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Retained placenta (RP) is as an important reproductive disorder which adversely affects the economic performance of dairy cows. Understanding the consequences and economic losses associated with RP can persuade dairy farmers to consider it more effectively in their management decisions. Hence, the aims of this research were to assess the effect of RP on production and reproduction attributes as well as economic losses in Iranian Holstein cows. The data was collected from nine Holstein dairy herds in Isfahan province of Iran. The final dataset comprised of 139,508 records of 58,086 cows which calved between March 2011 and December 2018. A linear mixed model was developed to evaluate the effect of RP on individual performance of primiparous and multiparous cows. The economic losses associated with the RP were finally estimated. The average incidence of RP per cow over a year was 12.3% (ranged between 9.0 and 15.4%). Each incidence of RP significantly reduced milk, fat and protein yields in primiparous and multiparous cows (P < 0.05). The adverse effect of RP on the milk production was much higher in the cows at the early phase of lactation (i.e. 100-d lactation group) than the cows in mid or late lactation. The estimated production losses (±standard deviation) due to the RP event were 282.1 ± 43.0 and 295.7 ± 40.8 kg per cow for a 305-d lactation period in primiparous and multiparous cows, respectively. However, the fertility performance was less affected by the RP in primiparous compared to multiparous cows. The average of days open increased by 8.3 ± 5.3 and 19.8 ± 7.1 d in primiparous and multiparous cows, respectively. The financial losses associated with RP were on average US$ 350.4 and US$ 481.2 per incidence in primiparous and multiparous cows, respectively, ranged from US$ 311.9 to 456.2 depending on the parity number (primi- or multiparous) and herd management. The highest financial losses due to RP were associated with reduction in milk production (38.5% of total loss) and low fertility (28.5% of total loss) had the highest contribution in in primiparous and multiparous cows, respectively. The results of our research highlight the economic importance of improved calving management to reduce RP occurrence in dairy cows. • Consequences of retained placenta (RP) and economic losses were estimated. • The decline in reproductive performance due to RP in multiparous cows was greater than primiparous cows • Productive and reproductive consequence of RP differs between primiparous and multiparous cows. • The financial loss due to a case of RP in multiparous cows was 37% higher than in Primiparous cows. • The highest financial losses due to RP were associated reduction in milk production and low fertility in primiparous and multiparous cows, respectively. • Sensitivity analysis showed that milk price was the most influential factor on the costs of RP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Indicator-based approach in building sustainability assessment framework. • Developing an integrated GIS-based MCDA framework. • The importance of ecosystem service-based indicators in urban sustainability. • Sustainability assessment at operational level of neighborhood scale. • Ranking the sustainability of the neighborhoods within Isfahan city. Urban sustainability is a highly complex concept that requires integrative assessment frameworks to determine the measures that should be adopted to achieve a sustainable city. The present study aimed to conduct a spatially-based sustainability assessment at the neighborhood scale in Isfahan Metropolitan, a rapidly urbanizing region in the center of Iran, using an integrated framework of spatial modeling and multi-criteria decision-making analysis (MCDA). As a first step, the spatial distribution of a set of indicators was provided in three distinct categories, ecosystem service, environmental hazard, and urban structure using various spatial modeling approaches. After standardizing the indicators and assigning appropriate weights to them, different multi-criteria decision analysis models were used to aggregate the indicator layers. The sustainability layers based on ecosystem services, environmental hazards, and urban structure were integrated using MCDA models. The results indicated that less than 3% of the total neighborhood area were categorized as almost sustainable, while 36.1% and 59.4% were respectively scored as poor and moderate sustainable area. None of the neighborhoods was categorized in the sustainably good class, whereas 1.73% of the area was unsustainable. Moreover, the urban structure-based aspect was found to be the most sustainable, while the urban environmental hazards dimension exhibited the lowest sustainability, with 71.98% falling into the poor and unsustainable category. The spatial investigation showed that the central parts of the city were more sustainable than the urban periphery. In conclusion, a spatially-based sustainable assessment of Isfahan City at the neighborhood level can provide urban planners with valuable insights to undertake operational actions and achieve sustainable development goals. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Risk factors for retained placenta (RP), as a common and economically important disorder, have been widely investigated. However, comprehensive studies are rare. Therefore, this study sought to identify herd-cow factors and their interactions on the risk of RP in Iranian dairy herds. The data were collected from nine Holstein dairy herds in Isfahan province, Iran. The final dataset included 154,048 records for 59,610 cows which calved between March 2011 and December 2018. A logistic regression model was used to separately analyze the risk factors and their interactions for RP in primiparous and multiparous cows. The average rate of RP was 12.3% (9.0–15.4%) at the herd level. The highest rate of RP was recorded in spring compared with other seasons. Regardless of calving season, occurrence of dystocia, stillbirth and twinning increased the odds ratio (OR) of RP. In primiparous cows, occurrence of dystocia and stillbirth increased OR of RP 4.30 and 3.33 times, respectively. In multiparous cows, dystocia, twinning and stillbirth increased OR of RP 4.36, 3.94 and 1.29 times, respectively. Cows with an age at first calving of >28 months had the highest rate of RP compared with other cows. Multiparous and primiparous cows with a short (less than 271 d) and long (more than 281 d) pregnancy, respectively, had the highest risk of RP compared to cows in other groups. Furthermore, multiparous cows with an extended dry period length (more than 75 d) and produced milk yield more than 13,000 kg/lactation were at higher risk of RP with an average of 13.5%. With an interaction analysis, although the potential effect of each factors depends on the effect of other factors, but in general dystocia, stillbirth, an extended age at first calving (>28 months), and calving during the spring increased risk of RP for both groups. In conclusion, identification of risk factors for RP with an interaction analysis can help farm managers to employ the best strategies to reduce the occurrence of this reproductive disorder. • Risk factors for retained placenta (RP) with considering the interaction terms were identified. • Considering of interaction terms in a risk factor analysis was informative. • Probability of RP differs between herd, age at first calving, parities, dry period length, milk yield level and calving season. • Twinning increased the risk of RP in multiparous cows but not in primiparus cows. • An experience of dystocia and stillbirth increased the risk of RP for both multiparous and primiparus cows [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, hydrogen has constituted a clean energy carrier that can be gained by the use of renewable electricity. The most preliminary stage in the process of renewable hydrogen generation is to find the best place for exploiting the most energy. Thus, this study seeks to optimize the process of location selection for the construction of a solar power station. This evaluation is performed on 12 cities of Isfahan in Iran. After ascertaining 11 criteria of key importance, Window Data Envelopment Analysis (WDEA) Method is used to prioritize the cities according to the data for a period of 11 years. Consequently, the most promising site is technically and economically scrutinized as to hydrogen production using solar electricity. Results pertaining to the first part of the study showed that the city of Natanz was efficient over the entire studied period. Considering 4 cases of different performance rates, annual electricity generation using solar panel model X21-345 and hydrogen production using an alkaline electrolyzer were estimated for the city. The estimations indicated that hydrogen production under the worst and the best cases would be 2.22 kg and 5.55 leading to energy efficiency of between 2.5% and 7.1%, respectively. Finally, economic assessment proved promising results in which Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) would be between 0.5317 and 1.6272 $/kWh and Levelized Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH) would vary from 0.7911 to 1.6778 $/kg. • Potential of solar energy is investigated for hydrogen production. • Twelve major cities in Isfahan province of Iran were evaluated. • Window Data Envelopment Analysis Method (WDEA) is used to rank the cities. • The validity of the results was assessed by the use of TOPSIS method. • City of Natanz was selected as the best for hydrogen production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a pragmatic and moral imperative to empower younger generations to tackle environmental degradation., In Iran and drought-stricken Isfahan with a dying river, children and the youth can play a major role in saving this historically significant city. This paper presents the results of a future-oriented drama-based participatory event in a high school in Isfahan. During a 6-day event, firstly, 25 female participants were interviewed about environmental hazards and their sense of agency toward the future. Subsequently, a council-of-all-being-inspired drama was staged during which the participants played local environment-related characters from Isfahan. Finally, on the fourth day, in a focus group, we discussed the reflections of students on this intervention. Paralyzing fear and despair, patriarchal social structure, consumerism, and deep-seated habits were regarded as the main barriers to pro-environmental behavior. Participants felt that they cannot overcome the weight of history to shape their desirable futures. Drama unveiled the participants consume-preserve dilemma, helped them empathize with nature, develop a sense of hope, decipher the importance of individual micro-steps, and even start an inter-generational dialogue. • There is a pragmatic and moral imperative to empower younger generations to tackle environmental issues. • Environmental education needs future-oriented approaches and creative methods. • In Iran and Isfahan which suffer from different environmental problems, younger generations can play an important role to change the ongoing trajectory. • Consumerism, patriarchy and old habits were mentioned as important barriers of pro-environmental behavior. • Drama helped participants to empathize with nature, realize importance of individual responsibility, start a constructive dialogue with parents and perceive gradual disappearance of Zayanderood from a fresh perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Identification of H5N8 highly Pathogen Avian Influenza Virus from Hooded crow (Corvus cornix) in a national park located at Esfehan province in Iran. • Based on HA sequencing results, it belongs to 2.3.4.4 clade, and the cleavage site is (PLREKRRKR/G). • Complete genome characterization of this virus revealed probable reassortment of the virus with East-Asian low-pathogenic influenza viruses. • A mutation at antibody binding site of hemagglutinin A201E of Aghakhan revealed the probable initialization for antigenic drift of this virus. • Phenotypic markers related to the increased potential for transmission and pathogenicity to mammals were observed. During 2014–2017 Clade 2.3.4.4 H5N8 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) have spread worldwide. In 2016, an epidemic of HPAIV H5N8 in Iran caused mass deaths among wild birds, and several commercial poultry farms and captive bird holdings were affected and continue to experience problems. Several outbreaks were reported in 2017. One of them is related to Hooded crow (Corvus cornix) in a national park in Esfahan province in 2017. Whole genome sequencing and characterization have been done on the detected H5N8 sample. Based on HA sequencing results, it belongs to 2.3.4.4 clade, and the cleavage site is (PLREKRRKR/G). Phylogenetic analysis of the HA gene showed that the Iran 2017 H5N8 virus clustered within subgroup Russia 2016 2.3.4.4 b of group B in H5 clade 2.3.4.4 HPAIV. On the other hand, the NA gene of the virus is placed in group C of Eurasian lineage. Complete genome characterization of this virus revealed probable reassortment of the virus with East-Asian low-pathogenic influenza viruses. Furthermore, the virus possessed some phenotypic markers related to the increased potential for transmission and pathogenicity to mammals at internal segments. This study is the first full genome characterization H5N8 HPAIV in Iran. The data complete the puzzle of molecular epidemiology of H5N8 HPAIV in Iran and the region. Our study provides evidence for fast and continuing reassortment of H5 clade 2.3.4.4 viruses, that might lead to changes in virus structural and functional characteristics such as the route and method of transmission of the virus and virus infective, pathogenic and zoonotic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Facing and controlling the adverse effects of global warming on crop production, especially under arid and semi arid conditions is an important question, which must be addressed by research work. This may be achieved by alternating crop phonological properties including the vernalization stage, essential for the vegetative/reproductive transition of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Shortening vernalization, during spring, can be a suitable method for the earlier production of crop plants, especially under stress conditions. Accordingly, it was hypothesized that it is possible to shorten vernalization, using priming (seeds) and spraying (plants) treatments while achieving optimum yield, in winter wheat, under the arid and semi arid conditions of Isfahan, Iran. The objective was to investigate the effects of plant growth regulators including gibberellic acid (GA, 100 mg/l), kinetin (100 and 200 mg/l), 6-benzyl adenine (BA6, 50 mg/l) and cold stratification on shortening vernalization in winter wheat. The research was a split plot experiment on the basis of a completely randomized block design, with four replicates, conducted in 2016. Different traits including number of fertile tillers (NFT), number of grains per spike (NGS), weight of 1000 grains (W1000), number of spikelet per spike (NST), grain yield (GY), protein percentage (PRO), and moist gluten percentage (MGP) were determined. The results indicated that priming and spraying winter wheat with the single or combined use of GA, kinetin and BA6 is the most suitable replacement for vernalization and increasing grain yield, under arid and semi arid conditions. However, priming winter wheat with cold stratification was not as effective, compared with the use of plant growth regulators. The highest grain yield (15.13 t/ha) was resulted by autumn planting + B8 (GA + BA6), followed by spring planting + GA and B9 (14.82 t/ha). Spraying wheat planted in spring (without priming and vernalization) with kinetin + GA3+GA7 (100 mg/l), increased PRO and MGP. The important results of this research work are: 1) planting winter wheat as spring wheat (vernalization not required) resulted in optimum yield amounts by priming and spraying techniques using gibberellins, kinetin and 6-benzyl adenine. This is of significance, with respect to the issue of global warming. 2) Shortening vernalization in winter wheat, which is especially important under arid and semi arid conditions, as the plant is subjected to different stresses including drought. 3) Improving wheat grain quality by the increased rate of protein and gluten. It is possible to plant winter wheat under arid and semi arid conditions using gibberellins, kinetin and benzyl adenine. Such a method results in alleviating the adverse effects of global warming on wheat production. It is also possible to plant winter wheat under different stresses including drought and cold by controlling the vernalization process. Graphical abstract Image 1024 Highlights • Using plant growth regulators, gibberellins, kinetin and benzyl adenine. • Shortening vernalization in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) • Winter wheat planted as spring wheat with optimum yield without vernalization. • Enhanced protein and gluten percentage in wheat grains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the past, the quarter was a vital factor of identification for city dwellers throughout Iran, especially for women because they felt more secure and protected in the quarter in which they resided. However, by evaluating the function of the quarter over time, it is found that the concept of the quarter is fading. Unfortunately, the new rearrangement of the city was not capable of solving newly raised problems in cities due to the imbalance between old and new concepts regarding place. In this study, the survey research method and, specifically, an applied questionnaire are adopted. It is necessary to find a pattern that would save the concept of the quarter in the face of the modernism that prevails today. To improve the existing situation, establishing places where women feel comfortable is of the essence. This measure could combine women’s physical and mental function and their contribution to community life on a larger scale. City life would promote the quarter-oriented life, with all of its privileges, which could enhance the sense of attachment to a specific quarter for the self-identity and satisfaction of women. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Aphids, as an important group of insects which are belonged to hemiptera, are very successful creatures with the most species diversity in temperate regions and worldwide distribution. in this study 135 aphid samples were collected from roses of various places of Isfahan (Iran) parks. Identifying these insects was done using morphological trait and mitochondrial gene sequencing. According to morphological traits, these samples were belonged to species Macrosiphum rosae, Aphis gossypii, and Metopolophium dirhodum. Considering that aphid species are very similar morphologically, identifying samples which were close to more than one species were done using genetic characteristic of them. Comparing mitochondrial gene sequences of rose aphids with extant sequences in gene bank shows high diversity of them and then studied samples were classified in four groups: Aphis gossipii, Ericaphis scammelli, Macrosiphum rosae and Wahlgreniella nervata. According to results, W.nervata is new for Isfahan aphid''s fauna and E.scammelli is new for Iran''s roases aphids. There were a little E.scammelii extant among samples and it seems that rose is not its main host in this region. This is the first report of this aphid on rose. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: One of the main factors of land use change (LUC) modeling is the land use intersection (LUI) or neighborhood effect, which is normally modeled using cellular automata (CA) concept. The effects of LUI over distance are represented in terms of CA transition rules. In this paper, a new model for LUI process is developed that makes use of expert knowledge to define the transition rules. In this model, the region of influence is defined using a new radial structure; the transition rules are described by expert knowledge and spatial metrics in the form of linguistic variables; and finally, the neighborhood effect is classified into three groups of compactness, dependency and incompatibility. The model is implemented and evaluated using the data of Borkhar and Meymeh township, in Esfahan, Iran, for the two periods of 1986–1998 and 1998–2005. The results show that the model and its related concept are performing rather well. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Communities are concerned with the role of durable pesticides and their carry over effect in food chains. Accordingly, the recognition and measurement of chemical compounds in food, environment and living bodies is necessary. In this study, which dated from October 2010 to March 2011, dursban toxin residues in sugar beets were investigated in the cities of Isfahan province including: Isfahan, Borkhar, Semirom, Golpayegan and Fereidan using high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). Maximum amount of dursban belonged to Borkhar region and the minimum amount was attributed to two regions of Isfahan and Golpayegan. The toxin residues in sugar beets in all investigated areas were higher than the maximum allowable residues of any pesticide MRL (0.01mg in kg sugar). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Refused Derived Fuel (RDF) could be considered as an alternative energy source, which not only helps to improve waste management, but also effectively reduce energy consumption and environmental pollution in huge industries. In the present study, the potential of energy valorization of rejected streams of municipal solid waste (MSW) processed in Isfahan mechanical and biological treatment (MBT) plant is investigated through RDF production. Therefore, various physical and chemical analysis of mechanical treatment rejects (MTR) and composting rejects (CR), as two streams being currently landfilled, were carried out. The results show that, RDF produced from both of these two streams could be classified as net calorific value (NCV): 3, Cl: 1 and Hg: 1 according to the European committee for standardization (CEN standard). Considering the amount of produced RDF from these two streams in Isfahan (300 t/d from MTR and 120 t/d from CR) and their NCVs, about 2 million GJ/year would be saved. As a result, in many cities of developing countries with the same condition like Isfahan, MTR and CR can be used as sources of RDF production and alternative fuels in the cement industry. Image 10650 • The potential of two Isfahan MBT plant rejects were investigated as a source of RDF production. • The MTR and CR can be used as an alternative fuel in the cement industry. • The obtain results can be generalized to other developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work has evaluated the functionality of various fuzzy-based fusion methods in the mineral potential mapping (MPM), by which a multi-criteria decision-making problem was solved to design a layout for drilling complementary boreholes through a comprehensive analysis of geospatial datasets. The novel methods employed were fuzzy c-means clustering, fuzzy gamma operator, fuzzy inference system (FIS), fuzzy outranking, and fuzzy ordered weighted averaging (FOWA). Kahang porphyry Cu-Mo deposit in the Isfahan province of Iran was chosen as a case study to examine the performance of these fuzzy methods in MPM. Extracted geospatial indicator layers for assessing the potential of porphyry-type mineralization were derived from four criteria, namely geology (rock units and faults), remote sensing (alteration map), geochemistry (Cu, Mo, and factor maps), and geophysics (reduced to the pole and analytical signal of magnetic data). The concentration-area multifractal method was utilized to reclassify each synthesized fuzzy favorability map into five classes. To appraise and compare the efficiency of each employed method, a productivity measure assumed as a cumulative summation of Cu grade multiplied by its thickness above an economical cut-off value of 0.2% was calculated along with each drilling (totally 33 ones). According to fuzzy favorability maps derived from running all fuzzy methods, the FIS and FOWA had the highest efficiency with 80 and 78% of accuracy, respectively. Eventually, taking all fuzzy maps into account led to the delineation of some new favorable zones, whereby further exploratory investigations are envisioned for determining their mining potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The restoration of Worn-out Urban Fabrics (WoUFs) is pivotal for designing livable cities, especially in developing countries. • The goal of this work is to identify the most suitable housing pattern for recovering WoUFs in developing countries. • Expert opinions from 40 Iranian professionals were collected and then analyzed by AHP and VIKOR methods. • Social housing emerged as the more desirable pattern of housing development compared to supportive, Mehr and rental housing. • Results help attaining the Sustainable Development Agenda with regard of goal n.11 "Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable". The restoration of Worn-out Urban Fabrics (WoUFs), i.e., the disfiguration of fabric components of the city from their main shape, and the implementation of the urban housing development plan have always been pivotal activities for designing livable cities – especially in developing countries. Prior research, however, did not identify an appropriate model of sustainable housing development for the recovery of WoUFs. To fill this gap, housing development patterns – i.e., supportive housing, Mehr housing, rental, and social housing – aimed at restoring the WoUF of the Hemmatabad district in Isfahan city (Iran) were studied. Expert opinions, on the criteria affecting the selection of housing development patterns, from 40 professionals in urban management and urban development models were collected and then analyzed by the Analytic Hierarchical Process and VIKOR method. It resulted that, in order to revive the WoUF of Hemmatabad, social housing is the more desirable pattern of housing development (Q i = 1) compared to supportive housing (Q i = 0.911), Mehr housing (Q i = 0.117) and rental housing (Q i = 0.004). Results help governments of developing countries in directing their effort in the decision of which housing development pattern for WoUFs to implement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• BQ-, A 2 -, and B-veins, showing irregular walls formed under lithostatic pressure. • Straight-walled D 1 -type veins formed under hydrostatic pressure. • The Zefreh prospect formed from magmatic and hypersaline liquids, and vapors. • eterogeous δ34S‰ values of sulfides a • The Zefreh prospect would be a relatively poor target for further exploration. The Zefreh porphyry Cu–Mo prospect is located in the central part of the NW-trending Cenozoic Urumieh–Dokhtar Metallogenic Belt, 75 km NE of Isfahan city, central Iran. Chalcopyrite and molybdenite mainly occur as disseminated sulfides in the host rocks and, to a lesser extent, in the surrounding volcanic rocks. Four types of fluid inclusions were identified in quartz-rich veins: i.e., two-phase liquid-rich, two-phase vapor-rich, simple brine, and multi-phase brine inclusions. Liquid-rich inclusions in ore-bearing, A-type quartz veins homogenized between 350° and 370 °C, suggesting that fluids trapped in these inclusions were derived from magmatic fluids at high temperatures. Simple and multi-phase brine inclusions exhibited homogenization or partial homogenization over a wide range from 350° to 1209 °C. The very high homogenization temperatures and the presence of up to six solid phases in multi-phase brine inclusions indicate heterogeneous trapping of melt, fluid, and vapor. The Zefreh porphyry prospect is thought to have formed from hypersaline liquids and vapors that exsolved from a magmatic intrusion assembled in the shallow crust. The δ34S values of sulfides from the Zefreh porphyry prospect range from +0.8‰ to +10.7‰. This indicates that the early, ore-bearing quartz veins dominated by high-δ34S pyrites may have interacted with later hydrothermal fluids, or alternatively, the pyrites are paragenetically late products of propylitic and K-feldspar-dominated potassic alteration assemblages. Another plausible explanation for significantly enriched δ34S values of sulfides may be mixing of hydrothermal fluids of magmatic origin with the Cenozoic seawater (δ34S ≈ +22‰). It is suggested that the Zefreh prospect likely would be a poor target for further exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stratiform, stratabound Tappehsorkh Zn-Pb (±Ag-Ba) deposit, located in the southeastern part of the Malayer-Esfahan Metallogenic Belt of Iran, formed during Lower Cretaceous back-arc extension. Sulfide mineralization occurs within dolostone, black siltstone, and crystal lithic tuff and andesite associated with the Gushfil-Baghabrisham synsedimentary normal fault. Three sulfide ore facies (massive, bedded, and stockwork) occur in the deposit. Sulfide minerals are sphalerite, galena, tetrahedrite and pyrite with minor chalcopyrite and bornite, and gangue minerals are barite, dolomite and quartz. Sulfide mineralization textures are massive, replacement, vein-veinlet, laminated, disseminated, and breccia Three mineralization stages are distinguished: early, main and post-ore. An early fine-grained sulfide ore (early ore, stage I) occurs in the bedded facies which has synsedimentary textures such as laminated, disseminated and framboidal pyrite, galena and sphalerite. Coarse-grained sulfides in the brecciated, massive replacement, and vein-veinlet textures comprise main ore stage of mineralization (main ore, stage II) and formed during diagenesis via sub-seafloor replacement of protore by mixing of hydrothermal brines with cold seawater. Late, coarse-grained sulfides (post-ore, stage III) were formed during deformation and orogenic events and occur as strain fringes, foliation-like, and spindle textures. Pervasive hydrothermal alteration styles are predominantly dolomitization and silicification and minor sericitization occurs in all host rocks in the hanging-wall of the GBF. Fluid inclusions within massive sphalerite of the main ore stage have trapping temperatures ranging from 118–199 °C, and salinities ranging from 6.2 to >23.32 wt. % NaCl equivalent. The δ34S values of the sulfide minerals from main ore stage ranges from -2.4 to -34.1‰, whereas barite ranges from +10.3 to +16.9‰. The negative values of the δ34S as well as the narrow range of δ34S in galena and sphalerite suggest that sulfur was derived by bacterial reduction of seawater sulfate. The back-arc extensional tectonic setting, presence of a normal fault controlling sulfide mineralization and hydrothermal alteration, the siliciclastic-carbonate-volcanic lithology of the host rocks, magmatism in the region (pyroclastic and volcanic rocks, that also host the sulfide mineralization), the distribution of the three ore facies, and the negative sulfur isotope values all support a sub-seafloor diagenetic replacement SEDEX-type classification for the Tappehsorkh deposit, which was then affected by Laramide (?) orogenic events which imparted the post-ore stage mineral textures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Define a comprehensive sustainable urban transportation network (SUTN). • Evaluation criteria for SUTN based on economic, social and environmental factors. • Propose a framework based on Best Worst Method (BWM) to define a SUTN. A truly sustainable urban transportation network (SUTN) needs to be sustainable in all aspects including economic, social and environmental dimensions. Identifying the evaluation criteria for sustainability of urban transportation network (UTN) and evaluating importance of these criteria, are completely critical. While most researches have only focused on economic aspect of transportation systems (TSs), in this paper, by considering economic, social and environmental dimensions, the evaluation criteria for evaluating the sustainability of UTN have been identified. Then a framework based on Best Worst Method, has been proposed to evaluate and prioritize sustainability dimensions and evaluation criteria. To show the usefulness of the proposed model, it is applied to a real-world case study of transportation in Isfahan, one of the largest cities in Iran. The results from this study are used for evaluating and selecting real transportation projects. We have also shown how the proposed framework helps managers and experts for analyzing sustainability of existing UTN, identifying potential strategies, evaluating and selecting new policies or constructing projects to achieve sustainability goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Introduction: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an enterically transmitted acute viral hepatitis with the highest incidence in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Central America. There are few published data on the epidemiology of the infection in Iran. Hence, this study was carried out to evaluate anti-HEV seroprevalence in Isfahan Province, Iran. Methods: In 2005, a cross-sectional study of 816 subjects over 6 years of age from urban and rural areas of Isfahan Province, selected using the multistage cluster sampling method, was undertaken. Demographic data and blood samples were collected, and anti-HEV antibodies were measured by ELISA method. The Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis and p <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Of the study subjects, 428 were female (52.5%) and 388 were male (47.5%). The overall anti-HEV seroprevalence rate was 3.8%. There was no significant difference in HEV seropositivity between the subjects grouped according to gender (4.2% in females and 3.4% in males, p =0.78), household number (p =0.95), and area of residence (2.7% in rural and 4.1% in urban areas, p =0.09). HEV seroprevalence increased with age from 0.9% in children aged 6–9 years to 8.1% in persons over 50 years old, without statistical differences (p =0.08). There were statistical differences in HEV seropositivity in the different regions of Isfahan Province, with the highest prevalence seen in Khomeini Shahr (13.3%; p <0.001). Conclusion: HEV seroprevalence in Isfahan Province is lower than that previously reported in other parts of Iran and the Middle East area. More studies in other parts of Iran are needed to obtain a prevalence map for creating preventional strategies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Remote sensing data can be utilised for regional mapping of the Earth's surface to enhance structural interpretation and mineral prospecting. To this end, satellite multispectral sensors such as the Advanced Space borne Thermal Emission and Reflectance (ASTER) with six channels in the shortwave infrared and five channels in the thermal area is helpful in detecting alteration and mineralisation zones in areas with good rock exposures. This study has investigated and detected hydrothermal alteration zones and mapped structural elements associated with mafic volcanic rocks-related copper mineralisation in the northwest of the Nain district in Central Iran. In this study, we processed ASTER data (14 bands). We generated maps that depict the distribution of alteration minerals (e.g., sericite, kaolinite, chlorite, and calcite) related to copper mineralisation using various techniques such as different band ratio images, False-colour composition (RGB), Matched Filtering (MF), and Spectral Angle Mapper (SAM). Follow-up ground proofing validated the analysis of results from the ASTER data. The study established the regional distribution of hydrothermal alteration zones (i.e., phyllic, argillic, and propylitic). The regional distribution and extent of these alteration zones are associated with regional structures that served as focusing conduits for the buoyant hypogene mineralizing fluids. The results show that ASTER imagery is useful in mapping the extent of the hydrothermal alteration and lithological units and can thus be used to target hydrothermal ore deposits with large alteration footprints. [Display omitted] • In the way of achieving research goals, the paper presents new structural and Mineralisation data which are used for the first time here. The most striking points to emerge from this research are as follows: • Based on structural studies (RS and field study), the regional fault pattern exhibited three major trends: northwest-southeast, northeast-southwest, and east-west. • Mineralisation in the northwestern Nain is associated with hydrothermal activities and passage of the associated fluids through the fractures and Eocene enclosing rocks (basaltic-andesite, basalt, and volcanic breccia). • Copper mineralisation events are directly associated with the main faults and fractures of the area (Kacho Mesqal and Zafarghand faults) and related secondary faults, according to an investigation of faulting patterns concerning alteration zones and mineralisation zones. • Examining areas with a high density of fractures in the distance between the Kacho Mesqal and Zafarghand faults reveals a correlation between copper mineralisation events and the zones with the highest fracture density in the investigated area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Developing game-network DEA considering sustainability of transportation system. • Introducing a novel hybrid egalitarian bargaining game Data Envelopment Analysis. • Considering economic, social and environmental aspects in analyzing transportation system. • Analyzing a real case study of urban transportation network. Selecting and scheduling urban road construction projects (URCPs) is inherently an Urban Network Design Problem (UNDP) with a complex decision making process. Recently some studies have focused on sustainable UNDP, using different mathematical methods. In this paper, first a new network data envelopment analysis (NDEA) model has been developed. Then, considering sustainability dimensions, by integrating data envelopment analysis (DEA), game theory and sustainable UNDP, a bi-level model has been proposed for selecting and scheduling URCPs. A meta-heuristic algorithm is proposed to solve the presented bi-level model. Different test instances are solved to show the acceptable performance of proposed algorithm in both solution quality and execution time. Afterwards, the proposed model is applied to study the problem of urban road construction projects selection in a real-world case study of urban transportation network of Isfahan city in Iran. The results show that by applying obtained solution the environmental and social performance of the network has been improved and the performance of the network is almost efficient in all evaluation periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) is an endemic vector-borne disease in the Middle East and a worldwide public health problem. The spread of CL is highly associated with the socio-ecological interactions of vectors, hosts and the environment. The heterogeneity of these interactions has hindered CL modeling for healthcare preventive measures in endemic areas. In this study, an agent-based model (ABM) is developed to simulate the dynamics of CL spread based on a Geographic Automata System (GAS). A Susceptible-Exposed-Infected-Recovered (SEIR) approach together with Bayesian modeling has been applied in the ABM to explore the spread of CL. The model is then adapted locally for Isfahan Province, an endemic area in central Iran. The results from the model indicate that desertification areas are the main origin of CL, and riverside population centers have the potential to host more sand fly exposures and should receive more preventive measures from healthcare authorities. The results also show that healthcare service accessibility prevented exposures from becoming infected and areas with new inhabitants experienced more infections from same amount of sand fly exposures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Cystic hydatid disease (CHD) is one of the most important zoonotic diseases in different parts of Iran. While it causes major health problem, there is limited information about its transmission cycles and reservoirs of human infection. Therefore we aimed to characterize the existence Echinococcus granulosus cysts in humans and animals in the province of Isfahan, central region of Iran. We collected hydatid cysts from the liver and lungs of patients who underwent surgery procedure and also cysts were obtained from domestic animals at slaughterhouses. DNA was extracted from the protoscoleces and examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of rDNA internal transcribed spacer1 (ITS1-PCR) and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). In addition, fragments of the genes coding for mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) and NADH dehydrogenase 1 (ND1) were sequenced. Among the two different identified strains/genotypes (sheep and camel), the sheep strain was shown to be the most common genotype of E. granulosus affecting humans, sheep, cattle, goats and occasionally camels. Nine out of 26 camel samples were infected with sheep strain. However the camel genotype was observed in humans, camels and cattle. Seventeen out of 26 camel isolates, 6 out of 31 human and 5 out of 14 cattle samples were infected with the camel genotype. The camel genotypes had PCR and RFLP patterns which were different from the PCR and RFLP patterns of the rest of isolates (sheep strain). The results of this study showed that the ‘camel’ strain was actual source of infection to humans which circulates between intermediate hosts including camels and cattle, and it confirms the camel–dog transmission cycle in Isfahan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]