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Background: Duplicate publication is publication of a paper which overlaps with another published paper in many important parts and is essentially considered unethical. So, this study was carried out to evaluate the pattern of duplicate publication as well as determining the causes of this phenomenon among the papers of researchers of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Methods: All cases of discovered duplicate publication during 2005 to 2008 referred to the committee of ethics were studied. After confirmation of duplicate publication, the cases were assessed by interviewing and reviewing the documents; then the fundamental roots was drawn. After analyzing the cases and categorizing the fundamental causes, a classification and definition of duplicate publication phenomenon was presented. Findings: Out of the nine underwent duplicate publication papers, eight were "Copy publishing" and the other was "Least publishable unit" (or Salami Slicing). From sixteen journals where papers were published, only five had impact factor and six were Iranian. Seven papers were in Persian and two in English. Conclusion: According to our findings, our country's scientific community is not familiar with the professional rules of scientific and research work, so most of the duplicate publications are uninformed and non-intentional. To prevent duplicate publishing, besides taking legal action against duplicate publication with copy right infringement, the way to interact with the trend of review of papers, correspondence with the editors of journals, and announcement of rules of committee of ethics in research should be taught to faculty members and researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gulzar script is one of the many types of decorative scripts in the history of Persian calligraphy. Most of the works that created in this way belong to the late Qajar era. However, the formal and visual bases of this type of calligraphy go back to the pre-Qajar centuries; this research aims to identify, introduce and determine the origin of its formation based on the available evidences. Therefore, the main question is: When has the Gulzar script been formed? The sampling method of the 23 architectural arrays is Convenience Sampling that based on library and field studies. The samples are in the historical monuments of Samarkand, Mashhad, Farumad, Taybad, Soltanieh, Qom, Tabriz, Yazd, Isfahan and Oshtorjan. The date of construction of these monuments includes from the Seljuk period (429-590 AH/1037-1194 AD) to the end of the Safavid period (906-1135 AH/1501-1736 AD). The results indicate that the early examples of Gulzar can be seen in the form of an architectural decoration so called "Kalouk-band" in the Seljuq and Ilkhanid periods. Its use extends to at least the beginning of the 12th century AD. In addition, this method of decoration is used in the Square Kufic Inscriptions and include the geometrical, herbal and written motifs. The result shows that the use of Gulzar style in calligraphy pieces on paper has been influenced by architectural decorations, because the oldest examples of this type are several centuries after the squared Kufic inscriptions in Jame Mosque of Isfahan, Pir Bakran's tomb, Chalabioglu's tomb etc. The decoration of the inner surface of Squared Kufic inscriptions started from the end of the Seljuk era and continued until the 17th century AD. One of the changes made in the design of decorating the surface of the inscriptions is the use of written motifs in the form of "Kalouk-band" decorated with words (in Oshtorjan and Qom). Another change was the forming of a kind of nested square Kufic which has appeared in the Jame Mosque of Isfahan and Amir Chakhmaq Mosque in Yazd. This method has been continued later in Isfahan's Hakim Mosque (17th century AD) and Nimavard School in Isfahan (18th century AD). In the Safavid era, an example of square Kufic in the western entrance hall of Imam Mosque in Isfahan was decorated with Arabesque motifs, which shows the first use of this kind of ornaments in inscriptions. About 80 years before the formation of this inscription, Zain al-Din Mahmoud Mozahheb created a piece that inspite of having many distinctive features some similarities can be seen in them. The latter work is the oldest known piece that carried out the tradition of ornament on the calligraphic surface on paper. Despite the major difference in the structure of these two works, both of these works are decorated with herbal motifs (Arabesque and Khatai). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rural areas have experienced various evolutions in terms of structure and function, causing some vagueness regarding rural conceptions and identities. Agriculture, as the most fundamental rural activity, has had severe evolutions. This paper aims to structurally analyze the spatio-temporal evolutions of agricultural rurality in Isfahan province by conducting a comparative study considering villages consisting of more than four households during two agricultural censuses in 2003 and 2014. The same variables were extracted and two series of cross-sectional and one series of longitudinal indicators of agricultural rurality and its evolutions were calculated. Both cross-sectional and longitudinal evolutions were modeled using structural equation modeling and bootstrapping procedure. Rate of employment in agriculture, stakeholders' per capita land, irrigated lands and irrigated cultivation were the indicators affecting agricultural rurality in both years. Results generally showed that water as input and its sub-indicators have a more determinant role in agricultural functionality than land; also, this functionality has mainly been based on farming rather than gardening. Regional analysis on the mean structures of agricultural rurality indicated the negative impact of the changes in employment rate in agriculture and farming stakeholders and contrarily the positive impact of the changes in farmers' literacy rate and gardening stakeholders on the evolution of agricultural rurality among three groups of mountainous, plain and desert rural regions. This impact has been more influential in terms of employment and literacy rates. The changes of irrigated lands have only affected the evolution of agricultural rurality in desert rural regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Islamic Republic of Iran has suffered a lot over the last 40 years to control and control and prevent social damage and drug abuse. The alarming spread of this issue, especially in the geographical distribution of Isfahan, family and other educational institutions, has faced new doubts and concerns. Therefore, cultural policy makers and urban management need to update information and their findings in order to design more effective plans in this area to provide them as soon as possible perspective on the status quo of addiction. Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to answer the question of how geographical distribution of social damage in Isfahan and what are the trends and trends of drug use and its changes, type and age group and gender in Isfahan and what changes have they experienced. Method: This paper is carried out using a secondary analysis of surveys and national research. The results: data of the study, feminized and industrialization of drugs, globalization and, especially at the critical point of Isfahan. The results of this research show that Isfahan has seen a change in pattern of social damage among the age group of young people. The emergence of criminal and criminal families is a new pattern for social damage in the areas and hotbeds of tourism and also the change of the sex composition of social crimes is one of the characteristics of social damage in the geographical area of Isfahan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Proper pricing of products or services can have a significant impact on corporate earnings. Therefore, this study aims to address the optimization of price and production quantity to maximize the total profit using game theory in the coffee supply chain (composed of suppliers, retailers and customers) in Isfahan city. Design/methodology/approach: The applied model focuses on competition among members of the chain in probabilistic space. It is based on discrete selection models in which the impact of inventory costs and routing is analyzed on the pricing model simultaneously. In this model, competition between coffee importers (because coffee is not produced in the country) is studied in the probable space. Due to complexity in computation, it could not solve problems with a large number of customers. Therefore, the approximation of the binomial distribution by the normal distribution is used, an approximate model is proposed. Finally, the equilibrium point is determined by solving a system of nonlinear equations using the Newton method. Findings: The maximum profit in non-cooperative game conditions is achievable based on the appropriate demand function. Finally, the equilibrium price was calculated. Findings indicated that the computational time of the approximate model did not change with increasing the number of customers, and the model can determine the optimal price and production quantity. The model results implied that the time of solving the approximate model used did not change with the increasing number of customers, and the model was able to determine the optimal quantity and price. Practical implications - In the present study, the equilibrium behaviour of suppliers, retailers and customers in a two-tier supply chain of the coffee supply and distribution industry was investigated in Isfahan city. A price competition model was proposed, and ten active companies were studied in the Isfahan market. Moreover, the computational speed diagram indicated that the computational time in the original function increased with increasing the number of customers, but this time in the approximation function did not react to the increase in the number of customers and remained constant. Social implications: In the proposed model of the present study, competition among coffee suppliers was investigated in a probabilistic environment in which retailers acted as intermediaries and had no effect on pricing. Holding and shortage costs were also taken into account. Also, routing costs were approximated using the proposed Himovich model. Then, a pricing model was proposed. The proposed model could not solve problems with a large number of customers due to complexity in computation. Originality/value: The advantage of the proposed model over basic models is in considering the inventory costs, which has not been considered yet in price competition models based on discrete selection models. Another significant feature of the price competition problem is the type of demand function. In this paper, to study a competitive model, a stochastic demand function was developed based on the logit model. The advantage of the introduced demand function is that it considers shortage and inventory holding costs in a one-period model. Also, in the game theory studies, usually with the increasing number of customers, the model is computationally complicated and less effective to solve real-world problems. For this reason, in this study, the normal distribution approximation was used instead of the binomial distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the distributed generation resources (DGR) have become an essential and inseparable component in power networks and have achieved major success. Improving network power voltage, helping in peak load conditions and reducing load on power lines and transformers, utilizing renewable energies and reducing environmental pollution constitute some of the reasons for their expansion. In contrast to all these advantages in a given network, the increased presence of distributed generation resources has presented new challenges for power networks. One of the most important problems is the impact on system protection functionality. The traditional protection structure of the networks will be impaired and malfunctioned due to the presence of distributed generation resources. In this paper, a new intelligent linear control algorithm is used to restore the protective coordination. The proposed method modifies the protection characteristic curve of the protection system by adjusting the overcurrent relay current coefficient. This control procedure is in accordance with the widely applied overcurrent relay curves and complies with the relevant standards. For this purpose, by using a new drop control block and local sampling of over-current relay current, current setting of the relay is recovered to keep the correct operation of protection system. The proposed method is evaluated on two real micro-grids test system in Isfahan province by ETAP software. The findings indicate the ability of this method in coordinating the protection functionality of micro-grids with high penetration coefficient of DGR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A work’s intended audience and the context from which it springs and in which it develops can determine and generate a new and altered content for certain concepts which are unitary at the origin. This influence becomes evident when a target text ends up being clearly attuned to the readers’ needs and concerns. Taking such influences into account, the present paper examines Suhriwardī’s ʿAwārif al-Maʿārif and two of its translations by Abū Manṡūr Ismāʿīl Iṡfahānī and ʿAbd al-Raḥman Buzğuš Šīrāzī. The author has chosen four criteria – the translators’ world view, the nature of their imagery, the influence of their personal convictions on their work, and the impact of their lifeworld – as yardsticks for assessing the two works. The comparison reveals that in Abū Manṡūr’s translation of the ʿAwārif his paying attention to the readers’ likes and dislikes makes him inclined to succinctness and leads him to exhibit his eloquence, whereas ʿAbd al-Raḥman, in his Maʿārif al-ʿAwārif forbears to meddle with the text in favour of a more literal rendition. It appears that Abū Manṡūr’s interference results in an alteration of Suhriwardī’s thought in a number of ways and that the translator in some places seizes control of the meaning replacing Suhriwardī’s statements and thoughts with his own theories. ʿAbd al-Raḥman, on the other hand, is striving, as far as possible, not to distort Suhriwardī’s thinking. It appears that the gloomy atmosphere of Isfahan during the reign of the Mongols prevented Abū Manṡūr from providing an exact and specialist translation, whereas the relatively safe and calm environment of the Fars province, where ʿAbd al-Raḥman lived and worked, proved conducive to a deeper understanding of Suhriwardī’s concepts and enabled him to give an accurate and scientific rendition of every single expression of the ʿAwārif. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem statement: Nowadays, phrases such as fast paced world, rapid environmental changes, fast transportation, and so on, are much heard. In the era of acceleration, humans are advised not to get lagged from the speed convoy. Accordingly, a new paradigm, called slow-city, is emerging. Slow- Cities movement was created in 1986, as a cultural movement to enhance the quality of life and reducing speed in urban areas. The movement initially began with the idea of cooking slow foods, against fast food, also protesting against McDonald's food chain, then gradually developed. Purpose: Esfahan with a history of Sustainable urbanization; is moving towards being a fast-city in the current age. Disorderliness in traditional quarters, car-basedness, creating broad highways, Unplanned density-selling, a lot of fastfood shops, lack of attention to greenways, etc., encourage people to join this acceleration. One of the objectives of this research is the analysis of slow-city indicators in Isfahan; and this assessment for Isfahan, with a chronic acceleration, can be considered as an effective solution in slow and enjoyable urban development. Methodology: This paper is based on the slow-city indicing, which benefiting from the combination of objective and subjective indices from different sources, first fulfills the process of codification and domesticitation of indices; then, analyzes about 50 slowing indicators in Isfahan's 15 regions, through combining objective methods (data collection based in the objective indices and standards), and fieldquestionnaire methods, using elites' opinions. Results: results showed that regions 3, 5 and 10 had the highest rank in terms of slow-city indicators, and the second rank included regions 6, 1, and 15. The worst situation was for regions 8, 13 and 9, having lowest scores in this ranking. Innovation: Due to the less attention having been paid in Iran and especially in Isfahan to the slowcity indicators, this research is considered innovative in this regard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Rural living has been the most usual way of life all through history until the last two decades. Rural architecture, in its pure local sense, is among the sustainable features of rural areas that have undergone noticeable changes recently. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effect of vernacular architecture on sustainable rural development. This research is practical and descriptive-analytical based on the survey method. Data were collected using both library and field methods. Participants were from two groups of residents and experts. Thirty experts and 354 residents were surveyed based on the Cochran formula. Nine villages were selected using the cluster-spatial method. Then, the household proportion questionnaires were distributed. The results indicate that in the sight of both local residents and experts with the frequency of 25.60% and 33.34% most important obstacle to vernacular architecture rural development is residents’ tendency toward modernity. The most crucial solution to this issue according to the local residents is the cultivation and use of local knowledge (with a frequency of 16.5%). However, experts consider creating desirable facilities in villages (with a frequency of 30%) as the most important factor. Regarding house architecture changes, the highest average for both groups (3.6 and 3.63) is related to the architecture change toward modernization. Results of the one-sample t-test revealed that, regarding environmental aspects, the local inhabitants’ sample average was 3.27 and the experts’ average was 3.98. Regarding economic aspects, the local inhabitants’ sample average was 3.50 and the experts’ average was 3.63; regarding social aspects, the local inhabitants’ sample average was 3.70 and the experts’ average was 3.83. Thus, this research suggests that rural architecture strongly affects sustainable rural development. Regarding environmental aspects, the local inhabitants’ sample average was 3.27 and the experts’ average was 3.98. With respect to economic aspects, the local inhabitants’ sample average was 3.50 and the experts’ average was 3.63. Considering social aspects, the local inhabitants’ sample average was 3.70 and the experts’ average was 3.83. Therefore, considering that the results are above the average (3), it can be said that native architecture has a great impact on sustainable rural development from the point of view of both groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global cities are emerging phenomena that act as connecting places of the global economic network in the context of the global economy and have caused the formation of the space of currents and the emergence of new power centers in the political geography map of the world. In this regard, domestic organizations and institutions are effective as factors (actors) in the promotion of cities from regional to global dimensions. This study aims to identify and rank institutions and organizations that are effective in promoting the city of Isfahan to an Islamic Global City. The current research, with a future studies approach, identifies the most important factors affecting the transformation of Isfahan into an Islamic Global City and identifies key players in this field. This research is practical in terms of its purpose and the dominant approach is the descriptive-analytical method. Environmental scanning and Delphi techniques were used to identify variables and indicators, and structural analysis was used in Mic Mac software and the Mector model for data analysis. According to the findings of the research, the most important domestic players include the Ministry of Economy, the Stock Exchange Organization, the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology, the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development, the Cultural Heritage Organization, and the Ministry of Energy. According to the evaluations carried out in Mector software, the most influential institutions of the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development, the Ministry of Economy, and the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology were 29 and 15 percent. On the other hand, the lowest amount of influence is related to the Stock Exchange Organization and the Ministry of Energy (-34%), which shows the ability of these two institutions to influence other actors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The water streams branching from Zayandehroud in the city of Isfahan are called Madi and they are among the unique features of the structure of this city. In the past, they were used to irrigate agricultural lands, but today, with the change in their function, they have lost their past identity and efficiency. The expansion of activities and fundamental changes in the urban structure and elements have caused the loss of the importance and identity of Madi issues in the city of Isfahan. The current research has been carried out with the aim of identifying the Madi problems of Regions 1 and 3 of Isfahan and solutions to organize them. The method of this research is descriptive-analytical. In this regard, the existing Madi problems of these two areas were identified by field sampling and using a satellite positioning device. Then, the perceived problems were categorized and solutions related to their solution were presented. According to the conducted studies, the length of the Madi network of Region 1 is 10921 meters (10.9 km) and the Madi of Cheshme Niasserm is the longest Madi of this region with 3624 meters. In Region 3, the length of the Madi is 10,921.59 meters (10.9 km) and the Niaseram spring Madi is the longest one in this area with 3,624.72 meters. The results showed that Madies of Region 1 have 33 types of problems, the most important of which are bed slope correction and cleaning. In Region 3, 18 problems have been identified, of which dredging and cleaning are the main ones. Organizing the green space around the properties and using urban furniture and creating a space for the residents around the properties are among the most important management solutions for organizing the properties in these two regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Academic interactions in Islamic civilization have provided the basis for the growth of scientific centers and various fields of science. As one of the important scientific centers of the Islamic world, Neyshabor has been successful in attracting scholars from Isfahan, especially in the field of hadith knowledge in a way that the number of Esfahani hadith scholars in Neishabur reached 70 people in the 4 th and 5th centuries due to the conditions of Neishabur. A number of scholars from Neyshabur were also present in Isfahan. Some scholars and muhaddithists of Isfahan, especially those who had the Shafi'i religion, influenced the flow of hadiths in Neyshabur by traveling there. They became among the famous muhaddith scholars of Neyshabur. This article aimed to investigate the following question with a descriptive and analytical method: How did the scholars of Isfahan leave the Hadith knowledge in Neishabur? The scholars of Isfahan traveled to Neishabur in the 4th and 5th centuries due to the prosperity of the Shafi'i religion in Neishabur and the privileges that were available to the followers of the Shafi'i religion. They engaged in scientific interactions with the scholars of Neishabur. Also, some muhaddiths of Isfahan, who were present in Neishabur, became among the elders and teachers of the great and famous Shafi'i muhaddiths there The result of this interaction was the noticeable presence of traditions of Isfahani muhaddiths among the famous Neishabori muhaddiths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the negative effects of greenwashing on the environment and tourism stakeholders, tourism industry is in dire need of extensive guidelines on environmental claims. To establish such guidelines, it is first necessary to know the stimuli of greenwashing in this industry. The present study was conducted with the aim of identifying greenwashing stimuli in eco-lodges and designing its conceptual model. This study, which was an applied research, was done by using foundation data theory in Isfahan Province. To collect the data, a review of the research literature was done and in-depth interviews with the experts were followed. The condition for entering the statistical population of the research was specialization in the field studies of green marketing, greenwashing, tourism, and ecolodges, as well as having at least 3 years of relevant work experience. Sampling was purposeful and continued until the data and theoretical saturations were achieved. The results showed that greenwashing stimulants in eco-lodges could be divided into 3 categories: causal factors (motivation to take advantage of green benefits), underlying factors (weakness of internal and external environments), and moderators (environmental feedback). The results also showed that environmental feedback, in addition to being moderating (based on the effect of causal factors on greenwashing), directly and indirectly (through underlying factors) affected greenwashing. Overall, the results and suggestions of the present study can give new insights to planners and industry officials to control greenwashing in eco-lodges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Searching in family roots and traveling to discover genealogy with a leisure motivation is called tourism, which can not only create opportunities to introduce and preserve family heritage, but also diversify the tourism market. The present study pursued the following 3 objectives: 1) identification of the potentials of Isfahan City for promoting ancestral tourism, 2) introduction of suitable travel packages of ancestral tourism in Isfahan Province, and 3) identification of appropriate strategies for promoting ancestral tourism. This research was of an exploratory type with qualitative method associated with thematic analysis. The statistical population of the study consisted of the experts in the fields of history, tourism, and culture. The findings of this research illustrated that Isfahan City had the potential of promoting ancestral tourism due to the presence of famous families, who had migrated to this city throughout history, families, who were known for their professions, royal families, neighborhoods called other cities in Isfahan;, and immigrants and refugees throughout the history, as well as different past divisions of the country. In addition, the incoming and outgoing travelers and city tour packages could be introduced as the revenue-generating opportunities in the ancestral tourism sector in this province. Lastly, the 4 strategies of market penetration, product development, horizontal integration, and collaboration could be introduced as suitable strategies for the prosperity of ancestral tourism in Isfahan City. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surface of the earth or the top of the earth at the level of cities and urban areas becomes significantly higher than the surrounding environment, which is known as the thermal component. If this phenomenon is higher than a certain limit, it will cause problems for the city residents. But one of the most important factors that can play a very important role in controlling this phenomenon is the presence of vegetation, which is mainly a significant part of this coverage in urban areas. In this study, the effect of vegetation cover on the amount of urban heat island in Isfahan City was investigated. For this purpose, the surface temperature of the city and its relationship with the surface cover were investigated using the land surface temperature (LST) products of the MODIS sensor in places with heat islands by applying the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) of Landsat satellite data during the period of 2001-2020. Examining the annual changes in temperature in Isfahan shows that during this period, the temperature is generally increasing, so 2011 with an average annual temperature of 37.21 degrees Celsius is the hottest year and 2012 is the coldest year with an average annual temperature of 33.7 degrees Celsius. The most apparent thermal islands were observed in areas with industrial use, high-traffic places with severe air pollution and population density, and places with weak vegetation, areas with dense and worn-out textures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the genetic parameters of ten Cucurbita pepo L. hybrid cultivars, including seven foreign hybrid cultivars (F1 Shiraz, F1 Khaleej, F1 Samar, F1 Roham, F1 Daphne, F1 Asma and F1 Oto) and three domestic hybrid cultivars (F1 Peronesh, F1 BL and F1 CL) in the form of a randomized complete block design with 3 replications at the Pest Investigation Research Station and the Shahid Fozveh Research Station of Isfahan, central Iran, in 2019. The bed preparation operation was done and the seeds were sown in the mid-June. The results showed that the highest fruits/plant was observed in CL and Shiraz genotypes and the highest yield/plant in four harvests was observed in Peronesh genotype. Roham and Otto genotypes showed the lowest total yield/plant. BL genotype showed the highest mean fruit diameter in four harvests and the highest fruit weight of the seed sample. The highest seed weight was obtained in Shiraz and Asma genotypes and the highest seed-to-fruit weight ratio was obtained in Samar genotype. BL, Asma and Shiraz genotypes showed the highest seed dry weight. The highest seed length and the highest dry weight of 100 seeds were observed in Peronesh and BL genotypes. A positive and significant correlation was also observed between some traits. Among the investigated genotypes, Peronesh and BL genotypes outranked the other genotypes in most of the traits. Also, Shiraz genotype had a significant advantage in some seed traits compared to other genotypes. According to the presented results, different genotypes of the pumpkin plant were significantly different from each other in terms of various traits, indicating that the ground is prepared to employ these resources for improving the yield of this plant species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought is a continuous period of lack of rainfall that leads to damage to a variety of water consumers, especially in the agricultural sector and reduces their yield. Drought is considered one of the unpredictable disasters. Drought is different from other natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, storms, etc. Based on the type of meteorological, hydrological, or agricultural droughts, various indices are designed to assess droughts such as SPI, PDSI, and SWSI. The objective of this study is to evaluate an integrated index that includes the main causes of drought. The integrated index includes various drought factors such as meteorological, hydrological, agricultural, socio-economic, and environmental. Isfahan province has been selected as a case study due to successive droughts in recent decades. A combination of static and dynamic layers has been used for designing the integrated index. Static layers include land use, slope, and soil type of the basin. Dynamic layers include precipitation, average temperature, available surface water, available groundwater, groundwater quality, and cultivated area. The results showed that the highest water stress occurred in the 1386 and 1391 years in the province and the lowest water stress and wet season in different parts of the province in 1387 and 1390 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban Heat Island (UHI) is an important factor for heat change and balance in global studies and is considered as a proxy for climate change. Studying this phenomenon and investigating its mechanism are very important in urban planning. During the last two decades, the great need for earth surface temperature information for environmental studies and land resource management activities has turned earth surface temperature remote sensing into one of the most important scientific issues (Sobrino et al., 2004). In a research, Hay et al. (2018) studied the effect of the topographical factor on LST in mountainous areas. The results of their research showed that there was a high correlation between topography parameters and surface temperature. For the area studied in this research, the relationship between LST and altitude was inversely linear. Tran et al. (2017) used Landsat 5,7,8 in order to determine the relationship between land cover change and land surface temperature of the inner city of Hanoi (plain and flat area). The results revealed that: a) LST depends on the non-linear method of LULC types; b) Foci analysis by using the Getis Ord Gi* statistic allows analysis of LST pattern change over time; c) UHI is affected from both the urban perspective and type of urban development; d) investigation of LST pattern prediction and UHI effect can be done by the proposed model by using nonlinear regression and simulated LULC change scenarios. In a research in a city of China, the harmful effects of land cover and land use changes on the Earth's surface temperature were investigated through vegetation indicators based on three image sensors of TM and ETM+. For this purpose, the researchers obtained the Temperature Vegetation Index (TVX) from the images. Their results showed that land use change is an important factor for increasing the Earth's surface temperature. It also showed high temperature in areas with scattered vegetation and low temperature in areas with dense vegetation. It has been used in the statistical period of 2013-2015 in the city of Isfahan as well. The results of this research showed that there was a sharp thermal gradient due to the presence of Urban Cold Islands (UCI) between the center and suburbs. The largest UCI was identified in Region 6 (Ahmadi et al., 2016). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disaster resilience, which is actually how the geographical, economic, institutional, etc. capacities of societies are affected by disasters, is one of the issues that should be considered in every society. The purpose of this study is to analyze the interaction of effective variables on the resilience of new urban Habitations in the urban area of Isfahan against earthquake risk. Considering the studied components and the nature of the subject, the approach of this research is descriptive-analytical. The statistical population of this study includes 6 new urban Habitations of Shahinshahr, Majlesi, Sepahanshahr, Fooladshahr, Baharestan, and Shahid Keshvari. This research is applied in terms of purpose and in the research literature section, information has been collected through documentary and library methods. The results of direct matrix data analysis lead to the identification of the variables of geographical environment diversity, level of knowledge about seismicity of habitat, and population density as the most important variables and variables of severity, compensation capacity, and proximity to the most important areas as the most important variable. Also, the results of indirect matrix data analysis have shown that the variables of geographical environment diversity, level of knowledge about seismicity of the region, and population density are the most important indirect variables and the variables of severity, compensation capacity, and community-based risk management are the most important non-influential variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vesicular horizons are common on the surface of landforms in arid regions and play an important role in the hydrological properties and pedogenic processes in these areas. Vesicular pores are a characteristic feature of vesicular horizons and include separate pores with spherical to elliptical shapes and dimensions of micrometers to millimeters in diameter (Dietze et al., 2012). The eastern region of Isfahan located in the eastern part of the Zayandehroud River basin is affected by environmental disasters due to severe environmental drought, destructive human activities, and desertification processes. Although vesicular horizons are frequent in the soils and landforms of the eastern region of Isfahan (Bayat et al., 2018), there is no information about the geochemical and mineralogical properties of these horizons. The aim of the present study was to investigate the physical, chemical, geochemical, and mineralogical properties of vesicular horizons at different elevation levels of three landforms in the eastern region of Isfahan. Materials and Methods The study area is located in the center of Iran, east of Isfahan and around Segzi Playa. According to the meteorological stations of the region, the mean annual precipitation and temperature are about 107 mm and roughly 15 ˚C, respectively. Groundwater in piedmonts and plateaus of the region is deep and there are no signs of groundwater activity in the studied soils and landforms. The studied landforms include a remnant paleosurface across the Zayandehroud River (RP), a pediment in Jey industrial city (JP), and an alluvial fan near the Zefreh (ZA). Seven samples of vesicular horizons were taken from vesicular horizons in RP (at altitudes of 1542 and 1552 m), ZA (altitudes of 1623, 1764, and 1901 m), and JP (at altitudes of 1542 and 1557 m) landforms. The samples were described according to Schoenberger (2012) and analyzed regarding standard methods (Soukup et al., 2008; Soil Survey Staff, 2014). Results and Discussion The thickness of the studied vesicular horizons varied in the range of 3-6 cm, and on the alluvial fan, the thickness of the horizon increases with increasing the elevation. The chemical properties of the studied samples indicated very low electrical conductivity and organic carbon content and were similar to vesicular horizons in the Mojave Desert of California (McFadden et al., 1998). The particle size distribution indicated the predominance of sand particles in all samples and all samples were characterized by a bimodal distribution of particle sizes suggesting the contribution of at least two mechanisms in the transfer of particles to the studied vesicular horizons (Karimi et al., 2017; Sweeney et al., 2013). Mineralogical analysis of the samples showed the predominance of quartz and calcite in all samples and varied concerning the presence of mica and fibrous minerals. It seems that quartz is inherited from the parent material while calcite and mica minerals originated from the parent material and were also added by the wind. Fibrous minerals were probably of autogenic origin. The geochemical properties of the samples were consistent with the mineralogical results and showed the abundance of SiO2 and CaO in all samples. Among the trace elements, the highest abundance is observed in the strontium, which is due to the association of this element with carbonates (Ding et al., 2019). A comparison of geochemical properties of vesicular horizons with associated rocks showed the enrichment of SO3 and CaO relative to corresponding parent material indicating the addition of soluble ions, carbonates, and especially gypsum to the surface of the studied landforms. The Zr/Al ratio showed an increasing trend with increasing the silt content which proved the aeolian source of the silt particles as previous studies have shown a very strong correlation between aeolian sediments and the element zirconium (e.g., Waroszewski et al., 2018). Conclusions Increasing the amount of silt and the ratio of fine-grained particles to sand with increasing the elevation indicated the role of aeolian processes in adding fine-grained particles to the surfaces of different landforms of eastern Isfahan. Mineralogical and geochemical evidence also confirms the effect of dust on the formation of these horizons, so that the addition of mica minerals along with silt particles has occurred at higher altitudes. The geochemical study of vesicular horizons and application of Zr/Al ratios show that the composition of past and current dust in eastern Isfahan was the origin of dust for different landforms of the region is the same. Finally, the existence of developed vesicular horizons in the surfaces of the landforms of the region demonstrates long-term processes of wind erosion and dust influx into the soils. These natural processes are probably intensified by anthropogenic activities in recent years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Electronic wastes are the remnants of electronic devices buried in the soil without processing and contain toxic substances such as heavy metals. Lead is one of the heavy metals in many electronic goods that, if not properly processed, can cause toxicity in the soil and may harm living things in very low concentrations. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the biosorption of lead metal by Bacillus tropicus isolated from soils containing electronic wastes in Isfahan. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, sampling of contaminated soils in several areas of the Zainal Pass hills of Isfahan, which is the landfill of electronic wastes, was performed. After measuring the temperature, pH, TOC, and the amount of metals in the soil sample, lead-resistant bacteria were isolated. The growth rate of bacteria was evaluated at concentrations of 5 to 35 mM of lead. Then, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined. The morphology, antibiogram, and molecular identification of the bacteria were performed by colony-polymerase chain reaction method and bioabsorption of bacteria was evaluated by ICP-OES. Finally, XRD, SEM images, and EDS were evaluated to investigate the fabrication of lead nanoparticles. The raw data were analyzed by SPSS software, using an independent t-test. Results: Based on the findings of this study, the pH of the evaluated soil was 9.4, its temperature was 27.8 ° C, the TOC of the sample was 1.8%, and the amount of soil lead was measured at 658.4 ppm based on ICP-OES analysis. It was significantly higher than normal. The lead-resistant bacterial strain isolated to lead had 99/69% genetic affinity with Bacillus tropicus, which had a high biological removal potential (56.35%) of lead metal. The XRD, SEM, and EDS results showed the conversion of adsorbed lead metal to nanoparticles. Discussion and Conclusion: Considering that Bacillus tropicus showed high resistance and adsorption to lead metal, it can be a suitable option for the bio-removal of lead from electronic and other industrial wastes in the future after the removal of antibiotic resistance genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In languages and varieties, the exact locations of the alignment of f0 transition points differ from those of the segmental string (Ladd, 2006). The differences of inter-languages or inter-varieties are sometimes so small that it is not possible to identify a deep representation. We conducted a production experiment with 40 speakers of two regional varieties of Persian language. The aim of the present study was to investigate the strategies used by the speakers of the varieties in response to the time pressure caused by reduced sonorant rime of target words by adopting autosegmental-metrical theory (Pierrehumbert, 1980). For this purpose, 20 Isfahan speakers and 20 Tehrani speakers were asked to repeat the three target words, which were accompanied by a decrease sonorant rime, in the positions of nuclear pitch accent twice. Three prosodic parameters, such as contour conditionm alignment, and duration of the segments containing pitch accents, were mainly considered. The results showed that in each contour condition, the duration of the sonorant rime of the nuclear accented word was varied. In the phonetic domain, the range of adjustments fell into three broad categories. First, the speakers of Isfahani variety took more time by increasing the duration of the rime in the fall-rise condition while retracting the peak of the fall-rise contour. However, the speakers of Tehrani variety worked harder by compressing contours in the fall contour. Both speakers of the two varieties took shortcuts by truncating responses of the final pitch movements. The responses were shown to be dialect-specific and contour-specific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Safavid dynasty established the Twelver school of Shia Islam as the official religion of their empire and this gave Shia Muslims a chance of expressing their Islamic views, even through arts. Notable for this era was a renewed attention to Ashura as an inevitable part of Shia culture. Ashura is respected by Shias throughout the world as a day of mourning. It marks the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Hossein (AS), the third Shia Imam and the grandchild of Prophet Mohammad (SA), together with 72 of his companions in a famous battle in Karbala desert, now located in Iraq, in the seventh century. In fact, Ashura has had a great influence on Shia culture across history. Interestingly, it has now become customary for followers of other faiths to join Shias in Ashura mourning rituals. The influence of Ashura on Safavid dynasty and Isfahan, the most important capital of the dynasty, was quite dramatic. An example of this influence may be using Sangabs (lavers) in mosques and passages of cities, in which some of the deep rooted Islamic arts such as poetry, calligraphy and carving were featured with Ashura being their main theme. The present paper has conducted a comparative analysis over the lavers of Isfahan which have remained from Qajar and Safavid eras to determine the influence of Ashura culture. Fifty four lavers in Isfahan, mostly from the Qajar dynasty, were studied and 39 of them contained inscriptions and designs on Ashura. The investigations began with lavers remaining from the era of Shah Safi I (1038-1052) in the Jameh mosque of Isfahan. It should be mentioned that the lavers from the Safavid era date back to the seventeenth century and the lavers form the Qajar era date back to early nineteenth century. Lavers were made in order to appreciate Ashura. They were also meant to remind the Shias of the martyrs of Karabala. In fact, the lavers were used during the Safavid and Qajar eras to carry the messages of Shia religious art and to keep the memories of Karbala alive. They were also a means to preserve the spirit of sacrifice and virtuous deeds among Shia Muslims. Studies show that the lavers in Isfahan contain many beautiful patterns and decorative calligraphies. They are great representatives of the sacred art of Shia Islam. Calligraphic decorations are the main patterns carved on the lavers and most of them are written in Nastaleeq script and some of them are in Thulth script. The main subjects of these scripts are sometimes a poem about Ashura or the name of the laver's donator. This article investigates and introduces the features and characteristics of Isfahan lavers as examples of the religious art of Shia Islam as well as the contributions of Ashura to Shia art. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Following the increasing expansion of cities and urban population, the demand for urban services is also increasing. One of the important services in cities is administrative service that meets the citizens’ daily needs. This type of service has been established by ministries and central organizations with the increase of the number of cities and urban population and consequently, the increase of citizens' service needs. On the other hand, fair and adequate distribution of disciplinary enforcement centers has an effective role in establishing security and tranquility in cities. Therefore, it is necessary to accurately identify the current situation in this field in order to create a more appropriate and equitable distribution of administrative-disciplinary spaces that are needed by today's societies. In this regard, the purpose of this article was to evaluate the spatial pattern of administrativedisciplinary services in Isfahan so as to achieve the effect of the administrative model of administrative-disciplinary services on the desirability of the functional radius of these services and assess the relationship between the spatial distribution of administrative-disciplinary services and population in the related areas. Methodology: This study was of an applied type based on the purpose and a descriptive-analytical research in nature and method. Data collection was based on the library method. After collecting the basic information and data, the spatial distribution of administrative-disciplinary enforcement services was firstly modeled by using the nearest neighborhood analysis method, local Moran index, global Moran index, and hot-spot analysis in Arc GIS software environment. Then, the effect of the spatial distribution pattern of these services on the desirability of their functional radius was evaluated in the same software by using fuzzy membership function. In the next step, by drawing the map of Isfahan neighborhoods in GeoDa software, the spatial autocorrelation of the variable population of Isfahan with the distribution of administrative-disciplinary services in its neighborhoods was determined and analyzed by using Moran’s bivariate index. Discussion: The analysis of the nearest neighborhood showed that the administrative-disciplinary enforcement services in Isfahan were randomly distributed. According to the calculations of the global Moran coefficient, the administrative-disciplinary enforcement services were distributed in clusters in the neighborhoods with a probability of 99%. By calculating the local Moran for the neighborhoods of Isfahan, it was found that 3 neighborhoods in District 13 were significantly located at the High-High clustering level, which indicated establishment of the neighborhoods with more administrative-disciplinary enforcement services nearby and in clusters. One neighborhood in District 10 and one in District 14 were located at the High-Low level. These neighborhoods had a large number of administrative-disciplinary enforcement services, while being surrounded by less record-breaking neighbors. 3 neighborhoods in District 13, which were located at the Low-High clustering level, faced the lack of access to these services, while being adjacent to the neighborhoods with a better access. Other neighborhoods did not have a significant autocorrelation. According to the maps drawn through the hot-spot analysis, the neighborhoods and central areas, especially areas 1, 3, 5, and 6, had formed hot spots and moved to the outskirts of the city due to their high administrative-disciplinary services, especially area 9 and the northeast part of the city. Also, cold spots were forming, which indicated the lack of administrative-disciplinary enforcement services in these neighborhoods. Assessing the effectiveness of the spatial distribution model of these services on the desirability of the functional radius demonstrated the desirability of their functional radius in the central regions, as well as unfavorable areas and neighborhoods around the city. The desirability of the functional radius was in favor of the center but had caused a detriment to the surroundings. Moran’s bivariate index was applied to measure and evaluate the spatial autocorrelation, which showed very low probability of the spatial distribution of administrative-disciplinary enforcement services based on the variable population with low significance. Conclusion: In general, the results indicated that the spatial distribution of administrative-disciplinary enforcement services in the neighborhoods of Isfahan City was inappropriate in a way that the desirability of access to these services in the central areas was very high, while citizens in the suburbs were facing lack of access to these services. Therefore, it is necessary to consider programs and policies that eliminate this major spatial gap and establish spatial justice in the neighborhoods of Isfahan and ultimately social justice to cover the entire city. According to David Harvey, it is advisable to give extra services to the groups in need because they do not have a history of using these services and are not thus accustomed to them. This is especially true of municipal services for very poor groups, new immigrants, and the like. Hence, entitlement to the geographical framework would be allocation of additional resources to compensate for the social and natural problems of each region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining and implementing development programs, due to the weakness and inefficiency of systematic communication between different sectors of agricultural and livestock production with the capacity of natural resources (water and rangelands), processing industries, financial institutions, and distribution of inputs and livestock products in the country needs special focus and attention in order to identify the capacities, potentials, and interactions affecting the livestock industry. A systematic relationship between different sectors of production and supply in other countries has been established by using the connection of production flows, exports, and import terminals with the cooperation of powerful private sectors. The systematic localization of communication is essential for improving and creating sustainable development in the livestock industry of the province. Introduction Following the United Nations' declaration of decades of development in the early 1960s, the issue of development in developing countries has been at the forefront of the agenda of UN agencies and international development institutions. The concept of sustainable development reflects the undeniable fact that ecological considerations can and should be applied to economic activities. These considerations include the idea of creating a rational environment in which the claim of development to advance the quality of all aspects of life is challenged. Initially, several definitions of development were proposed to mean the improvement of social life. Thus, one of the major development challenges of the 1970s was tackling malnutrition and global hunger. There has not been much study in Iran regarding the structural and institutional factors affecting the sustainable development of the livestock industry. The situation is the same abroad. The studies have been mostly on the factors affecting the sustainable development of other sectors such as tourism, sustainable rural development, and so on. To fill the gap, this study aims to explain the sustainability of the Isfahan livestock industry. The general aim of the present study is to design appropriate and scientific planning for the improvement and development of livestock production in order to increase the productivity of livestock production and related industries in line with the optimal use of existing potentials and capabilities. Materials and Methods This research is survey research and questionnaires were designed to achieve the research objectives appropriate to the statistical population of the project. In addition, observational interview methods were used to obtain more information. To analyze the data and information, various methods of descriptive and inferential statistical analyses and network analysis of stakeholders using SPSS / PC+ software have been used. Results and Discussion Developing a sustainable development plan for the Isfahan livestock industry is a key step toward achieving the goals of livestock sub-sector development. This program with a comprehensive view and a special view of animal husbandry in the province with the headline of general land management policies, while emphasizing the growth of competitive production based on knowledge and productivity in the framework of a resilient economy and constructive interaction with the world, has been developed as the first sustainable development program. The results of the study indicated appropriate and scientific planning to improve and develop livestock production in order to increase the productivity of livestock, poultry, other poultry and bees based on existing upstream documents, macroeconomic policies of the country, and a comprehensive view of the requirements of sustainable development programs in the livestock industry Provinces. It can be concluded that the capacity of users to successfully adapt to various conditions, including financial resources, participatory networks, knowledge and information, infrastructure and technology, is currently weak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem Definition: Urbanization is now happening at an unprecedented rate. Continued population growth and urbanization are projected to add 2.5 billion to the world's urban population by 2050. Along with the physical progress in the cities of the world, finding solutions to problems in urban areas is very important. In response to inefficient and unsustainable patterns of urban growth, concepts such as urban intelligence have emerged forcing many planners to seek new ways to understand and pursue regional and large-scale spatial planning (Sciara, 2020, p. 1). It aims to improve the quality of life for residents in terms of personal, social, cultural, economic, environmental, and physiological aspects. In recent years, Iran’s metropolises, including Isfahan, have faced new challenges in terms of environmental sustainability, economic growth, population, and technological progress. As a result, today’s cities need integrated policies and innovative new methods to manage and improve the complexity of urban living conditions. It should be noted that the metropolis of Isfahan is facing many changes in the economic, social, managerial, etc. areas. The realization of intelligence can be provided by presenting appropriate solutions to reduce the cost of infrastructure and urban services, excessive use of cars, air pollution, water, etc. that helped managers and city officials. Therefore, in order to improve the city and its public services, there is a need for measures and tools that increase urban efficiency and performance. Urban planners need to implement smart solutions to strengthen the city’s competitiveness, improve environmental and economic efficiency, facilitate resilience, and emphasize this approach to energy production and distribution, transportation, waste management, and pollution control. Purpose: This study aims to investigate the effective components in smartening the city of Isfahan. Methodology: This research is applied-developmental in terms of purpose, and descriptiveanalytical and survey in terms of method. Data collection was done using both library and field methods and referring to documentary sources, articles, and related theories. After extracting and comparing the indicators in the approaches of scattered cities, compact cities, smart growth, electronic cities, and smart cities, important and common indicators for smartening in the form of 5 dimensions were developed including physical-spatial (8 items), environmental-ecological (5 items), economic (8 items), social (8 items), and managerial-political (8 items). Each of these dimensions has sub-criteria that form the basis of the present research. To achieve the objectives of the research (i.e. analysis of the main components of intelligence approaches and analysis of weaknesses, strengths, threats and opportunities to achieve intelligence in Isfahan), factor analysis and the SWOT model have been used. The statistical population of the study includes experts and trustees of Isfahan municipality, urban planning, intelligence, urban planning, and university professors. The sample size was selected based on the snowball sampling method of 60 people and a questionnaire was distributed among them. Results Analysis of the main components of smartening approaches in Isfahan The factor analysis method was used to identify the underlying dimensions of the research. By summarizing the variables in the form of new factors, their importance was categorized in order of importance and the main components in terms of smartening the city of Isfahan were prioritized over the research variables based on the opinions of experts and trustees. Finally, that managerialeconomic, environmental-economic, physical, and social factors were recognized as the most important factors in the development of intelligence in Isfahan, and these factors explain 64% of the total variance. Analysis of strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats of smartening in Isfahan metropolis and ways to improve it Regarding the existing weaknesses in order to achieve intelligence in the city of Isfahan, the lack of management in waste and urban recycling with a score of 0.656, is the most important weakness in the system that needs improvement in terms of planning. Analysis of external factors affecting the realization of intelligence in Isfahan Organizing public transportation with a score of 0.602 is an opportunity to realize the intelligence of the city of Isfahan. The unavailability of quality facilities and services with a score of 0.634, is considered the most important threat to the realization of intelligence. Urban planners emphasize that the importance of cities in the regional, national, or global economy is increasing. In this regard, with the aim of improving aspects such as quality of life and empowerment of citizens, urban intelligence is considered a conceptual scenario and urban planners are widely encouraged to implement smart solutions. The metropolis of Isfahan, the third most popular city in Iran and the fourteenth most popular city in the Middle East, needs to create perspectives to create a safe and sustainable environment for living and working in urban programs. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the aim of analyzing the main components of smartening approaches in Isfahan. The results of factor analysis based on the 37 variables show that the four factors of economic-managerial, economic-environmental, physical, and social aspects have the highest variance and are the most important components in the development of intelligence in Isfahan. Using the SWOT model, the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of smartening in Isfahan were identified and relevant strategies were presented. Innovation: The concept of ‘Smartening cities’ is the ultimate form of approaches such as scattered cities, compact cities, smart growth, electronic cities, and smart cities which form and complement each other over time. In the present study, the common indicators of these theories were used to smarten Isfahan city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim:Non-communicable diseases (NCD), also referred to as chronic or lifestyle-related diseases, are a serious health problem in most countries today. The World Health Organization (WHO) has discussed this issue and presented solutions for it in its annual meetings. This paper reviews and reports on the action taken by the Medical University of Isfahan (MUI) through its Non-communicable Disease Control Program based on the WHO "Prevention and control of non-communicable diseases: implementation of the global strategy", which is a comprehensive program for controlling non-communicable diseases. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, the activities of 21 Noncommunicable Disease Units in Isfahan Province affiliated to MUI in its Non-communicable Disease Surveillance System aiming at combating non-communicable diseases were assessed using a self-assessment technique and the relevant documents reviewed. All the NCD officers (n=30) were enrolled in the study. A validated researcher-designed questionnaire containing items related to six areas based on the WHO "Prevention and control of non communicable diseases: implementation of the global strategy", the reliability of which had been confirmed, was used. The data were analyzed using the SPSS software, the statistical tests being the ttest. Results: The general self-assessment score of MUI in the activities related to noncommunicable disease surveillance and control program was 1.44 ± 0.59 (out of 4). From among the six strategies studied, the "increasing public awareness about non-communicable diseases" strategy and the "improving collaboration and participation in prevention and control of non-communicable diseases" strategy achieved the highest and the lowest score, respectively. Documentation was weak (less than 50%), and there was no significant difference between the scores of actions documented and those not documented (P = 0.1). Conclusion: Isfahan Medical University is one of the leading universities in Iran. It has taken important valuable measures in the area of non-communicable disease control and surveillance programs. However, our findings show that there are several weaknesses in these programs. Not paying sufficient attention to documentation, for example, is a serious weakness, since documentation plays an important role in the performance and excellence of an organization, guaranteeing its success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Statement of the Problem: The most important center of dust production in Isfahan province is the Segzi-Rudasht center. This center with an area of 801520 hectares is located in the east of the historical city of Isfahan. The study area, despite its great economic potential, is in a state of imbalance due to drought, reduced agricultural activities, lack of employment facilities leading to unemployment and lack of the demand for labor. This imbalance could become more critical in the coming years due to declining water resources and increasing particulate matter. Several factors, with different degrees of influence, have been involved in creating and spreading dust in the east of Isfahan. Aim: The aim of the present study is to determine the role of different factors in the creation and spread of dust in the east of Isfahan province. Methods: This research is a survey research using questionnaires designed appropriate to the statistical population of the study to achieve the research objectives. Semi-structured interviews and observations were also used. The validity of the questionnaires was evaluated by a panel of experts and using their opinions in the field of natural resources and desertification. The reliability of the questionnaires was assessed through a pilot study by calculating the Cronbach's alpha coefficient. To analyze the data, various methods of descriptive and inferential statistics such as PCA factor analysis, stakeholder network analysis using SPSS/PC, and TOPSIS software were used. Results: The results of the present study show the importance of water and agriculture factors in intensifying desertification in the Segzi-Rudasht pilot. After the water and agriculture factors are economic factors, management factors, policies and laws, social factors, and finally developmental and technological factors, respectively. Innovation: The use of scientific methods and techniques to determine the importance of factors in the absence of desertification is an innovation of the present study because the effect of desertification factors at this level has not been studied so far. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While most new Iranian languages do not have a separate construction to express the future time, Jowshaqani a central Iranian language in northern Isfahan shows a triple construction for future time: a near future referring to immediate future and future certainty, a distant future referring to remote future and future possibility, which is also used for optative and irrealis, as well as a construction for a future imperative. Apart from describing the forms and uses of the future, this article also examines the historical evolution of the future construction in Jowshaqani, and how the new uses are developed for the older ones. The study of the form and function of the future tense in Jowshaqani shows that the new uses of the future tense has as optative, irrealis, and imperative meanings which can be analyzedin terms of the relation of the future tense with modality. For expressing near future, the aspect has been an important factor in the development of such a near future construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persian literature has been closely related to the miniature throughout history. Recognizing the poetry delicacies and equalizing them in miniature, Persian painters could present a transcendental expression appropriate for the rich Iranian culture. Among this delicacy of poetry, one of the fantastic and beautiful elements which make poetry or miniature active and living is “personification” which expresses a part of the supernatural world. Miniaturists have paid particular attention to personification in classical and contemporary miniature. The miniaturists have utilized the artistic capacities of personification to express their great concepts and heartfelt representations, with animating and symbolic language. This research that has been done on the descriptive-analytical method tries to explain and clarify the situation of personification and its artistic expression in both poetry and Persian painting. Discussion and analysis Personification is one of the most beautiful forms of imagination in poetry that seizes the poet's mind in the inanimate objects of nature and gives them move through the imagination. In rhetoric books, personification is a kind of metaphor that means to use words in a different meaning. Personification gives the artworks, artistic, and imaginative aspect. Generally speaking the personification in terms of giving human or animal character to the objects is divided into two general types that are humanoid and animalist. The humanoid in the sense of personification means giving humanoid characteristics to the objects. Another type of animalist personification is to attribute the characteristics of animals to the objects. Some experts have equated it to "Animism”. Using imaginary forms and transforming them into the visual language not only has created a common language between miniature and literature but also has enriched the works of the miniature. The personification is one of the forms of interest in Persian painting, and the ancient Iranian artists have used the artistic language of this device to express their supreme concepts by animating and symbolizing the animals, corpses, plants, and objects. Personification has existed in early Persian miniature and the use of it in the artworks of Kamal ol_Din Behzad is recognizable. But what is certain is that this device flourished in the second Tabriz School. But after that time the use of personification in Qazvin school and Isfahan school decreased and so few works include such characteristics. During the Qajar period, the artists’ tendency of Western arts changed the style of language and artistic expression. But attention to personification and its visual use is re-emerged in contemporary miniature after a century of decline. Hossein Behzad and then Mahmoud Farshchian and other contemporary Persian miniaturists also revived personification and brought many innovations at various levels. By examining the works of classical and contemporary Persian miniature, the use of personification can be categorized and analyzed in five titles including elements of nature, objects, animals, abstract motifs, and abstract concepts. Artists have used the expressive capacity of personification in the elements of nature and have presented the greatest manifestation of humanoid and animalist in elements such as mountain, rock, soil, plants, clouds, sun, etc. Also, using animalist personification, Persian miniaturists illustrated some texts such as Kalilah and Demena or Mantegh ol-Teir, which are essentially allegorical stories, to express mystical and moral concepts, portrayed animals talking to each other. Another type of personification has been used in contemporary art which is giving human personality to animals. Miniaturists have also given humanoid and animalist aspects to various objects. In such images, parts of animal or human supplies are often ascribed to the objects and thus fall into the category of personification. Miniaturists have also used humanoid and animalist imagery in illumination and Islamic (arabesque) letters in abstract motifs. One of the distinctive features of contemporary miniature compared to ancient times is the illustration of abstract concepts. Using their imagination, the artists have given a tangible view of metamorphosis and the abstract world. Conclusion The present study shows that personification is one of the most imaginative forms of literary rhetoric that has created a dynamic effect by animating the objects in the poems. This device has been used in Persian poetry in two general ways: humanoid that means giving humanity to the objects and also animalists or animism means giving animal character to the things. The structure of this device is such that one of the human or animal supplies, actions or doings is attributed to objects. The discussions and conversations between things and non-intellectual objects to express the poet's ideas are examples of this device. Persian miniaturists have also created works that have taken on the metamorphosis dimension by recognizing and using the expressing and imaginary features of personification. Researching the works of classical and modern Persian miniature from the perspective of the use of personification clarifies the fact that the painters in a variety of fields such as natural elements, (including plants, rock and soil, sun and clouds and quadruplet elements, animal elements, objects, abstract motifs, and abstract concepts) have used various aspects of personification as a special way of expressing their heart's presentations. These features have intrinsically linked this art to Persian poetry and provided a common language in expressing the facts of the supernatural world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humor in terms of content is a literary genre in which the writer and the poet express the causes and reasons of backwardness, defects, corruptions, and painful inadequacies of a society with an intentionally adjusting look with a taste of laughter in an exaggerated way. The four main elements of "laughter", "exaggeration", "social criticism" and "reformism" are involved in the formation of any humorous writing. Although a humorous look to reveal political and social anomalies and problems has always existed in the Iranian history and literature, it can not be compared, in terms of frequency and stylistic characterization, with the humor of the constitutional era. The relatively free and temporary atmosphere which was created for the writers and poets along with the emerging of newspaper media provided enough appeal for satirists to write. In Isfahan, the Naqour newspaper began to be published, imitating Mollansereddin and Sur Israfil. In the column "Ugly and Beautiful", which was probably written following Dehkhoda's "Nonsense and Birds", interesting humorous content was inserted. This article is qualitative research and examines the text of the column "Ugly and Beautiful" in the whole statistical community published for one year. The method of analysis is documentation (newspaper) and content analysis from a satirical perspective. Naqour newspaper (published in Isfahan from 1326 to 1327) was published under the management of Mirza Masih Tuyserkani. Its first issue was published on the 26th of Rabi al-Awal, 1326 AH, in Isfahan. This newspaper criticized the events of the society of that time and the activities of the Isfahan Provincial Association with a humorous and sometimes satirical expression. In its humor, Naqour, while playing with words and interpreting them, has used allegories and anecdotes to criticize the political situation of the country, and in this way, it has made humorous use of proverbs and presenting the letters of the readers. Most of Naqour's political satires are interpretive and how those satires deal with current events. Its distinctive feature is the use of humor, language, and folklore, especially since this newspaper was one of the local newspapers and was published in Isfahan. It has tried to use the dialect and idioms of Isfahanians and sometimes the Armenian minority. In the ‘Ugly and Beautiful’ column of Naqour newspaper, most of the content is related to the country. The relatively high level of political issues in the newspaper is influenced by the main function of this newspaper as a political tool, and the most important political issue raised in the Naqour newspaper is the criticism of the Isfahan Governors’ Association. In this newspaper, occasionally dealing with religious issues is only for the sake of the judiciary and the unjust behavior of that power. Otherwise, the humor and joke of the newspaper do not include this field, because the writers use religion as a lever of pressure or threat when they want to clarify something that is religiously understandable to the people or to respect the rights of the people by the authorities with a humorous and of course softened look. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research tried to provide a sustainable solution for the allocation of water resources of Zayandehrood basin in a way ensuring minimal conflicts and tension between the stakeholders in use of the water resources, four main decision makers of the basis, comprising Regional Water Company, conflicts among Agricultural Jahad Organization, and Department of Environment of Isfahan Province and Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, were reviewed and 128 possible cased according to 7 scenarios were constructed and applied in the GMCR model. According to the GMCR approach, 6 balanced sustainable scenarios in different climatic periods of the basin were presented. Finally, the results were generalized for choosing the best mode in the form of a scenario within the WEAP model; also, the results obtained from these scenarios were presented using the criteria of system performance assessment. On the basis of the findings, Scenario II was developed, comprising the application of new simultaneous management of demand and supply, restrictions in drawing water from water tables, new prioritization in stakeholder allocation and new water portion plans in the basin as the best scenario with 81.4% sustainability index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to determine the status of marketing dimensions of products and services of libraries of state universities of Isfahan province. The research method is descriptive-survey and the data gathering tool is a researcherdevised questionnaire. The statistical population of this study consists of 168 librarians, of which 117 are selected based on Cochran formula. The data are analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS environment. The findings reveal that the mean and standard deviation of marketing dimensions of library products and services are 3.50 and 0.52, respectively. The findings indicate a significant level of 0/0001 which is less than 0/05. Considering this significant level, it can be claimed that the average of marketing dimensions has a significant difference with the mean Likert spectrum and is larger than average. Therefore, with 95% of confidence, it can be claimed that the marketing dimensions and library services in the libraries of state universities of Isfahan province are more than the average and are in a relatively favorable status. The means indicate that among marketing dimensions of library products and services, the highest average is related to dimension of market orientation and the lowest average is related to the marketing dimension. The activities related to each of the marketing dimensions in libraries have a relatively favorable status. The least activity is related to the marketing dimension, and the results indicate the necessity of trying to improve this dimension in the libraries. Activities like the existence of a separate section for marketing or the existence of a public relations unit can be contributive in improving the status of this dimension of marketing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuation of experiences in the historical Iranian architecture used to traditionally pass from one generation to the next. The application of such experiences, when facing new requirements and situations, was a platform for a rebirth of new works, which were generally accepted by the society. Isfahan's historic bridges are examples of the development of such processes which reached their peak during the Safavid era. This thrive, with building of new bridges and restoring old ones, happened as a result of economical prosperity and growth in Isfahan, which was the capital of Iran during the Safavid era. Khajoo bridge, among all others, has a different form and characteristics and these differences raise questions about the formation of this bridge. This is based on the accepted concepts and experiences noted in the construction of other bridges at that time. Examples include common traditions and ideas taken into account in other bridges. Primarily, the present research studies the characteristics of Khajoo Bridge that have made it stand out among all other bridges and as well as the features that have led to the creation of a new set of behavioral and physical characteristics in the building. In order to find the appropriate answers to these questions, the researchers have focused on three basic architectural systems: function, physic and structure. By studying and comparing historic bridges in Isfahan with other bridges in Iran, it seems obvious that the success and the importance of these bridges can be best characterized by these basic architectural systems. It should be noted that these three systems are associated with Vitruvius three rules (effectiveness, stability and beauty). The meaning of function in this research is related to the way the bridges were connected to the city, how they fitted in to the urban fabric, and how they communicated with the network of access points connected to the entrance and exit of the city. It is also important to identify the roles of the bridge and their special incorporated services since the bridges were not only built for transit purposes but they have also had other functions, as well. The bridges have been used across history as a dam, a defense structure and as a space where people could gather, meet and socialize. They have also been used for channeling the water and helping with rotation of water mills, controlling waterways, and obtaining merchandise taxes. The purpose of analyzing physical form of the bridges is to identify the architectural result of function and what would become a shell, structure and shape of the building. This part of discussion includes the investigation on the division of the facade, plan and identification of corresponding areas. Also structural system in this research means analyzing skeletal structure and transition of forces. The approach of this study is basic. The method of research is descriptive-analytical. The research data has been gathered through library sources and field observations. In this way, various traditions of building bridges in the region according to historical precedence were studied through the mechanism of comparative and mostly qualitative research. In discussing the function, Khajoo Bridge similar to Shahrestan, Marnan and Allahverdykhan bridges, created connections to southern towns and villages. Also, during the construction period of Khajoo Bridge, the Zoroastrians were living in the adjacent neighborhood and this bridge connected this religious community to the city. Prior to that, there was a similar role identified between Marnan Bridge and the Armenian community. On the other hand, Khajoo Bridge has a defined beginning and an end, attempting to connect citizens to Takhtefoolad. This property existed in Allahverdikhan Bridge (Dolatkhaneh Safavi to Hezarjarib) and Jooei Bridge (North gardens to Sadaatabad Garden and Ayenekhaneh and Haftdast palaces). In addition to its transmission role, Khajoo Bridge like Shahrestan, Marnan and Allahverdikhan Bridge had the role of a gateway to the city. Another function that was especially associated with this bridge was becoming the dam. Another feature is having different spaces in its different parts. This property is affected by the concern to accommodate the presence of human in the space of architectural designs. Such characteristic of the bridge began to take form with the creation and integration services. These spaces can also be found in Rahdarkhaneh in Shahrestan Bridge, Saqqakhaneh in Marnan and Allahverdikhan Bridge. Such attention to human presence in space, specifically in Khajoo Bridge, has been made by Combination Bridge with pavilion; creating eastern stairs, and platforms between arches and recreational space for the pedestrians. In discussing the physical form (body), the evolution of non-geometric and organic bridge (Shahrestan Bridge) to geometric bridge (Khajoo Bridge) has been highlighted in the present research. Among these bridges only Allahverdikhan and Khajoo Bridge have two level aspects with eastern and western facades due to their porous porches. In terms of division plans and facades, Khajoo Bridge has evolved as a sample for the bridges in the region specifically for its emphasis on the early, the middle and the end of the body. When discussing the structure of the bridge, it is interesting to note that a design that had been used to make candle foundation in Marnan Bridge continued and evolved in Allahverdikhan and Khajoo Bridge. Another feature is the transmission of forces in Khaoo Bridge which is very similar to Allahverdikhan Bridge with some differences in the lower levels. In fact, in Khajoo Bridge the lower platform occupies much more surface that leads to a better transmission of forces.In the end, the continuity of traditions in shaping the form of Khajoo Bridge has been detected. The results thereof are based on specific principles like the continuity of common traditions, as well as the conditions and the needs of the community. Identifying these can possibly be effective in applying conservation methods, as well as creating and giving life to architectural work, specifically to bridges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and antibacterial resistance of coagulase negative staphylococci in keratitis infections after using soft contact lenses in patients admitted at Feiz hospital, Isfahan Iran, in 2013. Methods: In this study, 77 patients with keratitis were examined. The samples were cultured and isolation of coagulase negative staphylococcus was done using phenotypic tests and in-vitro sensitivity testing was done using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion susceptibility method. Findings: 38 isolates were conveniently identified as coagulase negative staphylococci. 27 samples (71.1%) were resistant to penicillin, 21 (55.3%) to erythromycin, and 16 (42.1%), to tetracycline. All the isolates (100%) were sensitive to gentamicin, 36 isolates (94.7%) were sensitive to chloramphenicol, and 33 (86.8%) to ciprofloxacin. Resistance to cefoxitin was seen in 7 (18.4%). Conclusion: Results of this study showed that coagulase negative staphylococci were the most common agents causing contact-lens-related microbial keratitis. In addition, gentamycin, chloramphenicol and ciprofloxacin were more suitable than other antibacterial agents against this type of bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One of the main objectives of fifth program of economic, cultural and social development in Iran in health domain is the carrying out the family physician program and reference system. Nearly, 7 years after implementation of this big and widespread program in Iran, it is likely necessary to evaluate the efficiency of family physician program. For that, this research measured only the caregiver satisfaction in rural areas in Isfahan district. Methods: This descriptive-analytic study was carried on the population of rural areas in Isfahan district in those, family physician program has been implemented in 2011 Data was gathered by face to face interviewing with over 15-years old of age customers. Findings: The mean of caregiver satisfaction of family physician programs in rural area was 70.3 ± 10.5 percent. Nobody was completely unsatisfied from family physician services. But 15 people (3.8%) were unsatisfied of these services. 250 people (62.5%) were satisfied of family physician services and 135 (33.8%) were completely satisfied. Conclusion: Good satisfaction after implementing the family physician program in rural areas defines the successfulness of health sector reform in primary health care in order to improve some of the indeces of people satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: People, who can identify, understand and express their inner feelings well, cope with negative experiences and adapt with environment and other people successfully. Alexithymia is a personality trait characterized by difficulty in identifying, describing and regulating feelings. Patients with alexithymia, who cannot cope with stress, somatize their emotional disturbance in a variety of medical disorders, particularly dermatologic diseases. Methods: In this prospective case-control study, 63 eligible subjects referring to dermatology clinics of Isfahan University of Medical sciences (Isfahan, Iran) were selected by convenience sampling method and implied case group. Control group was selected from normal population without any skin problem. The General health questionnaire (GHQ), Toronto alexithymia scale (TAS-20) and Coping response index (CRI) were used to compare the variables between the groups. Findings: Alexithymia had association with dermatologic diseases while CRI and GHQ scores showed no significant difference between the groups of case and control. Conclusion: Present research suggests that in the treatment of dermatologic diseases, psychological problems should be considered. Dermatologist should be aware of alexithymia association with an underlying dermatologic disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sternal ulcer infections have a great importance and complexity following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Although this kind of infection has a low prevalence but the complications are severe. The purpose of this study was to determine the type of microorganism and antibacterial resistance in sternal wound infections following CABG surgery in Shahid Chamran hospital in Isfahan, Iran, from 2009 to 2012. Methods: In this descriptive and analytical study, 275 cases of CABG operation were entered. Sternal wound secretion samples of suspected patients were cultured and the type of the causative bacteria were determined. Also, antibiogram test was done on the grown strains and antibacterial resistance patterns were determined. Findings: Of 275 CABG surgeries, 13 cultured sternal wound samples showed positive bacterial colonization. The types of bacterial samples were Staphylococcus epidermidis, Klebsiella, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas in four, four, three and two cases, respectively. The mean age of patients with and without sternal ulcer infection had no specific differences (P = 0.43). The differences of sex distribution between the case and control group was not statistically significant (P = 0.31), but having diabetes was significantly different between the groups (P < 0.01). Aortic clamping time and body mass index (BMI) showed no significant differences between the groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The incidence of sternal infection in patients undergone CABG surgery in this study was moderate compared to other studies; this is influenced by several factors including host, staff relating, environmental and medical equipments factors. Therefore, it is necessary to implement preventive measures at the time of hospitalization and provide appropriate educational programs and preventive methods for staff, patients and their families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Osteoarthritis is a common illness in elderly people and hip joint is one of the most common sites of osteoarthritis. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is an accepted treatment in these patients, nowadays. The aim of this study was short-time evaluation of THA in patients with hip osteoarthritis. Methods: This clinical trial evaluated 40 patients with hip osteoarthritis undergone total hip arthroplasty in Kashani hospital, Isfaha, Iran. Severity of pain was measured by the visual analogue scale (VAS) and function was assessed by Harris hip scale (HHS) before operation and 6 and 12 months after it. Findings: The mean score of VAS was 6.71 before operation, and 4.62 and 3.38 at 6 and 12 month after it, respectively; the difference was significant (P < 0.0001). The mean of HHS was 47.3, 79.8, 91.2 before operation and 6 and 12 month after it, respectively with a significant difference (P = 0.0110). Conclusion: Our findings showed that total hip arthroplasty, in short-time, decrease pain reduction and improve hip function in patients with hip osteoarthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Due to increasing of AIDS and nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) pathogenesis in this group of patients, the role of NTM is becoming bold and more concerned. Furthermore, the treatment of NTM diseases is species related. Thus, information about the pattern of treatment to cure the related diseases is very important in any geographical area. In this study, environmental and clinical isolates of NTM and their sensitivity to ethambutol has been determined. Methods: 41 clinical and environmental isolates from Isfahan, Iran, were identified by conventional phenotypic methods. To determine sensitivity to ethambutol, the isolates were tested in 2, 5, and 10 μg/ml antibiotic concentrations by agar microdilution method. Findings: The identified isolates included M. fortuitum (27 cases), M. gordonae (10 cases) M. smegmatis (1 case), M. abscessus (2 cases), and M. conceptionense (1 case). All of the clinical and environmental isolates were resistant to ethambutol except M. conceptionense which was susceptible in 5 and 10 μg/ml ethambutol concentrations [minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC): less than 5 μg/ml]. Conclusion: Due to high frequency of ethambutol resistance in rapid- and slow-growing species of NTM, treatment strategy in this group of patients should be undertaken with caution and more effective drug should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acinetobacter species (spp.) have unique ability to survive in the hospital environments for long periods. This feature increases the rate of acquisition of infection of hospitalized patients by this high-resistant bacterium. The purpose of this study was determination of prevalence and antibiotic resistance pattern of Acinetobacter spp. isolated from Alzahra hospital, Isfahan, Iran. Methods: During a three-month period, using the swab method, 40 samples were taken from different parts of the intensive care unit (ICU) and surgery wards of the hospital. All samples were examined for the presence of Acinetobacter spp. After isolation, Acinetobacter spp. were identified using several phenotypic and biochemical tests. Antibiotic susceptibility test was done by disk diffusion method according to CLSI-2011 (Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute) guidelines. Findings: From 40 swab samples, 202 isolates were obtained that 109 (53.96%) were belonging to gram positive bacilli and coccoci and 93 (46.03%) were gram negative. In the culture of 21 samples (52.5%) Acinetobacter spp. was grown. Most of the isolates were obtained from sink and bed of patients' room, respectively. All of isolates were multidrug resistant (MDR) and 18 isolates (85.71%) were extensively drug resistant (XDR) because of their resistance to carbapenems. Conclusion: Regard increasing rate of health-care associated infections (HAI) caused by Acinetobacter spp. and spreading of distribution of the high-resistance strains in the hospital environments, infection control procedures seems to be necessary to eliminate potential sources of infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The children with nephrotic syndrome suffer from various complications such as nutritional deprivations, frequent hospitalization and drug side-effects. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the quality of life in children with nephrotic syndrome who have not been progressing to endstage renal disease (ESRD) yet. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, after receiving written consent from both child and his/her parents, children who have nephrotic syndrome, with age of less than 18 years and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of more than 90 ml/min, were entered. PedsQL Tm 4.0 generic core scale was used for data recording. Demographic and laboratory data, as well as drugs history and period of disease and being responsive or irresponsive to steroids, were recorded and analyzed either. Findings: 25.3% were between 2 to 4 years, 42.7% between 5 to 7 years, 21.3% between 8 to 12 years, and 10.6% were between 13 to 18 years. There was significant statistical difference among groups regarding physical, emotional, social and school performance. The differences between groups were analyzed and the most significant difference was among the children of 5 to 7 years old when considering quality of life in social and school performance. But, we did not find any co-relation between the measured quality of life and paraclinical data. Conclusion: In this study, we concluded that children with nephrotic syndrome need more attention regarding social activities to help them in improving their quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nontuberculous mycobacteria are of crucial importance in medicine due to their undisputable impact on human health. Among ecosystem factors, hospital water plays a major role as the inhabitant of mycobacteria and medium for transmission of opportunistic pathogens to a human. In addition, there is increasing evidence showing the correlation of mycobacteria in hospital water and nosocomial infection. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to assess the frequency of mycobacteria in hospital water and identify them according to Runyon classification. Methods: A total of 85 water samples were collected from hospital water resources in Isfahan, Iran. They were transferred to the research laboratory and subjected to filtration and decontamination. They were then subcultured to Lowenstein Jensen media and incubated at various temperatures and inspected weekly for the appearance of Mycobacterium-like colonies. A set of phenotypic tests were finally applied to identify the isolates based on Runyon classification. Findings: Out of 85 water samples, 76 were collected from tap waters and showers used in patient departments and the rest were collected from surface and underground water used in hospitals. Of 40 mycobacteria isolated, 15, 11, and 14 belonged to Runyon's groups of I, II and IV, respectively. Conclusion: The results of the current study showed that a noticeable rate of water resources in hospitals in Isfahan are contaminated with mycobacteria. This can be considered as a potential hazardous source of infection for patients with immunocompromised immune systems such as the elderly, children, and patients with immunodeficiency conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is associated with high mortality and morbidity. Considering geographical differences in reported epidemiology and lack of data in Isfahan, the aim of the present study was to assess the natural history of non-traumatic SAH. Methods: In a retrospective study, we reviewed the medical records of all patients who were hospitalized by the definite diagnosis of non-traumatic SAH in Alzahra and Kashani Hospitals (Isfahan, Iran) during 2011-12. A questionnaire containing validated items about demographic, clinical, and epidemiological variables was used to collect data. Findings: A total of 190 cases of non-traumatic SAH were identified. Half of the patients were female. History of vomiting, headaches, and loss of consciousness were the most frequent warning symptoms in 47.4%, 18.9%, and 15.8% of the patients, respectively. The most frequent risk factors were hypertension (43.7%), smoking (19.5%) and diabetes (9.5%). The mortality rate was 34.7% and only 4.7% of survivors were discharged while requiring assistance with activities of daily living. Conclusion: Treatment of hypertension and diabetes together with cessation of smoking can reduce the risk of SAH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Using counseling standards by fertility health counselors is necessary in achieving the goals of every fertility health and family planning program. The current study investigated the implementation of counseling standards by counselors from the viewpoint of fertility health clients in Isfahan, Iran during 2011. Methods: This study was conducted on 236 randomly-selected clients of the fertility health program in 20 counseling centers in Isfahan. The counseling standard questionnaire (designed based on a checklist provided by the Iranian Ministry of Health) was used to collect data. Statistical analyses were performed using analysis of variance, chi-square test, and t-tests in SPSS16. Findings: Most clients ranked verbal and non-verbal communication, counseling conditions, selection of contraceptive method, and describing the importance of fertility health as satisfactory. In contrast, correcting the wrong beliefs of clients about the contraceptive methods and helping them choose the right decision were less satisfactory according to the standards. Conclusion: The use of counseling standards in the studied health fertility program was mostly ranked as satisfactory. Nevertheless, improvement of some qualitative domains of counseling seems necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Opium is the most commonly abused drug in Iran. However, effects of opium abuse or withdrawal on vascular endothelium are not clear. This study compared endothelial function in addicts, non-addicts, and individuals receiving treatment for addiction. Methods: This descriptive, analytic study was conducted in Isfahan (Iran) during 2011. Nitric oxide (NO) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were evaluated in four groups of individuals (addicts, non-addicts, persons receiving methadone maintenance treatment, and those attending drug rehabilitation camps). Findings: The mean serum levels of high sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) were 3.59 ± 1.20 in non-addicts, 4.10 ± 1.25 in addicts, 3.29 ± 0.97 ng/ml in subjects receiving methadone, and 5.33 ± 1.21 in residents of camps (P < 0.05). The mean serum levels of NO in the abovementioned groups were 31.29 ± 4.68, 22.51 ± 4.53, 25.51 ± 4.22, and 20.03 ± 3.56 ng/ml, respectively (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Among the four studied groups, opium addicts had the highest levels of CRP and the lowest levels of NO. Therefore, opium results in vascular dysfunction which can be corrected during the withdrawal process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Preterm premature rupture of membrane (PPROM) is the rupture of the membrane before labor and prior to the 37th week. PPROM is a common complication of pregnancy with numerous adverse effects on both the mother and the infant. Identifying the risk factors for PPROM and methods for its early diagnosis and treatment will dramatically decrease the side effects. This study aimed at evaluating the outcome of pregnancies complicated by PPROM. Methods: This descriptive, analytic, cross-sectional study lasted for six months. It included 57 patients who were admitted to Shahid Beheshti Hospital (Isfahan, Iran) due to rupture of membrane in 28th-34th weeks of pregnancy. Patients were physically examined and asked for their history and symptoms. The collected data was analyzed with chi-square tests. Findings: The prevalence of PPROM, cesarean section, tachycardia, fever, and more than 15000/ml leukocytosis was 2.3, 52.7, 74.0, 95.0, and 66.0 percent, respectively. Distress, sepsis, and death were observed in 21.0, 3.0, and 1.7 percent of the neonates, respectively. No cases of pneumonia or hyaline membrane disease were detected. There was not a significant relationship between sex and PPROM. Conclusion: Our findings were similar to those of previous research. However, considering the importance of PPROM, larger studies in different areas are required for diagnosis and treatment of PPROM to prevent preterm birth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Osteoporosis, which is the most common systemic skeletal disease in middle-age and old people, is accompanied with decreased bone density, microscopic changes in bone tissues, and increased risk of fractures. This study was performed in order to find out the relation of food insecurity, physical activity, and some socio-economic factors with osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Methods: This case-control study was done in 2012 on 160 postmenopausal women between the ages of 50 to 60 years referred to Isfahan Bone Density Assessment Center (Isfahan, Iran). 80 participants diagnosed with osteoporosis were compared with the rest who had normal bone density. In this research, a general as well as a food security and physical activity questionnaire were used. Findings: Items which had statistically significant effect on bone density were husband job, the financial status of family, the number of households, the amount and period of activity in sleep and rest, amount of activity in stand position, and food insecurity. After the adjustment of confounding factors, we found out that the amount of activity in sleep and rest, husband job, and food insecurity are independent factors affecting the bone density. Conclusion: Considering the effect of food insecurity on osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, preventive measures seem necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Family physician program and referral system is being performed from 2005 in rural areas of Iran. Family physicians are mandated to screen high risk population for high-priority diseases. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the family physicians' performance in screening of hypertension (HTN) and diabetes mellitus (DM) 5 years after the introduction of family physician program. Methods: In a cross-sectional study in 2011 in rural health centers of Isfahan County, we collected the data from health dossier of all hypertensive and diabetic mellitus patients who were cared in these centers. Demographic data, the date of definite diagnosis, the last fasting blood sugar test and blood pressure were registered in a checklist. Findings: Family physician teams diagnosed 3209 hypertensive and 1684 diabetic mellitus patients. Based on the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus in the studied areas, family physicians diagnosed 31.5% of hypertensive patients and 55% of diabetic mellitus patients. Conclusion: In rural areas which family physician program has been introduced, HTN and DM screening were improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]