IRGC Chief Calls for More Facilities for Pakistani Arba’een Pilgrims

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October 20, 2018

Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari called on the IRGC commander of Iran’s southeastern Sistan and Baluchestan province to give services to the Pakistanis who are travelling to Iraq for the world’s largest religious gathering, which marks the anniversary of the fortieth day after the martyrdom of the third Shiite Imam, Hussein ibn Ali (AS).

“As many Pakistani pilgrims enter Iran to go to Iraq to participate in the massive Arba’een march, it is necessary to mobilise facilities and ask the governmental and popular institutions of the province to cooperate more,” added General Jafari.

Every year, Iran grants thousands of visas for Pakistani pilgrims who observe the Arba’een processions. Pakistani pilgrims use the Iranian land to reach Iraq for participating in the ritual.

This year, the day of Arba’een will be marked on October 30.

Probiotic Products Key to Preventing Digestive Disorders

By

Seyedeh Maryam Hosseini Lahijani

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October 20, 2018

Probiotic Products Key to Preventing Digestive Disorders

Using probiotics increases the health of society. By producing probiotics, Iranian knowledge-based companies have taken a step toward the prevention of many common diseases.

Based on the definition given by the World Food Program and World Health Organization, probiotics contain living organisms which, if taken in adequate amounts, can improve the host’s health.

The human body contains a huge amount of bacterial flora. There are almost 300 to 1,000 types of bacteria in our body’s digestive system. When a human being is born, and from the first time the baby eats, the bacterial flora evolves in our body’s digestive system. Therefore, the breast milk is the first probiotic food humans eat. Therefore, one can conclude there is no age limit in consuming probiotic products.

Today, domestic knowledge-based companies are conducting wide-ranging and useful activities by offering technical knowhow and providing raw materials in order to produce different types of probiotic products.

For a more detailed review of Iran’s achievments in various fields of science and technology, check the book “Science and Technology in Iran: A Brief Review”, released by the Science and Technology Department of the Iranian President’s Office.

These technologies are used to improve feedstock for poultry, cattle and marine creatures in order to make them healthier and obviate the need for them to use drugs (especially antibiotics), hence making families’ diets healthier as well.

Probiotic bacteria have numerous benefits, namely they improve the immune system, prevent diseases of the digestive system, abdominal distension and colic in children, reduce the risk of contracting cancer, cut the odds of contracting cardio-vascular diseases and prevent tooth decay. For example, the production of probiotic-based dietary supplements for infants has contributed heavily to improving the health of their digestive system.

An Iranian knowledge-based company has achieved considerable progress in this field. The Tak Gene Company has registered more than ten national inventions in different foodstuff areas. The production of a variety of delicious and useful foodstuffs such as different types of snacks, candy floss, nuts, jelly, chewing gum and chocolate is among the services offered by the company. It works closely with top foodstuff producers.

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on October 20

By

Fatemeh Askarieh

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October 20, 2018

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on November 19

Newspapers today widely covered the decision by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to extend the suspension of its anti-Iran measures despite the US pressures on the anti-money laundering body.

The murder of Saudi dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Kingdom’s consulate in Istanbul also remained a top story today.

The above issues, as well as many more, are highlighted in the following headlines and top stories:

Abrar:

1- Pompeo: US Determined to Keep Putting Maximum Pressure on Iran

2- FATF Gives Iran until February 2019

Aftab-e Yazd:

1- Tehran’s Strategy of Silence over Khashoggi’s Murder

2- US, Turkey Seeking to Take Advantage from Saudis; Can Iran Do the Same?

Arman-e Emrooz:

1- Europe Scores Last-Minute Goal against US Sanctions

Mogherini: Channel for Direct Payment to Iran to Be Implemented

2- Parliament to Discuss Abduction of 14 Iranian Border Guards

Ebtekar:

1- Ambiguity in Political Fate of Young Prince

Has the West Reached Conclusion Bin Salman Must Go?

2- US for First Time Fails to Pass Anti-Iran Restrictions at Int’l Body

Etemad:

1- Mysteries of Riyadh’s Crime in Istanbul Forest

Turkish Police Starts Searching for Khashoggi’s Remains

2- US, Saudi Arabia, Israel Fail to Convince FATF to Restore Anti-Iran Measures

Ettela’at:

1- European Officials Cancel Visits to Saudi Arabia

2- Washington Sets Deadline for Saudis

3- UK: US Sanctions Targeting Iranian People

4- US Sanctions Violate The Hague’s Ruling: Zarif

Hamshahri:

1- Tehran to Become More Friendly to Pedestrians, Bicycles

Tehran City Council Plans to End Domination of Cars in Capital

Iran:

1- Rouhani’s First VP Calls on All Iranians to Stay Together

2- Culture, Not Politics, to Solve Iran’s Problems: Cultural Figure Beheshti

Javan:

1- Multilateral Warning to US

Putin: We’re Tired of US Sanctions; We Want to Ditch US Dollar

Jomhouri Eslami:

1- Bilateral Monetary Agreement; Safe Way to Ditch US Dollar

2- Trump Trying to Whitewash Saudi’s Murder of Khashoggi

3- Foreign Governments, Financial Institutions Continue to Boycott Saudi Conference

Kayhan:

1- There’s Nothing to Celebrate in FATF’ Deadline!

Guardian Council Shouldn’t Be Deceived

2- Saudis Humiliated in UN

Syrian Envoy: Saudis Don’t Deserve to Give Any Comment at UNSC

3- Haley: My Mission Was to Intimidate Other Countries by Portraying Trump as a Crazy Man

Sazandegi:

1- Jahangiri, Zarif Trying to Convince Guardian Council to Approve CFT Bill

2- FATF Extends Suspension of Anti-Iran Measures

Shargh:

1- Iran Given another Chance: FATF for Fourth Time Extends Iran’s Deadline

2- We Should Borrow Shoes from Messi, Ronaldo: Queiroz on US Sanctions

Vatan-e Emrooz:

1- Nasrallah on Khashoggi Case: Saudi Rulers in Quagmire

2- Putin: Iran’s Presence in Syria Has Nothing to Do with Us

Modern Methods Make It Easier to Treat Infertility in Men

By

Seyedeh Maryam Hosseini Lahijani

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October 20, 2018

Many couples around the world suffer from infertility problems. One of the reasons for this condition is infertility in men. Family background or the lifestyle may contribute to men’s infertility. Generally speaking, it is easier to treat infertility in men than in women once the cause of infertility is diagnosed.

If a couple have not used contraceptives and have had regular intercourse for one year since their marriage, and still cannot have children, they need to be examined with regards to infertility. Not to mention the problems that cause infertility in women such as ovulation and womb problems, hormone disorders and diseases, infertility in men can have numerous reasons. Among the reasons of infertility in men are childhood diseases such as surgeries on areas around testicles, testicles being positioned upper than the normal position, hormone disorders such as problems with the hypophysis or sex hormones, inadequate growth of testicles, genetic disorders such the small size of testicles, some chronic infections which affect the performance of testicles, taking certain drugs, certain infections with the reproductive system, long-running diseases marked by fever which affect spermatogenesis, obesity and tobacco use. People’s jobs can also contribute to their infertility. For example, men involved in fumigation jobs and constantly exposed to agents which are harmful to testicles such as pesticides, and bakers, who are always standing by hot ovens, may become infertile.

Common Treatments for Infertility in Men

– In vitro fertilization (IVF)

– Medicines (drugs are effective when men have slight to medium-severity problems)

– Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) (in cases when the wife is less than 37 years old, the odds of becoming pregnant is 60% after four times of intracytoplasmic sperm injection, but the chances will drop to 20% if she is over 37 years of age)

For a more detailed review of Iran’s achievments in various fields of science and technology, check the book “Science and Technology in Iran: A Brief Review”, released by the Science and Technology Department of the Iranian President’s Office.

The ICSI method is very costly. This is while doctors should treat patients using methods that are simple, have the least number of side effects and are inexpensive. Among other measures to cure infertility are cutting down on smoking, refraining from drinking alcohol, reducing stress, reducing weight in obese men, reducing the heat around testicles and treating infections and testicular problems.

Foods Useful in Treating Infertility in Men

Brazilian nuts, meat and grains are good sources of selenium, which is necessary for the development of the reproductive system in men. Red meat, seafood, and brown rice contain zinc, which also contributes to fertility in men. Berries, avocado, peach and vegetables contain vitamins C and E, which help increase the number and activity of sperms.

Carrots, potatoes, mangoes, apricots and vegetables are rich in beta-Carotene, which is needed for full development of sperms.

At the moment, extremely modern methods are used to diagnose, prevent and treat infertility in men. These methods will hopefully be available to the general public in the near future.

Akhal-Teke; Most Expensive Horse in World

By

Seyedeh Maryam Hosseini Lahijani

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October 20, 2018

Akhal-Teke breed is among the most ancient and scarce breeds of graceful horses which are mainly brought up in Turkmenistan. Today, there are only 8,000 Akhal-Teke horses in the world, out of which about 1,000 are held in a training centre in the Turkmen capital of Ashgabat.

Each year, Turkmens mark the festival of Turkmen Horse on the last Sunday of April. The celebration was initiated by Turkmenistan’s President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow.

During the festival, the Turkmens cherish Akhal-Teke, a breed of horse with a long neck, small head and delicate mane and tail which can travel over 1,000 kilometres in less than a week. The horses are 147 to 163 cm in height with a distinctive metallic colour, which shines particularly during the daylight.

In addition to their homeland Turkmenistan, Akhal-Teke horses are also brought up in Russia, Germany and many other European states. The horses are usually used for intermingling. They can also serve as sport horses for speed and endurance riding.

For a more detailed review of Iran’s achievments in various fields of science and technology, check the book “Science and Technology in Iran: A Brief Review”, released by the Science and Technology Department of the Iranian President’s Office.

Akhal-Teke horses are too expensive. Those dealing with the horses say the horses are highly resilient against harsh weather. Originally from Karakum Desert in central Asia, they are accustomed to highly dried weather. That’s why they are highly appropriate for endurance riding. But the horses are not good-tempered at all.

For years, humans have made efforts to selectively breed horses and other animals. Animal parentage is an important indicator for trades, sports, breeding, among others. The classical method was based on physical observation of specific traits in animals. Recently, breeders have turned to molecular biology techniques and use of DNA extraction for rapid and accurate parentage verification.

Iranian, Pakistani Top Generals Discuss Release of Abducted Border Guards

By

IFP Media Wire

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October 20, 2018

In a telephone conversation with Chief of Army Staff of the Pakistan Army General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Friday, Major General Baqeri reminded Islamabad of its duty to secure the release of the Iranian border guards who were abducted by the so-called Jaish-ul-Adl terrorist group at a border post southeast of Iran on Monday.

“Considering the bilateral agreements between the two countries’ Armed Forces on ensuing the security of common borders, we expect the Pakistani armed forces to take the necessary measures and push for the immediate release of the abducted (Iranian) soldiers and border guards,” the top Iranian commander said.

General Baqeri also urged Pakistan to increase the presence of security forces along the joint border with Iran to promote and stabilize security in those areas and prevent acts of terrorism.

For his part, the Pakistani general expressed regret over the abduction of Iranian forces, and pointing to the Pakistani army’s measures to chase and capture the hostage takers, expressed hope that the security forces would soon arrest the kidnappers and free the Iranian abductees.

Pakistani-based terrorists kidnapped 14 Iranian forces at a border post in Mirjaveh region in Iran’s southeastern province of Sistan and Balouchestan on October 15.

The Iranian military forces along the southeastern border areas are frequently attacked by terrorist groups coming from Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Tehran has frequently asked the two neighbors to step up security at the common border to prevent terrorist attacks on Iranian forces.

US Unprecedentedly Sidelined in Int’l Scene: Analyst

By

IFP Editorial Staff

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October 20, 2018

US Unprecedentedly Sidelined in Int’l Scene: Analyst — US President Donald Trump sits with members of his Cabinet, including Defence Secretary Jim Mattis (left), Secretary of State Rex Tillerson (second from left), and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross (right), in Palm Beach, Florida, on April 7, 2018. / Photo by Carlos Barria, Reuters

Iranian political analyst Ali Khorram says today the whole world has stood against Trump.

“The UN security council meeting chaired by Donald Trump in Sepmteber clearly showed the world has stood against Trump. Only the Israeli regime and some Persian Gulf states have defended the US withdrawal from JCPOA, and that’s because of their hostility towards Tehran,” he told IRNA.

Khorram was pointing to a UN Security Council meeting on the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction late last month, where Trump presided over his first UNSC session but faced opposition from member states on his unilateral policy, particularly on Iran issue.

Iran has achieved political and legal victories in its standoff with the US, and the world is on Tehran’s side, Khoram said, expressing hope Iran could also thwart US economic pressure.

“We made great political and legal achievements and I hope we can also make economic achievements so we can neutralize US sanctions,” he said.

Khorram’s comments came shortly after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued an interim order earlier this month, asking the US to stop anti-Iran measures that hamper foreign investment in Iran. The court order was widely hailed as a great achievement for Iran in its standoff with the US.

In another diplomatic victory for Iran over the US, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) decided on Friday to extend suspension of counter-measures against Iran until February 2019 despite widespread US efforts to restore Iran’s blacklist status.

This was hailed by Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qassemi, who expressed satisfaction that a majority of FATF members were not influenced by political pressure of the US.

The US has been hardening its line on Iran since President Trump took power in January 2017.

Trump has pulled the US out of the nuclear deal and is working to hamper Iran’s trade with Asia and Europe through restoring anti-Iran US sanctions and pushing the world the abide by them.

US officials have threatened to destroy the Iranian economy and openly talked of the need for regime change in Iran.

Effective DNA Extraction Method Helps Minimize Lab Costs

By

Seyedeh Maryam Hosseini Lahijani

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October 20, 2018

Over the recent years, biotechnology has witnessed a tremendous progress in a short span of time. Diagnosing various genetic diseases even before birth, determining kinship relations and identifying criminals through genetic tests are among the main developments achieved so far. But the list is much longer.

There are many knowledge-based companies in Iran involved in molecular genetics, biotechnology and other areas related to life sciences. At present, scientists can precisely diagnose pathogenic mutation through modern knowledge of biotechnology and identify various causes of genetic diseases. The new knowledge serves as a good opportunity to diagnose vectors or genetic diseases before birth.

Some of the main developments in this area include identifying defective genes, diagnosing diseases before birth, various types of genetic diseases, pregnancy syndrome, males’ sterility and determining relativity connections through genetic sciences.

Today, determining the racial authenticity of animals like horses is also deemed significant. At present, the process is carried out through scientific methods.

For a more detailed review of Iran’s achievements in various fields of science and technology, check the book “Science and Technology in Iran: A Brief Review”, released by the Science and Technology Department of the Iranian President’s Office.

Blood preservation cards which provide users with a chance to keep their blood and DNA for a long time, various types of cards for preserving saliva and amniotic fluid are the main products in this area.

Dr Zeinali, a faculty member at the Pasteur Institute of Iran and the founder of Kowsar knowledge-based company says, “Given the high amount of protein and low number of embryonic stem cells in amniotic fluid, extracting DNA from the fluid is hard and we need to use an appropriate method to do so. Extraction kit is a fast, precise and good method for extracting DNA from the fluid.”

So far, tens of various and efficient domestic medical equipment have been designed and developed by Iranian specialists and designers. The equipment can play a key role in creating an appropriate and clean area with the least amount of pollution.

With the progress made so far in molecular genetics, the scientist can minimize the time of costly laboratory tests and pave the way for further diagnoses.

Iran Develops High-Quality Nano-Filters

By

Asal Akhavian Tehrani

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October 20, 2018

The Iranian company Behran Filter started its research activities in the field of nanotechnology to produce filters, and has been producing nano-filters for seven years now.

“In the past, the American Donaldson company produced these filters under its own license, and at the moment, there are many companies in the world that are producing these filters. However, we began to produce them domestically, i.e. we ourselves also produced the machinery to make these filters,” said Faqihi, the deputy managing director of Behran Filter.

“At the moment, having received the EN779 2013 certificate in producing gas turbine filters, we meet the needs of renowned Iranian companies such as South Pars, Damavand, Kerman and Abadan with regards to refining natural gas,” he said.

For a brief review of Iran’s achievements in various fields of science and technology, check the book “Science and Technology in Iran: A Brief Review”

“We will soon receive more standards. The reason is that filter papers must have the nano-grade since 2012, so that we can pass the standards tests. These tests are mainly done in prestigious German firms, and so far, we have managed to pass all these tests,” he noted.

“The company has also had a good performance in practice and we are meeting 50% of the needs of power stations at the moment, and we are among the largest producers of power station filters” said Faqihi.

“This trend is growing because the advantages of nano-filters are becoming more and more evident day by day,” he said.

The deputy CEO went on to say that nano-filters are more durable and do not allow dust to pass through them, hence reducing the number of times that machinery need to be repaired. This improves the efficiency of the systems, whose parts are expensive, and increases energy production. On the other hand, the average drop in pressure is very low in equipment where nano-filters are used, resulting in an increase in the performance of the turbine. This high efficiency offsets the high costs of nano-filters.

“The quality of our products are high enough to compete with similar products made in the United States. The Iranian-made ones are cheaper, too, paving the way for competition on international markets. So, by the amelioration of economic relations with other countries, we hope to be able to export these products,” he said.

Iran’s National Museum Hosts ICOFOM Symposium

By

Fatemeh Askarieh

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October 20, 2018

The ICOFOM’s 41st symposium was kicked off last Monday in the National Museum’s building in the Iranian capital, and wrapped up on Friday.

67 museologists from Iran and 37 others from various countries took part in the five-day event which was held with the main theme of ‘Museology and the Sacred’.

In an address to the event, Iranian ICOM official Seyyed Ahmad Mohit-Tabatabaei said based on an earlier agreement during a 2016 meeting of the International Council of Museums (ICOM) in Italy’s Milan, it was decided to hold the annual symposium of ICOFOM in Tehran.

“The decision was finalized in a meeting in Paris in 2017 and the preparations began since then,” he said.

Despite obstacles created over the past year by the US sanctions and amid the current difficult situation that Iran is gripped with, the ICOM put its weight behind the Islamic Republic to hold the symposium, he added.

According to Mohit-Tabatabaei, the symposium consists of various programs including a workshop and several lectures.

“The lectures mainly dealt with the main theme of the symposium that is museum and the sacred. Iran was chosen as the host of the event not only due to its Islamic and Shiite background but also its cultural diversity. Iran is also home to over 300 historical churches,” he noted.

Elaborating on the reasons behind choosing Iran’s National Museum as the host of the event, he said the museum is located along a street which is recognized as a culturally diverse street in the capital Tehran including holy sites like a mosques, churches and museums.

The museums located in the 30th Tir Street include Museums of Armenians, Abgineh Museum, Malek Museum, Museum of Peace, and the Ancient Iran Museum.

“The street is culturally highly significant. Walking through the street, you can visit churches and various museums from religious to scientific and conceptual areas.” he said.

Jebreil Nokandeh, Director of the National Museum, then took the podium and said the event could contribute further to our understanding of museums in Iran and expand the concept of museum across the world.

“Museums and museologists can bring people together and pave the way for cultural dialogue across the world,” he noted.

Founded in 1977, the ICOFOM is aimed at promoting research and theoretical thinking within the museum world. It addresses the study of the theoretical foundation that guides museum activities around the world or, more generally, the analysis of the different forms that museums can take.

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