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Climate change and global warming pose significant threats to life on earth, leading governments worldwide to enact laws restricting carbon dioxide emissions. Traditionally, the use of Portland cement is a typical approach to increasing the bearing capacity, minimizing settlement, and improving seismic behavior of problematic soils. However, the cement industry's high energy consumption, uncontrollable emission of greenhouse gases, large carbon footprint, further depletion of natural resources, and high cost have become enormous challenges for all countries. Therefore, researchers continually seek new materials to replace ordinary Portland cement, contributing towards sustainable development. In this regard, the use of environmentally friendly, cheap, and readily available additives in modern soil methods of the construction cycle, particularly soil stabilization, is crucial. Geopolymer materials have recently emerged as serious alternatives to cement. This study aims to investigate the innovative reuse of eggshells through the geopolymerization process for engineering improvement of clayey soil. Alkali-activated binders are inorganic polymers that form repeated polymeric chains by polymerizing alumina and silica, sharing all oxygen atoms and using the alkaline cation. The combination of sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate was used as an alkaline activator in this study. The unconfined compressive strength (UCS) was the primary criterion for assessing the quality and effectiveness of the proposed solutions. This test was performed on selected combinations to assess the strength of the stabilized clay with different binder dosages and after different curing times. Moreover, the direct shear test was used to study the Mohr-Coulomb criteria parameters of the stabilized soil, namely the cohesion and angle of internal friction. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) microstructure observations of the natural and treated soil were conducted to investigate the strength development. The results showed that using 5, 7.5, 10, and 12.5% eggshell by dry weight activated by sodium hydroxide increases the UCS to 1.24 MPa, 1.21 MPa, 1.18 MPa, and 849 kPa, respectively, after 45 days of curing. The microstructural analysis results highlighted the reaction between the eggshell and the alkaline activator, resulting in the formation of an aluminosilicate gel.

Some of the most impressive displays of delicate plaster work can be found when we look up in a space in Islamic Iranian architecture. Plaster is an ideal medium for decorative work, because it can take fine detail. It is also versatile: plaster can be formed into ornate, multi-layered ceiling medallions, intricate friezes replete with scrolls and swags, or long runs of coved cornice work. Plaster can be cast, shaped, carved, sculpted, sanded, or cut. When Islam opened a new view to art philosophy, it affected the ornament style in Iranian architecture. If one had to choose the defining material of Muslim culture, it would, without a doubt, be stucco. In contemporary history, plaster has been considered a relatively poor material, probably due to its lack of application in heavy duty building work, its easy handling and the simple process it takes to transform it from rock mineral. But, human dexterity, particularly that of Muslim artisans, helped to produce designs in stucco, and numerous buildings decorated with that technique have survived for us to admire. Architectural decoration has been one of the most resilient of the Islamic arts. The partial and more often overall decoration of buildings has been a characteristic feature of Islamic architecture from the eighth century onwards. Religious monuments as well as secular complexes have been decorated with an array of styles and techniques that reflected the multiplicity of Muslim societies and their cultural expressions. The importance given to decorating one's built environment has also been applied to temporary settlements such as tented encampments. Islamic plasterwork covers almost every single surface of walls, arches, vaults and ceilings, gaining an almost textile-like quality through their intricate ornament and vibrant palette of colours. Its almost overwhelming appearance is the result of the interconnection and superimposition of different ornamental elements: calligraphic inscriptions, geometric lazo. The interior decorations are centered on the mihrab. In fact, one can find almost all elements and methods of decoration on and around this symbolic place. There is a harmonious and creative co-existence between plaster, marble and brass. In addition, the mihrab typifies the beautiful marriage of all methods of decoration, especially geometry, floriation, calligraphy. The main roll of mihrab and its decoration became a mainstream in aesthetic orientation in Iranian art and architecture that spread to numerous architectural types such as schools to houses. One of the types of secular architecture is the house. Therefore, in order to evaluate this hypothesis and find the answer to the question: In what period are Chohar-soffeh decorations of Dosiran village rooted? the authors attempted to gather the information about Dosiran’s Chohar-soffeh houses and their decorations, and then examined the characteristics of these decorations and index samples similar to them in the history of the country and finally made a comparative comparison of the physical content of these samples. The research method includes survey, analytical-descriptive and interpretive-historical methods. Research data were obtained through field surveys, personal observations, and library documents. The research tool is logical inference and comparative comparison based on Carry-Walk-Method. Finally, it was concluded that two types of these inscriptions have a body similar to the plaster altars of the Ilkhanid period and in terms of content have the salient features of the plasterwork of this period; nevertheless, works of art combining the late Sassanid and early Islamic periods can also be seen in the drawings of all these inscriptions. The ornaments of Dosiran’s Chohar-soffehs, due to their appearance, organization and special content, as well as the way they are placed on the walls of the plates and the level of rib vaults, have given double value to the mansions of Gholam Hossein Naderi and Koohyar Dashti. These inscriptions include five different shapes and three general patterns. From the studies and comparisons, it was concluded that the Dosiran’s Chohar-soffehs strongly show the artistic course of the country from the late Sassanid period to the Ilkhanid period due to having well-known and important designs in the art history of Iran such as arabesques and Khataee motifs, flowers, knots (Gereh) and significant objects, which are mainly rooted in the Islamic period, as well as representing distinctive features such as great similarity to the valuable and sacred pattern of the altar in Islamic art and architecture, indicative features of Ilkhanid altars, using similar motifs to widely used motifs of the Sassanid era, the application of the natural form of plants and important techniques such as Muqarnas and honeysuckle (Laneh Zanbouri) ornament. The appearance and origins of the drawings of these inscriptions and the adapted examples are evidence of this claim; because despite the existence of continuity and artistic connection in the history of the country, some artistic features are specific to a particular period of history and are less considered in later periods. However, in Dosiran’s Chohar-soffehs, the characteristics of the bedrock of several periods are shown together.

In recent years, Dust haze has been a major health threat in southern and southwestern provinces of Iran, and Children suffer the most from Dust haze. Therefore, it is necessary to design educational centers to prevent the negative effects of walnut Dust haze. Exterior walls and windows are the most important routes for Dust haze to enter the classroom. Therefore, initially using simulation software, in addition to maintaining natural ventilation conditions, architectural elements reduce the amount of Dust haze penetration into the interior. The most important variables in this study are the distance between the walls and the amount of surface area. results show that increasing the distance between the two crusts results in a decrease in the wind flow velocity in this space and the Dust haze particle saturation. Slowing down will only work up to a distance of 200 cm, and then no change in wind speed will occur. Besides, the use of louvers in the inlet wind direction by directing the wind flow to the underside of the space between the two shells and reducing the level of air inlet leads to reduced wind velocity and particle saturation. Examination of the use of variable-angle louvers shows that the proper condition for creating natural ventilation conditions and reducing the penetration of indoor particles occurs when the louvers are angled relative to the 50-degree horizon.

Today, tourism is one of the most important assets of any country. Water-centric tourism is one of the most important types of tourism that has been welcomed due to its water attractions and water recreation. Three permanent rivers, Karkheh, Dez and Shavar, flow in the city of Shush in the north of Khuzestan province. It has been suggested that the city has a good opportunity for river tourism. But the presence of tourists in the natural environment also destroys it. The present study was conducted with the aim of locating river tourism sites in Shush city and by survey method. Data collection and location criteria were performed through library and field studies. Therefore, a number of questionnaires were distributed among the employees of different departments of Shush. The sites were selected through field research. Of the 19 sites introduced, only four had the capabilities. Weighing the criteria using the Shannon entropy method and the Topsis model were used to analyze the data. Finally, among the four mentioned sites, Najian territory in the western coast of Karkheh river has the best potential to build the river base center of river tourism in shush.

"n Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE AR-SA MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} Background: American pediatric Association proposes to screen all neonates with Oto-Acoustic Emission (OAE). In developing countries, because of several limitations, health policy makers recommend to screen only in high risk patients. This study is performed with the aim to screen hearing loss in 950 high risk newborns hospitalized in hospitals affiliated to Tehran University using the OAE test."n"nMethods: A total of 950 neonates hospitalized in the Neonatal and NICU wards of Vali-e-Asr, Shariati, Medical Center and Bahrami Hospitals during the years 2004-2006 who showed at least one risk factor using TEOAE hearing test were enrolled into this cross-sectional descriptive analytical study and were diagnosed with mild deafness and total deafness. Blood exchange due to hyperbillirubinemia, septicemia, congenital heart disease, the fifth minute apgar scores below six, PROM more than six hours, epilepsia, need to NICU more than five hours, pneumonia and Oto-Toxic drugs were considered as risk factors. Data was past medical history, current disease, admission cause, sign & symptoms and complications of disease."n"nResults: Multivariate logistic regression and paired t-test showed that blood exchange, low birth weight and low first minute Apgar scores had the highest independent risk for hearing loss among newborn."n"nConclusion: Despite of the low prevalence of neonatal hearing loss, screening of hearing loss at early stages is important.

Background: American pediatric Association proposes to screen all neonates with Oto-Acoustic Emission (OAE). In developing countries, because of several limitations, health policy makers recommend to screen only in high risk patients. This study is performed with the aim to screen hearing loss in 950 high risk newborns hospitalized in hospitals affiliated to Tehran University using the OAE test. Methods: A total of 950 neonates hospitalized in the Neonatal and NICU wards of Valie- Asr, Shariati, Medical Center and Bahrami Hospitals during the years 2004-2006 who showed at least one risk factor using TEOAE hearing test were enrolled into this crosssectional descriptive analytical study and were diagnosed with mild deafness and total deafness. Blood exchange due to hyperbillirubinemia, septicemia, congenital heart disease, the fifth minute apgar scores below six, PROM more than six hours, epilepsia, need to NICU more than five hours, pneumonia and Oto-Toxic drugs were considered as risk factors. Data was past medical history, current disease, admission cause, sign & symptoms and complications of disease. Results: Multivariate logistic regression and paired t-test showed that blood exchange, low birth weight and low first minute Apgar scores had the highest independent risk for hearing loss among newborn. Conclusion: Despite of the low prevalence of neonatal hearing loss, screening of hearing loss at early stages is important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Despite the fact that the proportion of youth population is very high in Iran, there is no well designed, comprehensive reproductive health program for the youth. This prompted the health planners to evaluate all the existing centers that deliver reproductive health services to the youth in the country in order to identify the weaknesses and strengths of the services and the centers. Materials and Methods: A descriptive analytic study was conducted from March 2006 to March 2007, in coordination with the Vice-chancellor for Health of Universities of Medical Sciences, through Offices for Health of the Youth and Schools (OHYS). Five health centers, namely, Tehran, Semnan, Bam, Chabahar, and Fassa Health Centers (the only centers delivering reproductive health services to the youth) were included in the study. They were assessed for structure and physical facilities, job satisfaction of the personnel, satisfaction of the youth consulting them, and the services (including consultative services) delivered. The data were gathered through questionnaires using a checklist and analyzed by the SPSS-13 software. Results: The health center personnel thought that the quality of services delivered at the centers was low. They also believed that the physical facilities, including equipment in the clinical examination room, furniture, cleanliness of the premises, and entertainment facilities, were not of an acceptable standard. About 64% of the personnel of the health centers personnel expressed job satisfaction. On the other hand, 39% of the young people consulting the centers expressed full, and 54% relative, satisfaction with the services they were receiving; the remaining 7% were not content at all. The highest rate of satisfaction was with the psychologist, physician, and midwife, so that 95% of the clients recommended the centers to other young people seeking reproductive health services. Finally, the clients said that in most of the centers paramedical personnel, including nutrition officers (50%) and midwives with a Master's degree (17.5%), were insufficient. Conclusion: It is suggested that a comprehensive service package be developed to be used in all the health centers, rather than each center deliver services based on the existing facilities and individual preferences. Such a package should be based on the national reproductive health programs (according to the medical education curricula). Intersectoral collaboration (particularly from the Ministry of Education and cultural organizations) is also very essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]