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Background: Consecutive droughts and quantitative and qualitative reduction of surface and underground water resources have caused an increase in greenhouse and hydroponic cultivation for most garden crops, including strawberries, in Iran. On the other hand, most of the inputs of greenhouse crops in Iran are imported. To possibility of replacing vermicompost with peat moss under hydroponic cultivation, an experiment was done in a split plot based on randomized complete blocks design in three replications in Isfahan (Iran) Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center in 2019. The main treatment was substrate at four levels included different levels of vermicompost (30 and 50%) and peat moss (30 and 50%) in combination with perlite and sub-treatment were Selva and Camarosa cultivars. Results: The results showed that Camarosa cultivar and Selva cultivar in (perlite/ peat moss 50:50) and Selva cultivar in (perlite / vermicompost 70:30) had maximum yield. Leaf number and chlorophyll index were maximum in Camarosa cultivar in peat moss substrates. Strawberry cultivars had the highest root fresh weight, the content of vitamin C and total soluble solids (TSS) in substrates containing vermicompost. Camarosa cultivar in (perlite / peat moss50:50) and Selva cultivar in (perlite /vermicompost 50:50) had maximum root dry weight. Also, the highest number of inflorescences was related to substrates containing peat moss and (perlite /vermicompost 70:30). Maximum amount of fresh and dry weight of shoots were observed in (perlite/ peat moss70:30). Selva cultivar had more inflorescences (16.5%) than Camarosa cultivar and Camarosa cultivar produced more fresh and dry weight of shoots (16.5%, 23.01%) than Selva cultivar. Conclusion: Expriment results highlighted the importance of considering both main and sub-treatments in agricultural research, as they interacted to influence various growth and yield parameters. 50% vermicompost treatment combined with perlite had a positive impact on plant growth and in quality index such as vitamin C content and TSS was highest. while the choice of cultivar affected different aspects of plant development. Selva cultivar was known to be more tolerant to salinity caused by vermicompost. Vermicompost is local and more economical, also salt resistant cultivars are recommended in a controlled (30%) amount of vermicompost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Consecutive droughts and quantitative and qualitative reduction of surface and underground water resources have caused an increase in greenhouse and hydroponic cultivation for most garden crops, including strawberries, in Iran. On the other hand, most of the inputs of greenhouse crops in Iran are imported. To possibility of replacing vermicompost with peat moss under hydroponic cultivation, an experiment was done in a split plot based on randomized complete blocks design in three replications in Isfahan (Iran) Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center in 2019. The main treatment was substrate at four levels included different levels of vermicompost (30 and 50%) and peat moss (30 and 50%) in combination with perlite and sub-treatment were Selva and Camarosa cultivars. Results: The results showed that Camarosa cultivar and Selva cultivar in (perlite/ peat moss 50:50) and Selva cultivar in (perlite / vermicompost 70:30) had maximum yield. Leaf number and chlorophyll index were maximum in Camarosa cultivar in peat moss substrates. Strawberry cultivars had the highest root fresh weight, the content of vitamin C and total soluble solids (TSS) in substrates containing vermicompost. Camarosa cultivar in (perlite / peat moss50:50) and Selva cultivar in (perlite /vermicompost 50:50) had maximum root dry weight. Also, the highest number of inflorescences was related to substrates containing peat moss and (perlite /vermicompost 70:30). Maximum amount of fresh and dry weight of shoots were observed in (perlite/ peat moss70:30). Selva cultivar had more inflorescences (16.5%) than Camarosa cultivar and Camarosa cultivar produced more fresh and dry weight of shoots (16.5%, 23.01%) than Selva cultivar. Conclusion: Expriment results highlighted the importance of considering both main and sub-treatments in agricultural research, as they interacted to influence various growth and yield parameters. 50% vermicompost treatment combined with perlite had a positive impact on plant growth and in quality index such as vitamin C content and TSS was highest. while the choice of cultivar affected different aspects of plant development. Selva cultivar was known to be more tolerant to salinity caused by vermicompost. Vermicompost is local and more economical, also salt resistant cultivars are recommended in a controlled (30%) amount of vermicompost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Characteristics of livers and spleens of people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) could constitute good biomarkers of MS-related characteristics such as the disability status. To test the hypothesis "the gross anatomical features of livers and spleens, are not similar between pwMS with different disease characteristics" a cross-sectional study was conducted on pwMS seen at the Isfahan MS clinic, Iran, from February until December 2023. Definitive, otherwise-healthy, pwMS were enrolled after an initial laboratory evaluation. Presence/absence and grading of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and the span of spleen were determined by a radiologist using high-resolution abdominopelvic ultrasonography. 193 pwMS (160 women) were enrolled. Of whom, 143 (74.1%) were receiving first-line disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), 24 (12.4%) fingolimod, and 26 (13.5%) rituximab. The span of spleen was negatively associated with EDSS (adjusted β [SE] − 4.08 [1.52], p < 0.01), as well as 6 m-CDW (adjusted β [SE] − 6.94 [3.56], p = 0.05), unlike age, DMTs, and MS duration (all with p > 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed, spleen span performs significant but poor in discrimination of EDSS > 1 from EDSS = 1 (area under curve [AUC] 0.62, SE 0.05, p < 0.01), yet, significant and fair in discrimination of presence from absence of 6 m-CDW (AUC 0.72, SE 0.06, p < 0.01). Other findings were unremarkable. Further longitudinal, prospective studies are warranted to confirm whether smaller spleens are predictive of higher disability accrual rate in pwMS. Particularly, findings require further validation in untreated/treatment-naïve pwMS, and ones with higher EDSS scores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Due to the limitations of conventional urban planning, it is essential to develop novel techniques of urban futruing. This paper aimed to use the scenario technique to create four plausible narratives of the future of Isfahan. Also, the authors described the problems of city foresight in the Global South. Design/methodology/approach: This paper chronicles the Schwartzian steps taken to build explorative scenarios of Isfahan City in Iran in 2040. After using a STEEPV (Social, Technological, Environmental, Economic, Political, Value) analysis, the authors prioritized the collected variables by combining influence diagrams, the iceberg metaphor and an expert-based survey. Once the key uncertainties were derived, four scenarios were developed and discussed. Findings: Through thematic analysis of the official visions of Isfahan's future and the juxtaposition of these narratives with insight yielded in the scenario-development process, the paper concludes that the Northernness of the prevailing urban imaginaries, uncritical mimetic benchmarking, depoliticization of urban futures and the decorative reductionistic visions colonize urban futures in Isfahan/Iran. Critical/deconstructive city foresight and application of discomfort/ignorance criteria in the generation of scenarios can improve the rigor and quality of city foresight in the Global South. Originality/value: The application of city foresight in the Global South has been limited. The paper is a step toward bridging this gap and providing some recommendations on how city foresight in the Global South might differ from its counterparts in the Global North. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Albian-Cenomanian deposits of the Kazhdumi Formation at Zagros Basin (Firuzabad section and Central Iran (Fasakhod section), represents a carbonate sedimentary succession and contain rich and diverse invertebrate macro fauna. Detailed studies on about 200 specimens of invertebrate macro fauna revealed from two stratigraphic intervals led to recognition of 5 species of gastropods; (Liopeplum, sp., Columbellina sp., Cryptaulax, sp., Turritella, sp., Pleurotomaria sp.), 3 species of ammonites; (Knemiceras duberterti, Sphenodiscus sp., Knemiceras persicum), 10 species of bivalves assemblages; (Ceratostreon flabellatum, Cardium, sp., Exogyra (Costagyra) olisiponensis, Neithea (Neithea) quinquecostata, Trigonia sp., Buchia, sp., Cardium, sp., Pseudogyra sp., Ontaria, sp., Nucula, sp., Pleuromia, sp., 1 species of echinoids; Dorocidaris taouzensis with a prolific horizon of Notopocorystes xizangensis of raninoid crabs. The absence of large gastropods and bivalves fauna and abundance of suspension-feeders indicated instability of the substrate, shallow marine paleoenvironment. and a medium energy condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa L.) is an edible root that has long been used in cooking and preparing baby food and livestock. The present study was performed to evaluate the phenotypic diversity of 69 accessions of this species to select superiors in terms of root quality in Paykan village, Isfahan province, Iran, in the year 2022. There were significant differences among the accessions investigated (ANOVA, p <.01). Coefficient of variation (CV) was more than 20.00% in the majority of measured characters (64 out of 66 characters), indicating high diversity among the accessions. Foliage width (crown) ranged from 10 to 55 cm with an average of 32.32 cm. Root shape was tapering (33), obtriangular (10), narrow oblong (5), wide oblong (5), obovate (13), and fusiform (3). Root length ranged from 81.2 to 294 mm with an average of 166.44 mm. Root diameter at its middle point ranged from 15.58 to 125.12 mm with an average of 51.83 mm. Root weight ranged from 15 to 1200 g with an average of 315.36 g. Inner core (xylem) pigmentation/color was cream yellow (11 accessions), light yellow (12), yellow (42), dark yellow (2), and yellow–light orange (2). In the cluster analysis based on Ward's method, the accessions were divided into two main clusters according to morphological traits. This is despite the fact that parsnip is part of the medicinal plant native and valuable in most farms in tropical cities. Compared with carrots, parsnip plants are more adaptable to different environmental conditions. The accessions studied here showed high phenotypic diversity. Based on ideal values of the important and commercial characters of parsnip, such as root length, root weight, inner core (xylem) pigmentation/color, root shape, flesh color intensity, flesh palatability, and total soluble solids, 14 genotypes, including Parsnip‐3, Parsnip‐9, Parsnip‐24, Parsnip‐32, Parsnip‐32, Parsnip‐48, Parsnip‐51, Parsnip‐52, Parsnip‐58, Parsnip‐60, Parsnip‐62, Parsnip‐65, Parsnip‐67, and Parsnip‐69, were promising and are recommended for cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tanacetum isfahanicum Sonboli and Naderifar (Compositae-Anthemideae) is described as a new species from Isfahan and Fars provinces of Iran. It belongs morphologically to Tanacetum sect. Xanthoglossa and differs from its the closest relative, T. polycephalum, by shape of basal and cauline leaves, shape of capitula, length and width of involucre and color of achene ribs. The phylogenetic position of the new species within the genus Tanacetum is established based on nrDNA ITS sequences variation and its close relationship with T. polycephalum is corroborated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study presents new records of brachiopods from the Lower Miocene deposits of the Qom Formation from two sections, Bagh and Ramsheh in the Isfahan province, Central Iran. Three species, i.e. Argyrotheca bitnerae, Joania cordata, and Platidia anomioides, have been identified in the investigated material. All species are present in the Bagh section whereas in the material from Ramsheh A. bitnerae was not found. Although the species recognized here were already described from the Miocene of the Qom Formation, this is their first report from the localities of Bagh and Ramsheh, providing new data on the distribution of brachiopods in the Cenozoic of Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous publications reported that around 1.5 million individuals suffer from chronic liver disease. Liver cancer is the sixth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the fourth leading cause of related death worldwide. A recent study in Isfahan province, Iran confirmed a period prevalence (2013-2015) of 18.5 per 100000 persons associated with liver cancer (comprise of 20.9 for males and 16.8 for females). It is well known that different available screening methods could reduce the burden of liver disease and liver cancer. This is a focused literature review with the keywords relevant to; Biomarkers" "Biocatalyst" "Pathology" "Potential History" "Liver Disease" and "Liver Cancer", based on the search associated with the topic of interest in; Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science. For hepatocellular carcinoma, early detection ultrasound-based surveillance was reported as 45%. Alpha-fetoprotein-Lens culinaris-agglutinin-reactive and des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin with abdominal ultrasound could increase the sensitivity of early detection in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. A raised neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio is considered a prognostic indicator for patients with cancer. Serum alanine aminotransferase for predicting progression associated with chronic liver disease was reported as a more sensitive and robust marker. For estimating the overall mortality, serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transaminase, and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase confirmed clinically economic markers. High-quality imaging, MRI, and in some patients guided biopsy proposed. For early prevention of liver disease, regional anthropometric measures based on the; fat index (arm, hip, and waist circumference) besides body mass index, age, and alanine aminotransferase suggested values. Further evidence-based pharmacotherapy studies are recommended to be advantageous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seidlitzia rosmarinus Boiss. has been identified as one of the potential species that could be used for rehabilitating degraded desert rangelands and salt‐affected soils due to its high salinity resistance and soil‐stabilizing ability. Morphological variation of 144 accessions of this species from 14 regions of the Isfahan province, Iran was investigated. The accessions studied were significantly different in terms of the traits recorded. Three forms of plant growth habit were observed, including spreading bush, erect bush, and shrub. The range of leaf dimensions was as follows: terminal leaf length: 1.57–7.22 mm, terminal leaf width: 0.91–3.34 mm, basal leaf length: 11.84–45.27 mm, and basal leaf width: 1.32–4.18 mm. Fruit diameter (with wings) ranged from 0.19 to 12.91 mm, and 100‐fruits dry weight varied between 0.11 and 0.76 g. A dendrogram created using Euclidean distances and the Ward's method revealed two main clusters. The obtained data revealed the morphological diversity within the studied populations. The reason for such a high diversity can be explained by a low probability of gene flow among the studied accessions. This is the first report on the application of morphological characteristics in the evaluation of the phenotypic variation of S. rosmarinus. This study presented a high phenotypic diversity of S. rosmarinus germplasm that could provide useful information for conservation and selection of cross‐parents in breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Turnip (Brassica rapa var. rapa L.) (syn. B. campestris L. ssp. rapifera Sinsk) is an important crop species belonging to the Brassicaceae family. The 185 accessions belonging to this crop were collected from several areas of Toodshak region in Isfahan province, Iran, and their tubers were cultivated under homogeneous conditions in loamy clay soil. The morphological traits of different organs of those accessions were evaluated. Significant variations were detected among the accessions studied based on the traits recorded. Tuber shape showed high variation and included globose, oblong, ovate, obovate, and fusiform. Also, tuber skin color was highly variable, including white, bicolor white–violet, light violet, and dark violet. Tuber weight ranged from 1.56 to 35.70 g, while total soluble solids (TSS) of tuber flesh ranged from 7.00 to 11.80%. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that 18 components were extracted by explaining 74.88% of total variance. The dendrogram obtained based on all the characters measured clustered the accessions into two major clusters. Sixteen accessions were placed into the first cluster, while the remaining accessions were placed into the second cluster which was divided into six subclusters. High level of morphological variabilities was observed among the accessions, which is applicable and useful for B. rapa var. rapa breeding programs. Based on the commercial and quality traits, 17 accessions could be selected for direct cultivation. Also, the promising accessions identified here can be utilized directly in breeding programs for genetic enhancement of this crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

From the lower Miocene (Burdigalian) of the Qom Formation, exposed in three sections (Kuh-e-Donbeh, Bagher-Abad, and Vartun) in Central Iran, a decapod crustacean assemblage is described. The specimens exhibit two modes of preservation: carapaces (either isolated or with attached appendages) and isolated cheliped elements. All studied specimens are fractured and/or eroded. Based on this moderately preserved material, three brachyuran crab taxa are identified, including Mursia cf. lienharti (Bachmayer, 1962), Palaeocarpilius rugifer Stoliczka, 1871, and Necronectes sp. The occurrence of P. rugifer represents the youngest confirmed occurrence of the species, whereas other two taxa represent the first confirmed Iranian occurrences of respective genera. This report enriches our knowledge on Miocene decapod assemblages of Iran, and thus helping to better understand the decapod migratory patterns along the Tethyan Seaway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Active aging is a comprehensive and subjective concept that depends on an individuals' personal experiences. The theory of gerotranscendence focuses on seniors and the aging process. This process would be of great value in dealing with the challenges that come in that period of life. The authors conducted this study to explore the lived experience of gerotranscendence and active aging among seniors. Following a directed content analysis procedure, we conduct semi-structured individual interviews with 39 community-dwelling seniors from the age of 60 including both genders living in Isfahan selected by purposeful sampling. Data collection and analysis were concurrent. The reliability of data was fulfilled by following Lincoln and Guba criteria. We stopped data collection when no new concept was added and data saturation was achieved. Based on the experience of elders, we identified three categories: 1) Self-transcendence, 2) Social transcendence, and 3) Cosmic level. These portrayed gerotranscendence as a continuous process confronting age-related change. The finding suggests that gerotranscendence was introduced as a dynamic process that occurred simultaneously with active aging accompanying the journey of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mahour base metal deposit is located northeast of Badroud in the middle of the Urumieh–Dokhtar magmatic arc in the Isfahan province of Iran. The main host rocks to the ores are Eocene volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks. Hypogene ore minerals constituting the main ore body are galena, sphalerite, pyrite, and chalcopyrite. In addition to gangue quartz, a variety of supergene minerals comprising gypsum, goethite, hematite, "limonite", malachite, azurite, covellite, and chalcocite are also present; gangue minerals are quartz, barite, calcite, sericite, and chlorite. Silicification, intermediate argillic, and propylitic are the main wall-rock alteration types. The presence of fluid inclusions with different vapor/liquid ratios in quartz and sphalerite could indicate a boiling process. The primary liquid-rich fluid inclusions suggest that the homogenization temperature was between 107 and 298 °C from fluids with salinities from 1.5 to 13.7 wt.% NaCl equiv. These data suggest that the ore-forming fluids were magmatic with a contribution from meteoric waters. The δ34S values of sulfides range from 1.9 to 3.4‰, those of barite range from 12.1 to 13.2‰, and those of gypsum range from 4.3 to 5.6‰. These data suggest that sulfur was mostly of magmatic origin with a minor contribution from sedimentary rocks. Our data suggest that the boiling of fluids formed an intermediate-sulfidation style of epithermal mineralization for the Mahour deposit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A significant portion of rural crashes in Iran occur in the marginal areas around cities. Exclusive crash frequency models should be developed to identify the factors affecting the occurrence of crashes in these areas. In this study, the rural crash data of highways leading to the city of Isfahan were employed to develop a negative binomial (NB) model as a constant-parameter model, along with random effects negative binomial (RENB) and random parameters negative binomial (RPNB) models as the models based on the random parameter approach. The modeling results indicated the superiority of the RPNB model over the two other models. According to the findings of this study, the traffic volume of roads and the proportion of local and non-local vehicles, the proportion of longitudinal distance-limit violation, the way of controlling access points, and the access to rest areas affected the crash frequency in the marginal areas around cities. [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]

Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) are often considered luxury services by policy-makers and the general population, which are always susceptible of removal from public funding of health care. The analysis of the economic aspects of this scope seems essential due to the high prevalence of infertility in Iran and the high costs of infertility treatments. This study aimed to investigate the value put on IUI and IVF treatments by communities in Iran and the affordability of services based on community preferences. A cost-benefit analysis (CBA) was performed based on the WTP approach, and the contingent valuation method (CVM) was used to estimate WTP for IUI and IVF using a researcher-made survey in two cities of Kerman and Isfahan, Iran, in 2016–17. The sample size was 604, and the study sample frame to estimate WTP included two groups of couples who were/were not aware of their fertility statuses. The costs of one cycle of IUI and IVF were calculated according to the treatment protocols, tariffs of 2016–17, and medical information records of patients. The mean direct and indirect medical costs of one cycle of IUI and IVF were equivalent to 19561140 and 60897610 IRR, respectively. Also, the mean WTP for IUI and IVF treatments were obtained of 15941061 and 28870833 IRR, respectively. The demand for IUI and IVF treatments was elastic and the community was sensitive to price changes of these treatment methods. IUI and IVF treatments brought no positive net benefits, and economic variables had the highest impact on the WTP and community preferences, indicating the significant role of financial constraints in the community's valuation for advanced infertility treatments in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) affect many women worldwide. The prevalence of LUTS among Iranian women has not been reported. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and its bother rate among women ?20 years old living in Isfahan, a central province of Iran.Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. The data was collected using a population-based survey on women aged ?20 years selected from the general population of Isfahan (a central province of Iran. A total of 2609 women were approached for the study. After obtaining demographic features, the participants completed the Persian version of the International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire for Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (ICIQ-FLUTS).Results: 95.5% of the participants had at least one Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms. The most common symptoms were urgency (82.4%) and stress urinary incontinence (44.5%).  Nocturia (one or more occasions) was also noted in 60.7%. The highest bother rate was related to urgency.Conclusion: The prevalence of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms was high in the studied women. Among Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms, urgency and nocturnal enuresis were the most and the least frequent symptoms. However, the bother rate of the symptoms was relatively low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Baqer-Abad section, northeast Isfahan Province, Central Iran has a thickness of 220 m representing mainly shallow-water palaeoenvironments with fossiliferous abundance and biodiversity. The zonal division in this section includes ten Famennian zones as follows, from the bottom to the top: triangularis Zone, crepida Zone, Lower rhomboidea Zone, gracilis-Lower marginifera interval Zone, Upper marginifera barren Zone, Uppermost marginifera-trachytera interval Zone, postera Zone, Lower expansa Zone, Middle expansa Zone, Upper expansa-praesulcata interval Zone. This section comprises the most complete biozonation of the Famennian stage in the area of northeast Isfahan in Central Iran. The analysis of the conodont associations and biofacies support the interpretation that these shallow-water habitats were still in platform conditions. Based on the conodont record, major stratigraphic gaps also occur at the end of Famennian, which confirms earlier results reported from other sections with similar palaeoenvironments in the North Isfahan area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The second fossil isopod from Iran is herein reported. Additional specimens of the small lobster Huhatanka iranica Bahrami and Vega in Yazdi et al. (2010) are also revised. The aforementioned allows differentiating this species from the only other known species, H. kiowana (Scott, 1970) from the Albian of Kansas, USA. Some indeterminate callianassoids, found associated with the isopod and H. iranica, are also reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

These palaeoecological investigations were carried out on foraminiferal assemblages from the Qom Formation in the Bagher-Abad section, northeast of Isfahan, Central Iran. Foraminiferal analysis of the lower limestone part of the succession revealed correlation with the Chattian zone SBZ (Shallow Benthic Zone) 23, and the overlaying marly strata revealed planktonic foraminifera of the Aquitanian Zone M1 ("Paragloborotalia" kugleri Taxon-range Zone). Finally, the topmost, barren zone, and benthic foraminifera assemblage were correlated with the Burdigalian, based on the regional stratigraphic scheme. Palaeoecological interpretations based on microfaunal composition and abundance of benthic foraminifera revealed that late Oligocene microfossils were dominated by larger foraminifera (Rotaliids), whereas early Miocene assemblage was dominated by miliolids. The foraminiferal associations generally reflect well-oxygenated shallow warm tropical waters within the photic zone (<50 m depth) during the Chattian–Burdigalian. These Oligocene/Miocene foraminiferal assemblages indicated middle shelf and inner shelf with normal marine salinity and oligotrophic-to-mesotrophic conditions. [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]

The main purpose of this research is to model the spatial distribution of carbon sequestration, CO2 absorption, and oxygen production by trees within Isfahan city, Iran, in 2020. To quantify carbon sequestration, we accessed a sample group of trees with measured biophysical attributes. First, we calculated the biomass and carbon sequestration of a tree using the allometric and photosynthesis equations. Then, to model the spatial distribution of carbon sequestration, we used geographic weighted regression (GWR) method. In this model, the amount of calculated carbon sequestration was the dependent variable, whereas the difference between vegetation indexes of Excess Green Plant Index minus Excess Red Plant Index (ΔExGR) from the Worldview image was the independent variable. Subsequently, the spatial distribution map of CO2 absorption and oxygen production was generated. The total value of annual carbon sequestration, CO2 absorption, and O2 production was about 7704.22, 28274.502, and 20570.16 tons, respectively. The results showed that there was a strong correlation between the ΔExGR index of the canopy with calculated carbon. Integrating the ΔExGR index from a high‐resolution image with calculated carbon can contribute to developing a fast, accurate, and low‐cost method in estimating carbon sequestration and modeling its spatial distribution in urban areas. In conclusion, the results of this research can be implemented by land‐use planners to integrate urban ecosystem service concept (i.e., carbon sequestration) in planning process toward sustainability of the cities. Key Points: Contributing urban green infrastructure to mitigate climate changeInventing a geographic weighted regression model by integrating remote‐sensing data and calculated ground‐based dataMapping the spatial distribution of carbon sequestration, CO2 absorption, and O2 production within the city [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Covid-19 disease was raised as a fundamental public health problem worldwide, and nurses were exposed to many problems and challenges at the front line of fighting this disease. Therefore, the present study aimed to explain the experiences of nurses who took care of Covid-19 patients. Materials and Methods: This study was a conventional content analysis qualitative study using Granheim and Lundman approach. The study participants included 20 nurses working in Corona referral hospitals in Isfahan, Iran. Participants were selected using purposive sampling and in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted from September 2020 to March 2021. To assess the trustworthiness of the obtained data, credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability criteria were used. Results: Data analysis led to the production of 700 primary codes, 15 sub-sub-categories, 5 sub-categories and 2 main categories. These two main categories consisted ofpsychological reactions and organizational challenges. Negative emotional experiences and positive emotional experiences were placed in the category of psychological reactions and expectations from superiors, lack of facilities and resources and insufficient quality of care in the category of organizational challenges. Conclusions: The results of the present study showed that managers and policy- makers should prioritize the nursing empowerment to ensure effective epidemic fight and the psychological and financial support of Covid-19 ward nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to establish a comprehensive screening and referral system for chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCD) in the routine primary health care, and to determine the prevalence of diabetes, pre-diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and dyslipidemia in adult population invited by public announcement to the Health clinics in Isfahan, Iran. Methods: This survey was conducted from March 2010, and the current paper presents data obtained until November 2011. To provide health services for prevention and control of CNCDs, with priority of type2 diabetes mellitus, Health clinics were established in different parts of Isfahan city with a population of approximately 2,100,000 in Iran. The general populations aged 30 years and above were invited to the Health clinics by public announcement. Results: A total of 198972 participants were screened. The mean age of participants was 47.8 years (48.5 men, 47.3 women), with a range of 1 to 95 years old and standard deviation of 12.3 years (12.7 men, 12.1 women). Overall, 22% of participants had impaired fasting glucose, 25% had hypercholesterolemia, 31% had hypertriglyceridemia, and 20% had metabolic syndrome. Conclusion: The high prevalence of dysglycemia and diabetes in our survey may serve as confirmatory evidence about the importance of mass screening and early diagnosis of CNCDs' risk factors. Our model of establishing Health clinics, as a comprehensive referral system in the routine primary health care can be adopted by Middle Eastern countries, where CNCDs notably diabetes are an emerging health problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil temperature (ST) is one of the vital parameters of soil, which can affect many of the processes occurring in soil. Accurate techniques are therefore needed to know the ST regime at different soil depths. The present study strived to model the daily ST of the Isfahan and Rasht stations, Iran, at four multiple depths (5, 10, 50, 100 cm). To achieve this goal, the standalone gene expression programming (GEP) and support vector machine (SVM) models were applied. In this context, two types of input patterns were taken into consideration including weather parameters- and lagged ST data-based patterns. Additionally, two different pre-processing methods comprising of entropy and τ-Kendall were utilized to discern the most important weather parameters under the weather parameters-based patterns. It was found that both the employed pre-processing techniques introduced various input combinations as the most important weather parameters. In general, entropy-based GEP and SVM models slightly presented higher accuracy compared to the τ-Kendall-based standalone models at different depths. Then, wavelet (W)-based coupled models were proposed by hybridizing the W theory on the GEP and SVM in order to develop the hybrid W-GEP and W-SVM approaches. The outcomes demonstrated that the implemented coupled models outperformed the single GEP and SVM in modeling the ST of various depths under both the defined input patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

BACKGROUND: Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) is considered as a choice of treatment in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). PPCI has been performed in the Isfahan Province for several years. This study was performed to describe the situation, and determine in-hospital and early (30 days) clinical outcomes of the patients in order to provide sufficient evidence to evaluate and modify this treatment modality if necessary.. METHODS: All patients, who underwent PPCI for STEMI from July to December 2011 at Chamran and Saadi Hospitals (PPCI centers in the Isfahan Province), were included in this case series study. Premedication, angioplasty procedure, and post-procedural treatment were performed using standard protocols or techniques. All discharged patients were followed for 30 days by phone. Endpoints consisted of clinical success rate, and in-hospital and 30 day major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) (death, reinfarction, stroke, and target vessel revascularization). RESULTS: 93 patients (83 (89.2%) at Chamran Hospital and 10 (10.8%) patients at Saadi Hospital) had PPCI. Mean Age of the patients was 59.60 ± 11.10 and M/F ratio was 3.89. From the 181 involved vessels (involved vessels/patient ratio = 1.97 ± 0.70), the treatment of 105 lesions (lesions/patient ratio = 1.13 ± 0.368) was attempted. The clinical success rate was 72%. Pain-to-door and door-to-balloon times were, respectively, 255.1 ± 221.4 and 148.9 ± 168.5 min. The reason for failure was impaired flow (n = 17 (18.3%)), failure to cross with a guidewire (n = 2 (2.2%)), suboptimal angiographic results (n = 2 (2.2%)), and death in one patient. The in-hospital and 30 days MACE rates were, respectively, 8.6% and 3.2%. CONCLUSION: Low success rate in our series could be due to prolonged pain-to-door and door-to-balloon times and lack of an established, definite protocol to regularly perform PPCI in a timely fashion. We should resolve these problems and improve our techniques in order to prevent and treat slow/no-reflow phenomenon. [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: 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]

The purpose of this study was to determine the adherence to oral hypoglycemic medications and associated factors in type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients who were referred to the Isfahan Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Centre (IEMRC). Convenience sampling was used to enroll 248 patients with type 2 diabetes in a prospective study at IEMRC from January 2007 to January 2008. Patients had to be on a stable dose of oral hypoglycemic medications (glyburide and metformin) or for 3 months prior to the study and willing to participate in consultation sessions with a pharmacist. Pill count and self report methods were used to measure the adherence. Mean (SD) of patients studied was 56.6 (8.9) years and 62% were females. The mean (SD) duration of diabetes in the study patients was 10.8 (6.1) years and 81.9% of them were literate with basic education. Non-adherence rates to metformin and glyburide were recorded in 39.7% and 35.3% of the study population respectively. Lower HbA1C levels and higher education were associated with higher adherence rates. Forgetfulness, confusion, fasting, adverse effects, complexity of medication regimen and disruption of routines were most commonly reported causes of non adherence. Prevalence of adherence to these two medications did not differ significantly between pill count (62.3%) and self report (62.8%), (p >0.05). Adherence rates did not vary by pill count and self report significantly. It was concluded that good adherence to medications was associated with a lower HbA1C profile; so it seems that pill count is a useful method in the clinical practice to identify non-adherent patients. Further studies are needed to find out efficient interventions to improve the patient's adherence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: During August 2009, novel H1N1 influenza virus began causing illness in Isfahan. Since rates of hospitalization and mortality due to the disease have varied widely in different countries, we described the clinical, radiologic, and demographic features of H1N1 hospitalized patients in a hospital in Isfahan. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Alzahra Hospital during September 2009 to February 2010. Totally, 216 patients with confirmed, probable, or suspected cases of 2009 influenza A (H1N1) were admitted. RESULTS: Most patients were women (50.5%). Mean age of patients was 26.6 ± 19.5 years. The most common complains on admission were respiratory symptoms (91.6%, n= 198), fever (88.4%, n = 191), myalgia (65.7%, n = 142). In addition, 120 patients (56%) had at least one underlying medical disorder. Thirty-six patients (16.7%) died. Mortality was higher in children under 5 years old (10/36, 10%) and female cases (63.9% of died patients). Predicting variables affecting mortality were intensive care unit (ICU) admission and procalcitonin (PCT) > 0.5. Antiviral treatment was prescribed for 200 (92.5%) of the 216 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings of the present study, novel H1N1 influenza is highly prevalent among the youth. Moreover, it causes a relatively high morbidity rate. Therefore, people need to be encouraged to have vaccination against 2009 H1N1. Early diagnosis and treatment is related to less admission and shorter duration of hospitalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Emergency contraception (EC) is a special contraception method that prevents pregnancy after an unsafe sexual contact. Pharmacists, as the most available member of medical team have a unique role in patient education for appropriate use of contraceptive methods. In this study, we assessed the pharmacists' knowledge about emergency contraception. Methods: A researcher made questionnaire was developed and used according to national guide line and electronic databanks. A group of experts and pharmacists validated the questionnaire. Reliability was measured by Half-Split Test. The questionnaires were filled by pharmacists. Results: Average knowledge score were 8.12 ± 0.28 for women and 7.83 ± 0.31 for men (from a maximum of 15) which showed no significant difference between men and women (P = 0.492). There was no significant difference between pharmacists who had precipitated in continuing education programs and that of those who had not (P = 0.286). Scores of pharmacists who graduated 13 years ago or more did not significantly differ from others (P = 0.287). Conclusions: Because of low scores of pharmacist's knowledge about EC and the importance of unintended pregnancy prevention, its improvement is an urgent need. Regular and frequent continuing education programs could be one of the recommended interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Pandemic 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus arrived at Isfahan in August 2009. The virus is still circulating in the world. The abnormal thoracic computerized tomographic (CT) scan findings vary widely among the studies of 2009 H1N1 influenza. We evaluated the thoracic CT findings in patients with 2009 H1N1 virus infection to describe findings compared to previously reported findings, and to suggest patterns that may be suggestive for 2009 influenza A (H1N1) in an appropriate clinical setting. METHODS: Retrospectively, the archive of all patients with a diagnosis of 2009 H1N1 influenza A were reviewed, in Al- Zahra Hospital in Isfahan, central Iran, between September 23rd 2009 to February 20th 2010. Out of 216 patients with confirmed 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus, 26 cases with abnormal CT were enrolled in the study. Radiologic findings were characterized by the type and pattern of opacities and zonal distribution. RESULTS: Patchy infiltration (34.6%), lobar consolidation (30.8%), and interstitial infiltration (26.9%) with airbronchogram (38.5%) were the predominant findings in our patients. Bilateral distribution was seen in 80.8% of the patients. Only one patient (3.8%) showed ground-glass opacity, predominant radiographic finding in the previous reports and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). CONCLUSIONS: The most common thoracic CT findings in pandemic H1N1 were patchy infiltration, lobar consolidation, and interstitial infiltration with airbronchogram and bilateral distribution. While these findings can be associated with other infections; they may be suggestive to 2009 influenza A (H1N1) in the appropriate clinical setting. Various radiographic patterns can be seen in thoracic CT scans of the influenza patients. Imaging findings are nonspecific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Countries with different herd structures and climates use different combinations of herd, year, and season to define the effect of their climatic conditions and management. Estimates of variance components and Akaike information criterion values resulting from 8 analytical models differentiated by different combinations of herd, year and season effects were compared for milk and fat yields. Data consisted of pedigree and records of 11,850 Holsteins freshening in 38 dairy herds of Isfahan, Iran, between January 1994 and October 2001. Heritability estimates were lowest for the models that used herd-year combination as a random effect. Moreover, the use of these models is not recommended due to their low goodness of fit, at least for countries that have too much variety in herd size. The models that considered herd-year or herd-year-season as a fixed effect to define contemporary groups fit the data best. It is worthwhile rechecking the frequency of animals in herd-year-season groups in order to control the minimum number of animals in contemporary groups. Countries with 4 seasons and small herds may consider herd-year and 4-month season as 2 separate fixed effects to observe contemporary groups sufficiently and to make a better correction for seasonal changes or considering herdyear- season as a random effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. To explore the nurse–patient interaction in terminally ill situations in acute care, focusing on the nurses’ preparation for loss. Background. Caring for dying patients can be a distressing and sometimes even threatening experience for nurses. Despite the vast body of literature on nurse/patient interaction and the quality of end-of-life care, few studies focus specifically on nurses’ experience. Design. A grounded theory approach was used to explore nurses’ interaction with dying patients and their families and examine how nurses deal with situations in which the patient’s death is inevitable. Method. Eighteen nurses were interviewed up to three times each at three teaching hospitals in Isfahan, Iran, during autumn 2006. A shortlist of possible participants was obtained by means of theoretical sampling and those who had experienced the death of patients and were able to express their feelings verbally were selected. Results. The results clarified a core consideration: striking a balance between restorative and palliative care, information and hope, expectations and abilities and intimacy and distance. Conclusion. Attaining a balance in caring for dying patients is a major challenge to nurses: it concerns not only their interactions with patients and their families, but also their perceptions of themselves and their actions in end-of-life care. Relevance to clinical practice. In end-of-life care, it is important for nurses to be able to change the focus of their care when the patient’s condition is diagnosed as irreversible. They also need to be well equipped to maintain a balance, thereby preparing themselves for the patient’s forthcoming death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  To establish a relation between biologically effective erythemal radiation (EER) and global solar radiation, the hourly and daily clear-sky broadband (310–2,800 nm) global solar radiation (G) and spectral ultraviolet radiation incident on a horizontal surface at Esfahan, Iran (32°37′N, 51°40′E) were measured during the period 2001–2005. Good correlations at statistically significant levels between the daily values of EER and the daily G were found. The seasonal variability of EER/G is also discussed and the correction factors are determined for inclusion of vertical column ozone and solar zenith angle (SZA) cycles. The comparison of the estimated daily EER against the independent observed EER revealed that under clear sky conditions the estimations are accurate to 10% or better over SZA of 10–60° and column ozone of 250–350 Dobson. The comparison of the results with the similar works that have used shorter period of experimental data showed more accurate estimates. The deduced relations could be used to a rough estimate of the daily EER from G in arid climate regions, where there is no measured UV radiation or there are instrumental and other difficulties encountered in measuring UV radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Household trip production is not a constant parameter and vary based on socio-economic characteristics. Even households produce several numbers of trips in each category (households with constant socio-economic characteristics). The purpose of the present study is to model a variation of household trip production rate in statistical societies. To achieve the purpose, a concept of Bayesian Inference has been used. The city of Isfahan was selected as a case study. First, the likelihood distribution function was determined for average household trip production. Then, likelihood distribution was determined for the numbers of household trips separating odd and even trips. In order to increase the precision of the function, the concept of Bayesian inference was utilized. To insert household socio-economic variables in the function, the disaggregate model was calibrated for average household trip production. Statistical indices and χ² test show that the likelihood distribution function of average household trip production follows the gamma distribution and the numbers of household trip production follows the poisson distribution. The final composed probability distribution was determined on the basis of Bayesian inference. The related function was created with a compilation of the mean parameter distribution function (gamma distribution) and the numbers of household trip production (poisson distribution). Finally, the disaggregate model was inserted to the final composed probability function instead of the mean parameter. The obtained results show that the use of Bayesian inference method would open up the possibility of modeling the variation of household trip production rate in statistical societies. Also it would be possible to insert socio-economic characteristics in the model to predict the likelihood of real produced trips for each category of household. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There are no data on the prevalence of occupational noise-induced hearing loss in drivers using standard audiometric testing. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and risk factors of occupational noise-induced hearing loss in drivers. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a random sample of 4300 long-distance drivers age ⩾20 years taken out of a total of 10,000 estimated professionals in the city of Isfahan, Iran, from February 2006 through March 2007. The drivers were interviewed and underwent clinical and laboratory examinations including measurement of blood pressure, anthropornetric data, and pure-tone audiometry in a sound-treated booths. The mean (SD) age of the participants was 40.8 (11.0) years with a mean (SD) duration of professional driving of 14.7 (9.6) years. Results: The prevalence of bilateral noise-induced hearing loss was 18.1% [95% confidence interval (Cl) 17.0-19.3]. The prevalence rates were higher in the left ear only 6.5% (95% Cl: 5.8-7.3) than the right ear only 3.0% (95% Cl: 2.5-3.9). Using a stepwise binary logistic regression model for the right and left ear only and for both ears separately, age was a significant independent predictor of bilateral noise-induced hearing loss and for the left or right ear only. When bilateral noise-induced hearing loss was entered in the model, fasting blood glucose was a significant predictor of noise-induced hearing loss. Blood pressure, cholesterol, triglyceride, body mass index, and marital status had no significant independent association with noise-induced hearing loss when other covariates were considered. Conclusion: These findings indicate that noise-induced hearing loss among the long-distance drivers appears to be similar to the world's population endures noise-induced hearing loss caused by occupational exposure to noise, with higher prevalence in the left ear only. [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]

With increasing levels of air pollution, air quality prediction has attracted more attention. Mathematical models are being developed by researchers to achieve precise predictions. Monitoring and prediction of atmospheric PM2.5 levels, as a predominant pollutant, is essential in emission mitigation programs. In this study, meteorological datasets from 9 years in Isfahan city, a large metropolis of Iran, were applied to predict the PM2.5 levels, using four machine learning algorithms including Artificial Neural |Networks (ANNs), K-Nearest-Neighbors (KNN), Support Vector |Machines (SVMs) and ensembles of classification trees Random Forest (RF). The data from 7 air quality monitoring stations located in Isfahan City were taken into consideration. The Confusion Matrix and Cross-Entropy Loss were used to analyze the performance of classification models. Several parameters, including sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, F1 score, precision, and the area under the curve (AUC), are computed to assess model performance. Finally, by introducing the predicted data for 2020 into ArcGIS software and using the IDW (Inverse Distance Weighting) method, interpolation was conducted for the area of Isfahan city and the pollution map was illustrated for each month of the year. The results showed that, based on the accuracy percentage, the ANN model has a better performance (90.1%) in predicting PM2.5 grades compared to the other models for the applied meteorological dataset, followed by RF (86.1%), SVM (84.6%) and KNN (82.2%) models, respectively. Therefore, ANN modelling provides a feasible procedure for the managerial planning of air pollution control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Phlebotomus papatasi (Diptera: Psychodidae) is the main vector of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) in Iran. The nonstandard use of pesticides against pests, particularly in agriculture, indirectly has caused the development of resistance and, consequently, the threat of control measures in ZCL endemic areas. Up to 2023, several reports of resistance in Ph. papatasi have been declared in the Old World. The purpose of this study was to measure the lethal time (LT50 and LT90) of Ph. papatasi sand flies in the ZCL endemic center of Esfahan to DDT and deltamethrin insecticides. Methods: Sand flies were collected in Borkhar and were tested using WHO adult mosquito test kit against DDT 4% and deltamethrin 0.0002%. The sand fly’s survival was recorded during exposure time in 225, 450|, 900, 1800, and 3600- seconds’ intervals for DDT and Deltamethrin and they were allowed to recover for 24 hours. Then LT50 and LT90 were analyzed using probit software. Phlebotomus papatasi were identified using morphological keys and other sand flies’ species were excluded from the analysis. Results: The insecticide against female Ph. papatasi revealed hundred percent mortality when exposed to DDT 4% and deltamethrin 0.0002%. The LT50 and LT90 were 19.32 and 22.74 minutes for DDT 4% and 39.92 and 51.33 minutes for deltamethrin 0.0002% respectively. Conclusion: Results of this study revealed that Ph. papatasi is still susceptible to DDT and deltamethrin. This data provides valuable knowledge to implement effective control strategies against ZCL main vector and help to manage insecticide resistance in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isfahan as an important industrial city has faced with air pollution recently. Thus, we assessed the spatial and temporal trends of ambient PM2.5, CO, SO2, and O3 and for estimating their health effect on Isfahan citizens between March 2018 and March 2019 through the AirQ+ software. Our results showed that citizens of Isfahan in almost 240, 167, and 134 of the days in the year has exposure to PM2.5, SO2, and O3 higher than the WHO daily guideline, respectively. Daily variations of PM2.5, CO, and SO2 concentration showed the increasing trend of pollutants in the morning to evening. The maximum concentrations of O3 were observed in the noonday. Also, the concentrations of these pollutants on Friday due to the holiday effect were higher than the weekdays. Except for O3, the PM2.5, CO, and SO2 concentrations in the cold months and cold seasons was higher compared with the hot months and hot seasons. The total number of deaths because of lung cancer, natural mortality, ischemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,, stroke associated with ambient PM2.5 with the attributable proportion (AP) 11.43%, 11.63%, 15.96%, 15.15%, and 13.1% (95% CI) were 683, 19, 2, 202, and 55 cases, respectively. Therefore, the present study provides additional data for the provincial managers and politicians useful in planning proper strategies of air pollution control to decrease exposure and attributable mortalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Falls are one of the major causes of unintentional injuries. Understanding the epidemiology of fall-related mortality helps to identify the root causes of this event and planning preventive strategies to inhibit falls. The aim of this study was to assess the trend of fall-related mortality rate and its epidemiological patterns based on sex and age-groups at national and subnational levels in Iran during the years 1990 to 2015. All data were gathered from Death Registration Systems, cemetery databases of Tehran and Isfahan, the Demographic and Health Survey of 2000 and three rounds of national population and housing censuses. The age-standardized death rate (ASDR) due to falls per 100,000 people decreased from 2.61 (95% Uncertainty Interval (UI): 1.94-3.51) in 1990 to 2.13 (1.62-2.80) in 2015 at national level. Males were at higher risk of death due to falls than females. Our data showed that the elderly population was at higher risk of death due to falls and individuals less than 4-year old had the highest fall-related mortality rate among children and adolescents. Our data should be used to accelerate interventions to reduce fall-related mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil temperature (ST) is one of the crucial variables of soil and it plays a fundamental role in different research scopes such as underground soil physical and agricultural applications. The study explores the modelling performance of a time series-based model (i.e. bi-linear, BL), and an artificial intelligence-based approach including adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), for modelling the daily ST of different soil depths (5, 10, 50 and 100 cm). The study also develops and proposes two diverse types of the hybrid models through coupling the ANFIS with the BL and wavelet analysis (W) to improve the accuracy of the ST modelling. Two stations in Iran (i.e. Isfahan and Urmia) were selected as the study locations. The results demonstrated that the ANFIS generally presented better results than the BL. Furthermore, the hybrid models (i.e. W-ANFIS and ANFIS-BL) gave superior performances than the classical ANFIS and BL for modelling the daily ST of the studied areas at various soil depths. In addition to the local evaluation of the ANFIS (i.e. modelling the ST at a specific depth by using the original ST data at that depth), an external analysis was also conducted. In doing so, the daily ST data at a 5 cm depth were modelled via the corresponding ST data at a 10 cm depth, and vice versa. The results denoted the applicability of the ST data at another depth for modelling the ST of each specific/target depth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease associated with inflammation of the central nervous system in humans. This disease is the most common neurological disease, especially in young people. Various factors, including biological, genetic, and environmental factors, are effective on the prevalence of MS disease. This study intends to determine the relationship between geographical factors, and the prevalence of MS disease was performed. Methods: This ecological study was carried out on 2000 patients with diagnosis of MS during the years 2001-2014 in Isfahan province. All patients' data including age, sex, marital status, year, and location of patients were extracted from the files. Arc geographic information systems version 10.3 software was used for geographical maps, and for statistical analysis of data, SPSS.16 software ANOVA tests, independent t-test, and Kruskal--Wallis were used. Results: Based on recorded cases of MS, the highest and lowest cumulative incidence of diseases was related to the city of Isfahan (75.92 in one hundred thousand) and Aran Bidgol (1.16 in one hundred thousand), respectively. A significant relationship was observed between the incidence and height above sea level (P = 0.001), the average annual rainfall (P = 0.001), and land use (P = 0.001). With increase in the height above sea level and the average annual precipitation, the incidence of disease decreased. Conclusions: MS disease incidence is high in Isfahan province. The distribution of the disease is not the same in the cities of this province, and some cities have a higher incidence. Furthermore, the incidence of the disease is influenced by geographical factors such as height above sea level, average annual rainfall, and land use. Therefore, it is recommended that relevant authorities by the implementation of screening programs in high-risk areas take action to identify and treat patients in the early stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mutations in spike glycoprotein, a critical protein of SARS-CoV-2, could directly impact pathogenicity and virulence. The D614G mutation, a non-synonymous mutation at position 614 of the spike glycoprotein, is a predominant variant circulating worldwide. This study investigated the occurrence of mutations in the crucial zone of the spike gene and the association of clinical symptoms with spike mutations in isolated viruses from Iranian patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 during the second and third waves of the COVID-19 epidemic in Isfahan, the third-largest city in Iran. Methods: The extracted RNA from 60 nasopharyngeal samples of COVID-19 patients were subjected to cDNA synthesis and RT-PCR (in three overlapping fragments). Each patient's reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) products were assembled and sequenced. Information and clinical features of all sixty patients were collected, summarized, and analyzed using the GENMOD procedure of SAS 9.4. Results: Analysis of 60 assembled sequences identified nine nonsynonymous mutations. The D614G mutation has the highest frequency among the amino acid changes. In our study, in 31 patients (51.66%), D614G mutation was determined. For all the studied symptoms, no significant relationship was observed with the incidence of D614G mutation. Conclusions: D614G, a common mutation among several of the variants of SARS-CoV-2, had the highest frequency among the studied sequences and its frequency increased significantly in the samples of the third wave compared to the samples of the second wave of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]