Showing 44 results for ebadi
Volume 0, Issue 0 (ARTICLES IN PRESS 2024)
Abstract
Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss. is a medicinal plant used in various industries due to its high health benefits, antioxidant activity, attractive flavor and aroma. Commercial yield and phytochemicals can be enhanced by cultivation management like suitable plant density. This study investigates the impact of planting density (50×40, 25×40, 12.5×40 cm caused to 5, 10, and 20 plants m-2) on the morpho-physiological traits, yield, trichomes, and phytochemicals profiles of D. kotschyi, based on a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in the Saravarsu region, Guilan province, Iran (2021-2022). The findings reveal a notable fourfold increase in various traits in 20 plants m-2 (12.5×40 cm). The highest values for parameters such as plant height (34.66 cm), branch number (14), branch length (9.34 cm), leaf number (138.33), leaf area index (105 mm2), fresh weights of leaves, and stems, as well as total fresh weight (105.1, 98.5, and 203.6 g m-2 respectively), dry weights of leaves, stems, total dry yield (26.1, 24.675, and 50.775 g m-2 respectively), chlorophyll a, b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoid content (1.038, 0.653, 1.691, and 0.898 mg g-1 FW, respectively), secretory trichomes density (14 mm-2), essential oil content and yield (0.633% and 0.322 g m-2, respectively), PAL activity (10.221 nmol g-1 FW min-1), antioxidant activity (82.85%), total phenol (1.253 mg g-1 DW), and total flavonoid (2.781 mg g-1 DW) were observed in 20 plants m-2. In conclusion, a planting density of 20 plants m-2 (with spacing 12.5×40 cm) is recommended for achieving optimal commercial yield, and phytochemical production of D. kotschyi in the Saravarsu region.
Volume 1, Issue 3 (Summer 2023)
Abstract
Changes in pore fluid can significantly impact the geotechnical behavior of soil, especially clayey soil. One source of soil contamination is leachate, which can infiltrate nearby soil during the collection, transportation, and deposition stages of the residential waste disposal process, exerting geotechnical influences on the soil in the surrounding area. To assess these effects, four leachate samples were collected from different sites. The specimen comprises fine soil, created from a mixture of sand, bentonite, and kaolinite. Experimental results reveal a decreasing trend in the liquid limit, compaction parameters, and cohesion values of the soil with an increase in contamination level. However, the internal friction angle exhibits an increasing trend with higher leachate concentration, resembling the behavior of sandy soil, as opposed to the typical behavior of clay.
Volume 3, Issue 1 (1-2017)
Abstract
Multidrug resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii is a growing public health concern all over the world. In the current study, the isolation and antimicrobial resistance pattern and detection of blaOXA-51 and lpxC genes by multiplex PCR method was performed.
All the isolates demonstrated high levels of resistance rates to amikacin, ciprofloxacin, meropenem, imipenem, ceftriaxone, gentamicin, and colistin. Screening of two resistance genes by multiplex PCR showed that all the isolates contained blaOXA-51 and lpxC genes. As we previously reported, nosocomial infections caused by A. baumannii isolates are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in our hospital.
Volume 3, Issue 4 (3-2014)
Abstract
Present a model for analyzing agents’ behaviors and determining their efficiency factor, while responding to calls in call centers is the main goal of this study. The aim of this model is to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the agents providing these services to customers. The proposed process defines three criteria namely F, U and Q which represent the number of responding, duration of responding to a unit call and the quality of responding to calls. After obtaining experts’ opinions, parameters were weighted. Then, based on the number of optimum clusters provided by Davis we tried to cluster the factors using K-Means. In the next stage criterion to measure the efficiency of agents were defined, and results were analyzed. The use case carried out on 3401535 records of 158 answering agents in the call center for one of the companies affiliated to automobile industry. The results show that efficiency of agents is not relation to gender. The company does not use enough “best agents” for answering customer calls; whereas one of the highlights of Human Resource Management is the efficient use of an expert. On the other hand the results show that company should pay attention to the education and skills of hired agents who answer customer calls.
Volume 3, Issue 4 (12-2015)
Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study was comparing behavioral disorders in students with depressed and non-depressed mothers.
Methods: This case-control study was conducted among 35 (7-11 years old) children of depressed mothers as a case group and 35 children of healthy mothers as control group in Ahvaz, Iran, in 2015-16. The sample size was selected by multistage random cluster sampling. Research tools were Beck Depression Inventory, and Rutter behavioral disorders questionnaire. Data were analyzed using T-tests in the SPSS software (ver. 18).
Findings: Based on the findings of this study, more depressed mothers have children with more behavioral disorder. Aggression, hyperactivity, depression, anxiety, social dysfunction, and anti-social behaviors were seen more among students with depressed mothers comparing to students with non-depressed mothers.
Conclusion: Maternal depression is related to a wide range of child outcomes, and the effects continue from birth into adulthood. Children of depressed mothers are two to three times more likely to develop a mood disorder, and are at increased risk for impaired functioning across multiple domains, including cognitive, social and academic functioning, and poor physical health. At the same time, many children of depressed mothers develop normally. Therefore, the key research goal is to understand the pathways and processes through which maternal depression affects children. Child psychological counseling and psychiatric management along with mothers’ treatment is advisable.
Volume 4, Issue 1 (Spring 2020)
Abstract
Research subject: In recent years, researchers have proposed various methods for gas separation because of rising greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and causing enormous environmental problems. One of the newest and emerging methods is membrane gas separation. In the last decade, mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) have received much attention due to their ability to successful separation of polar gases from mixtures.
Research approach: In this study, a novel two-component mixed matrix membrane was prepared by incorporating the nickel zinc iron oxide nanoparticles into the Pebox polymer matrix. This is owing to combination the unique features of Pebax copolymer such as high mechanical strength and gas permeability, with nanoparticle properties as considerable permeability and selectivity, and appropriate mechanical and thermal stability. The gas permeability test was performed for pristine membrane and MMMs at 35 °C and pressure range from 2 to 10 bar. Fabricated membranes were also evaluated by FESEM, FTIR-ATR, DSC and XRD tests
Main results: Results demonstrated that in the case of the optimum membrane with 1 wt.% of filler loading and at 10 bar, the CO2 permeability was increased about 128% and reached to 278 Barrer, compared to pristine membrane. However, the CO2/CH4 and CO2/N2 selectivities were improved by 175 and 183 percent, respectively. This superior results was due to the presence of iron, nickel, and zinc atoms in the filler structure, which resulted in a better interaction with CO2. On the other hand, the presence of CO2-friendly segments in the Pebax structure caused much higher CO2 permeability in comparison with other light gases.
Volume 4, Issue 3 (8-2016)
Abstract
Aim: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a life time disease that requires change in patients' self-care and life style. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of predisposing, reinforcing and enabling factors on the self-care of patients with DM in Ardabil City, Iran in 2016.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 129 patients with DM referred to the diabetic centers of Ardabil. We used the components of PRECEDE model for planning the program. The educational program was executed on six information sessions. Changes in the predisposing, reinforcing, enabling factors and self-care behaviors one month after the intervention activities were assessed by using the same questionnaire. Data were analyzed through SPSS 16 software using descriptive and analytical tests.
Findings: The mean age of the patients was 56.82(±13.4) years, 69.8% of them were married and 20.2% were illiterate. According to the results, the mean scores for the knowledge, attitude, self-efficiency, self-care behavior, and reinforcement factors increased significantly after the educational intervention (p-value >0.001).
Conclusion: Educational intervention with PRECEDE-PROCEED model improved the diabetic patient’s self-care.
Volume 4, Issue 4 (Fall 2019)
Abstract
Aim: Work related Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are one of the most common complaints among staff doing static or repetitious tasks using the upper limbs and individuals who work with computer for hours. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of MSDs among computer users in the office department of Healthcare Network of Iran.
Method and Instruments: This descriptive-analytic study was conducted on 105 computer users in the Healthcare Network who were selected through census sampling method in 2018. The data collecting tools included the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaires (CMDQ) and the Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA) checklist. To investigate the relationship between demographic variables and the final ROSA score, Analysis of Variance ANOVA and T-test were used.
Findings: Totally, 105 computer users with mean age of 38.7 ± 7.1 years and mean work experience 7.4 ± 14.7 years were assessed. Discomfort and musculoskeletal pain in the neck and hip were more common than the other parts. The results of the ROSA method showed that the final mean ROSA score was 5.38 ± 1.07. About 37.1% of the cases need just notification and 62.9% of them need ergonomic intervention. Moreover, gender and work experience had a significant effect on the final ROSA score (P<0.001).
Conclusion: A high prevalence of MSDs was observed in the neck and hip regions of computer users. Given the ROSA score, which was at notification area, a series of ergonomic and managerial measures are needed to improve the conditions of the workstations and reduce the prevalence of MSDs.
Volume 5, Issue 2 (6-2017)
Abstract
children and mothers of normal children.
Methods: This study was a comparative in terms of comparing obsessive-compulsive disorder and coping stress among mothers of disabled and normal children and correlation in terms of prediction of coping stress among two groups. All obsessive-compulsive women in Ahwaz, which was implemented on January 2017. 100 mothers of disabled children and 100 mothers of normal children were tested based on the severity of their OCD and their responses out of 40 scores: scores between 24-27, without OCD and scores between 27-32, with OCD, and scores greater than 32, very severe OCD and a functional disorder. Of these, 50 mothers of disabled children and 50 mothers of normal children having scores between 32 and 27 were selected for the test. In fact, their selection was done purposefully. Data collected with Yale–Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS), and Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations CISS, which were analyzed with SPSS 23.
Findings: Mothers of normal children in stressfull conditions use problem-solving strategies. Approximately 68% of the variance criteria are predictable for OCD in the mothers of both disabled children and normal children. Accordingly, mothers of disabled children experience more stress than mothers of normal children.
Conclusion: Mothers of disabled children use emotion-focused and avoided strategies for coping stress.
Volume 7, Issue 1 (Spring 2023)
Abstract
Hypothesis: One potential method for improving nanocomposite mixed matrix membranes is through the use of nanoparticles and compounds containing hydroxyl and carboxyl groups, which may aid in the penetration of CO2 gas. In this study, we investigated the selectivity and permeability of a polyether block amide/polyvinyl alcohol (Pebax/PVA) nanocomposite membrane containing magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles. Previous research has shown that the addition of MgO to the Pebax/PVA matrix can increase CO2 permeability by creating an intermolecular space.
Methods: Prepared a Pebax/PVA nanocomposite membrane with a weight ratio of 80:20, containing 10% MgO nanoparticles, through a solution casting method. Evaluated the performance of the Pebax/PVA/MgO nanocomposite membrane for separating CH4 and CO2 gases using various tests.
Findings: Characterized the membranes through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) tests. FESEM images showed increased surface roughness with the addition of nanoparticles, and the nanoparticles were well dispersed within the polymer matrix. XRD analysis indicated that MgO nanoparticles had more interaction with PVA chains than with Pebax chains, and peaks at 42° and 62° regions were formed due to the placement of MgO nanoparticles among the polymer chains. We studied various parameters, including polyvinyl alcohol and MgO nanoparticle content, pressure, and temperature, as independent variables and examined their effects on the permeability of CH4 and CO2 gases. We measured the permeability of the constructed membranes and found that the addition of MgO significantly increased the permeability of CH4 and CO2.
Volume 7, Issue 2 (Spring 2019)
Abstract
Aims: Food safety is a public health concern due to its great impact on the economy and health of the people in developing countries. Since food preparation is the final line of defense against foodborne diseases; women need to take extra precaution to reduce the chances of home prepared food contamination. This study examined the applicability of the trans-theoretical model of change to assess readiness to increase food safety among housewives’ women.
Materials & Methods: The present cross-sectional study was carried out among 181 households’ women in 2017. Data were collected using a questionnaire consisted of food safety characteristics based on the stage of change. Data were analyzed by SPSS 24 for descriptive analysis, normality test, correlation, and multiple logistic regression analysis.
Findings: Mean age (SD) of participants was 38.68±8.5 years old. 6.1% of participants were in the pre-contemplation stage, 21.0% in the contemplation stage, 23.2% in the preparation stage, 16.6% in the action stage, and 33.1% in the maintenance stage. Overall stage of change was not significant association with age, educational status and household income.
Conclusions: Findings of this study may help in planning health intervention programs for housewives’ women for their improvement of knowledge, attitude and practice towards foodborne diseases and food safety. We suggested an intervention based on the Trans-theoretical Model for housewives’ women to promote food hygiene, at least in .
Volume 7, Issue 3 (Summer 2019)
Abstract
Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the implementation of mindfulness training on depression, anxiety, and stress in high school students in Ahvaz in the academic year of 2017-2018.
Materials & Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study with pre-test post-test design with control group. The statistical population included all of high school female students in the academic year of 2017-2018. The sample size consisted of 40 students, who were selected by multi-stage cluster sampling and randomly divided into experimental (n=20) and control (n=20) groups. For the experimental group, 8 sessions (each session 90 minutes) of the mindfulness program were performed, but no experimental test was performed for the control group and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) was used for collecting data. To test the hypotheses, covariance analysis and multivariate analysis of variance was performed, using SPSS 21 software. In addition, Levin test was used to test the equivalency of variances. After completion of educational programs, post-test was performed on both groups.
Findings: The results of data analysis indicated that the effect of mindfulness training on decreasing depression, anxiety, and stress has been shown and there was a significant relationship between mindfulness education and anxiety reduction, depression, and stress (p<0.01).
Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, it is worthwhile for educators to teach students how to train their mind-learning skills to be able to manage their self-control coping processes and reduce the amount of anxiety disorder in psychological conditions.
Volume 9, Issue 3 (5-2020)
Abstract
Brown spot, caused by Bipolaris oryzae, is a devastating disease of rice which can cause yield loss in most rice-growing regions of the world. Breeding for disease resistance is the preferred strategy of managing brown spot. Hence, identification and subsequent development of disease resistance in rice genotypes are crucial. The field resistance of 95 rice genotypes to brown spot was evaluated under water and fertilizer stress during 2017 and 2018. Partial resistance was assessed through reaction type (disease rating) and epidemiological parameters estimates i.e. final brown spot index, area under disease progress curve and apparent infection rate. Disease rating, brown spot index, and area under disease progress curve detected differences in the responses of rice genotypes to disease under field condition, which could be used to study brown spot resistance. Among the genotypes tested, 22 genotypes were resistant to moderately resistant (23.16%) while majority were moderately susceptible to susceptible (76.84%). A significant correlation between leaf angle and area under disease progress curve indicated positive influence of leaf erectness on severity of brown spot disease. Results showed that leaf infection did not significantly affect the number of filled grains per panicle or hundred seed weight, but caused yield decline by decreasing the number of productive tillers. Nevertheless, the infection of rice genotypes from flowering to ripening stages decreased the number of filled grains per panicle and grain weight. The resistant genotypes identified in this study can be exploited for future rice breeding programs to develop promising resistant lines in management of the brown spot disease.
Volume 9, Issue 3 (Summer 2021)
Abstract
Aims: Nurses need to have considerable knowledge of and great competence in carefully assessing and correctly diagnosing patients' eye problems. This study aimed to evaluate intensive care nurses' clinical competence in eye care.
Instrument & Methods: In the cross-sectional descriptive study, ten hospitals were selected by cluster sampling of 4 cities in Iran in 2015. Four hundred thirty-two intensive care nurses were recruited by convenience sampling. The Eye Care Competence Inventory was employed for evaluating nurses' eye care knowledge, attitude, and practice. Data were analyzed by SPSS 18 using independent-samples t-test and the Pearson correlation.
Findings: The means of participating nurses' eye care knowledge, attitude, and practice were 43.3±14.86, 84.56±11.61, and 73.11±17.17, respectively. Nurses' work experience positively correlated with their eye care knowledge and attitude. There also was a significant positive correlation between nurses' age and their eye care attitude. Finally, knowledge had significant positive correlations with attitude and practice (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Nurses' knowledge in eye care of ICU patients was moderate, and their attitude and practice were good. Accordingly, developing and implementing continuing education programs for promoting their eye care knowledge, attitude, and practice is strongly recommended.
Volume 9, Issue 4 (8-2020)
Abstract
Sheath blight disease of rice caused by Rhizoctonia solani AG-1 IA, has become one of the major diseases in some rice- growing areas in recent years. Primary inoculum density seems to be a major factor in disease outbreak. The aim of the current study was to determine the relationship between the primary inoculum density and type and the disease intensity, grain yield and yield loss. Field experiments were conducted in both years of 2017 and 2018 in Guilan province, Iran. Disease incidence and severity were significantly higher when the highest inoculum densities (mycelial and sclerotial) were tested. When sclerotia were applied as the primary inoculum, disease developed more quickly. Based on the results of the current study, in a temperate lowland rice system in Guilan province, sclerotia floating on the water surface after puddling can be the primary source of inoculum and play a major role in sheath blight epidemics whereas mycelia in plant debris probably lose their viability in winter. These results suggested that control of sheath blight disease in order to prevent sclerotia production and reduce the main disease inoculum can be a promising strategy for suppressing this disease in the rice fields of Guilan province.
Volume 10, Issue 0 (تابستان 86- 2008)
Abstract
Objective: Dendritic cells have a critical role in control and regulation of immune responses. It is believed that these cells can be used for the treatment of many diseases. One of the methods used in immunotherapy is based on generating of tolerogenic dendritic cells through inhibition of expression costimulatory molecules. CD40 is one of the costimulatory molecules, and inhibition of expression by antisense or siRNA techniques, can generate tolerogenic dendritic cells. Generation of tolerogenic dendritic cells will be useful in the treatment of many diseases. By developing a quantitive RT-PCR for evaluation of gene expression, generation of these cells could be possible.
Using proper software we designed an Antisense and transfection of dendritic cells by lipofectamine 2000 (Invitrogen) could lead us to generate tolerogenic dendritic cells.
Materials and Methods: In this study dendritic cells were extracted from of Balb/c mice Spleen and the purity of this extraction was determined by flow cytometry. BCL1 cell line as a CD40 expressing control group and Wehi-164 cell line were cultured in RPMI-1640+10%FCS. Primer design for CD40 gene and house keeping gene (GADPH) was done by bioinformatic soft wares such as Beacon designer, mfold and Blast. RNasy plus mini kit (Qiagen) was used for RNA extraction and the Purity and integrity were determined by O.D at 260/280 and agarose gel electrophoresis. In the next step cDNA synthesized and quantitative RT-PCR for CD40 using IQ sybergreen (Biorad) were setup. Finally, standard curve for CD40 and internal control in different RNA concentrations were performed.
After transfection with lipofectamin 2000 the amount of gene suppression were quantified by qualitative RT-PCR.
Results: Using gradient real time PCR, optimum annealing temperature, Ct and ∆Rn for CD40 and GADPH were determined, annealing temperature was 59.5ºc and melting temperature was 84°c. Slope of the curve and the efficacy of PCR for CD40 and GADPH genes were quantified by serial dilution method
Volume 10, Issue 1 (Winter 2022)
Abstract
Aims: Occupational safety, contact care, safety policy, as well as mental-environmental conditions, are supposed among the most significant factors shaping the levels of stress in nurses. Therefore, this path analysis was fulfilled to test a theoretical model to reflect on the relationship between Safety policy, occupational safety, mental-environmental conditions, and Contact Care.
Instrument & Methods: This predictive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018-19. A total number of 530 nurses were selected from 11 hospitals in 4 provinces in Iran. The Stress of Exposure to Sharps Injury Scale was used. A path analysis was also utilized by SPSS 24 software.
Findings: The mean age of the nurses was 35.72±7.78. As well, 12.5% of the nurses had associate’s degrees and 82.2% of them were holding bachelor’s and higher degrees. The path analysis also explained 57.6% of the variance in contact care. Moreover, the findings indicated a direct effect as a significant positive relationship between occupational safety and mental-environmental conditions. Likewise, safety policy could mediate the relationship between occupational safety, mental-environmental conditions, and safety policy.
Conclusion: The study findings suggested that safety policy could mediate the relationship between occupational safety, mental-environmental conditions, and contact care. therefore, designing and implementing suitable safety policy statements can play a vital role in reducing the levels of stress among nurses in terms of patient care.
Volume 10, Issue 1 (Winter 2024)
Abstract
Background: Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis are common pathogens in respiratory tract infections, causing some diseases like community-acquired pneumonia, acute sinusitis, and otitis media. Antimicrobial resistance in these pathogens occurs over the years. This systematic review aimed to investigate the antibiotic resistance pattern of these pathogens in Iran in the last 5 years.
Materials & Methods: All original articles related to the antimicrobial resistance of H. influenza and M. catarrhalis in Iran since 2018 were searched in English and Persian databases. The articles were screened primarily and secondary. After screening the articles (extracted blindly), conflicts were resolved, and the final data were reviewed.
Findings: This study included nine articles after primary and secondary screening steps, comprising 111 H. influenzae and 78 M. catarrhalis isolates. The lowest resistance of H. influenzae isolates was against levofloxacin (0.0%), cefotaxim (11.1%), and ceftriaxone (11.1%), while the highest resistance of these isolates was against tetracycline, co-trimoxazole, and ampicillin. M. catarrhalis isolates showed the highest resistance to penicillin (100%), cefazolin (87.5%), cefuroxime (84.4%), ampicillin (84.4%), and amoxicillin (81.2%). Co-trimoxazole resistance rates of M. catarrhalis isolates from adenoid tissue and pharynx were different. Resistance to fluoroquinolones was 0.0%; macrolides were the most effective antibiotics.
Conclusion: Fluoroquinolones and macrolides are the most effective antibiotics for M. catarrhalis, while fluoroquinolones and cefotaxime or ceftriaxone work best for H. influenzae. It is recommended to use fluoroquinolones and macrolides for managing outpatients and fluoroquinolones, macrolides, or ceftriaxone for managing inpatients. Prescription of β-lactams and/or co-trimoxazole is ineffective.
Volume 10, Issue 4 (Vol.10, No.4, (Articles in Persian) 2019)
Abstract
One of the arguments in rhetoric is to examine the use of interrogative sentences in secondary purposes. The main purpose of the interrogation is to obtain information; but up to 32 secondary purposes have been written for Interrogations in some rhetoric books. In this descriptive-analytical study, the secondary purposes of the interrogative sentences in Saadi's Bustan have been analyzed. The purpose of this research is to determine what concepts Saadi has intended to present through rhetorical questions. The fundamental question in this research is to identify, to what extent did Saadi use the interrogative sentence in presenting his themes and concepts? The research is based on the assumption that due to Saadi's mastery in rhetoric criteria of language, he has taken great advantage of the secondary capacities of the interrogative sentences, especially in conveying themes of reproach and denial. In Saadi's Bustan, in total, 379 cases of rhetorical interrogations have been used. Out of which, in 289 cases, the poet used one type of interrogative tools to ask questions, which included a variety of 19 questions. Of these 19 cases, only the Arabic word "kaifa" serves as a question mark. The word "Che" has been used 129 times, accounting for about 47% of all query words in Bustan. In many cases of rhetorical questions, he begins the interrogations by the word "no". The poet's intention in this way of expression is to draw the reader's attention and emphasis on the theme. In total, 379 cases of rhetorical interrogation have been utilized in the Saadi's Bustan. These questions have raised 32 different themes. What is important in terms of the style and understanding of the poet's thinking is that in 241 of these questions, directly or indirectly, ethical themes are presented.
Volume 11, Issue 5 (Supplementary Issue - 2009)
Abstract
Population dynamics of three main alfalfa aphids, namely: pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris), spotted alfalfa aphid, Therioaphis trifolii forma maculata (Buckton), black alfalfa aphid, Aphis craccivora Koch, and their most abundant predators and parasitoids in three sites and in two subsequent years in Isfahan, Iran, were investigated. The results revealed that frequency and temporal occurrence of alfalfa aphids and their natural enemies in different regions were varied, but aphid natural enemy populations were more or less coincident with aphid populations. Populations of aphids were mainly affected by alfalfa harvesting, ambient temperature, and coccinellid predators. Hemipterous predators in contrast with coccinellids, had little effect on aphid populations. Parasitoids seem to be effective on low populations of alfalfa aphids. Air humidity and rainfall had no effect on populations of alfalfa aphids.
