were prepared by dry air pluviation method. After installing the sample in the device and before performing the test, the sample was saturated with contaminant. The specimens were sheared under different vertical stresses of 50, 100 and 200 kPa. The results showed a decrease in shear strength and more than 10 degrees decrease in internal friction angle of contaminated samples with respect to pure sand. The direct shear tests were conducted on the contaminated samples, treated by different sorbents. The results demonstrated an increase in shear strength for samples treated with perlite, but a loss in shear strength for samples treated with zeolite. The difference in shear strength between the magnesite-treated samples and the untreated samples was not significant. The study confirmed that perlite, zeolite, and magnesite have a capability to absorb petroleum contaminants in soils. Carbon dioxide is one of the most influential factors in global warming in the coming decades, so the magnesite produced by capturing CO2 and its application as a pollutant absorbent can be an encouraging finding of this study.
Volume 22, Issue 3 (Autumn 2022 2022)
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of equal education, inclusive education, promotion of opportunities and quality education on sustainable development among urban households in the provinces of Iran over the period 2011-2019. In this research, a stochastic dynamic panel data model is estimated using the Spatial Durbin Generalized Method of Moments and applying the Arellano-Bover/Blundell-Bond two-stage coefficients. In addition, the proximity and correlation matrix are calculated in the form of a 30 by 30 square matrix. The results show that the estimated coefficient of time lag of per capita income is positive and significant. The weighted average per capita income of each province affects the per capita income of the provinces. So that the higher per capita income of the neighboring provinces, affects the per capita income of that province and its impact is 1.04. The variables of equal education, inclusive education, promotion of opportunities and quality education have positive effects on sustainable development. These variables also have proximity and spatial effects on per capita income. All spatial Durbin variables are significant, which indicates the existence of the spatial effect of independent variables on the dependent variable.
Volume 22, Issue 5 (May 2022)
Abstract
Ultra-High molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers are among the strongest and lightest fibers available and are widely used in high-performance ballistic applications. Despite the great advancement of computational analysis in recent years, precise calculations have not been performed to identify the failure of these fibers due to the complexity of the material behavior to impact. In this research, using the most advanced finite element modeling method of composites (Abaqus-Explicit) has been used to study the composite behavior of these fibers subjected to high-velocity projectile impact. Fiber and matrix are designed using solid elements and 3D Hashin failure criterion was used to determine the behavior of the material. Since this criterion is not available in Abaqus, the VUMAT subroutine has been used to implement this criterion. Velocity diagrams and damage evaluation have been reported. To evaluate and validate this method, six samples of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) Composite panels, consisting of 20 and 45 layers, respectively, were experimentally studied by high-velocity projectiles at different velocities. The simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental results.
Volume 22, Issue 5 (12-2022)
Abstract
In recent years the use of nano materials in engineering projects has significantly increased. In fact, the impact of nano materials as a component in composite materials is one of the new horizons in engineering science. On the other hand, existence of heavy metal contaminated soils is one of the common problems in geo-environmental projects all around the world. In the process of retention of heavy metals by clayey soils, the pH of soil solution plays a significant role. In fact, an increase in pH of soil pore fluid causes a noticeable increase in contaminant retention. On the other hand, the use of additives in soil can increase the contaminant retention as well. In comparison with other additives such as cement, polymers do not require a long curing conditions. In addition, they have a positive impact on permeability of compacted soil, in which their presence decrease the soil permeability. In spite of several researches on the interaction process of clay minerals and polymer, there are very limited researches on the interaction process of polymer-clay minerals-heavy metal contaminant. Therefore, the main objective of this paper is to investigate the role of polyacrylamide polymer in retention of heavy metals in bentonite.
To achieve the above mentioned objective, at the first step, the buffering capacity of polymer treated bentonite samples were measured. In this series of experiments, different concentrations of nitric acid from 0.002 to 0.02 molar were prepared. Then, 4 grams of bentonite and bentonite treated with different concentrations of polymer were poured in centrifuged tubes. Then, 40 cc of nitric acid were added to each centrifuge tube. After equilibrium period, the pH of soil suspension was measured and reported. In the second step of this research, two different series of experiments were performed. In the first series of experiments of this research, bentonite treated by polymer were exposed to different concentrations of heavy metal contaminants. In the second series of experiments, contaminated bentonite samples were treated by different percentages of polymer. The contaminant retention of these samples was investigated by performance of sets of batch equilibrium experiments. The achieved results indicate that the polymer treated bentonite sample (with 3% polymer), after exposure to 200 cmol/kg-soil has shown 19% increase in contaminant retention in comparison to bentonite sample. However, the addition of 3% polymer to contaminated bentonite with 200 cmol/kg-soil lead nitrate has shown 72% increase in contaminant retention in comparison to contaminant retention of bentonite sample. Based on the achieved experimental results it is concluded that there are three phases in heavy metal contaminants in interaction process of bentonite-polymer-heavy metal. These phases include retention by double-layer of clay, the contaminant retention in micro pores of clay minerals which are solidified by polymer, and the contaminate retention capability of polymer. According to the achieved results, the solidification effect of polymer has more contribution to the contaminant retention than the polymer buffering capacity. This proves that post-solidification of contaminated bentonite is a practical method for efficient prevention of contaminant transport in clayey soils.
Volume 22, Issue 8 (August 2022)
Abstract
Tool wear has a significant influence on the turning process. Investigations on tool wear monitoring through various methods and sensors have been widely conducted to determine and predict the tool wear. In this study sound generation mechanisms during turning process have been investigated comprehensively and three sound generation sources have been determined and distinguished. Sound generation mechanisms which originated from tool vibration, deformation in the workpiece and vibration at the contact zones (friction), have been investigated and frequency range of the sound generated through each mechanism has been determined. It has been shown that these mechanisms produce sound in 10s hertz, kilohertz and megahertz respectively. Then the mechanism which is appropriate for tool condition monitoring has been studied and suggested. Then the relation between the sound generation mechanisms and chip formation has been studied during machining. Hence, a deep understanding about the machining process has been brought out. Findings could lead to an effective approach to monitoring the machining process, not only using mathematical signal processing methods, but also through a physical comprehension background. Experimental studies have been conducted to evaluate developed theories and models. Experimental results have shown effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Volume 23, Issue 4 (10-2016)
Abstract
Locating fort settlements in Sistan region, Iran, during different historical periods have always been associated with changes in the direction of Hirmand River which have occurred due to various natural and human factors. This study aims to identify the relation between the Iranian province of Sistan hydrographic networks of fort settlement in the Qajar era. The research method is descriptive - analytical, historical – comparative, documentary, library and field study in Iran's Sistan area. Our focus is mostly on the issue of changes in hydrographic network of Hirmand River. The main question is to what extent have the changes in the direction of hydrographic network of Hirmand played a role in locating fort settlements of Qajar era in Iran's Sistan region. Records, documents, data and historical information related to the Qajar era were collected and comprehensively compared and analyzed regarding the current and the past situations in the Geographic information system (GIS) using ArcGIS software. The results show that the highest number of the locating and the density of fort settlements in the Qajar era are related to the hydrographic basin of Sistan river. The main reason is branching of the Hirmand River Hydrographic Basin through the Sistan canal or Sistan River in the West. Also from 6 to 12 AH in both the northern and southern Delta region of Sistan, Iran, there have been settlement areas. However in Qajar era 100 percent of settlements in the northern Delta area have been site selected.
Volume 23, Issue 5 (9-2021)
Abstract
To investigate the response of soil microbial populations to different doses of glyphosate and sulfosulfuron, a factorial experiment based on a complete block design was conducted at Shiraz University, Iran. The factors included different herbicides and dose rates (glyphosate at 0, 540, 1,080, and 4,320 g ae ha-1 and sulfosulfuron at 0, 12.5, 25, and 50 g ai ha-1), and time of measurements (4, 15, 45, and 65 days after herbicides spray). Microbial respiration, microbial biomass carbon, metabolic quotient, dehydrogenase activity, and aerobic heterotrophic bacteria were measured in soil samples. The results showed that microbial respiration, microbial biomass carbon and metabolic quotient were highest for glyphosate 1,080 g ae ha-1 at 4 days after herbicide application. Dehydrogenase activity had a decreasing trend in all herbicide treatments in comparison with the control treatment in all measuring times, except 4 days after spraying. There was no significant difference in dehydrogenase activity between herbicide treatments. The effect of sulfosulfuron on microbial respiration and metabolic quotient was not significant, whereas time and its interaction with herbicide dose rate affected these two variables significantly. Generally, all the measured indices for sulfosulfuron and glyphosate treatments decreased with time after herbicide application. Sulfosulfuron at 50 g ha-1 and glyphosate at 4,320 g ha-1 had the lowest amounts of aerobic heterotrophic bacteria after 65 days, decreased by 23.7 and 50%, respectively compared with the control. Our results demonstrate that the effects of herbicides on soil microbial communities are strongly related to the herbicide dose and the time after herbicide spray. In conclusions, the herbicides at doses more than the recommended doses showed inhibitory effects on soil microbial communities in the alkaline soil, where the inhibitory effect was more at 4,320 g ae ha-1 glyphosate.
Volume 24, Issue 2 (8-2018)
Abstract
The Khawarij can be considered as one of the extremist groups of the political history of Islam who shed the blood of their Muslim brethrens in the early centuries of Islamic history with ideological motifs, carrying out many violent acts in various parts of the Islamic world. Comparing the actions of the Khawarij, which have been mostly based on extreme violence, retrogressive ideas and desired interpretations, contemporary Salafist groups, especially Daesh, we can achieve extensive viewpoints and behaviors linking these two. In other words, Daesh is the result of Takfiri-Wahhabi ideas and decrees of those who consider killing Muslims not only permissible, but also obligatory and their ideas form a good groundwork for continuing Islamophobia in some western countries. In this article, a descriptive-analytical method will be used to study the commonalities between the two ideas of foreign and Salafist-Takfiri from intellectual, methodological and behavioral aspects, regardless of the vast time difference between the two.
Volume 24, Issue 3 (5-2022)
Abstract
The nut scale, Eulecanium tiliae (L.) is a potential pest, infesting deciduous trees in Iran, where it is common in urban horticultural areas and usually present in high population on some stone fruit trees, such as Prunus spp., including Prunus cerasus. It has higher occurrence and population in sustainable orchards. This pest has one generation per year and second nymphs overwinter on one or two-years old branches. High populations of this pest can cause death of branches, twigs and degeneration of leaves chloroplasts. In this research, the spatial distribution pattern and population fluctuation for all stages of E. tiliae were investigated in a cherry orchard of Kermanshah region during two studied seasons from 2016 to 2018. Four different methods were used to calculate distribution pattern including index of dispersion, Morisita’s index and regression methods (Taylor’s and Iwao’s). Sample size was determined for the first time, according to a primary sampling date and corrected for other sampling dates according to the data of the previous sampling date. Data analysis was performed using Minitab16 and Office Excel 2016 statistical softwares. Most used methods revealed aggregated distribution pattern of the pest in both years. The results obtained from the Morisita’s index during activity showed the random distribution of the second nymphs (in 16 April 2016, Z= -1.218, Iб= 0.440) (in 16 April 2017, Z= -0.179, Iб= 0.942) (-1.96< Z< 1.96). These changes showed that the spatial distribution could change during the season. Knowledge of the pest spatial distribution pattern can be used to arrange sampling program in pest management.
Volume 24, Issue 3 (5-2022)
Abstract
The alcoholic extract of Iranian oak (Quercus persica) fruit at a final concentration of 0.25% (w/v) was added to cheese-making milk, and some physicochemical, sensory, and microbial properties of Jug cheese were evaluated during 60 days of storage at 4°C. The results showed significantly higher Total Polyphenol Content (TPC), antioxidant activity, and lower acidity for the samples containing the oak extract (T1) compared to the control (T0). At the beginning of the storage time, T1 showed the highest values of TPC (128.83±0.467 mg GAE g-1) and antioxidant activity (97.12±0.095) for DPPH (2,2-DiPhenyl-1-PicrylHydrazyl) radical scavenging activity. The antioxidant activity decreased significantly during the storage period. The flavor, aroma, and overall acceptability scores were higher for T1 than for T0. Short-chain fatty acids content of the cheese varied during the storage period, but no significant change was observed in the content of long chain fatty acids. The amount of butyric, caproic, caprylic, capric, lauric, myristic, palmitic, oleic (trans) and linoleic (cis) fatty acids in T1 were significantly higher than in T0. No significant changes in these fatty acids concentrations were observed during storage period. Total microbial count, Coliforms, mold and yeast were significantly lower in the T1 than in T0. Therefore, the Iranian oak extract as a source of antioxidant and antimicrobial polyphenolic compounds could potentially improve the quality and shelf life of Jug cheese without adversely affecting its sensory and physicochemical properties.
Volume 24, Issue 3 (5-2022)
Abstract
The aim of this study was to design an Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference Mechanism (ANFIS) and a Polynomial Neural-Network (PNN) to improve modeling and identification of some climate variables within a greenhouse. Furthermore, a Stable Deviation Quantum-Behaved Particle Swarm Optimization (SD-QPSO) algorithm was employed as a learning algorithm to train the constant parameters of ANFIS and PNN structures. To denoise measured data, a wavelet transform method was applied to ensure that no measured data exceeds a predefined interval. Moreover, to show the modeling performance, a set of differential equations were derived as a dynamical model based on the computation of energy and mass balance in a specified greenhouse. The results of modeling and simulation were evaluated with the experimental results of an experimental arch greenhouse. The results showed that the proposed models were more accurate in predicting greenhouse climate and could be used more easily. Moreover, this study showed that the PNN model with less pop-size and evaluation function was more effective than the ANFIS structure to predict the temperatures of inside air and inside roof cover. In this study, an on-line identification system is also proposed for real time identification of experimental data. The obtained simulation results show that performance of the proposed modeling structures and identification system are effective to predict and identify the soil surface, internal air, and roof cover temperatures of the greenhouse. This study shows that the identification algorithm can be used to predict and confirm the results of the model.
Volume 24, Issue 4 (12-2020)
Abstract
With the development of Web 2.0 technologies and social media tools in organizations, the way of the organizationchr('39')s information systems operation has improved to gain competitive intelligence. The best sources of information in organizations is user generated content about the company, product and competitors that are shared on social media and companies can take advantage of the hidden knowledge pattern in this information by using analytical technique in big data. To this end, important goals of this study are providing social market intelligence framework based on web 2.0 Using Text-Mining on Social Media and also comparing web 2.0 social market intelligence status between Emersun and Samsung brands through competitive analysis. The method of this study is qualitative and the way of data gathering is done through literature review, interview with experts and also using text mining among 3860 customer textual data. The findings of the literature review and interviews led to the presentation of 4 dimensions of the web 0.2 based social market intelligence framework. The clustering technique was used to extract the indicators and sub-indicatores in each of the dimensions, all of which were confirmed by the experts. In order to compare the web 2.0 based social market intelligence status of brands, Emotional analysis of words was used, and the results show that the Samsung brand has attracted positive reviews from customers in most of the indicators. Finally, due to the existence of hidden relationships in the main indicators, structural-interpretive method was used to determine the relationships between them.
Volume 24, Issue 10 (October 2024)
Abstract
This article focuses on the design, manufacturing, and dynamic modeling of a piezoelectric pneumatic servo valve based on a compliant mechanism. The use of piezoelectric actuators in these valves, due to their fast dynamic response and high precision, significantly improves the speed of pressure control. To this end, the structure of the pneumatic servo valve and the function of its components were initially investigated. To enhance the valve's orifice opening, a rhombus type compliant mechanism was designed to amplify the displacement range of the piezoelectric actuator. Subsequently, a comprehensive dynamic model of the system was presented. After identification and validating the proposed dynamics, the results of air pressure control for both steady and time-varying reference inputs were provided. Experimental results indicate that the proposed dynamic model for the manufactured valve has a maximum error of 25%. Additionally, frequency analysis results show that the valve has a dynamic bandwidth of 90 Hz and a natural frequency of 56 Hz, highlighting its applicability for high-frequency operations. The results of pressure control demonstrate a step response time of approximately 21 milliseconds at a pressure of 2 bar, indicating its capability to respond to rapid pressure changes. Furthermore, the ability to track input pressures with varying frequencies and amplitudes was also evaluated
Volume 25, Issue 2 (7-2021)
Abstract
In the organizational world, women have more opportunities to participate and compete with men. Despite the increasing participation of women in organizations, the advancement and entry of women into high positions faces obstacles known as the glass ceiling. In this regard, the present study was conducted with the aim of identifying barriers to the promotion of women using the qualitative Q method in the National Iranian Oil Company. Q statement were explored through 19 selected studies based on research protocols and media sources such as publications, newspapers, television programs, and conversations with experts and elites. Then, a questionnaire consisting of 39 cards and an answer sheet (Q diagram) was given to 43 experts who expressed their opinion based on a range of strongly agree (+4) to strongly disagree (4-). The collected data were analyzed by Q-type explorative factor analysis using SPSS software. The results showed that there are seven perceptions and mental groups about the obstacles faced by women in achieving managerial positions. In these mental models, the statements “less skill of women in political games”, “less ability of women to bear the psychological pressures of managerial jobs”, “family priority over work for women”, “Womenchr('39')s dependence on men in terms of geography and place of residence” “need a flexible work plan” were among the most important barriers to womenchr('39')s career advancement.
Volume 25, Issue 2 (Spring 2022)
Abstract
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) stands as an alternative treatment for drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsies. In this study, we investigated the effects of both low- and high-frequency stimulation (LFS and HFS) of the olfactory bulb on locomotor activity and preferences for spending time in the central or border regions. Rats underwent a kindling procedure involving semi-rapid electrical stimulation (6 stimulations per day) of the hippocampal CA1 region. Fully kindled animals received LFS (1 Hz) or HFS (130 Hz) at four time points: 5 min, 6 h, 24 h, and 30 h after the last kindling stimulation. Subsequently, rats were placed in the open field chamber and allowed free, uninterrupted movement within the respective quadrant of the maze for a single 10-minute period. During this time, tracking software recorded movement, and locomotor activity as well as preferences for spending time in the central or border regions were evaluated. Overall, applying DBS in the olfactory bulb at both low and high frequencies decreased exploration time in the center and increased exploration time in the border for the rats. Furthermore, a higher intensity of HFS was more effective than a lower intensity of HFS in reducing anxiety or altering locomotor behavior. According to the results of the present study it may be suggested that applying DBS affects some aspects of the animals’ activity and therefore, the activity monitoring tests have to be done following DBS application.
Volume 26, Issue 2 (Spring 2023)
Abstract
The escalating incidence of foodborne diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria presents a substantial global health concern. Microbial spoilage of food not only shortens product shelf life but also increases the risk of foodborne diseases. According to the World Health Organization, one in ten people worldwide falls ill after consuming contaminated food. While foodborne diseases are preventable, the implementation of effective strategies to control and prevent these illnesses remains a critical global challenge. The unique properties of both organic and inorganic nanoparticles have attracted significant attention in the food industry due to their potential to enhance nutritional, safety, and quality attributes of food products. A majority of foodborne infections are attributed to pathogens such as Salmonella, Listeria, Escherichia coli, Clostridium, and Campylobacter. Silver and silver-based compounds have been shown to exhibit potent antimicrobial activity against a broad spectrum of bacteria. The current body of knowledge regarding the application of silver nanoparticles for the elimination of foodborne pathogens is expanding rapidly, providing opportunities to explore their mechanisms of action, benefits, and limitations. This perspective aims to identify novel strategies for reducing the burden of foodborne diseases by critically evaluating the potential of silver nanoparticles. Furthermore, the potential health implications of silver nanoparticles for human consumption will be discussed to inform the development of effective policies for public health.
Volume 30, Issue 2 (Summer 2023)
Abstract
The main purpose of this paper is to identify the vocational support methods for new teachers worldwide. In this qualitative research with the emergence design, the technique of thematic analysis (Attride-Stirling) was used to analyze the themes of English papers on the Induction published from 2010 to 2020, and selected from three data-bases by using a systematic text review model. After using the MAXQDA software, the data were analyzed in the form of two comprehensive, six organized, and 29 basic themes. The results show that the informal Induction for new teachers includes two components of "out-school support" and "in-school support" that complement each other. The vocational support has made teachers more resilient and efficient. Accordingly, it is suggested that our new teachers and educational system use this global experience and to increase the efficiency and sustainability of new teachers, there capacities should be utilized in the communication networks of their living and working environment.
Volume 30, Issue 3 (6-2023)
Abstract
Glassmaking traces its history back to antiquity as is the case with several other crafts in Iran. The craft would culminate under the Sassanian rule, when an assortment of receptacles in different sizes, shapes, and functions came into popular use. The present study examines a sample of 29 pieces of Sassanian glass objects preserved in the Sanandaj Archaeological Museum. Deriving from clandestine excavations, no previous research has investigated these pieces. This descriptive and historical-analytical study draws upon comparisons with related museum objects and library research. The questions are: Which excavated sites in the Sassanian territory are to be examined for comparanda? What are the manufacturing techniques of the objects in question? To which part of the Sassanian time span do they date? What are the common forms as well as their functions and decorations? The sample appears to compare with the material from Mesopotamia (Tell Mahuz, Abu Skhair, Barghuthiat, and Kish) and Veh Ardashir, which were major centers of glass production at the time. The pieces were manufactured in free-blowing and mold-blowing techniques. Bowls are the common form, followed by bottles, unguentaria, juglets, and jars for ritual, cosmetic, and practical functions. The major decorations detected on the study sample include applied trails and facet cutting. The pieces can be assigned to two consecutive chronological extents: The first spans the onset of the Sassanian period (2nd century AD) to the 4th century AD, and the second encompasses the 4th century AD to the demise of the empire. Dispersion of such objects across the Sassanian Empire suggests that glassware represented a trade item at that time.
Volume 31, Issue 4 (11-2024)
Abstract
Clifford Geertz, one of the most prominent ideologues of the interpretative approach to religion and culture, is recognized as one of the most influential cultural anthropologists of the twentieth century in America. Geertz's approach is considered one of the most significant in the postmodern era. This paper, utilizing a descriptive-analytical method and, in some cases, content analysis, provides a brief overview of the meaning of culture from Geertz's perspective and its characteristics. It also offers a comprehensive and accurate portrayal of his views on religion, demonstrating that, from Geertz's standpoint, religion is akin to a cultural system and is closely associated with culture in its meaning, features, and anthropological significance. In Geertz's thought, culture and religion are intertwined. He believes that to understand culture, one must delve into symbols; rituals and religious activities are considered symbols. He sees religion as an ancient aspect of the larger culture of society, where the presence of rituals and numerous beliefs renders it symbolic. One of the essential concepts in Geertz's thought is "meaning," primarily because meanings form a closely related system, which is culture itself. One of the most important effects of the cultural approach to religion is the understanding of religion from the perspective of the modern subject and the transition from it. As this methodology reveals the understanding of religion in the modern period, it serves as a starting point for postmodern methodology in the study of religions, positioning itself as a vanguard in the future of religious studies.