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In present study we aimed to investigate the literature in the form of systematic review to determinate the concentrations of some toxic metals (arsenic, lead, and cadmium) in widely consumed rice brands in Iran and their related health risks. International and Iranian national databases were searched carefully with appropriate keywords for papers on toxic metal contamination of rice from Agust-2000 to Agust-2018. Initially, 560 articles were found, of which only the 50 papers fit the inclusion criteria and were selected for further analysis. The Monte Carlo Simulation was applied to generate missing data (mean, standard deviation, data distribution and sample size) of toxic metal concentration in some papers. Then, statistical analysis, health risk assessment, and uncertainty and sensitivity analysis were performed. The results indicated that approximately 88% of rice consumed in Iran (including Iranian, Pakistani and Indian rice) do not meet the national standard and WHO/FAO guideline requirements and their related health risks are unacceptable. The risks of arsenic and lead in Indian rice and cadmium in Iranian rice were considerably higher than others. In conclusion, according to our findings, In conclusion, it is necessary to prevent toxic metals contamination of rice by modifying cultivation patterns and, also, prevent low-quality rice brands to be imported. Image 1 • We made a literature investigation on toxic metals in rice consumed in Iran. • The rice consumed in Iran can't meet national standard and WHO/FAO guideline. • Estimated health risk of widely-used rice in Iran is higher than acceptable level. • The arsenic and lead in Indian rice and cadmium in Iranian rice were remarkable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to understand the cultural diversity among the first modern human populations in the Iranian Zagros and the implications of this diversity for evolutionary and ecological models of human dispersal through Eurasia. We use quantitative data and technotypological attributes combined with physiogeographic information to assess if the Zagros Upper Paleolithic (UP) developed locally from the Middle Paleolithic (MP), as well as to contextualize the variation in lithics from four UP sites of Warwasi, Yafteh, Pasangar, and Ghār-e Boof. Our results demonstrate (1) that the Zagros UP industries are intrusive to the region, and (2) that there is significant cultural diversity in the early UP across different Zagros habitat areas, and that this diversity clusters in at least three groups. We interpret this variation as parallel developments after the initial occupation of the region shaped by the relative geotopographical isolation of different areas of the Zagros, which would have favored different ecological adaptations. The greater similarity of lithic traditions and modes of production observed in the later phases of the UP across all sites indicates a marked increase in inter-group contact throughout the West-Central Zagros mountain chain. Based on the chronological and geographical patterns of Zagros UP variability, we propose a model of an initial colonization phase leading to the emergence of distinct local traditions, followed by a long phase of limited contact among these first UP groups. This has important implications for the origins of biological and cultural diversity in the early phases of modern human colonization of Eurasia. We suggest that the mountainous arc that extends from Anatolia to the Southern Zagros preserves the archaeological record of different population trajectories. Among them, by 40 ka, some would have been transient, whereas others would have left no living descendants. However, some would have led to longer term local traditions, including groups who share ancestry with modern Europeans and modern East/Southeast Asians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Desertification in Iran was recognized between the 1930s and 1960s. This paper traces Iran’s attempts to reclaim desertified areas, evaluates the anti-desertification approaches adopted, and identifies continuing challenges. Iran has areas vulnerable to desertification due to extensive areas of drylands and increasing population pressure on land and water resources. Over-grazing of rangelands is a particular problem. Initially desertification was combated mainly at the local level and involved dune stabilization measures, especially the use of oil mulch, re-vegetation and windbreaks. Insufficient technical planning in the early years has led to changed approaches to plant densities and species diversity in plantations, and increased on-going management of existing plantations. Since the late 1980s forage and crop production has increased in areas where runoff control techniques are practiced. The social and economic aspects of anti-desertification programs have assisted in poverty reduction by providing off-season employment in rural areas. In 2004 a national plan to combat desertification was ratified and this placed an emphasis on community participation. Continuing challenges include managing existing desertified areas as well as taking into account potential future problems associated with rapidly depleting groundwater supplies and a predicted reduction in the plant growth period accompanying climate change. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper presents the levels of mercury (Hg) in tail feathers from different species of birds, in southwest Iran (Khuzestan to Persian Gulf). Between April and October 2005, we collected tail feathers from 77 birds belonging to 18 species, mostly raptor birds. The birds were collected for the Museum Natural History, Faculty of Natural Resources and Marine Sciences of Tarbiat Modares University. Hg concentrations were evaluated in relation to taxonomic affiliation and trophic level. Feather Hg concentrations ranged from 0.09 to 2.01mg/kg dry wt. We found a significant difference in feather Hg concentrations across taxonomic groups (p<0.001) with highest concentrations in common kestrel and saker falcon (Falconidae) (1.87mg/kg) followed by greater spotted eagle, sparrowhawk, goshawk, griffon vulture, buzzards, marsh harrier (Accipiteridae) and owls (Strigidae). Blue-cheeked bee-eater (Meropidae) had intermediate values, followed by European roller (Coraciidae), and lapwing (Charadiidae), whereas black francolin, see-see patridge and chukar (Phasianidae) (0.18mg/kg) contained the least amount of Hg. There was a significant difference in feather Hg concentrations in relation to trophic levels, at confidence level of 99% (p<0.001). There was an increased pattern in the amount of mercury from herbivorous birds up to vertebrate predators, so that the amount of mercury in vertebrate predators (1.30mg/kg) was more than 1.5 times as much of the invertebrate predators (0.7mg/kg) and more than 6 times as much of the herbivorous birds (0.18mg/kg). We also measured Hg levels in secondary feathers of raptor birds. Paired samples t-test showed that the concentrations of mercury were significantly higher (p<0.001) in the tail feathers (1.2mg/kg) than secondary (0.71mg/kg). However, Hg levels are below the range found by other authors to cause behavioral change or reduce reproduction (5mg/kg). It seems that exposure of some birds with mercury for a long time causes their high concentration of mercury. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]