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Open Access Article
1 - Implementation of Random Forest Algorithm in Order to Use Big Data to Improve Real-Time Traffic Monitoring and Safety
Negin Fatholahzade Gholamreza Akbarizadeh Morteza Romoozi -
Open Access Article
2 - Analysis of the challenges of public policy implementation with an emphasis on citizens' participation (case study: the law on the protection and exploitation of forests in the north of Iran)
Davoud Hosseinpour Seyyed Mahdi Alvani Hossein Aslipour عقیل قربانی پاجیBackground: Attracting public participation is one of the key elements in the success of public policies, including environmental policies. Purpose: This research was conducted with the aim of investigating the challenges of citizens' participation in the implement MoreBackground: Attracting public participation is one of the key elements in the success of public policies, including environmental policies. Purpose: This research was conducted with the aim of investigating the challenges of citizens' participation in the implementation of the policy, focusing on the protection and exploitation of the forests in the north of the country. Method: in the quantitative section was the opinions of 11 people from the directors of the General Department of Natural Resources and Watershed Management of Mazandaran, Gilan and Golestan provinces. Findings: The final model is formed in 5 levels, the lack of forest governance in the fifth level is the most influential level and political challenges, lack of communication and dissemination of forest knowledge for stakeholders, weak closeness between the government and executive bodies - citizens and lack The motivation in local communities to participate is the most effective level in the designed model. The analysis of intensity of influence and dependence using MICMAC shows that the lack of forest governance and political challenges are independent variables. Conclusion: The participatory approach based on forest governance motivates the cooperation of local people and other stakeholders in applying forest control laws with the government. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
3 - Employing unsupervised learning to detect fraudulent claims in auto insurance (isolation forest)
farbod khanizadeh Farzan Khamesian Maryam Esna-AshariFor insurance companies, fraud detection strategies are of significant importance. Lack of such a plan to prevent insurance fraud and making payments quickly to insured in order to compensate for losses will lead to customer satisfaction and increase companies’ po MoreFor insurance companies, fraud detection strategies are of significant importance. Lack of such a plan to prevent insurance fraud and making payments quickly to insured in order to compensate for losses will lead to customer satisfaction and increase companies’ portfolio in short term. However in the long run, it will have dire consequences for the insurance industry. In other words, the cost of fraudulent claims would be transferred indirectly to insured in the form of a rise in premiums. The purpose of this study is to provide insurers with a mechanism to detect fraudulent claims. This goal is achieved through an unsupervised algorithm to detect anomalies in the data set. The use of this algorithm, as it is an ensemble learning, increases the accuracy in detecting suspicious cases and reduces false positives. According to the results, the damage to the culprit, the type and use of the vehicle, and the sex of the victim are among the most important indicators in the detection of fraudulent cases. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
4 - Factors Affecting the Sustainable Forest Management
S. Dehyouri Sh. Bayat P. Alimoradian -
Open Access Article
5 - Assessment of the awareness level of local forest communities about the forests in the north of the country in Biliran, Amol
Hasan Nayim-Hasani Ali SheykholeslamiThe present study was conducted to assess the levels of awareness and sensitivity of forest dwellers on the northern forest issues in drainage basin number 53 located in Amol city (Blair forests). The study method in this study was the descriptive-analytical method thro MoreThe present study was conducted to assess the levels of awareness and sensitivity of forest dwellers on the northern forest issues in drainage basin number 53 located in Amol city (Blair forests). The study method in this study was the descriptive-analytical method through documentary research and field study. The statistical population of the study included 100 rural households in the forest basin as well as passengers (tourists) and a random sampling method with a questionnaire was used to collect data. The reliability of the measuring instrument was confirmed by calculating the Cronbach's alpha coefficient (0.78). The main results of the study showed that the level of awareness for the benefits and environmental role of northern forests was 89.9% and the level of awareness for the economic benefits was 77.7% and was high. This study also showed that people's interaction with the region's forests is not very satisfactory. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
6 - Mapping of the distribution and canopy density of Northern Zagros forests using Sentinel-2 satellite images in the West Azerbaijan province, Iran
جلال هناره خلیانی Naser Ahmadi Sani Farahnaz RashidiSince there are different statistics on the area, distribution, and density of Zagros forests, continuous monitoring and evaluation of these forests are facing implementation problems. The available statistics and information from Zagros forests are not effective in the MoreSince there are different statistics on the area, distribution, and density of Zagros forests, continuous monitoring and evaluation of these forests are facing implementation problems. The available statistics and information from Zagros forests are not effective in the management decisions of these forests due to many reasons such as their preparation in the traditional way or their oldness. In this research, a high-accuracy map of canopy density and distribution of Zagros forests as well as the determination of other land uses have been prepared using Sentinel-2 images of 2019 in the south of West Azarbaijan province. The image classifications were performed with the supervised method and ML and SVM algorithms in the ENVI 5.3 software environment. The Bing and Google Earth images were used to prepare the ground truth map to evaluate the accuracy of the output maps. In this research, the five non-forest land uses including ranges, gardens, agriculture, water sources, and barren and residential lands were classified. The results showed that the maximum likelihood algorithm with an overall accuracy of 87.3% and a kappa coefficient of 0.74 was the most accurate in preparing the canopy density map. The available statistics showed that the state of forest cover in the province is not in a favorable condition and the area of Zagros forest in the province is equal to 60200.55 ha, which is equivalent to about 90% of the updated statistics of the forests, rangelands, and watershed management organization of the country (67235,91 ha) in 2020. It can be stated that Sentinel-2 data has an acceptable efficiency in terms of accuracy and cost for preparing the canopy density and distribution map of forest areas and preparing the land use map. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
7 - Comparison of corticolous lichen species with the aim of bioindicators in harvested and control stands in natural beech forests in Nowshahr region
Maryam Hoseyninezhad Asadollah Mataji Majid Es-hagh NimvariDue to the lack of studies on the effect of forest harvesting on lichen species in Hyrcanian forests, this research aimedto compare the indicator species in harvested and control stands of beech forests. This study was carried out in threeparcels 209, 234 and 241 of Shu MoreDue to the lack of studies on the effect of forest harvesting on lichen species in Hyrcanian forests, this research aimedto compare the indicator species in harvested and control stands of beech forests. This study was carried out in threeparcels 209, 234 and 241 of Shurab section 2 of Golband forestry plan in Nowshahr region (Mazandaran province).Sampling was made from all trees using 40 × 60 cm frames to record lichens type and frequency. The results of this studyshowed that 8 species of lichen belonging to 7 genera and 5 families were recorded in harvested beech forests while incontrol forests, 15 lichen species belong to 13 genera and 10 families were recorded. According to the findings of thisstudy, five species of lichen included Graphis scripta, Pertusaria albescens, Opegrapha vulgata, Lepraria lobificans andParmotrema perlatum in control stands and Lecanora thysanophora, Flavoparmelia caperata and Ramalina thrausta inharvested stands have been introduced as indicator species of beech forests. So, the assessment of human interference inbeech forests can be ascertained by examining these species and their presence or absence. In conclusion, it can be stated that the index species differed in both forests, indicating that forest utilization has caused changes in them Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
8 - Investigation on land cover mapping using Sentinel-2A images in the Google Earth Engine Platform
Naser Ahmadi SaniLand cover map show the spatial distribution of different landscapes such as agricultue, natural resources, water and man-made area. It is a valuable tool to managing and reducing risk in challenging issues such as drought and its effects, food security, flood control, MoreLand cover map show the spatial distribution of different landscapes such as agricultue, natural resources, water and man-made area. It is a valuable tool to managing and reducing risk in challenging issues such as drought and its effects, food security, flood control, and urban planning. In order to overcome the limitations of field work in the mapping of land cover, the use of satellite images due to the wide, multispectral and update data seems to be suitable. In the study area, the spatially heterogeneous landscapes also makes it difficult to classify features. Therefore, the main purpose of the study is accurate and high resolution land cover mapping using Sentinel-2A images in the Google Earth Engine platform. In this regard, three classification algorithms including RF, SVM and CART were evaluated and compared. Various indices were prepared using ratioing and transformation methods. The accuracy of the classifications was evaluated in comparison with ground reference data. Individual bands evaluation showed that the best overall accuracy (49%) was obtained using the CVI index.The best overall accuracy and kappa coefficient of 86% and 0.82 were obtained by RF algorithm. Therefore, while pointing to the advantages of the GEE including easily accessible data and the ability to process and quickly compare of data, it can be claimed that Sentinel-2A images for land cover mapping in terms of cost, time and accuracy, have high efficiency and the map can be very useful for the management and decision making in different natural and man-made resources for the successful implementation of sustainable development. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
9 - The effect of distance measurement methods on the classification of ecological groups in Hyrcanian forests
Naghmeh Pakgohar Javad Eshaghi Rad Gholamhossein Gholami Ahmad Alijanpour David W. RobertsNowadays, the application of clustering methods is widely increased, although choosing the right method due to the existence of different method and effective factors is difficult. The present study aimed to compare the results of widely used clustering algorithms and t MoreNowadays, the application of clustering methods is widely increased, although choosing the right method due to the existence of different method and effective factors is difficult. The present study aimed to compare the results of widely used clustering algorithms and to determine the most effective methods according to the different evaluators and evaluate the effective distance measurement method for clustering algorithms. The data of Hyrcanian beech forests were examined in an area protected by the department of natural resources of Nowshahr. Random-systematic sampling method with regular grid of 100×200 m was used for determining the center of sample plots; 100-m2 (10×10 m) sample plots had been used to check the shrub species and 400-m2 (20×20 m) to check the herbaceous species. A total of 120 sample plots were measured. The abundance and coverage of tree, shrub and herbaceous species were estimated based on Braun-Blanquette scale. Three distance methods of measuring distance Bray Curtis, Hellinger and Manhattan were used and five clustering methods (Average method clustering methods, Ward method, flexible beta method with beta values of -0.1, -0.25, -0.4) with six evaluation indicators (silhouette evaluation criterion, PARATNA criterion, Indval criterion, ISAMIC criterion, MRPP criterion and Phi correlation coefficient) were examined. Different clustering algorithms were arranged from best to worst for each dataset. The comparison analysis revealed that Ward’s and flexible-beta with beta value of -0.1 had the best performance. The present findings illustrated that Hellinger distance measurement method is better in homogeneous data than other distance measurement methods. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
10 - Evaluation of a multi-purpose forestry plan in the forests of Khuzestan province
Sina Attar Roshan ramezanali Pourrostami siamak Katebifar Mohammadreza TabeshThe implementation of the forest protection plan was started in 2003 in the form of a national plan due to the unfavorable situation of the Zagros forests and with the aim of protecting and developing forests in this region of the country. Considering the national natur MoreThe implementation of the forest protection plan was started in 2003 in the form of a national plan due to the unfavorable situation of the Zagros forests and with the aim of protecting and developing forests in this region of the country. Considering the national nature of the multi-purpose forestry plan and the allocation of the national budget to it, the present study was conducted with the aim of quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the implementation of the plan in Khuzestan province. In this study, some parts of the forests under the management of the plan in Izeh, Andimeshk, Baghmalek and Indika were selected. At first, the multi-purpose forestry plan was defined based on the law on the protection and utilization of forests in the form of three goals of protection, restoration, and development and, of course, increasing the income of foresters, and all executive projects were included in these goals. To analyze the quantitative data, a one-way analysis of variance and Duncan's multiple-range mean comparison test were used to compare the means of the variables. Qualitative data and data differences between different studied areas were also analyzed using the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test. Based on the results of this study, it was found that in Khuzestan province in terms of quantity and quality of the plan implementation, Izeh area had the best performance, and Indika, Baghmalek and Andimeshk areas were in the next rank. The results also showed that the goals in the form of protection of Zagros forests are at the highest quantitative and qualitative levels. Forest development and rehabilitation are the second priority and the least planning to increase the income of forest dwellers and reduce their dependence on forests. Therefore, it cannot be expected that the executive projects within multi-use forestry plan of Zagros forests will succeed without changing the income level of foresters and the natives of the region will have maximum cooperation in advancing the goals of the plan with the government. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
11 - Elevational shift of Carpinus betulus L. under the future climate change in northern Iran
Mahdieh Khalatbari Limaki Majid Es-hagh-Nimvari seyed jalil Alavi Asadollah Mataji farid KazemnezhadadAlthough there are concerns about the impact of climate change on forests, the impact of future climate change on tree species in the Hyrcanian forests has been less studied. The effect of climate change on the distribution of species usually leads to the movement of sp MoreAlthough there are concerns about the impact of climate change on forests, the impact of future climate change on tree species in the Hyrcanian forests has been less studied. The effect of climate change on the distribution of species usually leads to the movement of species to higher altitudes and latitudes. Hornbeam is the most abundant tree species in the Hyrcanian forests, which is distributed in a large part of northern Iran. In this study, the effect of climate change on the change of hornbeam species height using species distribution models are currently being studied under different climate change scenarios for 2050 and 2070. In this study, various statistics including TSS, AUC, KAPPA, Sensitivity and Specificity were used to evaluate the performance of species distribution models. According to the model evaluation criteria, the random forest model had a higher efficiency than other models in the distribution of hornbeam in northern Iran. The future prediction of species distribution models showed that climate change will have a negative impact on the distribution of hornbeam, which will significantly reduce the areas with the potential for the presence of this species under RCP2.6 and RCP8.5 in 2050 and 2070. The results showed that the hornbeam species currently has the greatest potential for presence up to an altitude of 1000m, but also expands to an altitude of 2500m and with climate change will have the greatest potential for presence at an altitude of more than 1000m. Although very complex mechanisms justify the distribution of tree species in mountainous areas, climate is one of the most important of these mechanisms and the results of this study can be a criterion for future planning in Hyrcanian forests. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
12 - Landslide susceptibility mapping using advanced machine learning algorithms (Case study: Sarovabad city, Kurdistan province)
Baharak Motamedvaziri Hemen Rastkhadiv Seyed Akbar Javadi Hasan AhmadiThe occurrence of landslides in mountainous areas may cause serious damage to road infrastructure, and may also lead to human deaths. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to landslide susceptibility mapping using advanced machine learning algorithms in Sarovabad city MoreThe occurrence of landslides in mountainous areas may cause serious damage to road infrastructure, and may also lead to human deaths. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to landslide susceptibility mapping using advanced machine learning algorithms in Sarovabad city. In this study, landslide susceptibility was determined using two advanced data mining algorithms including random forest (RF) and decision tree (DT). First, the point file of 166 landslides occurred in Sarovabad city was considered as the landslide inventory map. The landslide points are divided into training data (70%) and validation data (30%). A total of 16 parameters including slope, aspect, elevation, river proximity, road proximity, river density, fault proximity, fault density, road density, precipitation, land use, NDVI, lithology, earthquake, stream power index (SPI) and topographic wetness index (TWI) were used in order to landslide susceptibility mapping. Finally, the performance of the models was evaluated using the ROC curve. The results of the ROC showed that the decision tree and random forest models have AUC values of 0.942 and 0.951, respectively. Therefore, the random forest model has the highest AUC value compared to the decision tree and was the best model for predicting the risk of landslides in the future in the study area. Landslide potential maps are efficient tools; so that they can be used for environmental management, land use planning and infrastructure development. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
13 - Tree Species Identification using RGB Time Series and Multispectral Images Obtained from UAV
Mojdeh Miraki هرمز سهرابیDetailed information on forest combination is required for many environmental, monitoring, and forest protection purposes. The link between ecology and remote sensing provides valuable information for the study of forest trees to facilitate the study of ecosystem perfor MoreDetailed information on forest combination is required for many environmental, monitoring, and forest protection purposes. The link between ecology and remote sensing provides valuable information for the study of forest trees to facilitate the study of ecosystem performance and to measure the spatial distribution of vegetation. In recent years, the use of modern remote sensing methods and techniques based on UAVs have been used for regular updating of forest inventory. In this research, different data sources including multi-spectral and RGB images with very high spatial resolution, were used for tree species recognition in plain forests of Noor City located in Mazandaran province. Also, taking images was performed in the growing season to prepare a time series of UAV-RGB images for investigating the effect of tree crown phonological changes on classification accuracy. Following orthomosaic generation, RGB (NGB, NRB) and multi-spectral (NDVI, CIgreen) indices were calculated and the random forest classification method was used for forest species classification. Based on single-time images, late April images provided the highest overall accuracy (75%). However, the results of the time series obtained from RGB images showed an increase in accuracy of up to 86%. Species identification based on multispectral images obtained from the Sequoia sensor also provided 85% accuracy. The results showed that the single-time image at the appropriate time using a UAV-RGB, compared to taking a time series and using a UAV equipped with multispectral sensors, has acceptable and less expensive results for tree recognition in the study area. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
14 - Explain the Sustainable Management Extension Strategies of Zagros Oak Forest Basin
Davood Negahdari Alireza Poursaeed Roya Eshraghi Samani, mohamad bagher arayesh Behrooz NaseriCurrently, the protection and sustainable management of forest ecosystems in the Zagros vegetation area has always been the main concern of activists and officials in this area. On the other hand, the agricultural Extension as an interdisciplinary science examines the p MoreCurrently, the protection and sustainable management of forest ecosystems in the Zagros vegetation area has always been the main concern of activists and officials in this area. On the other hand, the agricultural Extension as an interdisciplinary science examines the phenomenon of decline of Zagros oak forests from a sociological and psychological perspective, as well as from an agricultural and rural perspective, and offers strategies that maintain the sustainability of natural resources while maintaining livelihoods. Also elevate. the present study aimed to Explain the Sustainable Management Extension Strategies of Zagros Oak Forest by using SWOT method. In this regard, internal and external factors were collected through in-depth interviews with 30 scientific and executive experts in the provinces of Zagros basin in the form of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Additionally, they were identified through line-by-line analysis in the form of common content and using MAXqda12 software analysis. In the next step, the internal and external factors questionnaire was adjusted and and the weight factor of each factor was calculated and the identified strategies were prioritized based on the Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix.Considering the results in the internal and external factor evaluation matrix for the sustainable management of forests in the basin, as well as the dominance of weaknesses in the external factor evaluation matrix and threats in the internal, defensive pattern was more prioritized for managing the forests sustainably compared to the other strategic patterns. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
15 - Evaluating the potential of groundwater resources using a combination of data mining methods:(Case study: Hormozgan province, Sarkhon plain)
fateme riahi hasan vagharfard peyman daneshkar araste hamid kardan moghadamThe porpose of this study is the ground water potential mapping.using four methods, stochastic forest, GLM, Domain, and GAM. in addition, four methods for combining these methods for potential mapping were also evaluated. for this purpose, eleven criteria include the sl MoreThe porpose of this study is the ground water potential mapping.using four methods, stochastic forest, GLM, Domain, and GAM. in addition, four methods for combining these methods for potential mapping were also evaluated. for this purpose, eleven criteria include the slope , profile curvature ,(Topographic Curvature), total curvature, index (spi), index (spi), index (twi), land use, soil and demographic elevation model were used according to the experience of experts and researchers. in order to validate the 76 of wells with high discharge were, it has been used for simulation (70 %) and validation (30%) before modeling the linear test on the criteria, there is no linear relationship between variables. according to, the results of the evaluation using the ROC curve showed that all four used methods have excellent accuracy and AUC over 90%. then, the results of four methods were combined with mean averaging method. The final potential showed that 32.89% of the lands have good potential for exploiting groundwater resources.The results of the importance factors also showed that the slope, height, and power index were the most important factors. The results of this research can serve as information bases for planners and local authorities to evaluate, plan, manage, sustainably use and synthesize groundwater resources in the future. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
16 - Evaluation of the efficiency of artificial intelligence and bivariate statistical models in determining landslide prone areas in West Azerbaijan
Azad Aram Mohammad Reza Dalalian Siamak Saedi Omid Rafieian Samad DarbandiBackground and Aims: Landslide is one of the natural hazards that lead to a lot of human and financial losses. Researchers on the subject of landslide susceptibility are investigating the possibility of landslides with respect to topographic and geo-environmental condit MoreBackground and Aims: Landslide is one of the natural hazards that lead to a lot of human and financial losses. Researchers on the subject of landslide susceptibility are investigating the possibility of landslides with respect to topographic and geo-environmental conditions, and the obtained information is critical in landslide risk management Preparation of landslide sensitive points is an essential tool for assessing landslide risk and is very useful in better planning and management of these areas. In this research, models based on artificial intelligence and two statistical variables in determining landslide sensitive points in West Azerbaijan province have been studied and compared.Methods: Methods based on artificial intelligence and two statistical variables were used to prepare landslide-sensitive points in the province of West Azerbaijan, which is located in northwestern Iran. This study was conducted in four stages. The first stage: the study of landslides in the studied region based on the database of the Forests, Rangelands and Watershed Organization of Iran (FRWO) and the identification of 110 landslides through field surveys, interpretation of aerial photographs and Google Earth satellite images, the second stage: data collecting and creating a spatial databases of effective factors, the third stage: applying the Frequency Ratio (FR), Shannon Entropy (SE), Bagging (BA), Random Forest (RF) and hybrid model (RF-BA) and stage four: methods validating using the system performance curve (ROC). Based on field surveys and similar studies, 12 factors affecting landslide occurrence including altitude, slope angle, slope direction, distance from fault, distance from river, distance from road, drainage density, road density, rainfall, soil, land use and lithology were identified. In the field survey, 110 landslides were identified in West Azerbaijan. 70 percent of the data were randomly selected and used for modeling and 30 percent of the data were used for validation.Results: In terms of geographical directions, the southern direction with a weight of 1.49 had the greatest impact on the occurrence of landslides in the province. The least weight was related to flat areas where no landslide occurred. The results of slope factor showed that the middle slopes had the greatest effect on the occurrence of landslides, so that in low slopes due to low gravity, less landslides occur and too much slopes were related to mountainous areas that were covered with rocks and there was very thin soil that is not suitable for landslide. The study of land use factor showed that 48 percent of landslides occured in agricultural areas. The results showed that most of the landslides occurred near rivers and faults. Also, in some areas, the closest distances to the road had the greatest risk of landslideConclusion: The results of this study showed that the artificial intelligence models (RF and the combined model RF-BA) had the higher efficiency than the statistical models (FR and SE). The accuracy of the combined models was higher than the single models. The ROC curve results showed the accuracy of 0.92, 0.91, 0.89 and 0.88 with RF-BA, RF, FR and SE models, respectively. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
17 - Modeling Soil Organic Matter Distribution Using Remote Sensing and Random Forest Model and Kriging in Lenjan County
Fatemeh Shiranitabar Mozhgan Ahmadi NadoushanBackground and Aim: Soil is one of the most important natural resources that provides more than 97% of human food needs. Soil organic matter (SOM) is an important soil quality factor that greatly affects soil’s physical, chemical, and biological properties. Modeli MoreBackground and Aim: Soil is one of the most important natural resources that provides more than 97% of human food needs. Soil organic matter (SOM) is an important soil quality factor that greatly affects soil’s physical, chemical, and biological properties. Modeling and mapping of soil properties are critical in many environmental, climatic, ecological, and hydrological applications. The main objective of this study is to model the distribution of soil organic matter and organic carbon using satellite images and random forest and kriging models in Lenjan County.Method: In this study, digital maps of four main soil parameters including soil organic carbon, soil organic matter, electrical conductivity, and pH are prepared using random forest and Kriging methods in Lenjan County. Based on homogeneous land units, a total of 110 points in the study area are determined, and in these points, samples are taken from a depth of 0 to 30 cm of soil surface. Sampling is done in July 2021 and Sentinel-2 satellite images are acquired from the same month because better information is available this month due to fewer clouds and increased direct reflection from the soil surface. In addition, 16 environmental variables affecting the distribution of soil parameters are used. Various auxiliary variables such as NDVI, NDWI, DEM, and Slope are used for prediction, which are all directly or indirectly extracted from satellite images.Results: The maps obtained by the random forest method showed more accuracy than the kriging method. The zoning map prepared using the random forest method displays much more details than the map prepared by kriging method. The output of the random forest model with the combination of different auxiliary variables showed values equal to 0.312, 0.54, 0.73 and 0.16 of the modeling error for soil organic carbon, organic matter, electrical conductivity and pH, respectively. In the study area, the maximum values of soil organic carbon and organic matter were observed in urban areas and the highest values of electrical conductivity and pH were observed in agricultural lands. The most important variables affecting the spatial distribution of organic carbon and soil organic matter are clay, slope and silt. While in modeling electrical conductivity, silt BI and Aspect and in modeling pH, MNDWI, NDWI and DEM variables are recorded as more important than other variables.Conclusion: In general, this study demonstrates that land use regression models based on random forest method can help mapping soil parameters faster and more efficiently. There is a strong need for efficient and accurate methods, including land use regression, for continuous monitoring of changes in soil quality in different landscapes. Land use regression contributes developing advanced maps of soil quality parameters using cost-effective and accessible spatial information. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
18 - Evaluation of Time Series Analysis Based on Wavelet Function on River Flow Simulation
Vahed Eslamitabar Ahmad Sharafati Farshad Ahmadi Vahid RezaverdinejadIntroduction: Using the values analyzed by the wavelet function can increase the accuracy of the simulations. Considering the climatic changes and the increase of extreme values in recent years, in this study, we made an effort that the effect of signal processing under MoreIntroduction: Using the values analyzed by the wavelet function can increase the accuracy of the simulations. Considering the climatic changes and the increase of extreme values in recent years, in this study, we made an effort that the effect of signal processing under the name of wavelet transformation in improving the performance of random forest model in simulating monthly river flow in Siminehrood and Mahabadchai sub-basins in the south of Lake Urmia has been discussed and investigated in the period of 1971-2019. Materials and Methods: In this study, the accuracy of the random forest model has been investigated in two steps of training and testing. At first, the random forest model was evaluated in two phases of training and testing in rainfall-runoff simulation in the south of Lake Urmia basin. Nash-Sutcliffe statistics and root mean square error were used to evaluate the performance and error rate of the studied models, respectively. In the next step, after investigating the performance of the random forest model, the time series of rainfall and river flow in the studied basins were analyzed using the wavelet function. In this regard, two analysis levels (level 1 and 2) and two Haar and Daubechies wavelet functions were used. Finally, using the random forest model, rainfall-runoff simulation based on the wavelet theory was done under the name of W-RF model. Results and Dissection: At First, the random forest model was investigated in two phases of training and testing, and the simulation results of the river flow values showed that the simulated values were within the 95% confidence interval, and the error rate of the river flow simulation using the RMSE statistic is 3.22 and 8.91 cubic meters per second in the test phase for Mahabadchai and Siminehrood sub-basins, respectively. In order to investigate the effect of time series analysis on the performance of the RF model, wavelet theory and Haar and Daubechies 4 wavelet functions were used in decomposition levels 1 and 2. By estimating the accuracy and performance of the hybrid W-RF model in 4 input patterns, the best pattern was selected based on the RMSE and NSE model evaluation criteria. The research results showed that for the Haar wavelet function in level 1 decomposition has better performance and error rate than level 2 type in both sub-basins. In this study, the Daubechies wavelet at level 1 in the test phase has provided the best performance and the lowest error rate in the simulation of the river flow values in the studied sub-basins and has been able to reduce the error rate in the two sub-basins of Mahabadchai and Siminehrood respectively by about 89 and 80 percent compared to the random forest model. Conclusion: Finally, by comparing the RF and W-RF models, the simulation results of river flow in the two studied sub-basins showed that the integrated W-RF model was able to reduce the error rate in the two sub-basins of Mahabadchai and Siminehrood to reduce by 89 and 80% respectively. Considering the increase in simulation complexity with the involvement of wavelet theory, the error recovery rate and model performance are acceptable. The integrated W-RF model in this study provides reliable results for the simulation of river flow data in order to support decision-making and risk analysis in the exploitation of downstream reservoirs and the management of water resources in sub-basins. The obtained results can be used in the design of water resources systems. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
19 - Investigation of Height-Diameter Models in Different Development Stages of Unmanaged Beech Forest(Case Study: Educational and research forest of Kheirud)
Vahid Alijani Manouchehr Namiranian Jahangir Feghhi Omid Bozorg-Haddad Vahid EtemadBackground and Objective: Height Measurement of all trees in a forest or forest stand is almost impractical. For this reason, today different researchers prefer to estimate the tree height by the relationship between the DBH and height of trees. Method: In this study, MoreBackground and Objective: Height Measurement of all trees in a forest or forest stand is almost impractical. For this reason, today different researchers prefer to estimate the tree height by the relationship between the DBH and height of trees. Method: In this study, to fitting different statistical models in different stages of forest development, after field inspection, three one hectare sample plots located in different development stages in Beech forest of Kheirud forest, Natural Resources Faculty in Tehran University were selected. Then the DBH of 251 trees have been measured randomly and 80 percent of trees were used for modeling and 20 percent were used to validate 22 regression models. In order to determine the best model for each of development stages, R2, E, MBE and NMPE criteria were used. Findings: The results of this study indicated the suitability of Rational Function and Weibull models in initial stage, Modified Exponential in optimal stage and Gompertz and Richard models in Decay stages. Discussion and Conclusion: Based on the results of this study it can be concluded that different regression models doesn’t have the same ability in fitting the data of DBH and height of different forest stands and the same model can’t be used to fit the data of DBH and height of different forest stands. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
20 - The effect of secondary forest roads on leaf area index and canopy cover in a logged beech-hornbeam forest (Case study: district 1 of Langa forestry project, Kelardasht)
Afshin Arjmand Hadi Kiadaliri Farid Kazemnezhad Majid Es-hagh NimvariBackground & Objective: In order to quantify the response of canopy to environmental changes, leaf area index (LAI) and canopy cover characteristics are used, which are known as canopy photometric characteristics. Road construction in the forest, will change the pho MoreBackground & Objective: In order to quantify the response of canopy to environmental changes, leaf area index (LAI) and canopy cover characteristics are used, which are known as canopy photometric characteristics. Road construction in the forest, will change the photometry characteristics of the canopy. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the LAI values and canopy cover along the secondary forest roads and compare with the value of mentioned characteristics in the Beech-Hornbeam forest type.Material and Methodology: This study was conducted in district 1 of Langa Forestry Project in Kelardasht. In the logged parcel, 10 transects were established randomly and perpendicular to the road at fillslope was constructed on 1984. On July 2019, the canopy was photographed by hemispherical photography at distances of zero (road edge), 15, 45, 75 and 105 meters. Then, the values of the mentioned characteristics were processed in GLA software based on the fourth ring of this software.Findings: According to the ANOVA test, the values of canopy cover and LAI are different between different distances of forest roads and according to the Tukey test, the values of the mentioned characteristics at the distance of zero meters from the road (road edge) is significantly lower than other distances (p < 0.001).Discussion and conclusion: Due to the fact, this road is one of the secondary forest roads, so traffic is rare on this road, and on the other hand, a single selection cutting method (with low interference intensity) was used in this forest. Therefore, the forest in this area over time has been able to mitigate the negative effects of road construction and only at the road edge has a significant effect on the values of these characteristics. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
21 - Effect of protection on carbon sequestration and some edaphic properties of soil in Tang Dalab Forests in Ilam
Sara Yari Ali RostamiBackground and Objective: Land use change causes perturbation in the ecosystem and can influence the C stocks and fluxes. In particular, conversion of forests to agricultural ecosystems, grazing lands and recreational places affects various soil properties especially so MoreBackground and Objective: Land use change causes perturbation in the ecosystem and can influence the C stocks and fluxes. In particular, conversion of forests to agricultural ecosystems, grazing lands and recreational places affects various soil properties especially soil organic carbon (SOC) concentration. The objective of this study was to investigate and compare the amount of carbon sequestration and edaphic properties of soil in both grazed and 30-year-old protected forest habitats in Tang Dalab forests in Ilam province. Method: To deactivate the topography variable, soil samples were taken from two areas of grazed and protected sites according to the same topographical conditions of geographical aspect, height and slope. In each area, 30 soil samples were taken from a depth of 0-30 cm using the randomly-systematically method. Findings: The results showed no significant difference between the percentage of lime, acidity (pH) and soil texture in the two areas. Moreover, bulk density, particle density, electrical conductivity (EC), total nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), exchangeable potassium (K), organic carbon (OC%), organic matter (OM%) and carbon sequestration (SOC) were found to be significantly different (95%) in the two areas statistically. Discussion and Conclusion: Comparison of the edaphic properties of soil in grazed and protected sites showed a significant difference among most of the studied factors. Also The amount of soil carbon sequestration is higher in the protected forest area (60.03 ton/ha) than in the grazed forest area (41/17 ton/he). Finally, two authentic regression models with R2=0.995 and R2=0.998 were obtained in the protected and the grazed areas, respectively, for estimating soil carbon sequestration. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
22 - Investigating Some Chemical Soil Properties in the Pollarded and Less-disturbed Forest Stands in the Northern Zagros (Case study: Baneh forest, Kurdistan)
Jian Rahimi Kyumars Mohammadi Samani Naghi Shabanian Mohammad Shafi RahmaniBackground and Objectives: A Northern Zagros oak forests have been pollarded since a long time ago and finally they have been destroyed by forest dwellers. This study was aimed to investigate the effect of pollarding on some soil chemical properties. Method:& MoreBackground and Objectives: A Northern Zagros oak forests have been pollarded since a long time ago and finally they have been destroyed by forest dwellers. This study was aimed to investigate the effect of pollarding on some soil chemical properties. Method: Two adjacent oak forest stands with similar physiography were selected including a less-disturbed area (as control stand) and pollarded stands that it periodically pollarded once every three years. 10 composite soil samples under the tree crown have been taken from 0-15 cm soil depth of each area. Finally, soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, C/N ratio, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, pH and EC were analyzed. Findings: The results showed that all soil factors had significant differences in theses area except magnesium and C/N ratio. The amount of calcium and pH increased in pollarded area compare with control while soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and EC decreased. Discussion and Conclusion: The results of this study showed that preservation of trees and stop pollarding trees in control area can produce a better soil condition compare with pollard stands. People use trees foliage to feeding livestock by oak pollarding in this forest so that these pollarding activities of local dwellers can reduce the amount of soil organic matter content and soil nutrient reserves. The decreasing of soil nutrient reserves will be very harmful to conserve the soil fertility and productivity. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
23 - Effect of protection on quantity and quality characteristics of Persian oak (Quercus macranthera C. A. Mey) in Roudbar forests of Guilan province
Ali Naghi Seddighi Chafjiri Iraj Hasan Zad Navroudi Kambiz Taheri Abkenar Hassan PourbabaeiBackground and Objective: Quercus macranthera is extended in forest areas of the upper elevations in north of Iran and play an effective role in conserving soil and water infiltration. The biggest problem in the regions is livestock grazing and forest dwellers. The aim MoreBackground and Objective: Quercus macranthera is extended in forest areas of the upper elevations in north of Iran and play an effective role in conserving soil and water infiltration. The biggest problem in the regions is livestock grazing and forest dwellers. The aim of this study was to study effects of protection on the quantity and quality characteristics of Persian oak(Quercus macranthera) in Roudbar forests of Guilan province. Method: In total, 40 plots of 1000 m2 (20 plots in protected area and 20 plots in unprotected area) were collected using randomized systematic method and grid sampling of 100 × 100 m. In each plot, number and type of tree and shrub species, diameter in breast height, height, crown position and trunk quality were measured. Also, a micro-plot of 100m2 in center of plots was used to calculate regeneration. Findings: The results showed that density of trees, the average of diameter at breast height, total basal area, plant height, volume and regeneration were significantly were higher in protected than unprotected areas. There were no differences in other tree species. Density of barberry (Berberis vulgaris L.), Crataegus microphylla K. Koch and cherry plum (Prunus divaricata) were significantly higher in unprotected than protected area. Also, quality of crown and trunk were better in protected than unprotected area. Study of diameter classes in structure triangle showed that protected area located in irregular section and degraded area located in small-medium diameter section. Discussion and Conclusion: As Quercus macranthera trees play an important role in upper parts of the forest, maintaining this valuable species and continuity programs of livestock and human emersion is essential. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
24 - Forest types studying using ecological indices (Case study: Maroon side of Behbahan)
Elahe Hekmatzadeh Reza Basiri Shahram Yousefi Maleehe MozayyanBackground and Objective: Sustainable management of renewable natural resources has special importance and sensitivity in Iran. Identify elements of the forest including forest types, is the most consistent way to manage natural resources and especially forests. River f MoreBackground and Objective: Sustainable management of renewable natural resources has special importance and sensitivity in Iran. Identify elements of the forest including forest types, is the most consistent way to manage natural resources and especially forests. River forests are important areas for preserving biodiversity and ensuring the sustainability of the forest ecosystem. On this principle, it is necessary to know and understand the state of the structure of these forests and the types of trees in them and to know the evolutionary process of forest ecosystems before any planning. The aim of this study is forests typing of Maroon riverbank. Material and Methodology: 116 plots were chosen with an area of 100 using a systematic random sampling method with dimensions of grid for the study area. In each plot, tree and shrub species, canopy cover in the area of plot were estimated and recorded according to Braun-Blanquet scale corrected. Various parameters such as frequency, abundance and density were calculated. Through the sum of the above three relative parameters, the IVI index was obtained for each species. In order to compare the degree of similarity between types, Sorenson's similarity index was used. Relative abundance values for each species in pure and mixed types were set on a 10-unit scale and divided into four specific groups. After determining the tree types of the area, their map was drawn through IDW interpolation method in GIS10.1 software. Findings: In pure type, Tamarix ramosissima and Populus euphratica, with the highest and lowest frequency (6.7 and 3.3) are indicated as high and low respectively. In general, three types were found including pure, mixed with two and three species. The most amount of Sorenson similarity index was determined between two types of Tamarix-Populus and Tamarix-Lycium (93%) and also Populus-Tamarix and Populus-Lycium (92%). The lowest similarity index value of 12% to 15% was observed between the Populus-Lysium-Tamarix type with pure Tamarix, Tamarix-Lysium, Tamarix-Populus and Populus-Tamarix types. Minimum and maximum maturity index was obtained for pure types (50%) and mixed types (79%), respectively. Pure types have low maturity and mixed types have high maturity. The maturity index for the entire region was 72%, which indicates high maturity. Discussion and Conclusion: The tree cover of the river forests of Maroon Behbahan were classified into pure and mixed types on a general scale. The number of two pure types of Tamarix and Populus and seven mixed types including four cases of two types and three cases of three types were obtained. Three species (Tamarix arceuthoides, Populus euphratica and Lycium Shawii) are generally important in the creation of regional types. Among the pure and mixed types, Tamarix was recognized as the most abundant species. The great similarity between pure Tamarix, Tamarix-Lycium and Tamarix-Populus types is due to the common and dominant presence of Tamarix in these types. A variety of different types in a limited area represents complex river ecosystems. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
25 - Investigation of the Silviculture Treatment Effects on the Quantitative and Qualitative Characteristics of Infected Stands of Boxwood Blight Disease (Case study district No: 1 Gombol watershed No: 26-Lahijan township)
Maryam Rasooli kambiz taheri abkenar mehrdad ghodskhah daryaee abouzar heidari safari kouchiBackground and Objective: In recent years, blight or boxwood blight, caused by a fungus, has spread from Western Europe to the Hyrcanian forests. In this study, the aim is to investigate the effect of breeding operations that reduce the humidity and temperature of these MoreBackground and Objective: In recent years, blight or boxwood blight, caused by a fungus, has spread from Western Europe to the Hyrcanian forests. In this study, the aim is to investigate the effect of breeding operations that reduce the humidity and temperature of these populations in controlling this disease. Method: For conducting a surface study equivalent to 3 hectares in series 1 of Gombl in Lahijan forests was selected, part of which was intact and as a control and part also had a forestry plan. All trees in two stands by 100% measurement method and variable diameter equal to chest for all species and small variables equal to diameter, collar diameter, height, number of reproductions in three classes as well as qualitative variables of trees Boxwood was recorded and analyzed statistically including the percentage of leaf freshness, branches and crowns of trees. Findings: Based on the results of quantitative variables of canopy diameter, height, cross section and number of regenerations in the height class less than 1.3 m and the vigor of leaves, branches and trunks of boxwood trees in the managed massif were evaluated with better conditions. Only the number per hectare of total reproductive area in the control area was better. Discussion and Conclusion: According to the results obtained in this study, it can be said that management practices in the populations infected with boxwood blight by reducing the moisture trapped under the canopy of trees, prevent the spread of disease and resistance of rootstocks to this disease Increases. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
26 - Species Diversity in Tree Strata and Its Relation to Some Features of Beech Stand in Hyrcanian Forests (Case study: Savadkooh,Mazandaran)
Kambiz Abrari VajariBackground and Objective: Tree species composition is a major feature of forest ecosystems and understanding the major factors that clarify patterns of diversity is an important objective for ecologists. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between MoreBackground and Objective: Tree species composition is a major feature of forest ecosystems and understanding the major factors that clarify patterns of diversity is an important objective for ecologists. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between species diversity in tree layer and some features of beech stand in savadkooh forest. Method: Field data from 24 circular 400 m2 sample plots in the inventory grid of 100 m × 150 m were used in beech stand. For characterizing tree-layer diversity, tree-layer species richness (SR), Shannon–Wiener diversity index and Hill's evenness index were used. Herb-layer species richness (herb-layer SR) was estimated in each plot. Diameter (DBH) and height, also crown diameter in beech trees were measured per sample plot. In addition, litter and humus layer thickness were measured at center and cardinal points of sampling points. Findings: Result showed a total of 7 tree species were recognized in 24 plots. Totally, 23 herbaceous plants belonging to 21 families were found distributing in different plots within forest which higher life form was presented by Hemicryptophytes. There was a significant difference between dominant and co-dominant layers regarding to tree species richness (SR) and Shanon-weaver diversity index (p < 0.01), and higher mean values belonged to the dominant layer. The herb-layer richness correlated significantly with litter thickness, whereas there was no correlation between other factors. SR of tree layer was negatively and significantly correlated with DBH and Height of beech trees and Shanon’s diversity and Hill’s evenness indices of tree layer were negatively correlated with beech frequency. Discussion: In general, it can be stated that the highest indicators of richness and tree diversity are observed in the upper floors of the target population, which can be due to competition, the nature of the tree species. It is recommended in forestry operations, the diversity of tree species in different floor to be considered. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
27 - Providing a habitat model for black male Caucasians grouse (Tetrao mlokosiewiczi) using geographical information system (GIS)
Ebrahim Faridi Dariush NaseriBackground and Objective: The black male Caucasians grouse (Tetrao mlokosiewiczi) is one of the rarest birds in the world. In Iran, it only lives in Arasbaran forests. The black male Caucasians grouse is among the birds included in the IUCN (International Union Conserva MoreBackground and Objective: The black male Caucasians grouse (Tetrao mlokosiewiczi) is one of the rarest birds in the world. In Iran, it only lives in Arasbaran forests. The black male Caucasians grouse is among the birds included in the IUCN (International Union Conservation Nature) red list. It means that, it is in danger of extinction. Therefore, the importance of recognition and conservation of the habitat for this rare species is significantly clear. Method: In this study, relying on 10-year field observations by experts, habitat model map for this bird was made using geographical information system. Among the obtained-by-GPS points that the black male Caucasians grouse had been seen, some points were selected randomly. Then by overlaying them with altitude, slope, aspect, density of forest cover, plant species types and climate maps, the habitat model map of the black male Caucasians grouse was prepared. Findings: To test the developed model, all of the points obtained in field observations were overlaid with the made. The results show the high accuracy of the prepared habitat model. The results also show that the black male Caucasians grouse lives in the fields with these specifications: dense and semi dense forests, altitude of 2100 to 2400, slope of over 30%, slope towards north, and humid and semi humid climate, where some plant species such as oak, hornbeam, seven cole, nagorno qat and eglantine are abundant. Discussion and Conclusion: Habitats are as one of the most important factors for survival of the species in any environment. Understanding the need of any species can be effective in selecting the suitable habitats to set them free. The capabilities of GIS are very effective in this regard, since by using them in the analyses, a large volume of data can be studied and habitat modeling can be done. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
28 - Investigation of vegetation biodiversity changes in relation to different ecotourism pressure zones (Case Study: Khojir National Park)
Atlas Jirdashtani Mahdi Ramezani Sara Nahibi Nematollah KhorasaniBackground and Objective: Nowadays, ecotourism is very important for managing economic growth as well as preserving the environment and biodiversity in many countries. Ecotourism is one of the most comprehensive aspects of tourism that has a high impact on biodiversity. MoreBackground and Objective: Nowadays, ecotourism is very important for managing economic growth as well as preserving the environment and biodiversity in many countries. Ecotourism is one of the most comprehensive aspects of tourism that has a high impact on biodiversity. Evaluation of biodiversity as an indicator is essential for better conservation of vegetation and species diversity. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of ecotourism on species diversity of Khojir National Park. Material and Methodology: We selected a low-ecotourism pressure zone (100 to 150 m distance from the road) and a medium-ecotourism pressure zone (50 to 100 meters from the road). All plant species were recorded at 36 random plots (1 × 1 m, 1 m2). Biodiversity indicates determine by using PAST and Ecological Methodology software.Findings: According to the results, there was a significant negative relation between statements of questionnaire and age. Relation between willing to certificated products and educational levels was positive significantly. There was not a significant relation between income levels and their wellness to these products.Discussion and Conclusions: knowledge and willing to participate in forest management via certificated forest products purchasing are affected by social other than economic factors. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
29 - Carbon Sequestration and its relation with some Physical and Chemical Characteristics in Soil of Natural Oak Forest and Afforestations in Ilam County
Mona Karami Ali Rostami Mehdi Heydari The effects of forestry on carbon storage as a cost-effective way to reduce global warming have been proven. In our country, especially in the province of Ilam, for the increase of green space per capita of significant areas of susceptible land, different types More The effects of forestry on carbon storage as a cost-effective way to reduce global warming have been proven. In our country, especially in the province of Ilam, for the increase of green space per capita of significant areas of susceptible land, different types of forestry have been affected, but the effects of these forests on soil carbon storage and sequestration have been less studied. In this study, the effects of Tehran pine forest (Pinus eldarica Medw.) And silver cedar (Cupressus arizonica Green.) Along with Iranian oak (Quercus brantii Lindl) Forests on soil carbon sequestration in Choghbaz forest park of Ilam city were investigated. Examine and compare. Also, the relationship between some physical and chemical properties of soil with carbon sequestration of different soils was investigated. Method: to achieve the above goals, 15 of Quercus brantii Lindl. 15 of planted conifer Pinus eldarica Medw and 15 of Cupressus arizonica Green, totally 45 trees were selectes based on random transects and soil samples under the crown of each tree at the same distance from stem (30-50 cm) at 0-30 depth were taken. After transferring the samples to laboratory and the relevant analysis, the amount of carbon sequestration was determined using appropriate formula by organic carbon in the soil samples. Results: The results indicated that soil carbon sequestration of Pinus eldarica Medw. (55.7 ton/ha) was significantly more than Cupressus arizonica Green (39.98 ton/ha) and Quercus brantii Lindl. (29.45 ton/ha). Their economic values for mentioned species were computed 140, 101 and 74 million rial’s respectively. The result of Correlation analysis showed that the percentages of organic matter, nitrogen, electrical conductivity and bulk density were respectively the most important factors for soil carbon sequestration. Conclusion and discussion: based on the obtained results of this study, carbon sequestration potential of different plants species is not the same. Therefore, by identifying the species which have higher capabilities for carbon sequestration and analyzing management factors affecting carbon sequestration, it is possible to advance the programs to revive the lands by carbon sequestration. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
30 - Effect of Land Use Change from Forest to Agriculture and Abounded of Agriculture on Soil Physical and Chemical Properties in Zagros Forest Ecosystem
Masoud Bazgir Mehdi Hydari Nasim Zeynali Mehrdad KohzadeanBackground and Objective: Deforestation and land use change of forests into simple ecosystems is as a global concerning and this problem also increases in Asia during the 20th century.This study aimed to study effect of land use change from forest to agriculture and abo MoreBackground and Objective: Deforestation and land use change of forests into simple ecosystems is as a global concerning and this problem also increases in Asia during the 20th century.This study aimed to study effect of land use change from forest to agriculture and abounded of agriculture on soil physical and chemical properties in Zagros forest ecosystem.Method: We consider similar conditions in terms of physiography by maximum different height in150 m and distancing less than 3 km including undisturbed forest (control), Long-term abounded of agriculture and continues agriculture.Findings: The results of one-way ANOVA showed that all soil physical and chemical properties had significant differences among different land uses. The highest amount of organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium found in control and agricultural abounded. According to PCA analysis, control and Long-term abounded of agriculture land uses were strongly correlated with the same direction of the first and second axis. This means that soil attributes in these land uses were similar.Discussion and Conclusion: Results showed that change in land use from Zagros forest into agriculture had distinguished negative effecton soil physical and chemical properties.By doing long-term protection on degraded soil because of land use change can improve soil properties like forest soils conditions. The monitoring of applied management such as conservation management on soil properties according to the distance of plots studied using principal components analysis is possible. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
31 - Simultaneous Usage of Double-Bounded and One and One-Half Bounded Dichotomous Choices in the Valuation of Sisangan Forest Park
kamal Ataie Solout AhmadAlie KeikhaBackground and Objective: In the last decade, the valuation of public goods has been considerably taken into account. Today, countries which are more likely to consider their economic development consider the tourism industry as a necessity and since naturalism or ecoto MoreBackground and Objective: In the last decade, the valuation of public goods has been considerably taken into account. Today, countries which are more likely to consider their economic development consider the tourism industry as a necessity and since naturalism or ecotourism is one of the major tourist attractions, serious attention is paid to this. The purpose of this study is an investigation of simultaneous usage of Double-Bounded Dichotomous Choices (DBDC) and one and one-half bounded Dichotomous Choices (OOHB) in determining the recreational value of Sysangan Forest Park with contingent valuation method in 2014. Method: For this task, according to the theoretical literature of each choice, a questionnaire prepared for each choice, and necessary information gathered. Then with using Logit model and maximum likelihood method, effecting parameter on the recreation value of park estimated. Findings: According to the results; the annual number of visits, consequence or ethical oriented of visitors and monthly family income of visitors have the significant effect on willingness to pay of visitors for recreation in this park. Expected willingness to pay in DBDS choice is relatively 12.2 percentages more than the similar amount in the OOHB choice. According to the results, the recreational value estimated of Sisangan forest park, with using of DBDC and OOHB choices are respectively 14949 and 11324 million Rial in 2014. Discussion and Conclusion: Although the results of this study can not be described as a general rule, but it can be said that based on the information collected by DBDC and OOHB selections in the studied samples, the model estimated by OOHB selections to In terms of good indicators, the fit is better and the recreational value of the park is more adjusted than the model used by DBDC selection. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
32 - Modeling biomass of coppice Persian oak forests using metrics extracted from aerial laser scanner (LiDAR) data
Farzad Yavari Hormoz SohrabiBackground and Objective: One of the most important active remotely sensed data for quantification of different attributes of forest stands is LiDAR data. A research hotspot in this subject is to estimate forest biomass using different LiDAR derived metrics. Mater MoreBackground and Objective: One of the most important active remotely sensed data for quantification of different attributes of forest stands is LiDAR data. A research hotspot in this subject is to estimate forest biomass using different LiDAR derived metrics. Material and Methodology: Forest biomass was measured in 127 systematically designed 900-meter square rectangular plots in two different sites (dense and sparse sites). LiDAR data was inspected for any possible error. DTM, DSM, and CHM were extracted from LiDAR data and different metrics at plot level were calculated. For modeling, stepwise regression was applied. Findings: Result showed a moderate precision for biomass estimation using LiDAR data in a way that the coefficient of determination and root mean square error (Ton/ha) for biomass estimation of leaves, twigs, branches, bole, and whole tree were 0.58-28, 0.54-23, 0.68-1.35, 0.68-1.53, .65-3.69, respectively. Discussion and Conclusion: Due to high error of determination of tree tips in broadleaves forests especially in coppice stands which have low tree height with irregular shapes; the error of the estimation of tree height using LiDar data is high. Better results demand further researches. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
33 - Evaluation and Analysis of Urban Parks and Eco-tourism Industry and Provided Strategic Plan by SWOT (Case study: Khorshid Park in Mashhad)
Mohammad Hossein Jahangir Mohammad FakurBackground and Purpose:In the past several decades, the ecotourism industry has a special place in the community nature and the environment, sustainable development and local revenues with significant growth. In this article, because of natural landscapes and pristine, MoreBackground and Purpose:In the past several decades, the ecotourism industry has a special place in the community nature and the environment, sustainable development and local revenues with significant growth. In this article, because of natural landscapes and pristine, and also because of the elevated area of clean air and a beautiful view of the city of Mashhad in the evening, the Khorshid forest park has a high potential for tourists attracting. Due to the large area and the local environment, this area has the visitors and tourists such as climbers during much of the year. Used methods:The aim of this paper is to examine the current situation of tourism and ecotourism area from different directions (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) which has created a mechanism to improve the situation. Studies in this paper based on the SWOT matrix analysis and analytic hierarchy process AHP have been done. Findings: According to the scores obtained from the final sum of internal factors, weights of strengths (with a final weight of 3.96) were found to be greater than the weaknesses, which indicates that the strengths of the park were greater than its weaknesses, as well as the existing opportunities, the threats are more that using the opportunities and strengths available to improve the current situation, park tried to provide the satisfaction of tourists more than ever. Discussion and Conclusion:According to calculations made and matrix analysis of SWOT, the Khorshid forest park showed the strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats in the development of ecotourism are more. As a result, the park has a high potential to develop an ecotourism industry that requires planning and management to attract tourists and the nature of the ecological range of the region. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
34 - Ecological Influence of Forest Roads on Biodiversity (Case Study: Zilky Forest Management Plan in Roudbar Province)
Morad Hajipour Farshad Keivan Behjou Ramin Naghdi Zeinab PourGholi Sedighe GhanaeiBackground and Objective: Road construction in forest ecosystems cause the microclimate, light regime to be changed and thus reduce light competition adjacent to the roads that provide the access to solar radiation for a variety of the plants. So the density and stock o MoreBackground and Objective: Road construction in forest ecosystems cause the microclimate, light regime to be changed and thus reduce light competition adjacent to the roads that provide the access to solar radiation for a variety of the plants. So the density and stock of plants around the road is increased by fast-growing and shade intolerant species which changes the diversity of plant species in the forest ecosystem. The aim of this study is to evaluate the ecological effect of forest roads on wooden tree and shrub species in Zilakyrood region of Roodbar.Material and Methods: In this study, a part of forest roads in Series 4 of Zilakirood at the age of 18 was selected in terms of homogeneity of height, aspect and slope changes and species composition status with sufficient length (500 m). In this road, 6 transects were designed and parallel plots were implemented at intervals of 1, 5, 10, 30 and 50 meters, with dimensions of 2 in 10 meters. The number and type of wooden tree and shrub species were sampled. Diversity index of Simpson, richness index of Menhinic and evenness index of Pilow were calculated using Ecological methodology software. To compare the parameters of species biodiversity, after normalization of data, paired t-test was used and to determine whether the differences in sample plots are significant or not, ANOVA and Duncan test was used.Findings: The results of this study showed that a there is no significant difference between downstream and upstream edge of the forest roads in terms of Simpson diversity index, Menhinic richness and evenness Pilow indices (to a depth of 50 m in Forest). But there is a significant difference in terms of wood species richness in plots between various distances of downstream and upstream of roads in the study area at 95% probability. Also, the highest species richness was at the downstream and upstream of roads, respectively at the distance of 5 and 1 meter from the edge of the road.Discussion and Conclusions: Since the roads as the access routes to forest ecosystems are important both for humans and invasive plant species, road ecology studies is very important and valuable to monitor and control the impact of forest roads on biodiversity. So, the knowledge about the flora and edaphic conditions is essential to minimize the damage to vegetation and soil in the region influenced by forest roads. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
35 - Quantitative Analysis of Oak Stands in Relation to the Physiographic traits in le Goran, Kermanshah Province
Ziaedin Badehian Masoumeh Mansouri Niknam SoleymaniBackground and Objectives: In order to identify different types of forest stands, present research was carried out in Ile Goran forest located in Kermanshah province with an area of 430 ha. Method: The number of 84 square sampling plots with the area of 1600 m2 by rando MoreBackground and Objectives: In order to identify different types of forest stands, present research was carried out in Ile Goran forest located in Kermanshah province with an area of 430 ha. Method: The number of 84 square sampling plots with the area of 1600 m2 by random-systematic sampling mehod and random starting point were established in the study area. Woody species and its origin (high forest or coppice) were observed and recorded in the plots. Based on species composition and species origin, forest type classification was done. First, the map of physiographical unit (elevation, slope, aspect) and landform units were prepared in GIS environment. Findings: The results showed that high forest types (including Quercus brantii and Quercus brantii – Pistacia atlantica type seed) have a narrower range of expansion in terms of altitude than other types. Quercus brantii as an indicator species, the species has wide range of elevation. In terms of land slope, Quercus brantii – Pistacia, either high forest of coppice, have a wider range of propagation than other types and is observed in gentle slopes up to 50% slope. Discussion and Conclusion: The results of this study can be used by experts and planners and help to improve the Zagros forests management. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
36 - Effect of Salinity on Viability of Wild Pistachio Seed (Pistacia vera L) in Khajeh Kalat Forest, Iran
Hadi Fadaei Vahid Etemad Gholamhosein MoradiBackground and Objective: The wide area of Iran is effected by salinity. So, study on salinity tolerance of plants are too important. Therefore this study was conducted to investigate effect of salinity on germination and viability of wild Pistachio seed. Method: Seed s MoreBackground and Objective: The wide area of Iran is effected by salinity. So, study on salinity tolerance of plants are too important. Therefore this study was conducted to investigate effect of salinity on germination and viability of wild Pistachio seed. Method: Seed sampling was done randomly and based on land unit map. Before germination test, stratification treatment was performed on seeds for 6 weeks in 4 °C. Germination test was done as factorial and completely randomized deign in tree repetition. After salinity treatments, seed germination, shoot length, root length and algometric ratio was measured. Findings: Results showed that salinity increasing was caused significantly decrease of seed viability, algometric ratio, root and stem length (p < 0.01). Also, increase of salinity in deferent altitude levels was caused significantly decrease of seed viability. Results of algometric ratio in different height and slope classes showed that there was not significant difference in zero salinity level and this ratio was significantly higher in this level comparing to other levels. Discussion and Conclusion: Regarding to results of this research, increase of salinity causing decrease of Pistachio growth and germination. Pistachio seed germination is more in higher altitude, while in some species altitude have opposite effect. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
37 - Studying the Effect of Economic and Social Factors on the Willing to Participate in Sustainable Forest Management Using Sustainability Certification (Case Study Furniture Market Yaftabad - Tehran)
Nastaran Akbarizadeh Rahim Maleknia Ziaodin Badehian Sheyda KhosraviBackground and Objective: Sustainability certification is public participation in sustainable forest management using certificated forest products. So, the investigation of willing to pay of public as key component of this process is first and important step. This study MoreBackground and Objective: Sustainability certification is public participation in sustainable forest management using certificated forest products. So, the investigation of willing to pay of public as key component of this process is first and important step. This study was conducted to Studying the effect of economic and social factors on the willing to participate in sustainable forest management using sustainability certification. Material and Methodology: 400 users of forest products were surveyed using questionnaire. Socio-economic data and opinions about forest certification were gathered. Statistical analyzes were done using correlation, t-test and Kruskal-Wallis test. Findings: According to the results, there was a significant negative relation between statements of questionnaire and age. Relation between willing to certificated products and educational levels was positive significantly. There was not a significant relation between income levels and their wellness to these products. Discussion and Conclusions: knowledge and willing to participate in forest management via certificated forest products purchasing are affected by social other than economic factors. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
38 - Study of Effects of Livestock and Forest Dwellers Exclusion Planning on Regeneration in Fouman Forests, Guilan Province
Mohammad Naghi Adel Ali Naghi SedighiBackground and Objective: Ungulate grazing is the most common land use in the world and one of the most impacting disturbances on species composition together with habitat destruction. The aim of this study was to study effect of livestock and forest dwellers exclusion MoreBackground and Objective: Ungulate grazing is the most common land use in the world and one of the most impacting disturbances on species composition together with habitat destruction. The aim of this study was to study effect of livestock and forest dwellers exclusion on regeneration in Fouman forest in Guilan province. Method: For this purpose, 200 plots (100 plots in the grazed and 100 plots in the non-grazed area) were sampled by a randomized-systematic method with 100 m2 circular plots in the 100×200 meters grid. In each sample plot, regeneration density and quality condition were recorded. Using questionnaires completed by 100 farmers, forest dwellers status was also assessed. Findings: The results showed that there were significant differences between the two areas in terms of natural regeneration, so that regeneration density was more in the non-grazed region than grazed region. Regeneration quality was better in the non- grazed region than grazed region. The plan failed to properly provide the needs of forest dwellers. Discussion and Conclusion: These results indicate that livestock exclusion have positive effects on Fouman forests and natural resource managers can execute and manage this plan in other Iranian north forests with protect the rights of forest dwellers. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
39 - Estimation of Forest Canopy Using Remote Sensing and Geostatistics (Case Study: Marivan Baghan Forests)
Sasan Vafaei Rahim Maleknia Hamed Naghavi Omid FathizadehBackground and Objective: Updated information in quantitative and qualitative properties of forests are useful in describing ecosystem sustainability, and designing management and conservative plans. According to importance of canopy cover parameter in the Zagros region MoreBackground and Objective: Updated information in quantitative and qualitative properties of forests are useful in describing ecosystem sustainability, and designing management and conservative plans. According to importance of canopy cover parameter in the Zagros region and cost and time consuming processes of field measurement methods, in this study performance of remote sensing and geostatistics techniques to estimate forest canopy cover of Baghan region, Marivan city, were investigated.Material and Methodology: First, the number of 89 plots (each 0.1 Hectare) were selected based on random sampling method. In each plot, information of tree crown and center geographic coordinates of that plot were recorded. Remote sensing method was carried out using Landsat satellite images (TM) and multiple linear regression model. After image processing, spectral values of the corresponding field plots were extracted from the original images and synthetic bands composed of vegetation indices and principle component analysis. In geostatistic method, the estimation was performed using ordinary kriging from a fitted exponential model to the semivariogram.Findings: The calculated variograms of canopy cover showed relatively strong spatial autocorrelation fitted by exponential models and cross-validation results showed an unbiased estimation of canopy estimation. Compared with the remote sensing method (with R2= 0/52 and RMSE= 16/47), the results indicated that Kriging model (RMSE= 9.21, R2= 0.69) showed a more accurate estimation of forest canopy cover.Discussion and Conclusion: The results showed that geostatistics techniques can be used as an efficient tool for mapping the forest canopy in the same regions (Zagros Forest). Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
40 - Effect of physiographic factors on seed germination of wild Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) in Khajeh kalat Forest of Mashhad, Iran
Hadi Fadaei Vahid Etemad Gholamhosein MoradiBackground and Objective: Regarding to importance and widespread of wild Pistachio in arid and semi-arid regions and problems of germination, this study was conducted to identify effect of physiography on seed germination of Pistacia vera in Khajeh Kalat Forest, northea MoreBackground and Objective: Regarding to importance and widespread of wild Pistachio in arid and semi-arid regions and problems of germination, this study was conducted to identify effect of physiography on seed germination of Pistacia vera in Khajeh Kalat Forest, northeast of Iran (N 36°54' - 36°64', E 54°35' - 54°45'). Material and Methodology: To do so land unit map was provided and sampling was done based on land units. Then, sampled seeds from 23 sampling unites were transferred to seed physiology lab for operational experiments. After operational experience, germination percent, germination value and mean time to germination for each unit were determined. Findings: The results showed that germination percent of pistachio seeds has had significant positive correlation with altitude, but hasn’t had significant correlation with slope and aspect (p<0.01). Correlation between germination value and altitude wasn’t significant, while slope and aspect have had significant correlation with germination value (p<0.01). Discussion and Conclusion: Regarding to results, germination percent in high altitudes was more than low altitudes. Germination value in law altitude and 0-30 percent slope was more than other aspects and slopes. Seeds that were collected from north and south aspects and above 60 percent slope have had more germination value than other aspects and slopes. Mean time to germination for east aspect and 30-60 percent slopes were less than other aspects and slopes. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
41 - Simulation of the impact of pest outbreak and forest harvesting on stand mixture in the Hhyrcanian forest (Case study: Lireh Sar forests, Tonekabon)
Mehdi Vakili Zahed Shakeri saeid motahari Maryam Farahani Zachary Robbins Robert SchellerBackground and Objective: Species composition are affected by disease outbreaks, pest outbreaks, and harvesting. In the Hyrcanian forests, alder brown leaf beetle is among the most common biological disturbances, which along with timber harvesting can alter its species MoreBackground and Objective: Species composition are affected by disease outbreaks, pest outbreaks, and harvesting. In the Hyrcanian forests, alder brown leaf beetle is among the most common biological disturbances, which along with timber harvesting can alter its species composition. The present study aimed to simulate the species composition of the Hyrcanian forest at stand level under the mentioned natural and anthropogenic disturbances. Material and Methodology: Using random-systematic sampling with a circular plot within a 200*200 grid, 667 plots (1000 m2) were sampled for evaluating the current state. A LANDIS-II landscape change model was used to simulate the study area under different scenarios for 5-years’ time periods over 100 years. Findings: By accelerating the removal of pure hornbeam stands from the landscape, biological disturbance is likely to increase the mixture of tree composition by allowing Carpinus-Diospyros and Carpinus-Parrotia to replace them. Similarly, tree harvesting will also create the same situation by establishing mixed broadleaf and Alnus-Carpinus forest types. In the presence of biological disturbance and tree harvesting, diversity peaked so that the highest mixture stands were produced by scenario of alder brown leaf beetle in the presence of tree harvesting. Discussion and Conclusion: When biological disturbance occur, Caucasian alder species that host this pest can be preserved by implementing appropriate harvest management techniques and creating a more mixed forest ecosystem. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
42 - Performance of Revised Gash Model for Estimating Rainfall Interception in a Robinia pseudoacacia plantation during the leafed and leafless periods
Sina Ziaye Shendershami Ameneh Mianabadi Seyed Mohammad Moein SadeghiBackground and Objectives: Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the revised Gash model in estimating interception by a Robinia pseudoacacia (L.) stand during the leafed and leafless periods in Chitgar Forest Park. Material and Methodology: A circular plot with an ar MoreBackground and Objectives: Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the revised Gash model in estimating interception by a Robinia pseudoacacia (L.) stand during the leafed and leafless periods in Chitgar Forest Park. Material and Methodology: A circular plot with an area of 0.5 ha in Chitgar Forest Park was selected and rainfall, throughfall, and stemflow were measured for two years (from 22 December 2013 to 21 December 2015). Then, the amounts of canopy and trunks ecohydrological parameters were calculated, and finally, the efficiency of the revised Gash model for estimating interception was evaluated. Findings: In this study, the mean amount of rainfall interception in the leafed period (12.7%) was significantly higher than the leafless period (9.7%). The determination coefficient (R2) value between the estimated interception values and the measured in the leafless period was higher than in the leafed period. Based on all model evaluation metrics, the performance of the revised Gash model in estimating interception in the leafless period was better than in the leafed period. Discussion and Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, the Revised Gash model showed good ability in estimating interception during the leafless period, and a probable reason for the high estimation error of the model in the leafed period is the lack of direct measurement of the canopy percentage parameter. Accurately determining the amount of interception, as a canopy water loss, contributes significantly to the planning and decision-making process of forest managers and water resources managers for selecting the appropriate species for plantations. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
43 - Economic Evaluation of Pistachio and Wild Almond Forest Ecosystem with Conditional Valuation Approach Based on Rural and Nomadic Society (A Case Study: of Baft County)
shoja mousapour Ebrahim Moradi Yalda RazaghiBackground and Objective: Forest ecosystems show the most important values of natural assets. Low and unfavorable valuation of forests and considering them as free goods leads to inefficient allocation and mismanagement of forests. Wild pistachio and wild almond forests MoreBackground and Objective: Forest ecosystems show the most important values of natural assets. Low and unfavorable valuation of forests and considering them as free goods leads to inefficient allocation and mismanagement of forests. Wild pistachio and wild almond forests are among the most important forests in Kerman province. The purpose of this study is to estimate the conservation value of wild pistachio (Pistacia terebinthus) and wild almond (Amygdalus scoparia) forests and the average household willingness to pay using socio-economic factors, environmental inclinations and tourist perspective. Material and Methodology: This study has evaluated the economic evaluation of forests using the logit binary model with a two-dimensional double conditional valuation approach. Data were collected using 172 questionnaires from rural and nomadic communities and Excel 2013 and Nlogit 5 software were used to estimate the model. Findings: The results showed that socio-economic factors such as age, education, income and proposed amount, as well as environmental inclinations and tourist attitudes are factors affecting the conservation value and protection of this forest ecosystem and also the attitude of society. The location of the forests was positive and thought-provoking. The average willingness to pay protection value by numerical integration method was estimated to be 16059.09 Tomans per month for each household in the year 2019. Discussion and Conclusion: Factors such as young age (youth), high-income household, higher education, environmental inclinations and tourism perspective are among the factors affecting the protection and importance of forests. Regional policymakers and planners are encouraged to pay special attention to young people participating in forest development and conservation projects, as well as development and environmental programs in In order to increase income and increase environmental awareness and culture in their plans. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
44 - Land use changes predicition in Zagros forest areas based on Markov Chain Model
Ali Qaderian Naser Ahmadi SaniBackground and Objective: Today, due to increasing population growth and land use changes and its impact on the environment, monitoring and modeling land use changes is one of the main prerequisites for optimum use of land and achieving sustainable development. The purp MoreBackground and Objective: Today, due to increasing population growth and land use changes and its impact on the environment, monitoring and modeling land use changes is one of the main prerequisites for optimum use of land and achieving sustainable development. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and predict the spatial and temporal dynamics of land use in the county of Sardasht, in order to obtain basic information for planning in line with sustainable forest management.Material and Methodology: Data from the Landsat 7 images (+ETM) 2003, and Landsat 8 (OLI) 2015 were analyzed. The Maximum Likelihood algorithm has been used to mapping the land use for the years. The analysis of the change dynamics using traditional Markov Chain and Cellular Automata was predicted for the next 25 years.Findings: The overall accuracy of classified images in 2003 and 2015 was 89% and 94%, respectively, and the Kappa coefficient was 0.87 and 0.92. The results showed that during the period, bout 7% of the forest area has decreased and the agricultural lands has increased by 72%. According to the Markov transmission probability matrix the classes most affected by these changes is the forests and rangelands that changed to agricultural and residential.Discussion and Conclusion: Changes in the extent of forests until 2040 show that the area of forests will decrease continuously. The results of current study could provide quantitative information, which represents a base for assessing the sustainability in the management of Zagros forest ecosystems and for taking actions to mitigate degradation. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
45 - Investigation of soil chemical properties of Ramsar Bineshki forests in the altitude range of 400 to 1700 meters
ahmad barfi hamid payam Mir Mozafar Falah CHaiBackground and Objective: Awareness of the condition of soils in forest areas and the study of the effects of various activities on soil properties is very important and effective in forest management. Soil properties change under the influence of various environmental MoreBackground and Objective: Awareness of the condition of soils in forest areas and the study of the effects of various activities on soil properties is very important and effective in forest management. Soil properties change under the influence of various environmental factors such as altitude. The aim of this study was to investigate soil indices at altitudes of 400 to 1700 meters above sea level in a series of Benshaki forest area in Ramsar city in Mazandaran province. Material and Methodology: For sampling soil variables in each altitude floor, 3 sample plots of 400 square meters at intervals of 100 meters from each other were identified. Findings: Soil samples were taken from 0-10 and 10-30 cm depths. Soil properties measured include sand content, clay content, nitrogen content, potassium content, carbon and organic matter content and soil pH. Discussion and Conclusion: The result of this study showed that the effect of altitude on soil characteristics (percentage of sand, percentage of clay, percentage of nitrogen, potassium, percentage of carbon and organic matter and soil pH) is significant in different altitude classes (P ˂). Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
46 - Quantitative and qualitative evaluation of one and five regions of urban forests in Tehran
maryam daghestani sara kalhori nina rajaeiBackground and Objective: An important achievment to urban stability is enjoyment of healthy and wellbeeing environment and having enough green space. While the urban forests do the best performance among different groups of green spaces, therefore, evaluating of this t MoreBackground and Objective: An important achievment to urban stability is enjoyment of healthy and wellbeeing environment and having enough green space. While the urban forests do the best performance among different groups of green spaces, therefore, evaluating of this topic, is one of the important methods for solving of environmental problems.Material and Methodology: This study will pay attention to check of the quantitative and qualitative status and comparison of two regions of Tehran with the goal of obtaining information for the conservation and optimal development of green space. Collecting the data, were conducted through the field operation and systematic randomly sampling. Totally, 83 plots in two regions have been determined. Then, descriptive indices, adaptive tables of statistical tests for assessing and comparing of quantity and quality of trees in these two regions have been used.Findings: The results indicated that there was a significant difference in the crown cover of urban forests between two regions with no significant difference in other traits. Results showed buttonwood (Platanus orientalis) had highest frequency within two regions. There was a positive and significant correlation between traits like, plots with height, diameter at breast height, main collar diameter, number of tree in plot and number of roots.Discussion and Conclusion: While there weren't any difference between succulence of trees in two regions, results showed the highest level of freshness in regions 1 were obtained by oak (Quercus macranthera), white berry (Morus alba) and Poplar (Populus nigra) and in 5 regions regarding to acacia (Robinia Pseudoacacia) and trees of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) were respectively. Therefore, the species listed for the development of urban forests in these areas can be investigated. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
47 - Spatial pattern of Populus euphratica Oliv. using K, L, G and J functions in Maroon, Behbahan
Maryam Maasoumi baba Arabi Reza Basiri Mostafa Moradi Bahman KianiBackground and Objective: Recognition of spatial pattern of plant species is essential to check the canopy position, regeneration, forest dynamics and identify biological relationships in an ecosystem. One of the main goals in analyzing the spatial pattern of trees in f MoreBackground and Objective: Recognition of spatial pattern of plant species is essential to check the canopy position, regeneration, forest dynamics and identify biological relationships in an ecosystem. One of the main goals in analyzing the spatial pattern of trees in forest ecosystems is to discover more meaningful relationships between trees and their environment. For this purpose, special analytical methods are used to quantify the spatial pattern of plant communities. The aim of this study was to determine the spatial pattern of Populus euphratica Oliv. using various K, L, G and J functions and the ability of these functions in determining details spatial pattern of the species in riparian forests of Maroon, Behbahan. Material and Methodology: Two stands of Populus euphratica including Pure and mixed were studied and callipered. Position (distance and azimuth) of all individuals with DBH larger than 5 cm was set. Spatial pattern of Populus euphratica in both pure and mixed stands was determined using Ripley's K function, L, G and J functions. For explanatory analysis in analysis of point statistics, the assumption test of complete randomness of points was considered. The usual hypothesis test in point analysis statistics was applied based on simulation tests such as the Monte Carlo significance test. This test was repeated 999 times so that the probability of the first type of error is at least close to 5%. Also, in order to check the homogeneity and heterogeneity of the studied areas, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used, and R software (Var3.2.2) was used to analyze the distribution pattern. Finds: The results related to the analysis of the spatial distribution pattern of the Populus using Ripley's K function in the pure stand indicate that the distribution pattern of the Populus up to a distance of approximately 150m is clumped and from this distance onwards, the pattern has changed to randomness and then to uniformity. A significant clumped pattern can be seen in the mixed stand up to a distance of about 125m. The results of the analysis of the heterogeneous L function in the pure stand show the spatial pattern of the field up to a distance of about 150m, a significant clump. In the mixed stand up to a distance of 125m, the pattern is aggregated and from this distance onwards, the pattern changes towards randomness and then significantly towards uniformity. The inhomogeneous function G in the pure stand of Populus up to a distance of about 100m shows a clumped pattern with a low slope. In the mixed stand of Populus from the initial intervals onwards, the curve with a low slope indicates a medium aggregated pattern. The value of the J index in the pure stand is equal to 1 up to a distance of about 30m, and the uniform state curve shows the existence of a random pattern up to this distance. The value of the index is less than 1 from the distance of 30 to about 75m with an almost steep slope, which indicates a relatively strong clumped pattern. In the mixed stand, the value of the index is less than 1 up to a distance of about 60m, with a steeper slope, and shows a strong clumped pattern. Results and Discussion: All functions for two stands have confirmed similar results which are clumped up to a distance of about 100 meters. The J function provided more detail of the spatial pattern. Generally, the functions endorsed a type of ecological dependency between the Populus euphratica individuals. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
48 - Compression of Tree Species Indices in the Darabkola Forest, Mazandaran
Hadi Bahmany Iraj Ataei Aghil Moradmand JalaliOne of the most important ideas in forest management is maintaining and developing of biodiversity.Biodiversity measuring is one of the most difficult works, time consuming, high cost and in thiscontext; there is not exist comprehensive and standard recipe toward biodiv MoreOne of the most important ideas in forest management is maintaining and developing of biodiversity.Biodiversity measuring is one of the most difficult works, time consuming, high cost and in thiscontext; there is not exist comprehensive and standard recipe toward biodiversity measuring. Thisstudy has been accomplished in order to preserve of biodiversity in Darabkola forests (area 280 ha)with measuring tree species diversity in two geographic aspects (northern and southern). In order toinvestigate of tree, eighteen plots (1000 m2), were taken by a systematic random sampling method.Values of species diversity was calculated using Simpson, Shanno - wiener and species richnessMargalef, Menhenich and evenness (Pit and Hill) indices at each plot. Species diversity, speciesrichness and evenness indices Value maximum, at north and southern aspects is related to Shanon-Viner, Margalef and Hill indices, respectively. Results indicated that species diversity indices atnorthern aspect is more than southern aspect, but richness species indices was the same in the bothaspects. For northern and southern aspects Pit and Hill indices were higher respectively. Also resultsindicated that species diversity indices and evenness have significant correlation with together, butthere wasn’t a significant correlation within species diversity indices and evenness. As a result,evenness indices have higher effect to increase biodiversity in comparison with richness. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
49 - Analytical Hierarchy Process of Land Potentiality for the Forest Roads Optimizing Path Tracing in terms of enviromental (Case Study; Seri Dallak Kheil)
Sareh Hosseini S. Ata ollah Hosseini Majid Lotfalian Aidin ParsakhooBackground and Objective: Forest roads network in forestry plans have main and basic role in the forest management, conservation and recovery. In this research the ability of GIS and AHP in production of road-use map in Dallak kheil forest of Sari with an area of 1521.8 MoreBackground and Objective: Forest roads network in forestry plans have main and basic role in the forest management, conservation and recovery. In this research the ability of GIS and AHP in production of road-use map in Dallak kheil forest of Sari with an area of 1521.89 hectare (without villages in study area) was investigated. Method: In this study, for finding a suitable method for optimal routing forest roads and finding environmentally optimal variant of GIS and AHP technique was used. According to effective factors on road planning such as slope, slop direction, soil, geology, stock growth per hectare, hydrology, landscape and conserved species, a questionnaire was provided and then the idea of the experts about forest road planning and relative importance of factors was collected. The factors were weighted in Expert choice (EC) software via pair wise method.Then based on weights, the maps of mentioned factors were overlaid and land capability map with four classes of most unsuitable, unsuitable, suitable and most suitable was produced. Different variants of forest road were designed on land capability map using Arc GIS 9.3 software and divider method. Finally, the status of designed road network and existing road was compared using Backmund and nearest route method. Findings: Analysis of effective factors in the design based on the road design profesionals and forest roads, showed that standard slope with 0.254 relative weight, have the highest points and the outlook with relative weight 0.052 has the lowest points. Discussion and Conclusions:The result of the comparsion betwwen the existing network with five new variants in terms of environmental considerations indicated that the second variant is the best variant due to the passing of the most sutibel areas (19.7%) and unsutibel (21.5%) in compared to the existing road and other variants. Also The second variant whit 62/72 cover persentage in compared to other variants and existing roads in terms of environmental performance were selected as variants better. The Chi square test was used to compare the most suitable variant with existing road. Results showed that the designed road network was significantly better than that of existing road, regarding pass from suitable area. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
50 - Diversity of Vegetation in Pardisan Forest Park and Climatic Adaptation of its Dominant Species in the Region
Nematollah khorasani Farideh Atabi Maryam AfashariBackground and Objective: The relation between a climate and its vegetation cover is a function of special condition. Climate is considered as one of important ecologic factors and has the most important effect on quality and quantity of vegetation cases. Selection of p MoreBackground and Objective: The relation between a climate and its vegetation cover is a function of special condition. Climate is considered as one of important ecologic factors and has the most important effect on quality and quantity of vegetation cases. Selection of plants per improvement and recovery of each region should be simple implemented based on the knowledge of that region concentration of special species of each region is determined by three factors namely temperature, precipitation and humidity, which today are named as biological variables. The goal of this study was to investigate diversity of vegetation in Pardisan forest park and climatic adaptation of its dominant species in the region. Method: In this research by collection of tremendous species of vegetation coverage of Pardisan Park, preliminary recognition of vegetation cover and collection of information such as their names, growth forms, dispersion and application in the land landscape was done. Given the Pardisan Park management didn't have any statistical data of the numeral and position of hand planted plants. The general location and areas of prevailing species of the park was determined and was marked on the map of the park by using GIS software. The frequency of each gens and of each family were ordered by each software. In next step after getting the information and statistics and the values of climate logical parameters related to geophysical station from meteorological organization, we studied them and analyzed their relation to the survival of prevailing species of the park. Results: Climatology and ambrotermic diagrams and curves were plotted based on climatic parameters and finally echo gram curves of dominant vegetation cover of Pardisan Park were analyzed based on climatology parameters. Conclusion: Results show that, given that there is no significant difference in the micro climate of different areas of the park, factors such as microclimate, soil, direction and amount of access of plants to water resources play the most important role in the diversity of vegetation even of Pardisan forest park. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
51 - The study of Environmental Factors in Pteridium Aquilinum (L.) Kuhn Dispersion
Nazanin Yadollahi Nematollah Khorasani Asadollah Mataji Vahid Etemad Elmira Kazemi JahandiziIntroduction: Ferns and their species are mostly found in wetting zones, for this reason the forests located at the northern side of Iran are considered as a suitable provenance for their growing up. Some studies have been conducted on Pteridium Aquilinum (L.) Kuhn in I MoreIntroduction: Ferns and their species are mostly found in wetting zones, for this reason the forests located at the northern side of Iran are considered as a suitable provenance for their growing up. Some studies have been conducted on Pteridium Aquilinum (L.) Kuhn in Iran, but no comprehensive research has yet been done in the field of environmental factors effective on their dispersion. This research aims to study the environmental factors effective on dispersion of this specie of Pteridium Aquilinum (L.)Kuhn in different heights of Hirkani Forests. The present research has been done in the northwest side of Golestan National Park. Methodology: Some plots containing Pteridium Aquilinum (L.) Kuhn have randomly been selected in various heights of the area under studying, and then the soil and other available plant species were sampled on field and random basis. After registration of the available data, the soil of the center of the sample plot was sampled with a depth of 30 cm. Then the correlation between environmental variables and flora was specified using Principal Components Analysis (P.C.A) and the treatments were compared by Multiple Range Duncan - Tukey Analysis in SPPS environment. Conclusion: The flora was classified using (TWINSPAN) analysis and consequently two ecologic groups were categorized. Some key species were introduced in each group and the result of (TWINSPAN) analysis is matrix 62 species and 18 plots measuring 100 Sqm. (P.C.A) results show that groups have properly been separated based on soil fertility and dispersion of ecologic groups in the area under studying are influenced by chemical properties or fertility conditions of the provenance. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
52 - Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the execution of Forest Principles in the northern forests of Iran
Naser Moharamnejad Amir MafiDuring the earth summit in 1992, countries developed a series of principles for sustainable exploitation of forests. These principles are the first global consensus on sustainable forest use; however, they are not legally binding. The present study aims to determine the MoreDuring the earth summit in 1992, countries developed a series of principles for sustainable exploitation of forests. These principles are the first global consensus on sustainable forest use; however, they are not legally binding. The present study aims to determine the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the execution of Rio Forest Principles in Caspian forests, northern forests ofIran, from 1992 to 2002. This goal was pursued through studying forest developments as well as analyzing the schemes performed by theIranianForest, Rangeland and Watershed Management Organization against Forest Principles. As the authority of Caspian forests, this organization performs many schemes and projects to conserve, preserve and recover forests. The results of the study show that this organization has achieved set standards in this regard. Statistics show that there has been a growth in the number of rangers and in the equipment for the protection of Caspian forests; however, the figures regarding the occurrences of fires, log smuggling and overgrazing prove that such growth has not been sufficient. Persistence of livestock in the forests, persistence of scattered pastoral households, depletion of forest area, lack of non-log production, lack of participation on the part of the young generation and women, log smuggling and unwise log exploitation, lack of NGOs awareness of Forest Principles, and lack of attention to the customs, culture and knowledge of the local community are among the weaknesses and threats of executing Forest Principles in the country’s northern forests. Meanwhile, efficient performance of schemes pertaining to recovering and protecting forests and forest utilization under the supervision of Forest, Rangeland and Watershed Management Organization of Iran, persistence of plenty of environmental NGOs in Gilan, Mazandaran and Golestan provinces, existence of a national equivalent for Forest Principles, cooperation of forest residents who deal with forest utilization, and courses for forest users and watershed residents are some of the strengths and opportunities of executing Forest Principles in the northern forests of Iran. Considering the above-mentioned issues, the following managerial approaches are proposed: to improve public efficiency (public participation); to increase international participation in forest management (technical and financial cooperation); to improve local educational plans in order to emphasize environmental considerations; to improve environmental and natural resources institutes; and to establish environmental database. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
53 - Status and change detection of Mangrove forest in Qeshm Island using satellite imagery from 1988 to 2008.
Shahram Jafarnia Jafar Oladi Seyed Mohammad Hoojati Khosro Mir Akhor LooIntrodoction: The Qeshm Island Mangrove forests are located at southern coast of Iran, near the highest latitude of Mangrove in Southeast of Asia. Due to the importance of all aspects of mangrove forest and to prompte it as one of the most significant world ecosystems t MoreIntrodoction: The Qeshm Island Mangrove forests are located at southern coast of Iran, near the highest latitude of Mangrove in Southeast of Asia. Due to the importance of all aspects of mangrove forest and to prompte it as one of the most significant world ecosystems the ever increasing destruction of thease natural resources, it is essential to preserve, restore and develop thease forest in Iran. Material & Method: In this study, mangrove forest areas were determined for 1988, 1998 and 2008; then, the changes were detected by comparing satellite data related to two periods of 1988-1998 and 1998-2008 in the northwest of Qeshm Island. Result & diction: The results showed that over the past two decades, significant changes have occurred in this area. In the first period, the total forest area increased from 5160.52 ha in 1988 into 5308.32 ha in 1998, i. e., the forest area had developed 181.7 ha (about 5/3%) during 10 years. In other words, the annual average growth rate of these forests was 0.35 percent, equivalent to 18.7 ha per year during that 10 year period. In the second period, the forest area of developed from 5308.32 ha in 1998 into 5512.7 ha in 2008, i. e., the forest area has been developed 204.4 ha, (3.8 %) in the second period 10 year. In other words, the annual average growth rate of the forest 0.38 percent (20.4 ha) per year during the second period. In this study,the main factor for the development of area has been causes natural regeneration and in cases of Afforestation mangrove forests in these areas. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
54 - Investigating the effect of environmental variables on distribution of three woodpecker species (Black woodpecker, Great spotted woodpecker and Green woodpecker) in Shast Kolateh Forest, Gorgan
Soroor Karimi Hossein Varasteh Moradi Hamid Reza Rezaei Mojtaba GhadimBackground and Objective: Forests are considered as important sources of biodiversity around the world. Nowadays, forest ecosystems have the most important protective role. The forest ecosystems are the main habitat for many wildlife species that among them we can refer MoreBackground and Objective: Forests are considered as important sources of biodiversity around the world. Nowadays, forest ecosystems have the most important protective role. The forest ecosystems are the main habitat for many wildlife species that among them we can refer to the diverse species of the birds, including woodpeckers. Woodpeckers are considered as the indicator of the forest bird biodiversity. The elevation and forest structure are the most important environmental variables that affecting the woodpecker distribution. Method: In this study, three elevation classes were selected in the Shast Kolateh forest, namely 0-400 m containing parottia- carpinus- quercus forest type, 400-700 m including carpinus- parottia and parottia carpinus forest type, and 700-1000 m wherein beech trees were considered as the dominant species. The bird sampling was conducted using point count sampling procedure. The woodpecker species and the number of all observations in relation to each species in each of 103 sampling plots were recorded in summer and autumn. Findings: The results of CCA ordination graph for three different woodpecker species with environmental variables and elevation showed that the most abundance of Black and Green woodpecker was occurred in 700-1000 m and 400-700 m a.s.l, respectively. Furthermore, there was no significant relationship between the abundance of Great spotted woodpecker and elevation. Discussion and Conclusion: The results revealed that the Great spotted woodpecker and Green woodpecker are more flexible in habitat selection and Black woodpecker unlike to the other woodpecker species is a dependent species to the forest habitats with beech cover type and mature forest structure, so it is essential to control severe exploitation of such habitats. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
55 - Soil organic carbon and soil organic carbon pool in the managed and unmanaged beech-hornbeam stand
Maryam Moslehi Hashem Habashi Ramin Rahmani Hormoz Sohrabi Khosro SaghebtalebiBackground and Objective: In the present study the impact of silviculture activities on soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil organic carbon pool (SOCP) in the mixed beech-carpinus forest located in district one of Shastkolate forest, Golestan province, was investigated. M MoreBackground and Objective: In the present study the impact of silviculture activities on soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil organic carbon pool (SOCP) in the mixed beech-carpinus forest located in district one of Shastkolate forest, Golestan province, was investigated. Method: In the first month of growth season in 2014, from 4 one-hectare treatments, 80 soil samples were randomly collected (up to depth of 20 cm) for organic carbon and coarse fragments estimation and 80 soil sample cylinders were collected for bulk density measurement. Treatments were 3 managed forests (selection system) in time periods of 1, 7 and 10 after the last disturbance and 1 unmanaged forest (control). Amounts of SOC and SOCP in different treatments were compared by one-way variance analysis. Findings: Result showed that the amounts of SOC and SOCP in 4 treatments were different significantly (p< 0.05). Also the highest and the lowest SOC and SOCP were observed in the control and managed treatment 1, respectively. Correlation of soil properties was investigated using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Organic matter, bulk density and fragments had negative correlation (p< 0.01). Control forest, managed treatments 1, 2 and 3 absorbed 280.021, 124.046, 143.497 and 181.298 ton CO2 from atmosphere to store 76.3, 33.8, 39.1 and 49.4 ton carbon in soil in one hectare (0-20 cm), respectively. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
56 - Optimal short-term prediction of initial supply yields using bat and random forest algorithms
hosein rostamkhani behroz khodarahmi Azita JahanshadThe purpose of this study is to predict short-term stock returns in initial public offerings using random bat and forest algorithms. In this study, companies that were listed on the OTC market of Iran for the first time during the period 1394 to 1399 were selected as a MoreThe purpose of this study is to predict short-term stock returns in initial public offerings using random bat and forest algorithms. In this study, companies that were listed on the OTC market of Iran for the first time during the period 1394 to 1399 were selected as a statistical sample. MATLAB software was used to analyze the data. Two scenarios were proposed to test the hypotheses. The first scenario was considered as annual and the second scenario as 6 years. Financial data with 11 factors: short-term market return, short-term return on new stock, market trends, company age, company size, annual sales, return on assets, return on equity, initial public offering price, operating profit, Cash flow from operations as influential factors and excess return of the offered share relative to the influential operating market entered the algorithms as input assumptions to predict the optimal amount. The results obtained from the bat algorithm indicate that the bat algorithm was able to provide better performance in predicting short-term stock returns in initial public offering in both scenarios and is not much different. While the results of accuracy in predicting the random forest algorithm in the second scenario compared to the first scenario has increased by about 12%. It can be concluded that the use of emerging bat and jungle algorithms in predicting short-term returns can help investors in predicting maximum returns and selecting the best stocks based on a precise and accurate pattern. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
57 - Predicting the factors affecting on the transfer (Migration) of value Firms with financial health in the Tehran Stock Exchange by using the nonlinear algorithm of random forest
Majid Rahmani Zadalh Fathi Mir Feiz FallahshamsThe purpose of this research is to investigate the factors affecting the transfer (migration) of value companies with financial health in the Tehran Stock Exchange and provide a model in this regard. In order to make better decisions and also to innovate, this research MoreThe purpose of this research is to investigate the factors affecting the transfer (migration) of value companies with financial health in the Tehran Stock Exchange and provide a model in this regard. In order to make better decisions and also to innovate, this research was conducted only on companies that have financial health based on the Black, Scholes and Merton model. The statistical population of this study is all companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange between 2012-2019. So we have used all the eligible companies. Therefore, we have used all the eligible companies; in general, 701 healthy companies have been used in this research. First portfolios were formed in the years 2012 to 2019 and then value shares were identified between different years.The present study provides a model for predicting stock value transfer using a nonlinear algorithm of random forests. Based on the results, it can be acknowledged that using historical information; we can suggest factors for modeling the value transfer. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
58 - Economic-recreational valuation of Koohestan forest park of Kermanshah using Zonal Travel Cost Method (Z.T.C.M)
Sohrab Moradi Saleh MahmoudiBackground and Objective: Nowadays, regular evaluation of recreational and non-market benefits of environmental resources is necessary so that those positive aspects be combined into politics and planned decisions. The main goal of this research is economic-recreational MoreBackground and Objective: Nowadays, regular evaluation of recreational and non-market benefits of environmental resources is necessary so that those positive aspects be combined into politics and planned decisions. The main goal of this research is economic-recreational valuation of Koohestan forest park-Kermanshah using the zonal travel cost method.Materials and Methods: Collecting quantitative and qualitative data, visiting the park, preparing questionnaires and analysis of the findings using Excel software have been the main principles of the related research. Validity and reliability of the questionnaires were approved by the scientific board members of Payame Noor University and Cronbach alpha coefficient respectively.Results: Investigating the monthly income level of visitors showed that there is a high correlation between this variable in one hand and the number of days of visiting the promenade and also willingness to pay the entrance fee on the other hand. The results also showed that the level of education also plays an important role in attracting tourists such that the largest number of visitors was literate people. Reviewing of the carried out studies over Koohestan Forest Park showed that the highest number of visitors (48%) were in the age range of 20-35 years.The high recreational value of Koohestan forest park, which was calculated in the spring and summer of 2016, was equal to 727045380 rials.Discussion and Conclusions: The results indicate the need for more attention and the development of a comprehensive plan of tourism development for forest parks that can be an effective tool in planning and managing developmental projects. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
59 - Prelude on Estimation of Carbon Reserves in Beech Forests of Northern Iran
Mohadeseh Ghanbari Motlagh Sasan Babaie Kafaky Asadollah Mataji Reza Akhavan -
Open Access Article
60 - Mangroves Responses to Projected Sea-Level Rise Due to Impact of Climate Change
Hana EtemadiBackground and Objectives: In this study, we reviewed the state of knowledge of mangrove vulnerability and responses to predicted climate change impacts. It would be complex and difficult to identify response to sea level rise, increasing temperature and precipitation p MoreBackground and Objectives: In this study, we reviewed the state of knowledge of mangrove vulnerability and responses to predicted climate change impacts. It would be complex and difficult to identify response to sea level rise, increasing temperature and precipitation pattern changes. Mangrove ecosystems are expected to exhibit a synergistic response to a combination of the climatic, anthropogenic and natural impacts Methods: Among all climate change impacts, relative sea-level rise may be the greatest threat to mangroves. Tidal gauge renege and the rate of sediment supply are the most important factors in mangroves forest response to the sea level rise. Results: If the compensation factors like surface sediment elevation augment did not work, mangroves seaward might depredate. On the other hand, the larger tide range in an area would result the lower mangrove damage. These responses would relate to the site-specific topographic properties which could determine possibility of mangrove landward migration. Most of the mangroves responses to the impact of climate change will be site-specific, also it would be impossible to extrapolate these responses from one place to other places. Discussion and Conclusion: Some of the adaptation measures in coastal areas against the climate change impacts include designing coastal defense systems such as embankments, planting and constructing mangrove forests, building flood facilities, retreating from the shoreline and managing the new shoreline, mapping risk and warnings and awareness to residents. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
61 - Management and the amount and density of woody debris at the West forests of Guilan Province
Farshad Keyvan Behjou Farshid Aghayari Sajad GhanbariBackground and Objective: Large woody debris is found at the most of the forest ecosystems. This woody debris provides commercial uses and living opportunities for organisms. Therefore, its existence reduces species extinction in the forest ecosystem. This debris is con MoreBackground and Objective: Large woody debris is found at the most of the forest ecosystems. This woody debris provides commercial uses and living opportunities for organisms. Therefore, its existence reduces species extinction in the forest ecosystem. This debris is considered as a source of wood in Iran because of shortage wood. The aim of this research was to study the effects of three slope classes including low slope (0 to 20%), moderate (20 to 40%) and high slope (>40%) and management regimes on the amount and density of woody debris at the western part of Guilan forests. Material and Methodology: Data were collected from three managed parcels and three unmanaged parcels using linear sampling method on lines with a length of 100 meters and a network of 200×200 meters. The measured variables including diameter and length of woody debris at the different slope classes were compared using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) to determine which of the treatments were statistically significant. Findings: The results showed that with increasing slope, the amount and density of large woody debris increased. The average large woody debris in low, moderate and high slopes was 2.65, 3.13, and 5.54 cubic meters per hectare, respectively. We observed a significant difference among slope classes in terms of amount of woody debris. Also, the average density of large woody debris on low, medium and high slopes was 869, 852 and 2176 cubic meters per hectare, respectively. Higher slope, higher amount and density of woody debris. At the low slope class, the amount of woody debris was similar at two management regimes. The amount and density of large woody debris in the managed forests was more than these in the unmanaged forests. Discussion and conclusion: The quality of large woody debris at the grade one of quality at the managed forest was more than unmanaged forest. This study will provide information about the amount and density of woody debris at the different slope classes and management regimes. Awareness of the amount of woody debris will help planners and decision makers to optimize their management. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
62 - Investigating of characteristic and contexts of agroforestry system development
Hamid Karimi Gholamhossein Karami S. Mohammadjavad MousaviIn a broad sense Agroforestry means combination of different fields of agriculture including forestry, farming and animal husbandry that is an effective strategy for achieving poverty alleviation, food security and improving the environment through sustainable productio MoreIn a broad sense Agroforestry means combination of different fields of agriculture including forestry, farming and animal husbandry that is an effective strategy for achieving poverty alleviation, food security and improving the environment through sustainable production of agricultural products. Agroforestry is a multipurposemanagerial technique around forests particularly Zagros woodlands which not only reduces thehuman pressure on natural resources, but also increases the land efficiency in order to accomplish the sustainable developmentof social forestry plans. In this study, the required information was gathered by triangulated method like reviewing of records and evadible documents, direct observation, and interviewing local community;and then the history and possibility of agroforestry systems development in Kamfiroz region, Marvdasht County were investigated. The results suggest that according to the favorable climate conditions, an agroforestry program that includes planting fruitful trees and medicinal herbs can be established. Designing a systematic plan and its continuous monitoring can result in improving of land ecological status, conservation of soil and water resources and enhancement of farmers’ economic ability and activity motivation. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
63 - Effects of livestock and forest dweller exclusion on natural regeneration in Abbas-Abad forest, Mazandaran province
Majid Tohidy Javad Jalali Farshad Yazdian Mohammad Naghi Adel Roghayeh Jiroudnezhad Mohammad Reza Azarnoosh Javad Sadegh KuhestaniOne of the main destruction factors in north forests is grazedby animals that destroys plant species. Hence, evaluation of livestock exit planning has been done at series 2 from Kazemrood area in Mazandaran province. In this paper, density of the regeneration was measur MoreOne of the main destruction factors in north forests is grazedby animals that destroys plant species. Hence, evaluation of livestock exit planning has been done at series 2 from Kazemrood area in Mazandaran province. In this paper, density of the regeneration was measured in degraded and protected areas in three height class less than 0.5 m, 0.5 m to 1.3 m and more than 1.3 m and three distance of sampling center 10 m, 20m and 30 m and in four main direction for inner comparison. Results of this study showed that in more distances, the regeneration is increased; also, density in class of more than 1.3 m and western direction had higher density and southern direction had minimum density. The comparison of the regeneration within two areas in three height classes revealed that there are significant differences between them. This means that the livestock emersion planning has been increased density of regeneration. Institutions and organizations are required legally carry out their duties and be directed and controlled through a coordinating headquarters. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
64 - Comparative study of the possibility estimation of some structural quantitative attributes of Caspian forests using Radar and integrating Radar and Lidar data
Mehrsa Yazdani Shaban Shataee Joibari Jahangir Mohammadi Yaser MaghsoudiThe purpose of this study was to compare the estimation of the structural attributes of stand volume, basal area, and tree stem density per hectare of the Caspian forests using Radar data and integration of Radar and Lidar data in some parts of the district I and II the MoreThe purpose of this study was to compare the estimation of the structural attributes of stand volume, basal area, and tree stem density per hectare of the Caspian forests using Radar data and integration of Radar and Lidar data in some parts of the district I and II the ShastKalateh forest in the Golestan province. Forest structural data were measured and computed from 307 circular plots. The required pre-processing and processing was performed using raw data of Radar (2009) and Lidar (2011), and the corresponding values of sample plots were extracted on all Radar and Lidar derived indices. The modeling was performed using extracted Radar features as individual and also using Lidar and Radar extracted features as integrated with the non-parametric random forest algorithm in 75% of samples. The modeling validity was performed using 25% of the remained samples by absolute and relative root mean square error (RMSe) and Bias. The percentage RMSe and the Bias values using Radar data were obtained form stand volume (44.09% and -0.99%), basal area per hectare (35.72% and -3.15%) and tree stem density per hectare (42.73% and 3.52%), respectively, and using the integration of Radar and Lidar data for stand volume (37.23% and 0.76%), basal area per hectare (31.37% and -3.14%), and tree density per hectare (36.44% and 0.95%). The results showed that the integration of Radar and Lidar data could improve the estimates, especially in the stand volume, compared to using Radar data as individually. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
65 - Evaluation of RapidEye satellite data for estimation some quantitative structure variables in the Caspian forests of Gorgan region
Noureddin Noorian Shaban Shataee Jahangir MohamadiEstimation of quantitative forest attributes is important for its applications in order to understand the forest condition and performance. The aim of this study was the estimation of some quantitative forest attributes (stand volume, basal area, and tree stem density) MoreEstimation of quantitative forest attributes is important for its applications in order to understand the forest condition and performance. The aim of this study was the estimation of some quantitative forest attributes (stand volume, basal area, and tree stem density) using the RapidEye satellite data (2011) and non-parametric algorithms in the part of Hyrcanian forests in the Gorgan region. For this purpose, 418 plots each with an area of 1000m2 were established using a simple random sampling method. In each plot, information including a position of plot center, diameter at breast height of all trees and height of selected trees were recorded. Based on which the standing volume and basal area per ha were derived. A RapidEye image was processed by different synthetic bands derived from rationing, principal component analysis, texture analysis, and Tasseledcap, and the pixel gray values corresponding to the ground samples were extracted from spectral bands. These were further considered as the independent variables to predict the Quantitative characteristics. Modeling was carried out based on 75% of sample plots as training set using K-Nearest Neighbor, support vector machine, and random forest methods. The predictions were cross-validated using the left-out 25% samples. The results showed Random forest comparatively returned the best estimates for stand volume, basal area and tree stem density with root mean square error of 39.83%, 29.71%, and 50.11% and relative bias of 0.01, 1.69 and 2.11 as well, respectively. The results of this study also showed that due to the heterogeneity and density of Caspian forests, RapidEye satellite spectral data have a moderate ability to estimate the quantitative forest attributes. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
66 - The effect of digital preprocessing and modelling method on estimation of aboveground carbon stock of Zagros forests using Landsat 8 imagery
Amir Safari Hormoz SohrabiThe aim of this study, was to evaluate the effectiveness of different preprocessing methods and modeling techniques on the accuracy of aboveground carbon stock estimates in two forest stands with different degradation levels (Gahvareh forest and SarfiruzAbad), in Zagros MoreThe aim of this study, was to evaluate the effectiveness of different preprocessing methods and modeling techniques on the accuracy of aboveground carbon stock estimates in two forest stands with different degradation levels (Gahvareh forest and SarfiruzAbad), in Zagros forests in Kurdistan province. Comparison of different digital pre-processing methods on Landsat 8 images was carried out in different scenarios of radiometric, atmospheric, topographic and their combination. In each scenario, we used four modeling methods included linear regression, generalized additive model, random forest, and support vector machine. In most cases, radiometric correction with improved correction coefficient was 0.71 (R2adj =0.71) and the root means square error of 30% (RMSe% =0.30) was outperformed. Comparison of four modeling methods indicates the lower accuracy of estimates in the SarfiruzAbad area with more degradation severity (R2adj =0.58) compared to the less damaged Gahvareh area (RMSe% =0.74). The random forest method for Gahvareh area and linear regression and a generalized additive model for SarfiruzAbad provides better results, respectively. However, our findings showed that selection of suitable preprocessing and modeling method have a noticeable effect on the accuracies of characteristics estimates in forest ecosystems by Landsat imagery. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
67 - Predicting the effects of climate change on the distribution of mangrove forests in Iran using the maximum entropy model
Raziyeh Ghayoumi Elham Ebrahimi Farhad Hosseini Tayefeh Mostafa KeshtkarSpatial modelling of distribution in the plant communities apply for predicting potential habitat areas and protecting species and determining the factors affecting their distribution. The study purpose is to determine the potential distribution of mangroves in Iran und MoreSpatial modelling of distribution in the plant communities apply for predicting potential habitat areas and protecting species and determining the factors affecting their distribution. The study purpose is to determine the potential distribution of mangroves in Iran under climate change. In this study, occurrence records for Avicenia marina as dominant species were collected and MaxEnt modeling was used to predict the distribution of mangrove forests. The result showed the most suitable areas for the mangrove distribution under current climatic conditions are the Oman Sea coasts and the eastern coast of the Persian Gulf from Gwadar Bay to the northern coasts of Qeshm Island and Nayband Bay in the southern part of Bushehr Province. In the year 2050, habitat suitability based on the RCP2.6 and RCP8.5 scenarios, on the eastern coasts of the Persian Gulf and the Oman Sea, will increase. Both current and future climatic conditions, the northern coasts of Bushehr Province and the coasts of Khuzestan Province were not defined as suitable habitats. The results can apply for the conservation plan and mangrove planting. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
68 - Land subsidence susceptibility modeling using random forest approach (Case study: Tasuj plane catchment)
Davoud Mokhtari Hamid Ebrahimy Saeed SalmaniLand subsidence occurrence in the Tasuj plane might become more frequent and hazardous in the near future due to its relationship with the water crisis and drought periods. In order to mitigate the damage caused by land subsidence, it is necessary to determine the susce MoreLand subsidence occurrence in the Tasuj plane might become more frequent and hazardous in the near future due to its relationship with the water crisis and drought periods. In order to mitigate the damage caused by land subsidence, it is necessary to determine the susceptible or prone areas. The purpose of this study is to produce land subsidence susceptibility map based on the random forest approach to land subsidence occurrence data and eleven environmental variables that have significant influence on land subsidence occurrences (altitude, slope, aspect, distance to drainage line, drainage density, distance from the fault, topographic wetness index, land cover, lithology, groundwater level and decline in groundwater level) were used as inputs of the random forest model. The random forest approach was applied to produce the land subsidence susceptibility map. The performance of the model was assessed using the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve and the area under the curve (AUC). The model results indicate the accuracy of 0.86. Based on the result of the mean decrease accuracy method, the most important conditioning factors were groundwater level, distance from the fault, and a decline in groundwater level, respectively. According to the result, about 18% and 11% of the study area was located within high to very high susceptibility classes. The result of this study can be used by stakeholders and local authorities to mitigate related hazards of land subsidence occurrences in the study area. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
69 - Studying changes in heat islands and land uses of the Minab city using the random forest classification approach and spatial autocorrelation analysis
Mohamad Kazemi Ali Reza Nafarzadegan Fariborz MohammadiThe purpose of this study was to assess the impact of the land use changes in the Minab city on the variations in the urban heat islands (UHI), using the random forest classification method and spatial statistics on TM and OLI Landsat images in 1988, 1998, 2008 and 2018 MoreThe purpose of this study was to assess the impact of the land use changes in the Minab city on the variations in the urban heat islands (UHI), using the random forest classification method and spatial statistics on TM and OLI Landsat images in 1988, 1998, 2008 and 2018. First, land surface temperature (LST) was calculated using the split-window and the single-channel algorithms. Land use map was generated using supervised classification random forest method and its performance was assessed by two criteria of overall accuracy and kappa coefficient. In order to survey spatial autocorrelation and clustering, pattern of hot spots, the two statistics of Anselin Local Moran's I and Getis-Ord GI were applied. In 1988, land uses of vegetated, barren, and urban built-up lands were occupied 30.1, 32.53 and 37.37 percent of the city area, respectively; in 2018, the areas of these land uses were 16.36, 9.56 and 74.08 percents, respectively. A threefold and twice-fold decrease in the area was observed for barren and vegetated lands, respectively; while the area of urban built-up lands had more than doubled. The calculated values for urban-heat-island ratio index (URI) in 1988, 1998, 2008, and 2018 were 0.45, 0.34, 0.11, and 0.22, respectively. The outcomes of two considered spatial statistics indicated the clustering, pattern for UHI of the Minab city. In addition, there was a good agreement between the results of Getis-Ord GI statistic (hotspots spatial analysis) and the Local Moran's I statistic (spatial autocorrelation) on the spatial pattern of heat and cool clusters. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
70 - Using the bootstrap approach for comparing statistical modeling methods to estimate remotely-sensed aboveground biomass in Zagros forests
Amir Safari Hormoz SohrabiBackground and ObjectiveConsidering the increasing importance of forest ecosystems in climate change mitigation projects, reliable and cost-effective methods are required to estimate the aboveground biomass (AGB). Common methods used to estimate the aboveground bi MoreBackground and ObjectiveConsidering the increasing importance of forest ecosystems in climate change mitigation projects, reliable and cost-effective methods are required to estimate the aboveground biomass (AGB). Common methods used to estimate the aboveground biomass (AGB) include in-situ measurement, the biomass calculation using aalometric equations and using remote sensing techniques. Remote sensing has been widely used to estimate the biomass of forests in recent decades.The used statistical modeling method is one of the most important factors to use remotely-sensed data for estimation of the aboveground biomass. A large number of researches have been carried out about using the modeling methods. However, these studies face the following different challenges: 1) no modeling method has been recommended as the best method 2) the performence of these modeling methods is affected by forest type, the forest structure, and the present disturbance intensity 3) the performance evaluation and the comparion of the results of these methods were done by using goodness-of-fit test and cross-validation methods. The purpose of this study is to considering the role of choosing statistical modeling methods to estimate remotely-sensed aboveground biomass, the current study was conducted to investigate nine statistical modeling methods including linear regression (LR), generalized additive model (GAM), random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), boosted regression tree (BRT), k-nearest neighbor (kNN), cubist regression (CR), Gaussian process model (GPR), multivariate adaptive regression spline (MARS) using bootstrap process and 1000-repeated 10-fold cross-validation approach to estimate the aboveground biomass of Zagros forests using Landsat 8 images. Materials and Methods The cuurent study was conducted in Kermanshah forests which is mostly dominated by oak species trees (Quercus spp.) and is located in western Iran on the Zagros Mountains. Zagros forests are generally sparse and open and comprise approximately 20% of Iran’s area and 40% forest regions of Iran. In order to conduct this study, two forest regions with different levels of human disturbances were chosen; SarfiruzAbad region with highly degraded (HD) forests, and Gahvareh forest region with minor degradation (MD). Geographical coordinates of SarfiruzAbad and Gahvareh regions are 33º57′-34º04′N / 47º03′-47º17′E & 34º21′- 34º24′N / 46º16′-46º23′ E respectively. The Leaf area index (LAI) map derived from the Landsat images based on a global model was used to collect field-based sample plots in both regions of the study. Both regions were divided into three low, moderate and high Leaf area index (LAI) strata, and the locations of the sample plots were located by using a systematic inventory at the intersections of a 200m×200 m grid in each stratum. 124 georeferenced square plots of field-based sample plots (63 plots in Gahvareh region and 61 plots in SarfiruzAbad region) with 30m×30m dimensions the same size as a Landsat 8 image’s pixel were collected. Allometric equation developed for oak tree in Zagros forests was used to calculate the amount of the aboveground biomass of each individual tree or sprout-clump. The allometric equation used in this study uses two vertical tree crown diameters to estimate the amount of the biomass of each individual tree or sprout-clump. The sum of the amount of the biomass of each individual tree in sample plot was used to calculate the amount of the biomass plot in sample plot level at a ton per hectare. Our study regions were located in a frame of Landsat 8 images (path/row:167/36). A cloud-free Landsat image relating to 19th Mordad 1394 (10th August 2015) relating to the time when the tree canopies are completely closed and near to the date of land inventory was downloaded from earthexplorer.usgs.gov site. Based on the previous studies, the pre-processing of the used image comprising the radiometric and topographic corrections was done.using C method. To estimate the aboveground biomass in the study areas by using remote sensing, 38 spectral variables including band values, simple band ratios, vegetation indices and common linear transformations like tasseled cap and principle component analysis were extracted from the used Landsat 8 image. Generally, the efficiency of nine different statistical modeling methods including parametric methods (Linear Regression, LR), semiparametric (Generalized Additive Model, GAM), and nonparametric Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), K-nearest neighbor (KNN), Boosted regression trees (BRT), multivariate additive regression splines, cubist regression (CR), and Gaussian processes regression/model) were compared in order to estimate aboveground biomass. To assess the models, two common quality statistics: (i) determination coefficient and (2) root mean square error via 10 fold cross validation repeated 1000 times approach were calculated. This number of repeats helps to ensure an acceptable assessment of robustness of the results. Results and Discussion The measuredstatistical characteristics of the field sample plots showed that the mean aboveground biomass of SarfiruzAbad and Gahvareh regions were 12.6 ton/ha and 20.5 ton/ha respectively. ANOVA indicated significant differences between modelling methods (treatment effect: p< 0.001) for both R2 and RMSPE calculated in 1000-time repeats using 10-fold cross- validation.The Cubist modeling method with the mean determination coefficient of 0.61 outperformed other methods in SarfiruzAbad region.These resultsfor Gahvareh region showed better efficiency of linear regression (LR), generalized additive model (GAM), and k-nearest neighbor (KNN) with the mean determination coeffieient of 0.87.The multiple comparisons of different models by using Tukey test concerning RMSE showed that in SarfiruzAbad region, cubist method with the mean of RMSE 3.3 ton/ha and kNN and RF methods with the mean of RMSE 5.8 ton/ha had a significant difference in comparison to the other methods. Totally, the results of the research revealed the suitable efficiency of Landsat 8 image for AGB estimation in Zagros forests. The acceptable results are due to the low AGB in our study regions that did not reached the saturation point as one of challenges of using optical images like Landsat. The other results of this research is the assessment of the effiecieny of modeling method in order to increase the accuracy of the estimation of remotely-sensed aboveground biomass.Unlike the results of the previous studies, linear regression yielded better results compared to nonparametric methods that can be due to the presence of the linear relationship between aboveground biomass and spectral variables derived from Landsat images. Among the used various spectral variables, red, near infrared, and shortwave infrared 1 and 2 band ratios were selected as the final variable in most modeling methods. Conclusion In this study, we evaluated the effieincy of different statistical modeling methods to estimate AGB in Zagros forests by using Landsat images. The biomass estimations were compared by using nine parametric, semi-parametric, and non-parametric methods and using 1000-repeated 10-fold cross-validation. The results illustrated the acceptable potentiality of Landsat images for cost-efficient AGB estimating in Zagros oak forests. The accuracy of AGB estimation in Gahvareh region with low-degraded forest stands was higher than SarfiruzAbad region with highly degraded stands. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
71 - Investigation of forest area using support vector machine and provide a model for predicting the level of changes
Armin Hashemi Amin Khademi Morteza Madanipour Kermanshahi Behrouz KordBackground and Objective Due to the increasing degradation at the level of the natural ecosystem, the amount and location of land use changes and predicting its future growth trend, I can provide the information I need to planners and managers. In this study, in order t MoreBackground and Objective Due to the increasing degradation at the level of the natural ecosystem, the amount and location of land use changes and predicting its future growth trend, I can provide the information I need to planners and managers. In this study, in order to change the current changes and predict the future in the Siahkal range, forecasting and changing the nose were done with Landsat images. There are various methods for predicting land use change. Processes for predicting and modelling land use change, such as urban growth and development, deforestation, etc., are considered powerful tools in managing natural resources and changing the state of the environment. This change reflects how humans interact with their environment, and its modelling has had an impact on settlement and macro-planning. In this research, due to the high capabilities of remote sensing and modelling tools and predicting changes in change using automatic-Markov cells in forests in northern Iran.Materials and Methods In this research, Landsat 5 images, 2000 TM sensor, Landsat 7 ETM+ sensor 2010 and Landsat 8 OLI sensor 2018 are used. In the preprocessing stage, errors in raw data such as radiometric, atmospheric, geometric, etc. errors are corrected. Was significant but had a radiometric error. 84 points are used for forest use, 76 points for thin forest water, 31 points for consumption and 2 required sensitivities to indicate a specific level of land cover. Land cover is defined into five classes: dense forest, semi-dense forest, sparse forest, urban area and agricultural area. The ENVI Remote sensing Software defines four types of kernels for the support vector machine in the SVM classification section: Polynomial, Sigmoid torsion, and FBCTION (RBF). According to the best kernel studies for land use classification, the radial kernel (RBF) has been proposed. In the present study, this kernel was used for classification. The classification of the appropriate band composition that you want to separate these classes for visual interpretation was selected by the spectral mean plot. This is done by the complex OIF index. After the extraction of land uses by the method, the results were evaluated accurately. Maps are prepared by land use, then with the GPS position of the earth, the map of the situation in the visible area and using the formed error matrix of kappa weakness and its overall accuracy obtained for this work, 200 points are randomly created on the images. The use of these points was determined by field visits and topographic maps of the surveying organization. Land use classification models are prepared, for modelling and land use changes are entered into office software to design land use changes in the required years. Degree of land use change modelling The LCM model was used in the Idrisi software environment. The Markov-CA model is a combination of automated cells, Markov chains, and multi-purpose land allocation. The Markov model also shows each user by generating a set of status probability images from the transfer probability matrix. In the last step of the structural model, using the transfer area matrix in the CA Markov model, a simulated simulation of future land use can be obtained. In this research, the land use map of 2010 and 2018 was used to predict the 2028 map. And in order to accurately review the forecast by CA Markov using the user map for 2000 and 2010, the map for 2018 has been predicted and increased by the map obtained from the classified level for this year.Results and Discussion The classification accuracy test was obtained using the Kappa coefficient index and overall accuracy. Kappa coefficient and overall accuracy were 0.88 and 0.89 for the image of 2000, 0.91 and 0.92 for the image of 2010, and 0.93 and 0.95 for the image of 2018, respectively. The images are categorized as entered into the software and processed by changing the LCM. Changes in the LCM model showed that during the years 2000 to 2018, more changes were related to the conversion of semi-dense forest land with an area of 42104.27 hectares. Urban land use change has also increased in the years of many studies and amounted to 148.14 hectares. The table of the probability of land use changes in the Markov production model and with the production map at this stage, for the years of Markov forecast studies for 2018 and 2028 showed that in 2028 the urban class area increased to 21293.1 hectares and the valuable land use area of dense forest to 2189.97 hectares will be reduced.Conclusion In order to prevent the uncontrolled expansion of cities, residential areas and the destruction of forest areas and vegetation, management measures should be taken and management decisions should be made. The level of dense and semi-dense forests in areas with high slopes will decrease further by 2028. Urban land use changes have also increased in the study years and amounted to 148.14 hectares. The results of surveying the area of forecasting classes showed that in 2028, the area of urban classrooms will increase to 21293.1 hectares and the valuable land use area of dense forests will decrease to 2189.97. The ability of the vector machine model in determining land cover/land use, vegetation and forest cover in different regions of Iran has been proven by other researchers. Remote sensing tools can be an important arm in information production in natural resource management. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
72 - Evaluate the accuracy of Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) data on the survey of dieback Buxus hyrcana (Case study: Sisangan forest park-Mazandaran)
Mohammadreza Kargar Younes Babaei Amir Eslam BonyadBackground and ObjectiveSisangan forest park is one of the important habitats of Buxus Hyrcana in Iran. Unfortunately, the park has suffered from dieback in recent years, and many Box trees have been destroyed. Monitoring and management of this zone can be effective in MoreBackground and ObjectiveSisangan forest park is one of the important habitats of Buxus Hyrcana in Iran. Unfortunately, the park has suffered from dieback in recent years, and many Box trees have been destroyed. Monitoring and management of this zone can be effective in controlling, protecting, and supporting it. However, due to the destruction of Box trees, on a large scale, it is not possible to accurately estimate the area using the available data. On the other hand, manual measurements are also very time-consuming and tedious. Therefore, a way must be found to do this process accurately and automatically. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) have made this possible by using highly accurate sensors (spatial resolution). Another solution that can be used to automatically separate dieback trees from green trees is to use different classification methods. The aim of this study is to prove the ability of low-cost UAV data with conventional sensors to detect and zoning areas that have suffered Dieback. Since the cost of UAVs with multispectral sensors (red edge band and near infrared) is very high, it should be possible to reduce this cost. Since the cost of UAV with multispectral sensors (red-edge and near-infrared band) is very high, it should be possible to reduce this cost. Materials and Methods Sisangan Forest Park has located 30km to the east of Nowshahr County, Mazandaran province, at latitude 36º33′30″ to 36º35′30″ N, and longitude 51º47′ to 51º49′30″E. This park is both a tourist destination and many important plant species of the country grow in it. One of the most important of these species is the Buxus Hyrcana. But unfortunately, in recent years they have become snag due to pests and insect infestations. Multirotor UAVs have been used in this research. The camera installed on this device is capable of capturing 20 megapixel images. Imaging operations were performed on December 28, 2017, at 10:00 AM, which lasted 45 minutes. The study area was visited for field sampling and its different points were identified in terms of density of snags and preserved Buxus Hyrcana. Then, three circular pieces with a radius of 60 meters and an area of 1.13 hectares were designed in the zone and the density of snag stands and preserved Buxus Hyrcana stands were determined in these three samples. In each plot, 50 training points were recorded in the places where the Buxus Hyrcana stands were located and also 50 points were recorded in the places where the preserved Buxus Hyrcana stands, floor grass cover, and blackberry was located. In this study, in order to evaluate the accuracy of UAV images in identifying and classifying zones covered with Dieback, the smallest Dieback stands with the smallest canopy width were also recorded. Because UAV images require geometric corrections, they were first corrected geometrically and geographically. They were classified with ENVI software. According to the above explanations, 100 points were recorded in each sample plot, 75 of which were monitored for the classification process and 25 of which were used to evaluate the classification accuracy. Three monitored artificial neural network classification algorithms, maximum likelihood and minimum distance were used to classify these images. Finally, after performing each of the classification steps, a low-pass filter with a size of 3 by 3 pixels was used for smoothing the images. Kappa coefficients and overall accuracy indices were also used to evaluate the results. Results and Discussion In this number of sample plots, 579 stands were measured. Buxus Hyrcana was by far the most frequent in the zone. European hornbeam, Parrotia persica, and Oak were in the next ranks, respectively. The results showed that the artificial neural network algorithm had the best results compared to the other two algorithms. But the results of the artificial neural network also fluctuate according to the condition of the sample piece. This algorithm with an overall accuracy of 97.47% and a kappa coefficient of 0.94 had the best results in the separation and detection of the Buxus Hyrcana snags in the sample plot with the dominance of Buxus Hyrcana snags. After the artificial neural network algorithm, the maximum likelihood algorithm showed more favorable results in separating the Buxus Hyrcana snag stands. The minimum distance algorithm showed good results, but it was not as accurate as of the previous two algorithms. All three algorithms showed poorer results in separating the bases in the sample plot with the dominance of live bases in the sample than the other two sample plots. The sample piece with the predominance of live and green bases compared to the other two sample pieces has more phenomena and effects and in terms of image texture, there are many significant differences compared to the other two sample pieces. All three algorithms showed poorer results in separating the stands in the sample plot by dominance the preserved stands in the sample than the other two sample plots. The sample plot with the predominance of preserved stands compared to the other two sample plots has more phenomena and in terms of image texture compared to the other two sample plots has a lot of significant differences. In this sample plot, in addition to the presence of preserved and snag stands, grass cover and blackberry accessions can also be seen. In this study, the results of classification and detection of Buxus Hyrcana snags using an artificial neural network algorithm were much better than the maximum likelihood and minimum distance algorithms. One of the reasons for the better results of the artificial neural network algorithm is its nonlinearity and non-parametricity. But in classification by traditional algorithms such as statistical methods, they have lower accuracy because they have less flexibility. Parametric types of traditional methods, such as the maximum likelihood algorithm, due to depending on Gaussian statistics, if the data are not normal, cannot have the desired accuracy in classifying and separating classes from each other. In traditional algorithms such as maximum likelihood and minimum distance algorithms, training data play a vital role. In these methods, it is assumed that the distribution within the training samples should be normal so that if this condition cannot be met, the classification accuracy will be greatly reduced. While artificial neural network methods operate based on the characteristics and structure of the data itself. Conclusion The results of this study showed that using the data and ordinary images of a low-cost UAV, it is possible to study the condition of Dieback after the outbreak of the disease and determine its area. Despite the high cost of purchasing expensive sensors to monitor vegetation status, these methods presented in this article can be done at a much lower cost. This method can be of great help to the relevant institutions in determining the area of snag coatings. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
73 - Creating a graphical user interface (GUI) to automatically calculate the land surface temperature and use the results in evaluating temperature changes in land uses in Ardabil city
Hossein Fekrat Sayyad Asghari Saraskanrood Seyed Kazem AlavipanahBackground and Objective Land surface temperature is a vital indicator for studying environmental changes, hydrological conditions and the energy balance of the earth, which can also be used to monitor the temperature changes of cities. The lack of meteorological statio MoreBackground and Objective Land surface temperature is a vital indicator for studying environmental changes, hydrological conditions and the energy balance of the earth, which can also be used to monitor the temperature changes of cities. The lack of meteorological stations in most parts of the country, including the study area, has created information limitations in the field of surface temperature data. There are also a large number of non-remote sensing users who need LST maps, and most of them are not familiar enough with LST computing software and inevitably have to spend a lot of time mapping to prepare their maps. This process can be time-consuming even for remote sensing professionals if the number of images is high. The use of valid data for validation that has the least time difference with the satellite passes time is very important in estimating the accuracy of the results. By reviewing internal research similar to the one under study, most internal studies used only meteorological station data to validate the results, the data recording time at these stations is different from the satellite passes time. In this study, due to the large area of the study area and the insufficient number of meteorological stations, in addition to the surface temperature data measured in synoptic stations, the land surface temperature in two ground stations was recorded simultaneously with the satellite. Creating a graphical user interface (GUI) to automatically calculate the surface temperature of Ardabil city with two single-channel and RTE algorithms and use the results to evaluate the temperature changes of land usesMaterials and Methods In this study, in order to automatically calculate the land surface temperature of Ardabil city from three types of data: Landsat 5 and 8 satellite images, land surface temperature data recorded at two meteorological stations in the study area and also due to an insufficient number of stations Meteorological data land surface temperature data measured with digital thermometers are also used as the satellite passes. After preparing thermal and multispectral images, first MODTRAN web computing software was used to model the atmospheric transferability and atmospheric coefficients were extracted. Then, to create graphical user interfaces and automatic calculation of LST, land surface temperature with two algorithms single-channel and RTE method with Landsat 5 and Landsat 8 satellite images for two dates: 31/07/2000 and 21/08/2019 in MATLAB software were coded and using these codes, graphical user interfaces were created for each algorithm and finally, an automatic land surface temperature calculator application was produced. Also, the land use map of Ardabil city for both mentioned dates was classified and extracted using a random forest algorithm in the Google Earth engine system environment with 7 classes. This algorithm has a much better performance compared to traditional methods such as maximum likelihood due to its hierarchical structure in selecting each pixel to the appropriate class. To validate surface temperature maps from two types of surface temperature data recorded in two meteorological stations and surface temperature recorded by a digital thermometer that simultaneously passes the satellite in two points of the homogeneous non-urban environment with agricultural use (alfalfa) and Bayer that product It was harvested, used. To evaluate the accuracy of land use maps, using Google Earth, which has a better spatial resolution than the image used, 248 ground control points were obtained from pure pixels of different land uses and used in the validation process. Also, statistical parameters such as error matrix, overall accuracy and kappa coefficient were applied to the output of both land use maps.Results and Discussion Using the codes written in MATLAB software, graphical user interfaces (GUI) were created and then the automatic LST calculator application was produced. The output of the application was surface temperature maps with single channel algorithms and radiation transfer equation (RTE) for 31/07/2000 using thermal image (band 6) of Landsat 5 satellite TM and 21/08 / 2019 was created by the 10 TIRS sensor band of Landsat 8 satellite. After comparing the output maps with the meteorological station and ground station data, the results showed that the single-channel method had the lowest temperature deviations compared to the stations in both years. After preparing LST maps and selecting the optimal algorithm (single channel), land use maps of Ardabil city were prepared using a random forest algorithm in the GEE platform. Statistical evaluations of the classification results showed that for 2000, the highest pixel interference was related to the middle and poor rangeland class, which has a 16-pixel displacement with residential and rainfed agricultural classes. Due to the improved spatial resolution of the Landsat 8 satellite compared to the Landsat 5, followed by better class separation, this pixel displacement in the 2019 user map shows a smaller value. The most common error was related to the aquaculture class, which had a displacement of 10 pixels with rich rangeland and rainfed agriculture classes. Finally, using the LST map and land use map, the temperature changes of the land uses over a period of 19 years were evaluated. By entering the input images and atmospheric parameters in the application, the land surface temperature was calculated with two one-channel algorithms and the RTE method. Evaluation of output maps with meteorological and terrestrial data showed that the single-channel algorithm with a difference of +2.5 and -2 with stations 1 and 2 for the year 2000 and with a temperature difference of +1.3, +0.9, -1 and -0.9 with stations 1, 2, 3 and 4 in 2019, respectively, had higher accuracy than the RTE method. Also, the results of validation of land use maps showed an overall accuracy of 0.95 and a kappa coefficient of 0.94 for 2000 and overall accuracy of 0.96 and a kappa coefficient of 0.95 for 2019.Conclusion Assessing the relationship between land surface temperature and land use maps showed that despite the significant physical growth of the urban sector over a period of 19 years, except for residential areas, all land uses in 2019 compared to 2000 with an increase in average surface temperature. It seems that factors such as the expansion of agricultural lands with irrigated cultivation around the urban area up to a radius of 10 km and the entanglement of these farms with the urban sector have a great impact on the temperature adjustment of the urban sector. In 2000, these lands were mainly under cultivation of rain-fed crops, and by solving the water problem (digging deep wells and water transfer projects), they became orchards and irrigated farms such as potatoes. Due to the high water requirement, these products also have high greenery, and this factor has increased the rate of evapotranspiration, followed by cooling of the cultivation area and the urban sector. Among other classes, in both years of water use, the lowest and the use of barren lands had the highest average surface temperature. The generated application can be run on any operating system that supports the exe format, and the user by specifying atmospheric parameters can automatically estimate the LST. This application can also be used in various sectors such as agricultural systems, and climate and water resources management. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
74 - Comparison of the effectiveness of machine learning methods in modeling fire-prone areas (Ilam Province, Darehshahr City)
maryam mohammadian Maryam Morovati Reza OmidipourFire is one of the most important natural hazards that has a great impact on the structure and dynamics of natural ecosystems. Due to Iran's location in the arid and semi-arid belt of the world, a large number of human-made and natural fires occur in different regions o MoreFire is one of the most important natural hazards that has a great impact on the structure and dynamics of natural ecosystems. Due to Iran's location in the arid and semi-arid belt of the world, a large number of human-made and natural fires occur in different regions of the country every year. Therefore, determining sensitive areas to fire occurrence plays an important role in fire management in natural resources. To do so, the current study aims to identify fire-prone areas in Dere Shahr city in Ilam province using two machine learning of random forest (RF) and support vector machine (SVM) and 2024 fire occurrence points. Environmental factors were prepared in categories including topographical factors (altitude, slope direction, slope anlgle), climatic factors (rainfall, relative humidity, wind, temperature), biological factors (vegetation and soil moisture) and man-made factors (distance from residential areas, distance from road, distance from agricultural land, distance from river). The model’s accuracy was evaluated using the area under the curve (AUC) in the ROC curve and cross-validation statistics. Examining the AUC index showed that both models had good accuracy, although the RF model (AUC = 0.97) had higher accuracy than the support vector machine model (AUC = 0.86). According to the results of RF model, about 60% are in the low-risk class and about 20% are in the high fire risk class. Investigating the contribution of the factors affecting the occurrence of fire showed that man-made factors (distance from residential areas) and climatic factors (temperature) played a more important role in areas with a history of fire. Therefore, increasing public culture and reducing dangerous behaviors in nature can reduce the occurrence of fire in this area and contribute greatly to the protection of the environment and preservation of natural resources. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
75 - Estimating changes in forest cover in the Rudsar county by using neural network and maximum likelihood methods
Seyed Reza Fatemti Talab Morteza Madanipour Kermanshahi Seyed Armin HashemiThe acquisition of knowledge about the vegetation plays an important role in soil management. However, vegetation estimating in the usual way, including an overall assessment of the vegetation is time consuming and does not also provide accurate enough infor MoreThe acquisition of knowledge about the vegetation plays an important role in soil management. However, vegetation estimating in the usual way, including an overall assessment of the vegetation is time consuming and does not also provide accurate enough information. Therefore, remote sensing technology is a desirable way for reducing time and cost compared to other usual methods. In this study, forest cover maps were prepared using remote sensing techniques and LandSat ETM+ imagery of year 2000 and LandSat 8 of year 2013. The classification of the study area digital images was performed to prepare land use map classification using maximum likelihood and neural network with participation of different bands. The results showed that the best overall accuracy of image classification using neural networks ETM+ in 2000 and LandSat 8 in 2013 was 0.95 and 0.95 respectively. It was also indicated that the kappa coefficient was estimated 0.91 and 0.91 respectively. The overall accuracy of maximum likelihood method of the collected images of 2000 and 2013 was 0.95 and 0.85, but it was 0.86 and 0.84 for Kappa statistics method. The results also showed a 1054.507 and 635.319 hectares decreasing of forest cover using neural network classification and maximum likelihood classification methods respectively. According to classification accuracy and Kappa statistics, it was observed that the accuracy and kappa coefficient of neural network classification was higher than accuracy and the Kappa coefficient of maximum likelihood method. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
76 - Forest cover density mapping in sparse and semi dense forests using forest canopy density model (Case study: Marivan forests)
Aboutaleb Shahvali Kouhshour Mahtab Pir Bavaghar Parviz FatehiThe main aim of this study was the evaluation of the Forest Canopy Density model (FCDm) for prediction of forest canopy density, using Landsat-7 ETM+. The study area was the eastern part of Marivan city that situated in Kurdistan province. A Landsat image was geo-refere MoreThe main aim of this study was the evaluation of the Forest Canopy Density model (FCDm) for prediction of forest canopy density, using Landsat-7 ETM+. The study area was the eastern part of Marivan city that situated in Kurdistan province. A Landsat image was geo-referenced with sub pixel accuracy. First, all bands (1-5 of ETM+ imagery) except band 6 was normalized and then four main indices of FCD Model, including Advanced Vegetation Index, Bare soil Index, Shadow Index and thermal Index was calculated, and the forest canopy density map was derived finally. Forest's canopy densities according to 6, 4 and three classes were classified. To assess the accuracy of classified maps, a ground truth map using aerial photos with the scale 1:20000 was produced. The overall accuracy and kappa coefficient for classification 6 and four classes were obtained equal to 52%, 0.29 and 53%, 0.30, respectively. Spectral similarity between open density classes and irradiance of background soil in these classes reduced the accuracy as the result. Actually, in the dense forest, the result will be more accurate. According to the results, this method could be relatively desired for Zagro's forests. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
77 - Identification of moths of family Sphingidae in some regions of Fars Province (Iran)
Farangis Ghasemi Hassan Alemansoor Asghar AlehosseinDuring 2006– 2007 studies were carried out to collect and identify the moths of family Sphingidae in some regions of Fars Province. A total of 16 species were collected and identified. Four forestlands including Arsanjan district with dominant Pistachio mutica, Fi MoreDuring 2006– 2007 studies were carried out to collect and identify the moths of family Sphingidae in some regions of Fars Province. A total of 16 species were collected and identified. Four forestlands including Arsanjan district with dominant Pistachio mutica, Firouz Abad district with dominant Amygdalus scopariae and Ziziphus spinachristi, Kazeroun and Nour Abad district with dominant Quercus brantii, Sepidan district with dominant Pyrus glabra and one rangeland (Shiraz) were selected and 271 specimens of Sphingidae were collected by the insect net and the light trap. Collected insects were identified systematically according to their morphological characteristics by second author and confirmed by Ian J. Kitching (Natural History Museum, London, UK). Moths found in this study are as follows: Acherontia styx styx (Westwood, 1847) Agrius convolvuli (Linnaeus, 1758) Akbesia davidi (Oberthür, 1884) Clarina kotschyi kotschyi (Kollar, 1849) Daphnis nerii (Linnaeus, 1758) Hippotion celerio (Linnaeus, 1758) Hyles hippophaes (Esper, 1793) Hyles livornica (Esper, 1780) Hyles nicaea sheljuzkoi (de Prunner, 1798) Laothoe populi populeti (Bienert, 1870) Marumba quercus (Denis & Schiffermüller,1775) Macroglossum stellatarum (Linnaeus, 1758) Rethera brandti euteletes (Jordan, 1937) Rethera komarovi manifica (Brandt, 1938) Smerinthus kindermanni (Lederer, 1853) Theretra alecto (Linnaeus, 1758) Amoung them Acherontia stxy is a new record for Fars province (Iran) and Marumba quercuswas found in the most region of this province. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
78 - The effect of infection of Arceuthobium oxycedri on Juniperus excels species in North West forests of Iran
Mir Mozaffar Fallahchaei Yousef Torabian Majid Maani Farzaneh AhmadiOne of the most important destruction reasons of Juniperus aged and Long Lived trees in Jaysh Abad sits of Tarom township is a semi-parasitic plant from Dwarf Mistletoes group of viscaceae family. Biological study done in Jaysh Abad area of Tarom Township and other Juni MoreOne of the most important destruction reasons of Juniperus aged and Long Lived trees in Jaysh Abad sits of Tarom township is a semi-parasitic plant from Dwarf Mistletoes group of viscaceae family. Biological study done in Jaysh Abad area of Tarom Township and other Juniperus sits in Zanjan province of Iran revealed that this semi-parasitic plant is Arceuthobium oxycedri. For determining the infection percent, intensity, quality and quantity on the host species half hectare sample pieces were randomly selected in 4 geographical directions. The results of this study showed that Dwarf Mistletoes mostly influences trees with bigger crown size, crown area, height and diameter breast height. Also result showed that Juniperus trees in south directions are more infected in comparison with other directions. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
79 - Presenting the smart pattern of credit risk of the real banks’ customers using machine learning algorithm.
Hojjat Tajik Ghodratollah Talebnia Hamid Reza Vakili Fard Faegh Ahmadi -
Open Access Article
80 - Forecasting Stock Trend by Data Mining Algorithm
Sadegh Ehteshami Mohsen Hamidian Zohreh Hajiha Serveh Shokrollahi -
Open Access Article
81 - Study of the subfamilies Cryptinae and Ichneumoninae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) from Mazandaran province, with record of five species new to Iran
Reza Vafaei shoushtari H. Hooshyar Elham Sanatgar sh. goldasteh A. Mohammadi-Khoramabadi R. JussilaThe fauna the subfamilies Ichneumoninae and Cryptinae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) was studied in Mazandaran province, north of Iran during 2016. Sampling was done using 8 Malaise traps which were installed in three altitude layers. Totally, 126 and 64 specimens were co MoreThe fauna the subfamilies Ichneumoninae and Cryptinae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) was studied in Mazandaran province, north of Iran during 2016. Sampling was done using 8 Malaise traps which were installed in three altitude layers. Totally, 126 and 64 specimens were collected from the subfamilies Cryptinae and Ichneumoninae, respectively representing 25 species into 20 genera. Of them four genera and five species are recorded for the first time from Iran as following: Acrolyta Förster, 1869, Ceratophygadeuon Viereck, 1924, Eudelus Förster, 1869 and Mevesia Holmgren, 1890, Ceratophygadeuon varicornis (Thomson, 1884), Chirotica maculipennis (Gravenhorst, 1829), Eudelus gumperdensis (Schmiedeknecht, 1893), Mevesia arguta (Wesmael, 1845) and Virgichneumon albilineatus (Gravenhorst, 1829). Also a checklist of subfamilies Ichneumoninae and Cryptinae in Iran is provided. With new data of current research, the number of identified species of the subfamily Cryptinae of Iran and of the Hyrcanian forests biome increased to 128 and 39 species and for Ichneumoninae increased to 191 and 115, respectively. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
82 - Study on the Collembola Fauna of Mazandaran (Iran) and new records from the forests of this province
R. Vafaei shoushtari E. Yahyapour M. ShayanmehrCollembola (Hexapoda) fauna of parts of Hyrcanian forest in north of Iran, Mazandaran povince was studied during 2016. Sampling was done from soil and leaf litter. Then springtails were extracted by Berlese funnel. Totally, 18 genera and 2 species belonging to 10 famili MoreCollembola (Hexapoda) fauna of parts of Hyrcanian forest in north of Iran, Mazandaran povince was studied during 2016. Sampling was done from soil and leaf litter. Then springtails were extracted by Berlese funnel. Totally, 18 genera and 2 species belonging to 10 families were collected which 14 species were identified. Of them the genus Pogonognathellus (Tullberg, 1871) and two species Pogonognathellus sp. cf. flavescens (Tullberg, 1871) and Arrhopalites sp. gr. principalis (Stach, 1945) are recorded for the first time from Iran. Also four new species are recorded for the first tine from Mazandaran including: Entomobrya cf. schoetti Stach, 1922, Entomobrya corticalis (Nicolet, 1841), Entomobrya nigrocincta Denis, 1923 and Arrhopalites sp. gr. caecus (Tullberg, 1871). Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
83 - Evaluation the effect of two products of Bacillus thuringiensis on Lymantria dispar L. (Lep., Lymantriidae) larvae in the Arasbaran forests, Iran
M. Nikdel R. Omid A. A. DordaeiThe gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar L. (Lep., Lymantriidae) is one of the most destructive pests of forest shrubs and trees throughout the Arasbaran region (East Azarbaidjan, Iran). The pest causes serious periodical damage on its host plant species, especially oak trees. MoreThe gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar L. (Lep., Lymantriidae) is one of the most destructive pests of forest shrubs and trees throughout the Arasbaran region (East Azarbaidjan, Iran). The pest causes serious periodical damage on its host plant species, especially oak trees. In this study, the effects of two formulations of Bacillus thuringiensis containing Btk (commercial product Dipel) and BtH (made in Iran) were evaluated on gypsy moth larvae. Results showed that there was a significant difference between Dipel and BtH. Dipel (1.2 g/L) and BtH (6 g/L) treatments caused maximum mortality 29.23% and 23.05%, respectively and 1.2 g/L dosage of BtH with average 13.61% caused the less mortality on the pest larvae. Mean comparison of L. dispar larvae mortality in different times after treatments (for both formulations) indicated that there was no significant difference between 1 and 3 days, but difference between those two mentioned days with 7 and 14 days was significant, so that the treatment effect increased with time.By comparing the number of parasitoid wasp and nematode emerged from treated survived larvae, the treatments effects on natural enemies was quite evident. Natural enemies emerged from larvae treated by 1.2 g/L, 3 g/L and 6 g/L dosage of BtH and Dipel were reduced 12.3, 34.7, 59.8 and 81.6 percent, respectively in comparison to control. In other words, by increasing the effectiveness of Bt treatments, the possibility of natural enemies emergence was reduced. In this regard, high concentrations of BtH and Dipel have the most impact in reduction of natural enemies emerging. Assessment of larval feeding on the treated leaves revealed that because of the rapid effects of Bt to 2nd instar larvae, there was no possibility to continue their feeding. But in the 4th instar larvae, because of slow effects of Bt, their feeding on leaves in some treatments continued for up to 100 percent. Thus, application of Dipel and high dosage BtH against 2nd instar larvae of the pest will be more effective than other treatments in Arasbaran forests. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
84 - Inventory of Single Oak Trees Using Object- Based Method on WorldView-2 Satellite Images and on Earth
yousef taghi mollaei Abdolali Karamshahi Seyyed Yousef ErfanifardRemote sensing provides data types and useful resources for forest mapping. Today,one of the most commonly used application in forestry is the identification of singletree and tree species compassion using object-based analysis and classification ofsatellite or aerial i MoreRemote sensing provides data types and useful resources for forest mapping. Today,one of the most commonly used application in forestry is the identification of singletree and tree species compassion using object-based analysis and classification ofsatellite or aerial images. Forest data, which is derived from remote sensing methods,mainly focuses on the mass i.e. parts of the forest that are largely homogeneous, inparticular, interconnected) and plot-level data. Haft-Barm Lake is the case study whichis located in Fars province, representing closed forest in which oak is the valuablespecies. High Resolution Satellite Imagery of WV-2 has been used in this study. Inthis study, A UAV equipped with a compact digital camera has been used calibratedand modified to record not only the visual but also the near infrared reflection (NIR) ofpossibly infested oaks. The present study evaluated the estimation of forest parametersby focusing on single tree extraction using Object-Based method of classification witha complex matrix evaluation and AUC method with the help of the 4th UAV phantombird image in two distinct regions. The object-based classification has the highest andbest accuracy in estimating single-tree parameters. Object-Based classification methodis a useful method to identify Oak tree Zagros Mountains forest. This study confirmsthat using WV-2 data one can extract the parameters of single trees in the forest. An overall Kappa Index of Agreement (KIA) of 0.97 and 0.96 for each study site has been achieved. It is also concluded that while UAV has the potential to provide flexible and feasible solutions for forest mapping, some issues related to image quality still need to be addressed in order to improve the classification performance. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
85 - Inventory of Single Oak Trees Using Object-Based Method on WorldView-2 Satellite Images and Earth
yousef taghi mollaei abdolali karamshahi Seyyed Yousef ErfanifardRemote sensing provides data types and useful resources for forest mapping. Today, one of the mostcommonly used application in forestry is the identification of single tree and tree species compassionusing object-based analysis and classification of satellite or aerial MoreRemote sensing provides data types and useful resources for forest mapping. Today, one of the mostcommonly used application in forestry is the identification of single tree and tree species compassionusing object-based analysis and classification of satellite or aerial images. Forest data, which is derivedfrom remote sensing methods, mainly focuses on the mass i.e. parts of the forest that are largelyhomogeneous, in particular, interconnected) and plot-level data. Haft-Barm Lake is the case study whichis located in Fars province, representing closed forest in which oak is the valuable species. HighResolution Satellite Imagery of WV-2 has been used in this study. In this study, A UAV equipped with acompact digital camera has been used calibrated and modified to record not only the visual but also thenear infrared reflection (NIR) of possibly infested oaks. The present study evaluated the estimation offorest parameters by focusing on single tree extraction using Object-Based method of classification with acomplex matrix evaluation and AUC method with the help of the 4th UAV phantom bird image in twodistinct regions. The object-based classification has the highest and best accuracy in estimating single-treeparameters. Object-Based classification method is a useful method to identify Oak tree Zagros Mountainsforest. This study confirms that using WV-2 data one can extract the parameters of single trees in theforest. An overall Kappa Index of Agreement (KIA) of 0.97 and 0.96 for each study site has beenachieved. It is also concluded that while UAV has the potential to provide flexible and feasible solutionsfor forest mapping, some issues related to image quality still need to be addressed in order to improve theclassification performance. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
86 - Landslide susceptibility modelling using integrated application of computational intelligence in Ahar County, Iran
Solmaz Abdollahizad Mohammad Ali Balafar Bakhtiar Feizizadeh Amin Babazadeh Sangar Karim Samadzamini -
Open Access Article
87 - Short-Term Tuberculosis Incidence Rate Prediction for Europe using Machine learning Algorithms
Jamilu Yahaya Maipan-uku Nadire Cavus Boran Sekeroglu -
Open Access Article
88 - Prioritization of factors affecting the occurrence of slope movements and preparation of a zoning map of the risk of its occurrence using a new random forest algorithm (Case study: part of the catchment area of Latian Dam)
Leila EbrahimiThe first and most important step in assessing the risk of sloping movements is to prepare risk maps for the occurrence of sloping movements. These maps are a final product that can be useful for land use planning. The purpose of this study is to prioritize the factors MoreThe first and most important step in assessing the risk of sloping movements is to prepare risk maps for the occurrence of sloping movements. These maps are a final product that can be useful for land use planning. The purpose of this study is to prioritize the factors affecting the occurrence of slope movements and zoning the risk of its occurrence using a new random forest algorithm in the topographic map of 1: 50,000 Lashkark in the northern part of Latian Dam. According to the hydrological, topographic, geological, geomorphological and climatic characteristics of the region, the most important factors influencing the occurrence of slope movements are 9 indices of distance from road, fault, river, lithology, rainfall, altitude, slope, slope direction and land use as the most important. Factors affecting the occurrence of this type of movement in the region were considered. The results show that the three factors of distance from the fault, road and slope are three important factors in the occurrence of amplitude movements in the study area, respectively. In order to evaluate the prepared model, the relative performance detection curve was used. Based on the results of the rock curve, the value of the area under the curve in educational points is equal to 0.826 and in evaluation points is equal to 0.839 percent. Figure 9 is a very good evaluation of the stochastic forest algorithm in zoning the risk of slope movements using this model. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
89 - Preparation of fire potential map using geographical information system in the forests of northern Iran
Morteza Madani pour kermanshahi Seyed Armin Hashemi Amin KhademiFires and deforestation have been a crisis in recent years. Every year, fires threaten forest areas in our country, especially in the northern forests, and reduce its quantity and quality. In this study, first a digital elevation model was developed, then elevation, slo MoreFires and deforestation have been a crisis in recent years. Every year, fires threaten forest areas in our country, especially in the northern forests, and reduce its quantity and quality. In this study, first a digital elevation model was developed, then elevation, slope maps, geographical directions, and elevation. Maps of vegetation type and density of the region and maps of roads, residential areas and agricultural lands of the region were also prepared using fuzzy membership functions, evaluation of criteria, study area in each layer at a distance between 0 to 1 value. The results of using the dong model with fuzzy method in zoning of fire risk potential showed that in fuzzy weighting method, hazard zones are very low, low, medium, high, very high with an area of 6840.42 6605.84, 12044/46, 15922.87, 7416.89 hectares, according to the prepared map, about 40% of the area is in high risk classes and threatens fire in the area. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
90 - Spatial analysis of landslide risk with emphasis on geomorphological factors using stochastic forest model (Case study: Larestan city in Fars province)
Mohammad Ibrahim AfifiDue to the ability of data mining techniques, their application in the field of earth sciences has been widely developed. The purpose of this study is to zoning landslide sensitivity using stochastic forest algorithm in Larestan city, Fars province. Random forests are a MoreDue to the ability of data mining techniques, their application in the field of earth sciences has been widely developed. The purpose of this study is to zoning landslide sensitivity using stochastic forest algorithm in Larestan city, Fars province. Random forests are a modern type of tree-base that includes a host of classification and regression trees. The random forest algorithm is based on a bunch of decision trees and is currently one of the best learning algorithms. For the present study, information layers of slope degree, slope direction, altitude, slope shape, distance from fault, distance from waterway, distance from road, rainfall, lithology and land use as factors affecting landslide occurrence were identified and its maps in software. ArcGIS10 / 2 digit and were prepared. Then, using a random forest algorithm, the relationship between the effective factors and the location of landslides and the weight of each of them were calculated in R statistical software and finally transferred to the GIS environment to prepare a landslide susceptibility map. The results of evaluating the accuracy of the zoning method using the relative yield detection curve and 30% of the slip points not used in the modeling process, indicate the excellent accuracy of the random forest model with the area below the curve being 98.8%. The executive recommendation is to reduce the risk of stabilization of unstable areas and to avoid these areas; And any planning in the future development of the physical elements of urban infrastructure should be done with regard to the possibility of landslides. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
91 - Investigation of the effect of physiographic factors on the quantitative and qualitative condition of Zagros forests in Sarpol-e Zahab region of Kermanshah
Azadeh Sohrabi Zadeh rezahossein hheidary Maziar HeidriThe aim of this research Check the effect of physiographic (Altitude and direction) on The quantitative and qualitative characteristics, Determine the amount of dieback and determine the age structure is part of the central Zagros forests. For this research the fo MoreThe aim of this research Check the effect of physiographic (Altitude and direction) on The quantitative and qualitative characteristics, Determine the amount of dieback and determine the age structure is part of the central Zagros forests. For this research the forest between city of Sarpol Zohab and Krnd Ghrb was selected, The area of sea level height into three height classes 700 to 1000 m, 1000 m to 1300 m and 1300 to 1500 m, and two main geographical aspects North and South was divided. 96 circular plots of 10 AR in regular-random sampling method with dimensions of 100 x 100 m was picked . The results showed that the highest average value characteristics basal area and cover percent in elevation in the classes of 1300 to 1500 meters above sea level and northern slopes were observed and analysis of variance and t-test results showed between the little tree factors of altitude and aspect there is a significant difference. The population has Young uneven structure and trees located on the northern slopes and Classifieds height of 700 to 1000 m in larger diameter classes more distributed. trees with serious dehydration, In the southern slopes and a height classified of 700 to 1000 meters above sea level was observed. trees with severe pollution to semi-parasitic mistletoe plant on the northern slopes and a height Classifieds of 700 to 1000 meters above sea level was observed. On results of qualitative and quantitative characteristics of trees, for sustainable management of forests for research and reducing operations it is suggested, the southern slopes height classifieds of 700 to 1,000 meters and taken into consideration. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
92 - The effect of single-tree selection cutting on tree regeneration diversity (Case study: Nav of Asalem forest, western Guilan, Iran)
Zahra Moradi ali Salehi hassan Pourbabaei Jamshid EslamdoustIn this study, effect of gap sizes, slope and aspect on diversity of tree regeneration were investigated in mixed beech, Nav of Asalem, Guilan province. For this purpose, 15 forest gaps with three different sizes included small (100-200 m2), medium size (200-300 m2) and MoreIn this study, effect of gap sizes, slope and aspect on diversity of tree regeneration were investigated in mixed beech, Nav of Asalem, Guilan province. For this purpose, 15 forest gaps with three different sizes included small (100-200 m2), medium size (200-300 m2) and large size (300-400 m2) with 5 replicates were selected. Moreover, the control points with the same sizes were also chosen under the trees canopy. Slope were categorized into four slope classes (20-30, 31-40, 41-50 and %50<). The percentage of regenerations cover have been recorded within 4 m2 micro-plots. Results showed that the Simpson, Shannon-Wiener and richness significantly increased by increasing in the size of the gap. Between geographical aspect and slopes, the highest indices were related to Shannon-Wiener indices. The maximum of Shannon-Wiener and richness were related in north east (2.203, 5) aspect and in slope of 41-50% (2.18 and 5). The maximum of evenness indices is related to Camargo index in east (0.88) aspect and in 40-31 % (0.86) slop. Analysis of variance showed no significant difference among the indices in different geographical aspects and different slopes. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
93 - Evaluating of height-diameter nonlinear models for Alnus specie in Hyrcanes forest (Case Study: Golestan Rezaeian Forest)
anoshirvan alemi jafar oladi asghar fallah yaser maghsoudiProjection of stand development over time relies on accurate height-diameter functions. In this study, we evaluated the capability of 43 nonlinear models to estimate Alnus subcordata heights in a portion Rezaeian experimental forest in Gorgan, Golestan province. We appl MoreProjection of stand development over time relies on accurate height-diameter functions. In this study, we evaluated the capability of 43 nonlinear models to estimate Alnus subcordata heights in a portion Rezaeian experimental forest in Gorgan, Golestan province. We applied a systematic random sampling method to collect field data within a 150×200 meter network (3.33% intensity). It resulted in 200 circular plots with 17.84 m (0.1 ha) radius. In each plot tree species, height and diameter at breast height (DBH) of all trees with DBH>7.5 cm were measured. From the available dataset, we included 70% in the model development and the remaining 30% to validate the models. The relationship between height (dependent variable) and DBH (independent variable) was analyzed using 43 non-linear regression models. The results showed no significant difference between the applied model diagnostics, and the applied t-test showed non-significant mean stand height estimation using all models and actual height at 99% confidence level. In addition, the results of Geometric, Geometric two, Hyperbolic three, Morgan-Merser-Florin and Logarithmic models with R2 of 0.88 and RMSE% of 7.81%, 7.86%, 7.88%, 7.90 and 7.92% , respectively were almost similar in that they were better predictors of forest height. Based on the results, we conclude that these models can be used for predicting forest height in similar broadleaved stands of northern Iran, provided that comparative studies are conducted elsewhere to approve the results obtained here. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
94 - Reviews of Pollen Morphological Features in Different Populations of Populus caspica in West Mazandaran Forests (Case Study: Marzanabad and Nour)
Ali Sheykholeslami Fatemeh BakooeiThe Populus Caspica is a critically endangered and endemic species in Hyrcanian forest which is unfortunately endangered due to lack of proper management and conservation. Populus Caspica stands as a genetically valuable component of Hyrcanian forest resources but consi MoreThe Populus Caspica is a critically endangered and endemic species in Hyrcanian forest which is unfortunately endangered due to lack of proper management and conservation. Populus Caspica stands as a genetically valuable component of Hyrcanian forest resources but considering its rarity, nativity, uniqueness, being threatened and its role in preserving the natural landscape of northern forests, little information is available for its ecological, morphological and physiological condition, therefore, based on the given facts, more research are required to be conducted in these fields. In this study, we tried to introduce the pollen characterization in different populations of this species in west Mazandaran forests (Marzanabad and Nour). Consequently, two natural habitats of this species in West Mazandaran forests were used. The quantitative and qualitative characteristics of pollen grains were studied by light (optical) and electron microscopes. The results showed that there was no significant difference in pollen characteristics and types in different populations of this species. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
95 - Comparison of carbon sequestration in natural coniferous and deciduous stands (Case study: Marzanabad-Chalous)
Ali Sheykhoeslami Naermin HoseiniRising greenhouse gases have led to climate change and global warming, which is one of the major challenges in the discussion of sustainable development and has had detrimental effects on human life on Earth. Carbon sequestration in terrestrial ecosystems, such as fores MoreRising greenhouse gases have led to climate change and global warming, which is one of the major challenges in the discussion of sustainable development and has had detrimental effects on human life on Earth. Carbon sequestration in terrestrial ecosystems, such as forests, is the simplest and most economically viable solution to reduce atmospheric carbon. This study is carried out in needles, pure mulberry leaves and broadleaf mixed in Hassanabad Chalous region and the amount of carbon deposited in biomass (leaves and branches), soil (at two depths of 0-15 and 15-30 cm) and litter were estimated. The results showed that the amount of carbon sequestration in each of the needle, leaf and broadleaf masses was 57.184 and 30.222 tons per hectare, respectively, whose economic value was calculated as $ 11437 and 60445 per hectare, respectively. The results showed that the amount of carbon sequestration in each of the needle-leaf and broadleaf stands was 57.184 and 30.222 tons per hectare, respectively, and its economic value was calculated as $ 11437 and 60445 per hectare, respectively. The values of diameter equal to breast, height, and cross-sectional area equal to breast, trunk volume, and canopy volume were also significantly higher in the pure mass of Zarbin than the broadleaf mass. Also, the results of stepwise regression showed that nitrogen and soil saturation moisture content were the most important factors affecting soil organic carbon. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
96 - Overview of Forestry Projects in Iran and Reasons for a Transformation from an Economic to Ecological Perspective
Hanifreza Golzar Elham SedighiAn economic perspective dominates the codification of "forestry plans" in Iran such that the main product and the management structure has focused solely on habitats capable of producing wood. This article critiques the current definitions, a one-sided function of fores MoreAn economic perspective dominates the codification of "forestry plans" in Iran such that the main product and the management structure has focused solely on habitats capable of producing wood. This article critiques the current definitions, a one-sided function of forestry in Iran, and its impacts on forests. Along with it, a new definition of forestry is presented, in which the ecological view predominates over the economic perspective. The present paper is an analytical-descriptive study obtained through a literature review, expert sessions, and practical experiences of current forestry in Iran. According to the results, Iran's forest management needs "ecological forestry" projects instead of "economic forestry," in which forest benefits are viewed holistically. In contrast to treating forests as only producers of wood, all functions and ecosystem services of forests such as carbon fixation, water purification, prevention of soil erosion, desertification, drought, etc., are also absolutely valuable. With this change, not only economic wood forests, but all forests in Iran have their special place to be considered in the management plans. Also, "forestry engineering" is not in charge of forest affairs alone, and forests need to be handled with interdisciplinary projects and experts from different fields. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
97 - The effect of elevation on plant distribution pattern in central Zagros forests (case study: educational and research forest of Razi University)
Azadeh Sohrabi Zadeh rezahossein hheidary Maziar HeidriEcological factors have a significant role in establishment, growth, survival and distribution of plant species in their natural environments. The aim of this study was to investigate the spatial distribution of trees, shrubs and herbaceous part of the central Zagros fo MoreEcological factors have a significant role in establishment, growth, survival and distribution of plant species in their natural environments. The aim of this study was to investigate the spatial distribution of trees, shrubs and herbaceous part of the central Zagros forests in Kermanshah. For this purpose, three elevation classes of less than1000, 1000-1500 and more than1500 m above sea level (asl) was selected. In each class, 32 circular plots (1000 square meters as circular), by random- regular inventory methods as 100 x 100 m were picked and the number of trees in each plot was recorded. In each circular plot, a micro- plot of 5 x 5 m (25 m2) to check shrubs and a plot of 1 x 1 meter (1 square meter) to check herbaceous and record the number of shrubs and herbaceous plant species were selected. Quadrat index or plot (Indicators ratio variance/mean, Morisita, Morisita standardized, cluster, and green) was used to investigate the spatial distribution of plants. The results showed the highest average of Variance/average, Morisita, Morisita standardized, clustering David - Moore and Green was observed in 1000-1500 m asl. Moreover, the highest average value of these indices for shrubs and herbaceous plant species was found in the classes of more than 1500 m asl. ANOVA revealed that the difference between spatial-pattern indices in elevation classes was significant in three layers of trees, shrubs, and herbs and the elevation significantly influenced tree distribution. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
98 - Spatial distribution and volume of dead trees in Fagus orientalis stands of Iran (case study: Gorazbon district of Kheyrud forest)
زهرا Nouri جهانگیر Feghhi mohammadreza marvi mohadjerThe aim of this study is to analyze the spatial pattern, volume and decay stages of dead woods in beech forests, Northern Iran. The current research was carried out in compartment 319, Gorazbon District, Khayroud Forests dominated by Fagus orientalis in which no managem MoreThe aim of this study is to analyze the spatial pattern, volume and decay stages of dead woods in beech forests, Northern Iran. The current research was carried out in compartment 319, Gorazbon District, Khayroud Forests dominated by Fagus orientalis in which no management practices have been done before this inventory. Dead trees characteristics including species, DBH and height of snags and mid-trunk diameter, length and decay grade of downed trees were recorded. The coordinates of all dead trees (snags and downed) were recorded using azimuth-distance method by laser device. The results showed that the volume of dead trees in study area is 34.93 m3/ha that the volume of snags and downed dead trees is 6.622 and 28.835 m3/ha respectively. Decay class I has accounted for most of the volume of dead trees (44%). The spatial pattern of dead trees was determined as clustered, using K-Ripley function. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
99 - Effects of altitude on tree species diversity in Hyanan oak forests of Ilam province
ahmad hoseiniAbstract To study of tree species diversity in relation to elevation and some of stand structure characteristics, area about 450 ha of Hyanan forests located in north-east of Ilam city was selected. 46 plots 2000m2 were established in site using transects by ran MoreAbstract To study of tree species diversity in relation to elevation and some of stand structure characteristics, area about 450 ha of Hyanan forests located in north-east of Ilam city was selected. 46 plots 2000m2 were established in site using transects by random- systematic method. Variables in each plot were included tree diameter (DBH), crown maximum and minimum diameter for all trees, number of trees and tree species, and data of elevation. Values of five biodiversity indices were computed by PAST software and then analyzed. Totally 6 tree species were presented in the plots which the most presentation was belong to the Quercus persica. Results showed that elevation have significantly affected on diversity, richness and evenness of tree species and the middle elevation classes had the most species richness and diversity. Evenness has the ascending trend with ascend of elevation, but decreased in 2300m from sea level. Canopy density had positive correlation with richness but negative correlation with evenness. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
100 - Wood yield estimation in a Hyrcanian forest using ecological carrying capacity concept
arman sheikh ali jafari hamid jalilvand Anoshiravan alamiUtilization based on forest productivity potential is usually considered as part of the close to nature silvicultural methods, which are frequently prescribed to minimize damage to forest stands and natural regeneration. The current research reports the results of imple MoreUtilization based on forest productivity potential is usually considered as part of the close to nature silvicultural methods, which are frequently prescribed to minimize damage to forest stands and natural regeneration. The current research reports the results of implementation of carrying capacity technique for logging procedure in a hornbeam-alder-oak hyrcanian forestss trees, in Loveh, in Golestan province. There are three kinds of carrying capacity. Physical carrying capacity is calculated on the basis of a clear cutting assumption and maximum forest utilization. Excluding snags and young stands and putting the topography, climate and erosion limitations into account, ecological carrying capacity is estimated. Finally management carrying capacity is a portion of ecological carrying capacity, which is feasible to logging from man power and automation point of view. In the long run and for hornbeam, the result of our research indicated a tally of 2700 and 1835 trees and wood volume of 15822 and 10753.1 m3 as physical and ecological carrying capacities respectively. Physical carrying capacity values for alder and oak tree counts were 1184 and 246 trees as well as their correspondent 7340.8 and 1739.22 m3 wood productions. Ecological carrying capacity for alder was 829 trees and 5139.8 m3 wood productions and for oak were 174 trees and 1230.18 m3 wood productions. Overall about 60% of ecological carrying capacity could be regarded as management carrying capacity.s of different disease using paired quadrat covariance showed that trees and dead trees are positively correlated, such that the difference in disease severity between the trees was greater, the co-occurrence was less likely. These results, the pattern of the distribution and development of charcoal disease offers that in the management and reforestation infected forests is applications Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
101 - Resistance Analysis of three Forest Reserves of Semirom (Esfahan province)
محسن Elahi مسلم Akbarinia Nowadays, many countries and governments are finding alternatives for sustainable management for theirs forest resources. It is a must to consider available forest resource in point of permanent criteria, in order to get this important issue. For comparison of f More Nowadays, many countries and governments are finding alternatives for sustainable management for theirs forest resources. It is a must to consider available forest resource in point of permanent criteria, in order to get this important issue. For comparison of forest reserves(Chalghafa, Daghbashi and Tang Khoshk) of Semirom,Esfahan province, obtaining the resource of sustainable management make more easier. According to permanent standards and resource sites priority for comprising of this forest reserves 8 criteria to be considered such as extent ,biodiversity, health and survival, product roles, erosion, socio – economical issues, legal criterion, organizational guideline and quality. These criteria are included overall 19 sub criteria. So Multi-Criteria Decision Making Methods (MCDMM) has used because of problem complexity. The hierarchical formed in the 4 levels that is purpose, criteria, sub criteria and options. Some of the criteria and as a result some sub criteria were qualitative. For accessing integrated and logical results, we benefit specialist cooperation . The results showed that socio – economical problem are more important than the other criteria in priority. Also, final results of Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) indicated that Chalghafa forest reserve in respect of sustainable forest management is in a higher situation than Daghbashi and Tang Khoshk forest reserves. According to obtained results, it is suggested that Chalghafa forest reserve site would be considered as a symbol area. Other yard sticks that to be exposed by human, we should change other forest resources or city’s forest reserves corresponding to this resource sites so it causes to sustainable forest management. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
102 - Evaluation of growth Feature of Populus deltoides and Taxodium distichum trees using stem analysis
jamshid eslam dost hormoz sohrabi seyed mohsen hoseyniTree growth has a great ecological and economic importance and stem analysis is one of the reliable and widely used methods which is used to study the growth of different attributes of the trees. In the present study, we evaluated diameter, basal area, and height and vo MoreTree growth has a great ecological and economic importance and stem analysis is one of the reliable and widely used methods which is used to study the growth of different attributes of the trees. In the present study, we evaluated diameter, basal area, and height and volume growth of two fast growing species (namely Populus deltoides and Taxodium distichum). After falling down the trees, 5 centimeter thick disks at 2 meter intervals were collected and transported to the laboratory. The thickness of the annual rings was measured in two perpendicular directions up to1millimeter precision. The results showed that the highest value of the current growth of diameter of Populus deltoides and Taxodium distichum occurred in 4 and 6 year ages, respectively, equal to 1.5 and 5.4 cm and the highest value of the current basal area growth of Populus deltoides and Taxodium distichum occurred in 9 and 10 year ages, respectively, equal to 0.1 and 0.14 square meters. Furthermore, the highest value of the current growth of height of Populus deltoides and Taxodium distichum occurred in 6 and 9 year ages, respectively, with value of 1.3 m 3.1 m and the highest value of the current growth in the volume of Populus deltoides and Taxodium distichum occurred in 8 and 12 year ages, with a value of 0.094 and 0.1 cubic meters, respectively. Finally, there would be concluded that both of these species in such sites can meet the environmental needs such as green spaces as well as economic goals such as commercial wood product. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
103 - Assessment of hazardous Pine (Pinus eldarica Medw) trees street in Babol city
M.R Pourmajidian حامد Aghajani اصغر fallah مازیار HeidariAbstractAn important charactristic of the public domain is street and street trees show a monitoring of the urban tissues. Urban green space due to the enviromental values is the main characteristic of each city. The first step for all of the management and planning of MoreAbstractAn important charactristic of the public domain is street and street trees show a monitoring of the urban tissues. Urban green space due to the enviromental values is the main characteristic of each city. The first step for all of the management and planning of urban green space, knowing information about street trees is the first step to proper management. Due to the recent events have taken the risk creation of trees in the babol city. In this research, the assessment of hazardous pinus (Pinus eldarica Medw) in the Felestin street to University of Medical Sciences and Intersection of Farhang to Ghaziketi square, and all tree perfect inventoried. Trees were carried out on both sides of Farhang and Farmandari Street. Detected the types of tree defects were using risk criteria. Totally, 120 trees were sampled. After the analysis of data classify the level of hazardous in each criterion. The results showed that the dead woods and root problems tree structure are the main tree defects (with values of 75 and 65 percent of all sample trees, respectively), while weak branch unions and decay have less importance. Regarding to combination of tree defects, 12 trees (10% of all trees) were classified as very dangerous and must be removed. Other tree (average hazardous) must be crown pruning. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
104 - The effect of Canopy Cover, slope and direction of domain on continuing regeneration in zagross forest (case study: blooran. Koohdasht, lorestan)
koorosh nazarpoor fard mehdi zarooni vahid etemad manoochehr namiranianThe aim was to find out the relationships between three classes of regeneration(lower 0.5 m, 0.5 – 1.5m, and higher 1.5 m) with canopy cover percentage ( four classes: 1-5%, 5.1 – 12%, 12.1 – 25% and 25%<), slope (three classes: 0 – 30%, 30 &n MoreThe aim was to find out the relationships between three classes of regeneration(lower 0.5 m, 0.5 – 1.5m, and higher 1.5 m) with canopy cover percentage ( four classes: 1-5%, 5.1 – 12%, 12.1 – 25% and 25%<), slope (three classes: 0 – 30%, 30 – 60% and 60%<), and aspect (( four classes: N, S, E and W). In order to investigate the natural regeneration in the Zagros forests, a forest area of 200 ha located in Blouran region, West part of Kuhdasht city, was selected. A number of 90 sample plot with an area of 1000 m2 (network dimensions of 20×50 m) were sampled. Result showed that high forest regeneration was scarce relative to those of coppice. Q. Branti had maximum number of regeneration. The maximum number of regeneration was less than 0.5 m in height. Maximum number of regeneration was observed in the canopy cover of 12.1 – 25% class (65.13). The slope class of 30 – 60 percent showed the maximum number of regeneration in all height classes (73.59). Maximum regeneration in the South aspect, and this was the maximum number of.It is noteworthy to consider the natural regeneration of the Zagros forest with reference to seed development to regeneration as well as regeneration establishment in several physiography, climate and edaphic conditions. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
105 - Effect of trees canopy and topography on some chemical properties of forest soil (Case Study: The forest of Ilam province, Dalab)
mahnaz karamian vahid hosseiniThe sustainability of forest ecosystems a dependent on soil quality in duration time, conesquantly knowledge of forest soil situation and effects of land use on soil properties is very important for MoreThe sustainability of forest ecosystems a dependent on soil quality in duration time, conesquantly knowledge of forest soil situation and effects of land use on soil properties is very important for forest management. Degradation of zagros forest is caused that restoration those be very important. The purpose of this study was determination of relationship between altitude, slope and canopy on soil chemical properties. The study was carried out in Tang-e-Dalab in Ilam province on northern slope. Three transects were sampled in oak stand (Quercus brantii). In each transect, samples had 50 meters interval. Soil samples were collected from soil surface (0- 02 cm). Then Samples separately were located inside and outside of canopy in each transect. Overall were collected 60 samples. In each sample, altitude from sea level and slope percent were recorded. The results showed exchangeable K and Mg, EC decreased by increasing altitude in both inside and outside of canopy but pH has direct relationship with altitude. Moreover increasing of slope percent exchangeable K and Mg, EC , pH decreased in both inside and outside of while there was inverse relationship between exchangeableCa and altitude and slope inside canopy, but outside canopy it had direct relationship. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
106 - The impact of Silica fertilizer on growth, biomass and nutrient absorption of potted seedlings of Persian oak
Mehrdad Zarafshar Seyed Kazem Bordbar Mohammad Matinizadeh Alireza Abbasi Mohammadreza Negahdarsaber Shahram Ahmadi Saied Bahrami Hassan RezaieThe study of various affecting factors in order to promote seedling growth at nursery and afforestation areas is very important. Although silicon is not recognized as an essential element in plants, it has very beneficial effects on plant species. For this purpose, an e MoreThe study of various affecting factors in order to promote seedling growth at nursery and afforestation areas is very important. Although silicon is not recognized as an essential element in plants, it has very beneficial effects on plant species. For this purpose, an experiment was conducted following a completely randomized design with 5 treatments to evaluate different concentrations of silica on some growth parameters and nutrient uptake in Iranian oak seedlings. For each treatment, 10 pots were considered and treatments were performed including control and irrigation treatments with concentrations of 50, 150, 350 and 500 mg L-1 silica (based on field capacity). The result showed that silica had no statistically significant effect on basic diameter but root volume and stem diameter in seedlings treated with 500 mg L-1 were greatre around more than 50% in comparison with control seedlings. On the other hand, seedlings treated with 500 mg L-1 silica had the highest dry biomass compared to control and other treatments so that the leaf, stem and root biomass of the treatment were higher around 68-80% than control seedlings. The highest absorption of nitrogen, potassium and calcium were observed in 150 mg L-1 treatment. However, at low concentrations, silica decreased the uptake of manganese, copper and zinc and decreased the amount of iron uptake in the presence of silicon. Finally, it can be concluded that the use of silica in this study increased the total biomass of oak seedlings and also increased the absorption of macro elements so, the finding can be considered in forest nursery to seedling production. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to understand its mechanism, including gene and protein expression analysis. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
107 - A survey of some growth characteristics of Cerasus avium L. species regarding the cecological role of the height above the sea level in Ramsar managed forests
MM Falah chai رزا Khalatbari علیرضا IslamiCherry (Cerasus avium L.) is one of the valuable native and broadleaf species that are either scattered or exist as a small group in the northern forests of Iran. This research was carried out to investigate the effect of altitude from the sea level on some of the growt MoreCherry (Cerasus avium L.) is one of the valuable native and broadleaf species that are either scattered or exist as a small group in the northern forests of Iran. This research was carried out to investigate the effect of altitude from the sea level on some of the growth characteristics of cherry in different altitudinal layers. For this purpose, after seeing different forests in the series of 1 and 3 located in Nesaroud, Ramsar forests, 60 cherry trees of thicker than 20 cm in diameter were randomly identified due to the lack of suitable abundance in other altitudes of three altitudinal classes (200-400, 600-800, and 1200 -1400 m) above the sea level. In this study, some of qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the given stands were measured and analyzed. The obtained results showed that the qualitative characteristic of diameter growth were significantly different at P≤0.05. It was also indicated that the amount of leaf flavonoids and the density of anthocyanin of Cerasus avium that create red color increased with an increase in the height from the sea level and the light intensity particularly the increase in the direct radiation of ultraviolet ray. The maximum density of flavonoids and anthocyanins are in the altitudes higher than 1200-1400 meter above the sea level. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
108 - Plants of Pashandegan Forest Reserve in Esfahan Province
مژگان Farzamisepehr sh Hadad KavehPashandegan Forest Reserve in Esfahan province (in central Iran), as one of the most indicative regions of the Zagros forests, was studied from floristic point of view. The results showed that 133 species belonging to 107 genera and 40 families of vascular plants are gr MorePashandegan Forest Reserve in Esfahan province (in central Iran), as one of the most indicative regions of the Zagros forests, was studied from floristic point of view. The results showed that 133 species belonging to 107 genera and 40 families of vascular plants are grown in this area, among which, the family Fabaceae (Papilionaceae) with 19 species and the genus Astragalus with 8 species are the most diverse taxa. The plant form spectrum showed that these plants consist of 41.4% therophytes, 34.6 % hemicryptophytes, 15.7% phanerophytes, 5.3% geophytes, and 3% chamaephytes. Oak (Quercus brantii var. persica), maple (Acer monspesulanum subsp. cinerascence) and wild pear (Pyrus syriaca) were found as the prevailing trees of the area respectively. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
109 - Morphological, physicochemical and antioxidant comparison of medicinal date-plum fruit (Diospyros lotus L.) in three regions of Hyrcanian forests
Mohammad Emadoddini اسماعیل سیفیThe Hyrcanian forests, located along the southern shores of the Caspian Sea, are a unique and ancient ecosystem. To preserve their genetic reserves, it is essential to examine the diversity of medicinal plants in these forests, including the date-plum or wild persimmon MoreThe Hyrcanian forests, located along the southern shores of the Caspian Sea, are a unique and ancient ecosystem. To preserve their genetic reserves, it is essential to examine the diversity of medicinal plants in these forests, including the date-plum or wild persimmon (Diospyros lotus L.). The aim of this research was to evaluate the native date-plum fruit harvested from three regions of the Hyrcanian forests including Gorgan, Aliabad, and Behshahr in terms of morphological, physicochemical, and antioxidant traits. Fruit samples were collected in November 2021 during commercial-local harvest and evaluated. The obtained results showed that the highest fruit weight, diameter, and volume were recorded in samples collected from Behshahr, while the lowest weight, length, diameter, and fruit volume were observed in fruits belonging to Gorgan. This research indicated that fruits collected from Behshahr were more elongated compared to Gorgan and Aliabad. The comparison of qualitative traits confirmed that the highest acidity and vitamin C content were observed in Behshahr; on the other hand, the highest pH and total soluble solids were recorded in the fruit samples of Gorgan. The maximum total phenol and flavonoid was related to Aliabad and Behshahr. Finally, the highest total anthocyanin and antioxidant capacity was observed in Gorgan. Furthermore, this study found that fruit weight had a significant positive correlation with acidity but showed a significant negative correlation with pH and antioxidant capacity. Also, Fruit acidity had a significant negative correlation with antioxidant capacity and total anthocyanin. In contrast, pH and total soluble solids showed a significant positive correlation with total anthocyanin. In general, a great diversity was observed among the medicinal fruit of the wild date-plum collected from the three investigated regions in Hyrcanian forests with regard to the morphological, physicochemical, and antioxidant activity. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
110 - Visual assessment of environment and landscape of Mellat Park in Zahedan based on public preferences approach
Khodarahm Bazzi Moahmadali MirshekariAmong senses that humans interact with their surrounding is the sense of sight that has the greatest role in enjoying natural environment. The natural environment has a condition that gives calm to the eye of each viewer. For satisfaction of citizens, it is necessary th MoreAmong senses that humans interact with their surrounding is the sense of sight that has the greatest role in enjoying natural environment. The natural environment has a condition that gives calm to the eye of each viewer. For satisfaction of citizens, it is necessary that urban managers consider visual elements in the design of parks. Zahedan as an emerging metropolitan in the South East area, has numerous parks, Mellat Park of Zahedan that is situated on the road of Zahedan to Khash can have a function in the region. However, this park suffered from serious damage in the terms of aesthetic. This study for determining these damages examined two hypotheses: 1. visitors of Zahedan Mellat Park regarding public preferences, preferred area of designed spaces to other areas. 2. Different age groups in the Mellat Park have different evaluations for visual landscape. This paper is based on public preferences using a classification model quality (Q-Sort) visual assessment of the present situation in the parks based on the tastes of the citizens. According to this model, with regard to the types of landscape existing park space is divided into different area: 1- Area of designed spaces, 2- Area of games and 3- Area of with natural covering. The 495 photos were taken at two different times of the area and with regard to the objectives of the study and a total of 24 images for each area were elected. The images, according to the preferences, were ranked in five categories (very nice picture, nice, ordinary, ugly and too ugly). The results show preferences respectively from the most to the least important priorities: area designed spaces 40%, natural area cover 38% and of the area games 22% with the preferences of visitors. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
111 - To Analyze Entry Barrier and Price in the Industry of Custom-Purpose Applications
Kiumars Shahbazi jalil badpeymaAbstract The aim of this article is reducing the custom applied softwares cost. For this purpose, this research models the cost of related softwares by means of static bayesian game and assuming the computer companies awareness toward future demand. The results show if MoreAbstract The aim of this article is reducing the custom applied softwares cost. For this purpose, this research models the cost of related softwares by means of static bayesian game and assuming the computer companies awareness toward future demand. The results show if an applicant firm, for custom-purpose software, demand its application in two or more stages, price competition of computer companies to attain future profits cause price reduction in bidding stage and its increase after bidding stages. With increase in demand stages, not only the maximum entry forestalling price, but also entry barriers being increase. Based on results, the buyer firms are suggested to complete their software requirement before purchasing and announce the producers from future demands such that the price of the software reduces. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
112 - Presenting financial bankruptcy risk prediction model of stock and transborder companies using machine learning algorithms
Mohsen Aali Seyed Alireza Mirarab Baygi Nima FarajianBankruptcy or business failure can have a negative impact on both the company itself and the global economy. In this research, the financial bankruptcy risk prediction of stock and transborder companies has been done using machine learning algorithms, Where the ultimate MoreBankruptcy or business failure can have a negative impact on both the company itself and the global economy. In this research, the financial bankruptcy risk prediction of stock and transborder companies has been done using machine learning algorithms, Where the ultimate goal is to predict the financial bankruptcy risk of stock exchange and transborder companies. Collective learning is a field of machine learning in which instead of using a model to solve a problem, Use multiple models in combination to increase the output estimation power of the model. Each model is retrained using optimal features. As a result, the accuracy of predicting machine learning model by Stacking method, which is one of the strongest techniques of collective learning, To predict financial bankruptcy risk is higher than similar methods. Investors always want to prevent the deterioration of their capital by anticipating the possibility of a company's bankruptcy. Therefore, they are looking for ways to predict the bankruptcy of companies. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
113 - احتمال وقوع جهش برای رنگ پوششی نقرهای در اسبهای سیاه جنگلی باکتی سالمونلای روده جوجههای گوشتی در معرض چالش سالمونلایی
اس. ممکه آر. اسچریمپف سی. دایرکس او. دیستلاسبهای سیاه جنگلی به صورت تیپیک دارای رنگ بدن خرمایی با یال و دم به رنگ کتان هستند. به هر حال و با وجود رنگ بدن خیلی تیره، این اسبها در بعضی از اوقات به رنگ نقرهای دیده میشوند. به منظور بررسی این که آیا رنگ نقرهای در جمعیت اسبهای جنگلی وجود دارد یا نه، 250 رأس اسب Moreاسبهای سیاه جنگلی به صورت تیپیک دارای رنگ بدن خرمایی با یال و دم به رنگ کتان هستند. به هر حال و با وجود رنگ بدن خیلی تیره، این اسبها در بعضی از اوقات به رنگ نقرهای دیده میشوند. به منظور بررسی این که آیا رنگ نقرهای در جمعیت اسبهای جنگلی وجود دارد یا نه، 250 رأس اسب این نژاد برای جهشهای رنگ پوشش که از قبل در MCIP وSILV گزارش شده بودند تعیین ژنوتیپ شدند. نتیجه اینکه، تمامی اسبهای جنگلی سیاه این مطالعه از نظر ژنوتیپ MCIP خرمایی رنگ بودند. جالب اینکه، در اسبهای سیاه جنگلی جهش رنگ نقرهای SILV-1852C با یک احتمال وقوع 8/0 درصد اتفاق افتاد. از آنجاییکه رنگ غالب در این نژاد رنگ پوششی خرمایی است، انتظار بر این است تا جهش رنگ نقرهای در اسبهای سیاه جنگلی خیلی کم (و یا هیچ) ظهور فنوتیپی داشته باشد و بروز این رنگ احتمالا به دلیل تلاقی با سایر نژادها باشد. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
114 - ADABOOST Ensemble Algorithms for Breast Cancer Classification
Moshood Hambali Yakub Saheed Tinuke Oladele Morufat Gbolagade -
Open Access Article
115 - Study of Genetic Diversity among Philodendron Varieties by Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA Markers
Achar Devaraja AM Jakhar Mamta Jakeer P Shetty KPVIn the present study, Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used to analyze the genetic diversity in 20 varieties of Philodendron. The polymerase chain reaction was performed with 60 RAPD primers, out of which 21 primers showed clear amplification as we MoreIn the present study, Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used to analyze the genetic diversity in 20 varieties of Philodendron. The polymerase chain reaction was performed with 60 RAPD primers, out of which 21 primers showed clear amplification as well as more polymorphism. In total, 354 scorable RAPD loci with 348 polymorphic bands (98%) were observed. Percentages of polymorphic bands ranged from 80% to 100%. Amplified DNA fragments were used for statistical analysis. The data was obtained by scoring the bands and analyzed by using STATISTICA software. A dendrogram was obtained by cluster analysis based on the presence or absence of band which indicates similarity and diversities. The cluster analysis grouped the Philodendron varieties based on the growth habits, morphological characters and also geographical origin. This indicates that there is an association between the RAPD patterns and the geographic origin of the varieties used. The genetic diversity among the varieties was moderate, which might be due to genetically heterozygous and somaclonal variation. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
116 - Integration of Natural Resource Management in the Primary Education Curriculum in Kenya
Michael G. Kanyi Tom Vandenbosch Fredrick U. Ngesa Joash K. Kibett George MuthaaThe Farmers of the Future (FoF) initiative implemented a programme of integrating natural resources management in the basic education curriculum. The purpose of the study was to document activities and determine the effects of FoF programme on primary school learners&rs MoreThe Farmers of the Future (FoF) initiative implemented a programme of integrating natural resources management in the basic education curriculum. The purpose of the study was to document activities and determine the effects of FoF programme on primary school learners’ perceptions towards natural resources management by comparing learners involved in the FoF programme and those not involved. Further, comparison of perceptions by gender among learners involved in the FoF was done. The study employed an ex-post-facto design. The location of the study was the western region of Kenya. The sample was composed of 120 learners and 6 teachers, making a total of 126 respondents. This was in accordance with recommendations by Kathuri and Pals (1993). The data were collected using questionnaires and analysed using t-test at alpha=0.05. The instruments were validated by two experts in the Department of Agricultural Education and Extension at Egerton University and one expert from ICRAF. Reliability was tested through pilot testing and indicated a reliability coefficient of 0.72 The findings indicated that the FoF programme had a significant influence on learners’ positive perceptions towards natural resources management thus the programme forms an integral part in sustainable agriculture. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
117 - Town trip forecasting based on data mining techniques
Mohammad Fili Majid Khedmati -
Open Access Article
118 - The Structure of Plant Population of Forested Rangeland in Different Legal Definitions (Case Study: Sabzkouh Region, Chaharmahal & Bakhtiari Province, Iran)
Masoome Sadat Hosseininasab Hossein Barani Mousa Akbarlou Mohamad Hadi Moayeri -
Open Access Article
119 - Comparing Different Modeling Techniques for Predicting Presence-absence of Some Dominant Plant Species in Mountain Rangelands, Mazandaran Province
Mansoureh Kargar Davod Akhzari Amir Saadatfar -
Open Access Article
120 - Identifying Rangeland Development and Restoration Operations Targets (Case Study: Hossein Abad Bazoft Basin, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, Iran)
Azadeh Afrigan Mohammad Jafari Sara Jamalpour Arghavan Shahlayie -
Open Access Article
121 - Predicting the Next State of Traffic by Data Mining Classification Techniques
S.Mehdi Hashemi Mehrdad Almasi Roozbeh Ebrazi Mohsen Jahanshahi -
Open Access Article
122 - Optimal stock selection using bat and random forest algorithm
hosein rostamkhani behroz khodarahmi azita jahanshadThe purpose of this study is to optimally select stocks using the bat and random forest algorithm. In this study, based on the analysis of 6 variables: stock price to earnings per share ratio, annual earnings growth rate, annual sales growth rate, return on assets, retu MoreThe purpose of this study is to optimally select stocks using the bat and random forest algorithm. In this study, based on the analysis of 6 variables: stock price to earnings per share ratio, annual earnings growth rate, annual sales growth rate, return on assets, return on equity and free float shares extracted from 181 companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange, It has been used during the period of 1394 to 1398. Six scenarios are considered to estimate the accuracy of the two algorithms, so that for scenarios 1 to 6, the algorithms are asked to participate 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30, respectively. The results show that the nature of the random forest algorithm requires training and selection of features, which makes the algorithm faster and increases the convergence time. One of the main reasons for the higher accuracy of the random forest algorithm in scenarios 1 to 3 could be this. In scenarios 4 to 6, due to the increasing complexity of the problem, the accuracy of the random forest algorithm decreases, but due to the random nature of the bat algorithm, its accuracy does not differ much and it can maintain stability in its selection. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
123 - Predicting the Direction of Stock Market Prices Using Random Forest
elham gholamian sayyed mohammad reza davoodiStock market activists are the acquiring and using methods to predict future stock prices, increasing their capital gains. Therefore, it seems necessary that appropriate, correct, and scientific principles are used to determine the future price of the stock of investor MoreStock market activists are the acquiring and using methods to predict future stock prices, increasing their capital gains. Therefore, it seems necessary that appropriate, correct, and scientific principles are used to determine the future price of the stock of investor stock options.stock price prediction is an important part of investment, and in most cases it is the field of research for researchers, because it ultimately leads to the choice of appropriate investment. Different methods have now been developed to achieve this goal. Have been introduced that are often statistical methods and artificial intelligence. In this research, using a randomized approach approach that is among artificial intelligence classification methods, along with technical indicators that include: power index Relative Price, Stochastic, Equilibrium Balance, Williams R%, Daily Returns, and Mac.d Series Markets, are looking for stock price trends. This model is compared with logistic regression method and completely randomized method (dice throw). The results of the research on daily data of Tehran Stock Exchange Index from 1393 to 1395 indicate that the accuracy of the proposed method in estimating market trend is 64%, which is more than two methods of logistic regressionand completely randomized method of accuracy Has a higher rate. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
124 - Investigate the Operation of Random forest and Deep neural networks on Statistical Arbitrage Strategy
alireza Fazlzadeh Jafar Haghigha Faranak Pourkeivan vahid ahmadian In this research, the statistical analysis of random forest effects has been done. Also, to evaluate the performance of the random forest algorithm in the field of statistical arbitrage compared to other models presented in the previous research, the comparison of More In this research, the statistical analysis of random forest effects has been done. Also, to evaluate the performance of the random forest algorithm in the field of statistical arbitrage compared to other models presented in the previous research, the comparison of the results from the application of this algorithm with deep neural network algorithm has been done. The models are taught with stock price information and the output from this technique categorizes stocks according to the position of buying and selling. Using this strategy, profitable positions are identified in market shares for profit. The results showed that the model of random forest with less error classification than deep neural network model. Using this strategy, profitable positions are identified in market shares for profit. The results showed that the model of random forest with less error classification than deep neural network model. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
125 - Presenting the developed model of Benish model with emphasis on the special characteristics of the company using neural network, vector machine and random forest
Kiumars Pourgadimi Saeed jabbarzadeh Kangarloui Jamal Bahri SalesAbstractAs the business process becomes more complex, the risk of financial statements being distorted increases with each passing day. In this regard, researchers have been looking for models to detect fraud in financial statements. Benish (1997) used a combination of MoreAbstractAs the business process becomes more complex, the risk of financial statements being distorted increases with each passing day. In this regard, researchers have been looking for models to detect fraud in financial statements. Benish (1997) used a combination of financial ratios and accruals to predict profit manipulation methods. since auditors are presented as external oversight in the corporate governance structure of the company's performance, in this study the model is developed based on the qualitative characteristics of the auditor, which include the auditor's size, auditor tenure, reporting delay, Auditor Class and Auditor Change.The fitting of the stochastic vector machine, random forest and neural network has been used to fit the extended model. The results show that the coefficients obtained from the random forest model are 99% and more than the two neural network and vector model 94%. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
126 - Effect of the oak decline on the secondary compositions in oak leaves Case study: Zagros forest- Lorestan
ziyaoddin Badehian Shahram Karami Marzieh Rashidi Mohsen RajabiIn recent years, Querqus trees especially those which are located in the Lorestan province, in the Central Zagros forests, have faced to the Oak decline phenomenon. Different natural and unnatural factors can make this phenomenon to occur. Quercus brantii, the dominant MoreIn recent years, Querqus trees especially those which are located in the Lorestan province, in the Central Zagros forests, have faced to the Oak decline phenomenon. Different natural and unnatural factors can make this phenomenon to occur. Quercus brantii, the dominant species of the Lorestan forests, is suffered from this phenomenon and it has been degraded in wide range. Quercus brantii contain different type of secondary compositions. Secondary compositions in the leaves react as a defensive mechanism against stress maker conditions. In present study, to investigate the effect of oak decline on the secondary compositions such as total tannin, insoluble suger, principal soluble suger, condensed tannin and antioxidant of the leaves of Quercus branti, some sample of the leaves from affected trees in the Lorestan forests were gathered. After different tests on the leaves of Quercus brantii, the analysis of the acquired data was conducted using the factorial experiment and independent t-test. The rate of total tannin, insoluble suger, principal soluble suger and condensed tannin in the affected tress in the regions of Miankooh, Maleshaban and Abolvafa had a significant difference with the healthy trees but the rate of antioxidant did not show a significant difference. Moreover, the rate of condensed tannin in the regions of Miankooh and Abolvafa were significantly greater than the other areas. Stressful conditions such as oak decline, cause changes in the amount of secondary compounds in leaves. Studying these changes can help diagnosing and controlling the prevalence of stressful conditions. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
127 - Accuracy Assessment of Kriging Methods for Zoning of Density, Canopy and Tree Species Diversity in Zagros forests (Case study: Arghavan Reservoir, Ilam Province)
جواد میرزایی نیشتمان خسروپور شایسته غلامیThere are little information about the spatial and temporal distributions of destiny, cover and diversity of tree species in Zagros forests. While, These information’s are very useful to managing decisions of forest managers. This study was performed to study the MoreThere are little information about the spatial and temporal distributions of destiny, cover and diversity of tree species in Zagros forests. While, These information’s are very useful to managing decisions of forest managers. This study was performed to study the spatial and temporal distributions of destiny, cover and diversity of tree species in the forests of Arghavan valley in the North of Ilam (200 hectare) using Kriging method. Sampling were done on equal transects that were in 300 meter far from each other. Regarding to appropriate placing structure, experimental variorums were calculated to variables of destiny, cover, diversity, evenness and richness. Processing of model was performed to empirical logograms by common Kriging method and blocks of 20 × 20. The results showed that Kriging design can be provide to variables of covering, destiny, variety and richness. The results also indicated that Kriging method is not useful to provide useful management ground maps. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
128 - Investigating site demands of Sorbus torminalis Crantz.(L.) species in Arasbaran forests, , East Azarbaijan province, Iran
Tohid Ebrahimi Gajoti Zhila Balaei Yousef Imani Dizaj-Yekan Akbar Abdi Ghazi JahaniThis study aims to determine the habitat requirements (The site demands) of species samplings in 1392 in Arasbaran forests (North-West of Iran) has been applied. The studied area of 14000 hectare includes 13335 ha in Sutan-chay sub-basin of Kaleibar chai basin and 665 h MoreThis study aims to determine the habitat requirements (The site demands) of species samplings in 1392 in Arasbaran forests (North-West of Iran) has been applied. The studied area of 14000 hectare includes 13335 ha in Sutan-chay sub-basin of Kaleibar chai basin and 665 ha, a part of Ilghaneh chai basin. Six plots of 1000 square meters were established in sites with different land forms and geographical aspects. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to determine the most important factors affecting the establishment of Sorbus torminalis Crantz.(L.) species in Arasbaran. for this purpose statistical software SPSS (Version 9) were used. The distribution of Sorbus torminalis species is in the altitudinal range of 1020–1715 meter above sea level. Sorbus torminalis, as a kind of companion species in Carpinetum betuli L., association, is found in Arasbaran Forests. The tallest tree was measured on north slope with 11.78 m height and the diameter of trees is varied between 5.1 and 14.4 cm in different land forms and geographical aspects. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) analysis showed that factors such as CaCo3 and organic matter were more correlated with axes 1, while geographical aspect and silt content were more related to axes 2 that are representative for physical and chemical characteristics of soil, respectively. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
129 - Examining the Antibacterial Efficacy of Aqueous Extracts of Chestnut Leaves and Catkins in a Variety of Wild and Cultivated Environments
Ziad Ahmad Alabdallah Hanaa Abdul Hussein Taif Hassan Saheb Jubeir Hanoon Dahlia N.Al-Saidi Nada Khairi Younis Sarah A. Hamood Nahed Mahmood Ahmed Hatem Ghaleb Maabreh -
Open Access Article
130 - Investigating the role of collaborative management on effectiveness rate of managers in Foresty, Range and Watershed Organization general specification’s point of view
M. Amini S. M. MirdamadiThis study was done in descriptive, surveying and correlative method. The investigated population was 371 general specialists of Forestry, Range and Watershed Organization. Sample volume has been determined by Kookran formula. Relative simple random sampling method has MoreThis study was done in descriptive, surveying and correlative method. The investigated population was 371 general specialists of Forestry, Range and Watershed Organization. Sample volume has been determined by Kookran formula. Relative simple random sampling method has been used in this research. Library-imputative and field study as two common methods have been used in order for collecting data. Content and face validity of the questionnaire were established by faculty members and specialists in the field of agricultural extension and development. Approving of questionnaire was done by using Kernbach Alpha Index. It was calculated as 0.93 for questions related to collaborative management and 0.91 for questions related to effectiveness of managers` organizational behavior. Study of correlation index among the variant of the study have shown that the relation among collaborative management variant and following was positive, organizational behavior effectiveness variant, increase in profession skills, rapid accomplishment of organization goals, increase in the quantity and quality of activities, creating professional knowledge among experts improvement in occupational attitude of experts, creating innovation in experts, flexibility, human relationships and creating occupational groups. Results of progressive methods implies the following variants have a positive effect on managers` organizational behavior effectiveness, creating ways in order for experts’ active attendance in meetings, managers acceptance of experts` viewpoints in evaluation of staff, holding meetings with experts which is done by manager, manager’s attempt in problem solving by means of group activities and manager’s emphasis on group performance in evaluation and supervision of staff. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
131 - Presenting the developed model of benish model with emphasis on audit quality fea-tures using neural network, vector machine and random forest
Kiumars Pourgadimi Jamal Bahri Sales Saeed Jabbarzadeh Kangarluei Akbar Zavar RezaeePurpose: As the business process becomes more complex, the risk of financial statements being distorted increases with each passing day. In this regard, researchers have been looking for models to detect fraud in financial statements. The purpose of this research is to MorePurpose: As the business process becomes more complex, the risk of financial statements being distorted increases with each passing day. In this regard, researchers have been looking for models to detect fraud in financial statements. The purpose of this research is to present an expanded model based on the quality characteristics of the auditor.Methodology: Benish (1997) used a combination of financial ratios and accruals to predict profit manipulation methods. Since auditors are presented as external oversight in the corporate governance structure of the company's performance, in this study the model is developed based on the qualitative char-acteristics of the auditor, which include the auditor's size, auditor tenure, reporting delay, Auditor Class and Auditor Change. The fitting of the vector machine, random forest and neural network has been used to fit the ex-tended model.Findings: The results show that the coefficients obtained from the random forest model are 98.4% and more than the two neural network and vector model 93%. Also, the extended model is more accurate than the base model. Audit characteristics are influential in predicting fraud in financial statements and should be considered by capital market participants.Originality / Value: Research findings can be effective in improving the prediction of fraud in financial statements and also draw users' attention to the combination of financial statement information and the characteristics of the auditor's report in fraud prediction. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
132 - Ability of Machine Learning Algorithms and Artificial Neural Networks in Predicting Accounting Profit Information Content Before Announcing
Hossein Alizadeh Majid Zanjirdar Gholam Ali HajiPurpose: The aim of this research is to investigate the capability of artificial neural networks and machine learning algorithms, including Support Vector Machine and Random Forest, in predicting the information content of accounting profits before its announcement in a MorePurpose: The aim of this research is to investigate the capability of artificial neural networks and machine learning algorithms, including Support Vector Machine and Random Forest, in predicting the information content of accounting profits before its announcement in accepted companies on the Tehran Stock Exchange during the period from 2015 to 2020.Methodology: Daily data required for the research were collected using Rahnaward-e-Novin software, and a systematic random sampling method was used to select 88 companies. MATLAB was used for modeling artificial neural networks and machine learning algorithms, and Python code was employed to calculate abnormal returns in neural networks and machine learning algorithms. The information content of profits was measured through the test of the relationship between profits and abnormal returns, based on the model by Porti et al. (2018). The input variables for artificial neural networks and machine learning algorithms are technical indicators. Accuracy, precision, recall, and F-score metrics were used for performance evaluation.Findings: The results of predicting with three models of artificial neural networks, Support Vector Machine, and Random Forest showed that Support Vector Machine and Random Forest had higher accuracy than artificial neural networks in predicting buy, sell, and hold strategies, and only Support Vector Machine had the ability to predict the information content of profits among the three models.Originality / Value: Designing a predictive model for stock price movements in the next trading day using artificial neural networks, Support Vector Machine, and Random Forest as the main innovation of the research. The research findings can increase the speed of information dissemination to the market and attract it, which will reduce the impact of informational asymmetry and information-based trading and ultimately enhance market efficiency. Manuscript profile
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