Search

A cohesive organizational structure is essential for coordinated efforts, effective resource planning, and enhanced governance outcomes. Additionally, dynamic power that enables efficient governance responses can enhance the resilience of socioal-ecological systems. This study aims to explore the organizational cohesion among stakeholders in the Development and Advancement Plan of Rural Constellations in Gachsaran County County, which serves as a pilot area for assessing effective local gov-ernance. The information exchange and cooperation among these stakeholders were analyzed using social network analysis methods, contrasting the results before and after the project's implementation. To achieve this, the betweenness centrality index at the micro level, along with the density, centralization, and average geodesic distance indices at the macro level of the network, were measured. The findings showed that before the implementation of the project, the Governorate, the Omid Entrepreneurship Fund, and Technical and Vocational Training had the highest betweenness centrality, playing significant roles in controlling the flow of information and resources. After the project's implementation, the Governorate, Cultural Heritage and Tourism, and the Omid Entrepreneurship Fund were identified as the key actors with the highest betweenness centrality. The average betweenness centrality index indicated improved information flow and a more balanced distribution of key roles within the network, leading to increased efficiency and coordination among organizations. The macro-level network indices showed increased cohesion, reduced centralization, and faster information circu-lation compared to before the project's implementation. This study's approach can be applied to other regions to enhance local governance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Concerns regarding the adverse consequences of radiation have increased due to the expanded application of computed tomography (CT) in medical practice. Certain studies have indicated that the radiation dosage depends on the anatomical region, the imaging technique employed and patient‐specific variables. The aim of this study is to present fitting models for the estimation of age‐specific dose estimates (ASDE), in the same direction of size‐specific dose estimates, and effective doses based on patient age, gender and the type of CT examination used in paediatric head, chest and abdomen–pelvis imaging. Methods: A total of 583 paediatric patients were included in the study. Radiometric data were gathered from DICOM files. The patients were categorised into five distinct groups (under 15 years of age), and the effective dose, organ dose and ASDE were computed for the CT examinations involving the head, chest and abdomen–pelvis. Finally, the best fitting models were presented for estimation of ASDE and effective doses based on patient age, gender and the type of examination. Results: The ASDE in head, chest, and abdomen–pelvis CT examinations increases with increasing age. As age increases, the effective dose in head and abdomen–pelvis CT scans decreased. However, for chest scans, the effective dose initially showed a decreasing trend until the first year of life; after that, it increases in correlation with age. Conclusions: Based on the presented fitting model for the ASDE, these CT scan quantities depend on factors such as patient age and the type of CT examination. For the effective dose, the gender was also included in the fitting model. By utilising the information about the scan type, region and age, it becomes feasible to estimate the ASDE and effective dose using the models provided in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since encouraging villagers to engage in businesses based on natural ecosystems in an entrepreneurial manner is the most appropriate strategy to address economic and social challenges in rural areas, the purpose of this research is to prioritize sustainable business plans that align with the development of rural entrepreneurship, emphasizing pasture ecosystem services. For this purpose, in the present study, 393 rangeland users were selected from four villages (Zoo Olia, Keshanak, Darkash, and Chakhmaghaloo) in Maneh and Samalghan cities. First, the economic valuation of four main rangeland functions (fodder production, honey production, medicinal plant production, and tourism) was conducted using a questionnaire and a random sampling method. Subsequently, the potential for income generation from each of these functions was assessed. In the next step, the costs associated with each of these businesses were collected using survey information. Following this, the financial evaluation of the business plans was performed using financial indicators, including NPV, B/C ratio, ROI, and IRR. The results indicated that three businesses (animal husbandry, beekeeping, and establishing eco-tourism accommodations) are economically viable, while the business of packaging and processing medicinal plants lacks economic justification. The market for these businesses was analyzed by examining the supply and demand gap in the study area; the results showed that all four proposed businesses have a supply and demand gap and a viable market. Prioritization of these four businesses was conducted using indicators from previous stages of the research (economic value of each rangeland function, income absorption potential, costs and incomes, and financial and economic evaluation indicators) by scoring each indicator. The results showed that in order of priority: 1) establishment of eco-tourism accommodations, 2) animal husbandry (sheep breeding), 3) beekeeping, and 4) medicinal plant processing have the first to fourth priorities for empowering beneficiaries in the target villages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study used a descriptive-analytical method to assess how vulnerable farmers in Fars Province's rural regions near the Tashk and Bakhtegan lakes are to the effects of climate change. For this purpose, 17 villages around Tashk and Bakhtegan lakes with 2511 households, who are engaged in agricultural activities, were investigated. To achieve the research goals, a broad range of indexes were determined with the dimensions of exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity to climate change according to the Climate Vulnerability Index (CVI) and were evaluated in the field studies. According to the results, 52.93% of communities were highly vulnerable to climate change. On the other hand, only 23.52% of farmers had very low vulnerability, and 23.52% had moderate vulnerability. The local farmers were aware of the climate change in the studied region with an average of 4.56. Given that more than half of the villagers are highly vulnerable to climate change, the government and relevant institutions need to increase their resilience to vulnerability. Increasing vulnerability requires careful measurement and monitoring of all related variables, increasing adaptation to the generalization of insurance, access to facilities, and reducing climatic sensitivities by increasing livelihood diversification, reducing unemployment, and using drought-resistant plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The growing global population and increasing demands have significantly intensified the pressure on natural resources and created inherent instability in watershed ecosystems and the complex ecological processes essential for habitat preservation, biodiversity conservation, erosion mitigation, soil formation, water retention, environmental stability, and cultural fulfillment have encountered disruptions. The inter-connected adaptability challenges within human-natural systems, intensified by climate change, bring more uncertainty that complicates the planning and management of ecosystem services in the watersheds. This uncertainty often results in flawed decision-making in water resources utilization and environmental management, contributing to instability and a shift toward critical thresholds in watersheds. This study adopts a systemic approach to analyze the Karoun Basin as a dynamic human-nature system, exploring five systemic analysis patterns and their impacts on water resource management paradigm. Materials and methods: The research progresses through three crucial steps. Firstly, the current status of the Karoun Basin is outlined based on extensive literature studies, characterizing the water system as a complex, adaptive entity. Secondly, leveraging a diverse range of research literature, five recognized structures in dynamic system analysis are explored. These structures offer a detailed understanding of the interconnectedness of human-nature systems, providing insights into the impact of human behavior on water resources management in the Karoun Basin. In the final step, using a systemic thinking approach, the study explores the occurrence of extreme events. This approach enhances the understanding of how extreme events interact with human activities, influencing the sustainability of the Karoun Basin. Results and Discussion: The outcomes highlight the inherent risk of a linear approach to water resource management in the Karoun Basin, which is because of the lack of systemic thinking. This approach disrupts various relationships within the water system, leading to instability and worsening extreme events such as floods, droughts, and water disputes. The systemic investigation reveals recurrent behaviors that align with recognized structures in dynamic systems analysis, referred to as ancient patterns. Understanding and addressing these patterns are crucial for achieving sustainability and ensuring the continuous provision of ecosystem services. Conclusion: Depending solely on short-term solutions, without considering long-term consequences in water resource management worsens water scarcity issues and intensifies social conflicts within watershed units. Solutions for Karoun Basin can be categorized into mitigating (hard) and adaptive (soft) scenarios. Mitigating measures address immediate needs, including advanced water storage and distribution infrastructure, while adaptive solutions incorporating policy measures are crucial for aligning the managed system with fluctuating water availability levels. A comprehensive resolution requires the simultaneous implementation of both strategies, recognizing the interconnected nature of human-nature systems and embracing sustainability principles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, using System Dynamics (SD) and Agent-Based Modeling (ABM), which are two common methods for investigating complex systems, the dynamic model of water security for the Neyshabur Plain watershed using the agent-based software NetLogo with the aim of identifying and analyzing the impact of different water consumption sectors on the state of water security in the watershed was designed and presented. The results show the effectiveness and reliability of the water security model presented in the present study. Therefore, it can be used to predict the water security situation in the future years in the Neishabur Plain and while considering different scenarios in order to change the modifiable parameters of the model, and observing the impact of each of them on the water security situation in the basin, the best scenario and in line with that the best solution to improve water security in the Neyshabur Plain watershed can be determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Awareness of human about the existence of environmental pollution crisis and its effects on his own destiny can have a positive effect on changing the course of these crises. Sangan mines release dust particles and pollutants into the soil and air, which will have huge consequences for environmental pollution and even endanger human Health, including the spread of skin and respiratory diseases. Environmental assessment is considered as one of the most efficient methods to evaluate and predict plans and projects on environmental components, so the present study aims to Environmental impact assessment of Mine Utilization Using Iranian Leopold Matrix (Study area: Sangan Khaf Mines). The main tool for collecting research data for the study area is a library and a field survey based on a questionnaire that was completed among the community of experts. The statistical sample population is 30 experts who were familiar with environmental issues. The results showed that the number of negative algebraic mean effects in the column is equal to 10 and the number of negative algebraic mean consequences in the row is equal to 14, among which the number of negative consequences less than -3.1 in the column is only related to the effects of dust diffusion. The most important negative effects among the environmental components are related to dust diffusion activity with an average classification of -3.1 with an algebraic sum of -50. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: The role of sustainable development in society is widely acknowledged, emphasizing the importance of proper investment, particularly in social capital, which thrives on trust and collaboration. This study employs social network analysis to assess the impact of an empowerment project on local communities in Ghaleganj County, analyzing social effectiveness before and after project implementation. Methodology: The study utilizes social network analysis to assess the performance of the local community empowerment project in Ghaleganj County. Social network positions were analyzed before the establishment of rural microcredit funds and after the project's implementation. Key social network indicators such as Density, Reciprocity, Transitivity, and Geodesic Distance were examined. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire administered to 164 members of local microcredit funds in Azadshahr, Aliabad, and Zirabad villages, employing a full network method. Results: The density index increased in all studied villages for both trust and collaboration ties after the empowerment project, with the highest density observed in Zirabad village (95.08%). Reciprocity index also increased post-project implementation, indicating enhanced bilateral and mutual relations in trust and collaboration bonds, leading to increased social capital and participation in rural development funds. The study revealed a medium level of social capital before the project, which increased significantly with the establishment of microcredit funds. Conclusion: The study concludes that increased social capital enhances adherence to norms, fosters a sense of belonging, and encourages responsibility among villagers. The formation of a microcredit fund and associated social structures in the village have positively impacted trust, collaboration, and empowerment. Membership in a social network enhances communication, influences trust in knowledge sources, and ultimately contributes to the empowerment of villagers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water has been the source of life since it was found. In recent years, the false assurance of the permanence of water services in Iran has led to the creation of institutional structures related to water in an inappropriate and incompatible manner with environmental changes, and when water crises occur, such as droughts, floods, and, on a larger scale, climate changes, they do not have the flexibility and resilience to these changes. To this end, recognizing the current water governance system in the country is considered an essential need. The present study examines the regime of water governance and its structural characteristics in the Kor River basin, which is one of the areas facing water shortage challenges. In order to analyze these characteristics and determine the regime of the water governance system, the method of social network analysis (SNA) was used in the network of formal and informal institutions of Kherameh county downstream of the Kor River basin. This research has been done in a period of 9 months and includes designing questionnaires, field visits, completing questionnaires and analyzing the results. The results showed that the water governance network in this region has an unstable and weak structure and as a result, the level of cooperation and coordination between the institutions is low and the level of power centralization is high. As a result, the governing regime is centralized, and therefore, the establishment of a polycentric governance system requires the improvement of horizontal relations between formal and informal institutions and protection and development institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to analyze the role of social capital and leadership in improving the adaptive capacity of Iranian pistachio farmers by using Social Network Analysis (SNA). The results indicate that the studied network is not a dense network, and there are few reciprocal and face-to-face relations among farmers. The findings also illustrate that in all cooperative links, there were no noticeable bridging links among the farmers and their tendency toward bonding links, indicating less bridging social capital at the three studied villages. The nature of relationships in social networks will improve if the quality of communication between individuals in a network and actors from other networks and villages is enhanced. This can increase the productivity of social networks and lead to higher quality resources, better support, development of useful information between networks and improvement in farmers' adaptive capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the impacts of small‐scale farmers on food security enhancement were estimated in three dimensions of food availability, food access and food utilization. In the current study, a systematic review and meta‐analysis have been performed to synthesize results from 75 original articles. It includes the pooling of data that quantitatively investigate whether or not causal links characterized in the original articles remain valid across a broader scope of the literature. The findings show that farmers who are small‐scale in natural/physical capital would lead to higher median food production and agricultural productivity, compared with small‐scale farmers in financial capital, at about 19% and 15%, respectively. Meta‐regression results indicate that small‐scale farmers in natural/physical capital have significantly positive effects on the average agricultural productivity, food income and biofortification. By contrast, farmers who are small‐scale in financial capital have negative effects on food security. The influential role of these small‐scale farmers should also be considered since food insecurity leads to socio‐economic implications. Therefore, it is recommended to cultivate higher value crops, to participate in various income‐generating activities such as fisheries and forestry, and to pay agricultural credits. The effect of the size of small‐scale farmers on global food security is very useful for policymakers to plan for a world without hunger. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The failure and inefficiency of past water resources management policies have led to a movement to review, pathologize, and find ways to increase the efficiency of water resources management and subsequently increase water security. Since many factors affect water security, recognizing these factors can improve the performance of sustainable water resources management. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine the water security index (WSI) with the help of the watershed security assessment framework at the watershed scale to comprehensively analyze the water crisis and the consequences of this water shortage in the Neyshabour Plain. The statistical population of the study is 125 farmers in the area the sample size was determined using Cochran's formula and people were interviewed by random sampling method. Also, institutional factor questionnaires were completed by snowball sampling method from experts of water-related organizations. The results show that among the 5 main dimensions identified to assess water security, the water economy dimension has had an increasing trend during the 3 statistical periods studied (2012-2013, 2016-2017 and 2019-2020) and in 2019-2020, it has had the highest amount. But in general, the water security situation in the watershed of Neyshabour Plain has been decreasing over the past 10 years and is in a weak status. In this regard, if stakeholders in water resources management pay attention to the factors affecting the concept of water security, by using and implementing the framework presented in this study, it is possible to improve the compatibility capacity and develop effective operational plans with correct and timely pathology and achieve more stable and comprehensive management of water resources in the country's watersheds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their high sensitivity, simplicity, portability, self‐contained, and low cost, the development of electrochemical biosensors is a beneficial way to diagnose and anticipate many types of cancers. An electrochemical nanocomposite‐based aptasensor is fabricated for the determination of miRNA‐128 concentration as the acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) biomarker for the first time. The aptamer chains were immobilized on the surface of the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) through gold nanoparticles/magnetite/reduced graphene oxide (AuNPs/Fe3O4/RGO). Fast Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to characterize synthesized nanomaterials. Cyclic voltammetry (CV), square wave voltammetry (SWV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were used to characterize the modified GCE in both label‐free and labeled methods. The results indicate that the modified working electrode has high selectivity and for miRNA‐128 over other biomolecules. The hexacyanoferrate redox system typically operated at around 0.3 V (vs. Ag/AgCl), and the methylene blue redox system ran at about 0 V, were used as an electrochemical probe. The detection limit and linear detection range for hexacyanoferrate and methylene blue are 0.05346 fM, 0.1–0.9 fM, and 0.005483 fM, 0.01–0.09 fM, respectively. The stability and diffusion control analyses were performed as well. In both label‐free and labeled methods, the modified electron showed high selectivity for miRNA‐128. The use of methylene blue as a safer redox mediator caused miRNA‐128 to be detected with greater accuracy at low potentials in PBS media. The findings also show the substantial improvement in detection limit and linearity by using reduced graphene oxide‐magnetite‐gold nanoparticles that can be verified by comparing with previous studies on the detection of other miRNAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]