Search

Electric arc furnace (EAF) is one of the most disturbing loads in the power system as it is highly time‐varying and nonlinear. In this paper, new models based on the instantaneous EAF voltage and current, recorded from EAFs in Mobarakeh steel company in Isfahan/Iran are proposed. The focus of this paper is on developing efficient models based on the Schwarz model where three modified types are proposed. The original Schwarz model has four constant parameters. Unlike the original Schwarz model which uses invariant parameters, the time‐varying nature of the arc's parameters is considered in the proposed models. The first modified model has two constant model orders and two time‐varying coefficients. Additionally, to further enhance the model's accuracy, in the second modified model, six parameters include three constant model orders, and three time‐varying coefficients exist. The third model uses all the original model's parameters as time‐series parameters. The parameters of the time‐varying model are derived using autoregressive moving average (ARMA) models. The accuracy of the proposed model is evaluated by calculating the active power, harmonics, instantaneous flicker, and short‐term flicker. Finally, three MATLAB codes are provided to generate the model parameters time series. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rabies is a prevalent endemic and zoonotic fatal disease, which is normally transmitted to humans by contact (scratches and bites) from infected animals. The present paper deals with the first documented evidence of rabies in the stone marten (Martes foina). Rabies symptoms were observed in a marten in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province. The animal with a strange demeanour approached people without fear, which was died after some while. Samples were taken from its brain (cerebellum, hippocampus, and hypothalamus), shortly after death. In this report, laboratory evidence of rabies by fluorescent antibody (FAT) was proved. The present work is valuable because of the environmental importance of the stone marten. Hence, sensitive surveillance and advanced reporting systems should be regularly monitored on suspected cases of rabies in animals and humans to control and prevent this deadly disease. This involves exposure history, clinical examinations, symptoms and experimental results. Rabies can be controlled by fast diagnostic tests and vaccination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Physiological changes during pregnancy make mothers susceptible to periodontal diseases, in particular gingivitis, which could be prevented by good oral hygiene. Therefore, their knowledge and attitude could affect their oral hygiene and general health. This study therefore aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding oral hygiene, of pregnant women living in a city in Iran. Material and Methods: It was a cross‐sectional study that was performed in Urmia City in 2019. After completing an informed consent form, pregnant women completed a specially designed questionnaire, which included questions on demographic characteristics and assessed participants' knowledge and attitude about oral health care during pregnancy. A clinical examination of each participant's oral cavity was performed and dental plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and number of decayed, missed, filled teeth (DMFT) index were recorded. Any correlations between participants' knowledge and attitude and oral health indices were evaluated. A paired t test and Pearson's correlation coefficient were employed for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 96 pregnant women (mean age of 29.11 ± 6.80 years) participated in this study. Among them, 67 had a moderate level of knowledge. There was no significant correlation between participants' knowledge, and attitude levels and educational level (p =.88 and p =.43, respectively). Also, there was no correlation between knowledge and attitude levels and GI, PI, and DMFT (p >.05). Conclusions: This study showed that the knowledge and attitude of the pregnant women who participated were not favorable and their oral hygiene needed to be improved. "WHY THIS PAPER IS IMPORTANT" / "WHAT S KNOWN" / "WHAT S NEW": The pregnant women are susceptible to some oral diseases.Poor oral hygiene during pregnancy can affect the systemic health of mother and her fetus.Proper oral hygiene was not observed among pregnant participants.Knowledge and attitude of the pregnant women were not satisfactory and performance of oral health care needed to be improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green Infrastructures as Best Management Practice (GI‐BMP) play important role in preserving cities from urban flood and excessive runoff. In the process of using GI‐BMP in cities for stormwater management, a number of steps are taken that normally include selection of suitable sites, formulating proper combination of infrastructures, and optimization of the place and design of GI‐BMPs to maximize their cost‐effectiveness. This paper presents a site‐scale GI‐BMP implementation in Tehran West Bus Terminal (TWBT), Iran. To achieve this goal, this study applies a three steps framework namely GI‐BMP suitability analysis, GI‐BMP combination planning, and GI‐BMP optimization. In the first step, using the BMP Siting Tool, the suitable places for allocating GI practices were identified. In the next step, suitable GI‐BMP practices, including permeable pavements, bioretention basin, infiltration trench, and rain barrel were planned and arranged for each subwatersheds of the study area. In the third step, with the use of System for Urban Stormwater Treatment and Analysis Integration (SUSTAIN) model and NSGA‐II algorithm, the sizes of the planned GI‐BMP types were optimized for each subwatershed. The results indicate that runoff problem caused by surface runoff in the study area was serious and needed to be controlled. The results also revealed that there were 104 near‐optimal solutions that help reduce runoff volume by up to 70%. According to the results, applying GI‐BMPs in TWBT will reduce 60% of flow volume in the site with the price of 353,568$. This research is of practical importance for stormwater management using nature‐based solutions in bus terminals. Recommendation For Resource Managers: Considering suitable places, selecting proper combination, and optimizing GI‐BMP location and design will result in an efficient green infrastructure planning in the context of cities.BMP Siting Tool and SUSTAIN model applied in this research provided a framework for planning and optimization of GI‐BMP in TWBT.This study suggested 104 near‐optimal solutions for GI‐BMP planning for TWBT reducing the cost of GI construction and reduce runoff volume.The proposed solutions for GI‐BMP development in TWBT may reduce up to 60% of annual volume of runoff with the cost of 353,568$. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: The study aimed to collect and compare clinical and laboratory findings of children with severe and nonsevere COVID‐19 in Kermanshah City, located in the west of Iran. Methods: The study was conducted on 500 children with COVID‐19 hospitalized in Mohammad‐Kermanshahi Hospital in Kermanshah City. Pediatric COVID‐19 was confirmed by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) test using respiratory secretion samples. Medical records were reviewed and information related to demographic characteristics, underlying diseases, clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, and chest computed tomography (CT) scans were all extracted from electronic and paper records. Patients were divided into three groups according to the severity of the disease: mild, moderate, and severe. Clinical and laboratory findings were compared between the groups and the collected data were analyzed by statistical methods. Results: Out of 500 patients, 286 were boys and 214 were girls. Of the patients, 321 cases were only COVID‐19, while 179 patients were diagnosed as Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS‐C) positive. The average age of COVID‐19 patients was 3.85 ± 4.48 and of MIS‐C patients was 3.1 ± 3.5. In order, fever, cough, and heart disorders were the most common symptoms in patients with COVID‐19 and MIS‐C, respectively. In terms of disease severity, 246 patients had mild disease, 19 patients had moderate disease, and 56 patients had severe disease. In severe patients, the average number of white blood cells (WBC) was higher, while the average number of lymphocytes was lower. Also, in these patients, the average age was lower, and most of them had respiratory distress. In mild patients, often cough, diarrhea, and vomiting were observed. Conclusion: The results of our study showed that laboratory factors such as WBC count, lymphocyte count, CT findings, Respiratory distress, cough, diarrhea, and vomiting can be used to evaluate the severity of COVID‐19 in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the mining of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin has attracted much global attention due to the simplicity and high profitability of this business, especially in countries with low electricity rates. The process of cryptocurrency mining using cryptocurrency mining devices requires a significant amount of computing power. This industry, which is increasingly growing in energy and carbon emissions, can cause environmental concerns. Common ways to reduce this amount of energy consumption are to prohibit mining and charge these loads at a higher electricity rate; however, these solution methods are not feasible and applicable in many countries. This paper presents an energy efficiency program to persuade the customers to mine cryptocurrency using high‐efficient cryptocurrency mining devices (CMDs), including informative, regulation, and financial policy instruments. This energy efficiency approach suggests a standard, if implemented, would ban the application of inefficient CMDs, and would encourage the cryptocurrency miners to improve the profitability of their business with high‐efficient CMDs through a penalty‐reward strategy. The performance of this energy efficiency program is studied through an analysis of data gathered from different CMDs used in Iran. The effectiveness of this suggested program is proved through its sufficient incentives for miners using high‐efficient CMDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The probabilistic prediction of monthly precipitation events, specifically more‐than‐normal (MN), normal (N), and less‐than‐normal (LN) events, holds significant importance in the field of water resource management. In this paper, we employ the Bayesian Joint Probability (BJP) modeling approach to generate monthly probabilistic forecasts for LN, N, and MN events in Northwest Iran. To model the joint distribution of observed precipitation and model precipitation, we propose the utilization of a log‐sinh transformed multivariate normal distribution. The prior distribution for the parameters of this multivariate normal distribution is established as the normal‐inverse‐Wishart, which is known to be the conjugate of the multivariate normal distribution. Bayesian inference of model parameters and associated uncertainties is conducted using STAN Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling. The methodology is applied to the outputs of four North American Multi‐Model Ensemble (NMME) models, namely CanCM4i, CCSM4, NEMO, and NASA, spanning the period from 1982 to 2017 for a 4‐month forecast horizon. The accuracy of predictions is assessed through various statistical measures and graphical methods using a 12‐fold cross‐validation strategy. The results demonstrate that (a) BJP probabilistic predictions of precipitation consistently outperform raw predictions across all models, months, lead times. (b) The BJP‐NASA model exhibits superior discrimination and reliability compared to other models. (c) May and November show the least amount of discrimination. This observation may be attributed to the fact that these months serve as transitional periods in Iran. (d) Fall forecasts are the most reliable, while summer forecasts are the least reliable. Key Points: Bayesian joint probability (BJP) probabilistic predictions of precipitation have more Ranked Probability Skill Score (RPSS) than raw predictions for all models, months, and lead times, and generally outperform the raw predictionsThe BJP‐NASA models have better discrimination and higher reliability compared to othersSpring and fall have lower discrimination compared to summer and winter. On the other hand, summer is less reliable, and the fall is the most [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the impact of residential photovoltaic (PV) battery systems in a real test system with the goal of system peak load shaving. In order to encourage residential investors, a levelised feed‐in tariff (LFiT) scheme is introduced. Accordingly, two proposed cases and relevant suggestions are presented to reach a better performance. The profitability of the project is apprised via several economic criteria such as net present value, simple and discount payback period years (PBY and DPBY), internal rate of return (IRR), benefit to cost ratio, net cash flow, and levelised cost of energy. Moreover, different levels of peak shaving subject to customers' participation and the size of the PV‐battery system are also obtained. An actual test system regarding 1‐year recorded data is employed to elevate the precision of results. Obtained results demonstrate that in the current situation in Iran, the PBY is about 5.83 years and the IRR is about 0.43. Meanwhile, the ratio of the LFiT should be about 3.5 to reach the same result as the current circumstances. Finally, a sensitivity analysis on systems' parameters is performed to identify the impact of these parameters on economic indices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, supporting schemes have been legislated by several governments to encourage private investors in installing renewable energy resources (RER). In such cases, the supportive policies are mainly enacted based on the either investor or distribution companies' standpoint. In this paper, a distribution network expansion planning (DNEP) framework with the cooperation of residential private investors (RPI) is proposed. Due to the presence of a couple of main participants, the proposed framework is arranged in a bi‐level framework, where the RPI participation is optimized at the upper level, and the system structure is determined at the lower level. In order to assess the profitability of the project from the investors' attitude, payback period years (PBY) is utilized. Meanwhile, due to the presence of uncertainty resources, fuzzy clustering method (FCM) is developed to catch the intermittency of the problem. The proposed framework is implemented on a real 81 bus distribution test system in Iran. Moreover, the existing scheme in Iran and also a modified plan are investigated to make cost‐effective decisions. Finally, sensitivity analysis is performed to reach a more beneficial result. Obtained results demonstrated how distribution companies can utilize the potential of residential customers in long‐term planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an online protective scheme of estimating critical inter‐area angle for controlling the inter‐area oscillations based on evaluating the rate of changes of rotor angle oscillations as an adaptive tripping index (ATI)‐based protective zone. For this purpose, by using wide area measuring system technology, oscillatory signals Δδ and Δω are measured which based on correlation coefficients criteria, coherent groups are identified which based on evaluating oscillating areas, inter‐area signals ΔδCOI‐AB and ΔωCOI‐AB are provided. In the case of evaluating an inter‐area oscillation, the proposed ATI scheme is activated which the first zero crossing point (ZCP0) of δCOI‐AB is determined as the critical criteria for estimating unstable situation. The proposed ATI approach consists of two adaptive protective zones ATI1 and ATI2 to estimate inter‐area oscillatory and inter‐area transient instabilities, respectively. The proposed ATI is an online and non‐model‐based scheme which evaluates the system dynamic stability through two straight and sinusoidal‐based adaptive zones. The effectiveness of the proposed ATI approach is evaluated on three different test systems IEEE 39‐bus, modified IEEE 39‐bus with converter‐based low inertia sources and a practical Iran nation power grid with presenting positive effects of damping inter‐area oscillations through different operational and topological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a survey of geological attributes on the lateritic‐bauxitic deposits to examine their provenance, palaeogeography, and palaeoclimate condition in the Permian–Triassic boundary of Alborz Mountain, north Iran. The mineralogical analysis revealed that haematite, quartz, goethite, kaolinite, diaspore, boehmite, and anatase are the major rock‐forming minerals in these deposits. The major oxide composition of samples detected that enrichment of Al2O3 (up to 31.5%) and Fe2O3 (up to 37.9%) led to the formation of laterite, kaolinitic laterite, and bauxitic kaolinite. The distribution of trace and rare elements provides information about the enrichment of deposits concerning immobile elements. Employing geochemical proxies such as Al2O3/TiO2, bivariate diagrams of Eu/Eu* versus Sm/Nd and TiO2/Al2O3, enrichment of samples relative to heavy rare earth elements, and positive Eu anomaly revealed that the deposits originated from intermediate to mafic rocks. Several factors are inferred to be responsible for the transformation of parent rock(s) into lateritic‐bauxitic deposits: The high values of CIA, CIW, and PIA (mostly above 80) and increase of kaolinite point to deep to moderate parent rock(s) weathering, which is consistent with warming and humidity around the Permian–Triassic boundary. In continuation, transportation and trapping of weathered materials above the karstified carbonate bedrock of the Ruteh Formation and environmental interactions induced the formation of new minerals in a transitional environment near the vadose zone. The deposits have a generic correspondence with Palaeotethys Oceanic crustal subduction due to tectonic uplift, exhumation of bedrock, and regional sea‐level fall at the end of Palaeozoic that offered an opportunity for lateritization process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study relies on a unique synthesis of ambidexterity theory and the natural resource orchestration approach to investigate how green intellectual capital elements, namely green human, structural, and relational capital, along with ambidextrous green innovation, trigger a synergy in favor of environmental performance. In particular, this paper primarily aims to test the mediating role of ambidextrous green innovation in the relationship between green intellectual capital and environmental performance. Based on a survey of 105 Iranian public listed companies, the results indicate that green intellectual capital elements are not directly associated with environmental performance. Instead, they influence environmental performance only through the channel of ambidextrous green innovation as a mediating variable. This is the first study to simultaneously embed the resource orchestration theory in the green intellectual capital and ambidexterity literature. The findings of the current study offer new insights into the issue of how organizations gain maximum benefit from the orchestration of their various green assets and capabilities, including green intellectual capital and ambidextrous green innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iran is one of the most potent energy exporters and fastest‐growing energy consumers in the world. Its large amount of energy exported can directly impact the economy of importer countries. Iran's energy matrix mostly consists of hydrocarbons, while the remaining portion is compounded by a blend of biofuels, hydropower, wind, solar, and other renewable sources. Even though the country has an excellent potential to reach a large amount of renewable power, it is most likely that Iran will deal with a shortage in its electricity segment during the upcoming years. Besides wind and solar energy, bioenergy appears to be a good alternative for enhancing the country's energy matrix and transit Iran's energy consumption pattern from a high‐level usage of hydrocarbons to a more renewable scenario. Therefore, in the present paper, the role of Iran in global energy production is discussed, and its potential for renewable energy generation is described. The review presents a vast set of data related to environmental, infrastructural, economic, and social aspects to clarify the potential and benefits of Iran's transition to a more renewable energy matrix. The investigations revealed the country's extremely favourable conditions to use bioenergy resources as a key solution to avoiding future energy crises, besides improving quality of life. The context can help researchers, power suppliers, and energy consumers know how renewable energies, especially bioenergy, can modify the energy matrix of a country rich in hydrocarbon resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Off‐grid renewable energy systems are a solution for power generation in areas where access to the grid is not possible or cost‐effective; in particular, low population rural areas located far away from grid lines or in rugged terrains. Furthermore, over‐reliance on fossil fuels for supplying global energy demand has led to the depletion of nonrenewable resources and environmental issues. This paper presents a feasibility assessment of an off‐grid hybrid renewable energy system for a remote rural area in Kohgiluye and Boyer‐Ahmad Province in Iran. Regarding the available energy resources in the region, a photovoltaic (PV)‐biomass energy system is considered. HOMER Pro software is utilized to find the optimized sizing of the PV‐biomass system to fulfill this load demand. The objective function in this optimization is the system's total net present cost. Due to the rapid fluctuation of economic factors in the country, several rates of inflation and discount rate are considered to investigate their influence on the costs of the system. The optimization result for the current inflation rate of 40% and the discount rate of 18% in the country proposes a hybrid energy system consisting of a 3 kW biogas‐fueled generator, 4.74 kW PV, 10 kWh battery, and 2.07 kW converter to meet the 2.64 kW peak load and 14.53 kWh/day consumption of the community. The total net present cost and cost of energy are $93,057 and 0.0933 $/kWh, respectively. Finally, the environmental assessment of the proposed hybrid system shows an annual CO2 emission of 2.95 kg, which means 99.9% CO2 emissions mitigation compared to a conventional coal‐based electrical plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel method for the development of an optimal water supply plan showcased using data from the Gamasiab basin, located in Kermanshah province, Iran, concerning new dams that are being constructed in this semi‐arid region. In this paper, a new group multi‐criteria decision‐making (MCDM) plan is proposed by combining two MCDM methods based on the fuzzy Delphi and fuzzy ELECTRE III methods that convert the experts' opinions to triangular fuzzy numbers based on the level of uncertainty associated with various quantitative and qualitative criteria. Considering the opinions of four non‐stakeholder experts and data analysis using the fuzzy Delphi method, the criteria were evaluated. Then, by analysing the results using the fuzzy ELECTRE III method, the final ranking of scenarios is obtained. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the effect of uncertainty on the performance of the decision‐making system in scenarios ranking. The total expense, flood control, reservoir capacity and diversion and water transfer played a significant role in selecting the optimal scenario. Additionally, a hydrologic model was developed to evaluate the performance of the optimal scenario in terms of qualitative criteria. The data indicated that there was a good agreement between the results obtained from the hydrological model and the scenario ranking by the employed method. Altogether, a comparison of the proposed method with other MCDM methods, including fuzzy analytic hierarchy process and fuzzy technique for order preference by simulation of ideal solution, indicated that the results of the employed method matched more closely to the local experts' opinion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water and water management are no longer related to environmental studies. There is a very strong link between water and a state's security, as well as its survival and development. A decline in water availability may lead to a collapse or even the extinction of a whole civilization. Sometimes referred to as a "water‐bankrupt" state, Iran is a case that underlines the close relation between water and security, from the perspective of survival and opportunities for development. Without a doubt, the Islamic Republic of Iran is among those countries that are the most affected by climate change and low water levels. The main goal of this paper is to analyze challenges related to water in Iran, including the political, security, economic, and social dimensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the real world, there are complex decision‐making problems in which a variety of intertwined factors and hierarchical structures exist, and it is difficult or impossible to solve these problems using classical methods. The prioritization of circular economy (CE) adoption barriers is one such complex problem that cannot be solved using current classical methods. Hence, in this paper, for the first time, a new method, namely, FBWDS, is developed. FBWDS derives from the combination of fuzzy best–worst method (BWM), fuzzy decision‐making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL), and Supermatrix structure. This proposed method establishes weights of the intertwined factors in hierarchical networks under uncertainty; these weighted factors and their interdependencies are calculated using the fuzzy BWM and fuzzy DEMATEL techniques, respectively. In addition, the Supermatrix structure is applied to integrate the results of these two techniques. The proposed approach efficiency is evaluated in the field of the CE adoption barriers using data from a cable and wire industry in Iran. The results showed that "high setup costs," "financial limitations," and "absence of public awareness about CE" rank as the most challenging barriers, and "lack of standards for designing recycled products" and "absence of standard system to evaluate performance" are the least important barriers to CE adoption in the cable and wire industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper draws on the newly developed notion of "natural resource orchestration" to propose and test a framework that shows how the use of environmental performance measurement systems mobilizes green intellectual capital to influence organizational performance. More precisely, this study examines to what extent companies place emphasis on the use of environmental performance measurement to translate green intellectual capital into enhanced organizational performance in terms of both economic and environmental performance. Based on a survey of 105 Iranian public listed companies, the results show that two elements of green intellectual capital, namely, green human capital and green structural capital are positively associated with both environmental performance measurement use and environmental performance. In contrast, green relational capital affects environmental performance only in the presence of environmental performance measurement as a mediating variable. By embedding the resource orchestration theory in the management accounting and intellectual capital settings, this study contributes to the existing literature and sheds light on the issue of how companies need to synchronize their green resources with proper organizational control systems to reap the maximum benefits of those green strategic resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neurofibromatosis type I (NF1) is a rare genetic disorder, associated with some physical symptoms including spots and tiny bumps on the skin, and internal organ involvement. People suffering from neurofibromatosis face various challenges in their daily lives. However, there is little understanding on how patients deal with neurofibromatosis. This study aimed to investigate the life challenges of patients with NF1. Methods: This qualitative study was performed by implementing a grounded theory with the cooperation of the Society for Neurofibromatosis Patients over the course of 15 months in 2019 across 4 provinces in Iran. Twenty‐four patients with NF1 were interviewed. An analysis was performed using the constant comparative method. Findings: The results of the analyses indicated that the major concern of the NF1 patients was feelings of failure and falling behind in life. In the face of failure in life in such a context, patients used the main strategy of "unsuccessful struggle to escape" the disease and its complications, which was represented itself in the forms of 'hopelessness and impatience', 'suicidal thoughts and unsuccessful suicide attempts', 'isolation and seclusion', 'expressing complaints and grievances to God', 'hiding the disease' and 'hopelessness and refusing to receive care'. The implementation of such strategies helped patients reduce tension and achieve a temporary, though vulnerable and fragile, sense of relief and peace. Conclusion: Given an unfavourable life condition, NF1 patients turned to a harmful passive strategy in the face of the challenges posed by the disease. Patient or Public Contribution: Public contributors were active partners throughout, and co‐authored the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: To reduce mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID‐19 and cardiovascular disease (CVD), it is necessary to understand the relationship between patient's symptoms, risk factors, and comorbidities with their mortality rate. To the best of our knowledge, this paper is the first which take into account the determinants like risk factors, symptoms, and comorbidities leading to mortality in CVD patients who are hospitalized with COVID‐19. Methods: This study was conducted on 660 hospitalized patients with CVD and COVID‐19 recruited between January 2020 and January 2021 in Iran. All patients were diagnosed with the previous history of CVD like angina, myocardial infarction, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, abnormal heart rhythms, and congenital heart disease before they were hospitalized for COVID‐19. We collected data on patient's signs and symptoms, clinical and paraclinical examinations, and any underlying comorbidities. t test was used to determine the significant difference between the two deceased and alive groups. In addition, the relation between pairs of symptoms and pairs of comorbidities has been determined via correlation computation. Results: Our findings suggest that signs and symptoms such as fever, cough, myalgia, chest pain, chills, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and anorexia had no impact on patients' mortality. There was a significant correlation between COVID‐19 cardiovascular patients' mortality rate and symptoms such as headache, loss of consciousness (LOC), oxygen saturation less than 93%, and need for mechanical ventilation. Conclusions: Our results might help physicians identify early symptoms, comorbidities, and risk factors related to mortality in CVD patients hospitalized for COVID‐19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geochemical data for 435 samples of the Pliocene to Quaternary (P–Q) volcanic rocks from Iran, distributed mostly along a NW–SE trending belt, were compiled from 28 papers (12 written in Persian). Until now, the rock nomenclature employed has been inconsistent with the recommendations of the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS). Moreover, older bivariate and ternary tectonic discrimination diagrams and only traditional qualitative approaches using Nb and Ta anomalies, have been used to understand the origin and evolution of the P–Q magmas. The P–Q magma and rock types were classified by strictly following the IUGS recommendations. Two geochemometric multidimensional models based on 10 and 16 elements, along with two decision procedures, capable of discriminating 29 fine tectonic settings, were used to document the existence of six tectonic settings in Iran during the P–Q. The rare earth elements indicated that the evolved intermediate and silicic rocks had a significant crustal component in their origin. The quantification of Nb and Ta anomalies in multielement diagrams was used to support the tectonic inferences from the multidimensional geochemometric models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The environmental taxes, such as carbon tax, also affect other economic variables in a different way in addition to the main goal of politicians. The carbon tax aims to reduce energy consumption and pollutant emissions, while it can also reduce labor tax and labor costs which are incentives to create new jobs. It is necessary to evaluate the carbon taxation policy in Iran due to the special circumstances of the budget deficit mainly caused by the decline of exports and oil revenues. The present study is based on a general equilibrium model in the form of a nonlinear equations system. The model has been calibrated for the 2017 reference year using the data table adopted from Iran's economy. It has been shown that if the carbon tax revenue is employed to decrease the labor income tax, the environmental quality will be improved by reducing pollutant emissions on the one hand, and it will lead to positive effects on the welfare and employment on the other hand. In the present paper, the effect of applying this tax on two policies with redistribution (compensation) and without redistribution (no compensation) of income tax among the households is examined. Maximum, minimum, and optimal values of pollutant emissions reduction under the influence of carbon tax policies were calculated in both scenarios. The simulation results show that the taxation without redistribution of tax revenues decreases the welfare and household's actual consumed budget by 6.2%, but in policy with compensation of tax revenue, these indices will increase by 0.8%. The gross domestic product (GDP) decreases by about 1.7% and 2.1% in both policies, respectively, while the consumer price index (CPI) in both scenarios will increase by about 6.4% and 8%, respectively. According to this research findings, carbon taxation with the redistribution of revenue is a suitable policy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adhere to international commitments at the same time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current paper introduces an innovative multicriteria wind potential assessment study using fuzzy logic in decision making. Regarding the diverse conditions and lack of comprehensive studies, Iran was selected as a case study, and by applying the proposed framework, all the 559 synoptic meteorological stations in the country were studied. Fourteen technical, eco‐environmental, and social indicators were defined for the assessment. Each of the indicator's effectiveness was determined using related literature and interviews with local experts. Finally, using fuzzy logic in decision making, all the selected sites and the provinces were scored and ranked. Moreover, the priority maps of Iran provinces considering social and eco‐environmental aspects were provided. The selected sites' final standing for the development of offshore and onshore wind power plant was also determined. The results indicate that taking just the technical conditions into account can result in misleading conclusions and social and eco‐environmental criteria must also be considered for potential assessment studies. Moreover, it was shown that equal supportive policies for wind development throughout the country would mitigate their efficiency. Therefore, the energy strategies should be codified, considering local circumstances to organize investment resources, leading to higher legislation efficiencies and faster development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HLA‐G allele frequencies were studied in Yucatán (Mexico) Maya Amerindians by a direct exon DNA sequencing technique. It is described that Mayas are probably one of the first populations together with Olmecs that populated Meso America and that important HLA genetic differences between Mexican and Guatemalan Mayas support that Maya languages were imposed to several neighbouring Amerindian groups. HLA‐G*01:01:02, HLA‐G*01:01:01 and HLA‐G*01:04:01 are the most frequent alleles in this population. It is remarkable that HLA‐G*01:05N allele was not found in the population in accordance with similar results found in another Amerindians. Also, protein allele HLA‐G*01:04 frequency is found not to differ to those found in another far or close living Amerindians in contrast to other World populations. It seems that while high HLA‐G*01:05N frequency is found in Iran and Middle East populations, probably where this allele appeared within an ancestral HLA‐A*19 group of alleles haplotype and it is maintained by unknown evolutionary forces, Amerindians do not have a high frequency because a founder effect or because required natural evolutionary forces do not exist in America. Finally, we believe useful to study HLA‐G evolution for its physiopathology understanding in addition to the many papers on statistics on HLA‐G and in vitro models that are yearly published. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving network power quality through harmonic reduction requires recognition of Harmonic Sources (HSs) to drive them to compensate their harmonics. This paper proposes a new method for equitable distribution of the Harmonic Compensation Cost of the network among the HSs based on the Harmonic Contribution Matrix. Each element of the Harmonic Contribution Matrix is the harmonic contribution of a specific source to the harmonic voltage of a specific bus. The output of the proposed method is a penalty curve for each HS over time. The amount of the fine estimated for each individual HS per hour is a function of not only the contribution of that HS to the harmonic voltage of different buses, but also the contribution of the Harmonic Compensation Cost from the perspective of each bus, nominal voltage of each bus, and the sensitivity of each bus to the harmonic voltage. The proposed algorithm is evaluated on the IEEE 14‐bus network and Esfahan regional electrical power network in Iran. The simulation results demonstrate the capability of the proposed method to allocate the hourly penalty curve to the HSs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses the influence of food safety standards related to aflatoxin contamination on the pistachio trade of the world's two leading pistachio producers (the United States and Iran) during the period 1996–2014. Using diverse econometric procedures, the estimation of extended gravity models shows that both countries benefit from stricter food safety standards imposed by importing countries. The results also show that US exports are not negatively affected by the distance from the importer (higher differentiation), while the impact of distance on the Iranian pistachio trade is negative. The results reveal that stricter food safety requirements are positive for both producing countries, regardless of their level of economic development, resulting in a "win–win" scenario. However, the findings also confirm that other variables, such as distance, the role of producers' associations and quality perception, should be considered. [EconLit citations: F10, F63, I18, Q17]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main approach to probabilistic weather forecasting has been the use of ensemble forecasting. In ensemble forecasting, the probability information is generally derived by using several numerical model runs, with perturbation of the initial conditions, physical schemes or dynamic core of the numerical weather prediction (NWP) models. However, ensemble forecasting usually tends to be under-dispersive. Statistical post-processing has, therefore, become an essential component of any ensemble prediction system aiming to improve the quality of numerical weather forecasts as they seek to generate calibrated and sharp predictive distributions of future weather quantities. Different versions of the ensemble model output statistics (EMOS) and the Bayesian model averaging (BMA) post-processing methods are used in the present paper to calibrate 24, 48 and 72 hr forecasts of 24 hr accumulative precipitation. The ensemble employs the weather and research forecasting (WRF) model with eight different configurations which were run over Iran for six months (September 2015-February 2016). The results reveal that the BMA and EMOScensored, shifted gamma (CSG) techniques are substantially successful at improving the raw WRF ensemble forecasts; however, each approach improves different aspects of the forecast quality. The BMA method is more accurate, skilful and reliable than the EMOS-CSG method, but has poorer discrimination. Moreover, it has better resolution in predicting the probability of highprecipitation events than the EMOS-CSG method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many efforts have been made to increase the utilization of renewable energy resources (RESs) in Iran. This paper aimed to evaluate the techno‐economic performance of an introduced hybrid microgrid (HMG) in eight climate zones of Iran. Therefore, ten cities are selected from the eight climate conditions of Iran. An electricity pricing strategy is also implemented according to the electricity tariffs defined by the Ministry of Energy (MOE) of Iran. The proposed electricity pricing strategy is applied to the HOMER software for investigating the optimal system configuration, RES electricity generation, and the economics of each understudy city. Optimization results indicate that Urmia (in moderate and rainy climate zone) has the least net present cost (NPC) (−5839$) and levelized cost of energy (COE) (−0.0122 $/kWh), whereas Golestan (in semimoderate and rainy climate zone) has the highest NPC (4520 $) and COE (0.012 $/kWh). It is shown that the combination of photovoltaic (PV)/wind turbine (WT)/converter in the grid‐connected operation mode is the most economical configuration. Moreover, the cities with higher potentials of wind speed and solar irradiance have lower NPC and COE. It is concluded that the utilization of the battery energy storage (BES) is technically and economically infeasible for all eight climate zones, even if the stored electricity is sold to the grid. Two sensitivity analyses are conducted to the electricity feed‐in‐tariff (FiT) and solar module price, respectively. The first sensitivity analysis indicates that by increasing FiT, more contribution of RESs is seen, which leads to lower COE and NPC. Furthermore, the two cities of Urmia and Yazd have the highest NPC and COE reductions. The second sensitivity analysis studies the module price impacts on the NPC and COE of each understudy city. It is revealed that the PV module price has a considerable effect on NPC and COE. However, this effect is more significant in some cities such as Bam, where a linear relationship is seen between the module price and economic results (NPC and COE). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the efficient amounts of radiation received by a flat‐plate collector and top heat loss coefficient along with affecting parameters are investigated using measured data in different climates of Iran. Coded program in MATLAB software is then distributed to calculate the optimum tilt angle for extracting the highest solar radiation in different months of the year for five cities of Iran with different geographic latitudes. An optimal annual slope is obtained for maximum utilization and for conditions where the collector can only be adjusted at an angle during the year. Using an interpolation, an equation has been derived for obtaining the optimal tilt angle of collector for areas with latitude between 27° and 37°. Inasmuch as the top heat loss coefficient is required for evaluating the thermal performance of solar collectors, the value for different temperatures is obtained at ambient temperature up to 200°C for the absorber plate. Effects of key parameters such as collector slope, number of covers, wind speed, emittance coefficient of adsorption plate, and cover spacing on top heat loss coefficient are investigated. In the end, the particle swarm optimization (PSO) method is employed to minimize the top heat loss coefficient. The minimum amount of top heat loss coefficient is obtained with the amount of 0.99 W/m2K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to the lack of lysimetric data in many regions, the standard Penman–Monteith equation‐adopted by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO56‐PM model) is usually used to calculate the reference evapotranspiration (ETo). However, as this model needs many meteorological parameters that cannot be easily obtained in many regions, other simple models along with the soft computing models are used to obtain ETo values. The paper presents a comprehensive comparison of 12 soft computing models: gene expression programming (GEP), neuro‐fuzzy with grid partitioning (NF‐GP), neuro‐fuzzy with sub‐clustering (NF‐SC), multivariate adaptive regression spline (MARS), boosted regression tree (BT), random forest (RF), model tree (MT), support vector machine (SVM), SVM‐firefly algorithm (SVM‐FA), extreme learning machine (ELM), neural network‐particle swarm optimization (NN‐PSO) and neural network‐differential evolution (NN‐DE), to estimate daily ETo values in humid regions. Therefore, daily meteorological data from two weather stations (during a 12 year period) were used to assess the models. The obtained results revealed that very good efficiency was obtained from all the applied methods. The temperature‐based SVM‐FA (root mean square error (RMSE) = 0.324 mm, Nash–Sutcliffe co‐efficient (NS) = 0.960) and NF‐GP (RMSE = 0.272 mm, NS = 0.974) models generally provided the best accuracy when estimating the ETo of Sari and Bablosar, two humid stations in northern Iran, respectively. The accuracy ranks of the other models (from best to worst) were found to be: NN‐PSO, NF‐SC, ELM, NN‐DE, MARS, GEP, RF, SVM, BT and MT. Among the radiation‐based models, the NF‐GP provided the best accuracy at estimating the ETo of both stations. The other models were ranked as: ELM, SVM‐FA, NN‐DE, NN‐PSO, MARS, RF, BT, NF‐SC, SVM and MT, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigate host granodiorites and associated mafic microgranular enclaves (MMEs), including gabbroic to quartz diorite enclaves from the Middle Eocene Gheshlagh–Aftabrow granitoid, to assess magma mixing and crust–mantle interaction in the Urumieh–Dokhtar magmatic arc. The host granodiorites yield zircon U–Pb ages of ca. 40 Ma. Geochemical and bulk rock Nd–Sr isotopic modelling, together with the widespread occurrence of mafic microgranular enclaves with ellipsoidal and spherical shapes and chilled margins, K‐feldspar and plagioclase megacrysts in the enclaves, and the presence of acicular apatite, ocellar quartz, plagioclase with oscillatory zoning and resorption surfaces, suggests that the mafic microgranular enclaves are globules of a more mafic magma derived from the mantle that was injected into and mixed/mingled with the magma derived from partial melting of a lower crust. Geochemically, the granitoid rocks are high‐K calc‐alkaline and metaluminous (A/CNK = 0.87–0.92) and belong to I‐type suite. These granitoid host rocks have much higher SiO2 (65.4–67.3 wt%) and relatively low Fe2O3 (1.8–2.1 wt%) and MgO (1–1.58 wt%), so compared with the host rocks, the mafic microgranular enclaves have much lower SiO2 contents (50.5–55 wt%), considerably higher Fe2O3 (3.4–4.2 wt%) and MgO (3.9–4.8 wt%). Both the host intrusion and enclaves are enriched in LREE relative to HREEs (LREE/HREE = 3.1–4.1; (La/Yb)N = 2.1–4.1) and show slightly negative Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.75–0.90) and nearly flat HREE patterns ((Gd/Yb)N = 0.86–1.26). Analyses of Sr–Nd isotopes in the host granodiorites and associated enclaves show (87Sr/86Sr)i host = 0.705070–0.705174, εNd(t) host = 0.21–2.31, TDM1 host = 782–983 Ma, (87Sr/86Sr)i enclave = 0.704997–0.705170, εNd(t) enclave = 2.15–2.17, and TDM1 enclave = 874–980 Ma, indicating of juvenile nature for these granites. This characteristic together with similar trace‐element compositions indicates intense magma mixing and a high degree of geochemical equilibration between the host granodiorites and their enclaves. A binary mixing model based on Sr–Nd isotopic compositions of the GAG indicates that rocks were mostly generated by mixing of 7–12% melts produced by partial melting of meta‐igneous old lower crust rocks with 88–93% contribution of mantle‐derived juvenile basaltic magmas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) has the second highest cancer mortality rate in Australia. The Australian National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) aims to increase early detection of CRC by offering free Faecal Occult Blood Testing (FOBT), although uptake is low for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) groups. Aim of paper: To present data on trust and mistrust in the NBCSP by population groups with low uptake and thus to highlight areas in need of policy change. Methods: A qualitative study was undertaken in South Australia, involving interviews with 94 people from four CALD groups: Greek, Iranian, Anglo‐Australian, and Indigenous peoples. Results: Our study highlights the complexities of institutional trust, which involves considerations of trust at interpersonal, local and national levels. In addition, trust and mistrust was found in more abstract systems such as the medical knowledge of doctors to diagnose or treat cancer or the scientific procedures in laboratories to test the FOBTs. The object of institutional (mis)trust differed between cultural groups – Anglo‐Australian and Iranian groups indicated a high level of trust in the government, whereas Indigenous participants were much less trusting. Conclusion: The level and nature of trust in the screening process varied between the CALD groups. Addressing program misconceptions, clarifying the FOBT capabilities and involving medical services in collecting and transporting the samples may increase trust in the NBCSP. However, broader and more enduring mistrust in services and institutions may need to be dealt with in order to increase trust and participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To explore the professional identity of nursing during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Iran. Professional identity guides nurses' interaction with patients. In the COVID‐19 pandemic, recent developments in society's view of the nursing profession are expected to change the perception of nurses' professional identities. Design: The qualitative study used a conventional content analysis approach. Methods: Data were collected using in‐depth semi‐structured interviews from June 2020 to January 2021. Data analysis was performed using Landman and Granheim's analysis and Lincoln and Guba's criteria to ensure the data's rigour. Results: After analysing the 20 interviews with 17 participants, including 11 nurses with an average age of 32.63 ± 6.71 years and six varius community members with an average age of 38.66 ± 5.85 years, three main categories were formed: (1) The dual role of the media in the two subcategories (the positive role and the negative role of the media), (2) Changes in public view of nursing during the COVID‐19 pandemic (respect for avoidance and understanding the value of nursing practice) and (3) Change of professional identity by showing self‐sacrifice (dealing with adversity and commitment to professional obligations). Conclusion: The image in the public view of the nursing profession during the COVID‐19 pandemic media differs from before and shows self‐sacrifice, professional commitment and humanity in nursing. Nurses' experience of caring during the COVID‐19 pandemic has positively affected their professional identity; however, they are concerned about the instability of improving the nursing image in society. Impact: Nursing leaders and policymakers can utilize media platforms to portray the nursing profession in a positive light and emphasize the scientific capabilities of nurses. This approach goes beyond highlighting sacrifice and compassion, aiming to shift societal perceptions of nursing and bolster the professional identity of nurses. Reporting Method: We used the COREQ (COnsolidated criteria for REporting Qualitative research) checklist as a reporting method. Patient or Public Contribution: No patient or public contribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alopecia areata is a chronic and relapsing condition that affects individuals of all age groups. Dermoscopy is a popular and non‐invasive method for diagnosing alopecia areata. This study aimed to analyze dermoscopic findings and their relationship with age, gender, appearance, and clinical signs in children and adults. Methods: This retrospective cross‐sectional study was conducted on 124 children and adults diagnosed with alopecia areata who were referred to a Hospital in Iran between 2021 and 2022. After reaching the calculated sample size, trichoscopic findings were examined and the results were recorded. Data analysis was performed by a statistician and presented in relevant tables. Results: The participants in the study comprised 53.2% female children, 46.8% male children, 27.42% adult males, and 72.58% adult females. The median age in the pediatric group was 10 years, while it was 27 years in the adult group. Yellow dots were significantly less observed in children than in adults (29% vs. 48.4%), while exclamation mark hairs were significantly more common in children than adults (38.7% vs. 21%). No significant differences were found in the frequency of other trichoscopic features between children and adults. Specifically, black dots, broken hairs, short vellus hairs, pigtail hairs, and empty follicular openings were observed in 38.7%, 40.3%, 32.3%, 11.3%, and 75.8% of children, respectively, and in 35.5%, 32.3%, 21%, 46.8%, and 12.9% of adults, respectively. Conclusion: The most common trichoscopic findings in alopecia areata in children are empty follicular openings and broken hairs, while exclamation mark hairs are more common in children than adults. In contrast, yellow dots are less frequently observed in children compared to adults. This distinct difference between children's and adults' dermoscopic findings highlights the critical need for age‐specific considerations in AA evaluations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The present study aimed to investigate sex differences in response to repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) patients. Identifying the factors that mediate treatment response to rTMS in MDD patients can guide clinicians to administer more appropriate, reliable, and personalized interventions. Methods: In this paper, we developed a novel pipeline based on convolutional LSTM‐based deep learning (DL) to classify 25 female and 25 male patients based on their rTMS treatment response. Results: Five different classification models were generated, namely pre‐/post‐rTMS female (model 1), pre‐/post‐rTMS male (model 2), pre‐rTMS female responder versus pre‐rTMS female nonresponders (model 3), pre‐rTMS male responder vs. pre‐rTMS male nonresponder (model 4), and pre‐rTMS responder versus nonresponder of both sexes (model 5), achieving 93.3%, 98%, 95.2%, 99.2%, and 96.6% overall test accuracy, respectively. Conclusion: These results indicate the potential of our approach to be used as a response predictor especially regarding sex‐specific antidepressant effects of rTMS in MDD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the recent decades, debates about urban sprawl have increased strongly in Iran. Literature review shows that there are few studies about causes of sprawl in urban areas of Iran. This paper analyses driving forces in creation or intensification of urban sprawl in Iranian cities. The methodology of the research is based on documentary and survey method. Results indicate that the most important drivers of urban sprawl are 22 factors in Iran. By using exploratory factor analysis, 22 factors are summarized in eight main factors. These factors include population growth, land value, political fragmentation, land speculation, transportation policies, exterior pressure, management system and land use. The eight main factors are able to explain an average of 76.9% of the urban sprawl phenomenon in Iran. The analysis of variance indicates that none of them can be effective in explaining urban sprawl alone in Iran that they were explained by each factor on urban sprawl. The population growth has the highest impact by 13% and land use has the lowest impact by about 7%. The margin of discrepancy between variance was explained by factors that suggest all of the eight extracted factors play a key role in the urban sprawl of Iran. Policies for controlling and reducing consequences of this phenomenon should be initiated by the government by considering the influential role of government in the urban sprawl of Iran. In particular, it can be helpful to establish integrated urban management, a compilation of comprehensive law about urban land and pay attention to worn‐out textures and brownfield development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Natural language processing is a composition of several error‐prone and challenging tasks, including part of speech tagging, word sense disambiguation, named entity recognition, and compound verb detection. Studying intrasentence relations and roles is essential to improve the mentioned subtasks. Semi‐automatic schemes such as ontologies can be applied to clarify word's dependencies. This paper presents an ontology that is targeting to improve POS tagging, WSD, NER, and compound verb detection in Persian with extra properties that may ameliorate machine translation. The ontology is tested in combinations with several state‐of‐art algorithms on Dadegan corpus. The results show that coping semantic analysis with machine learning methods enhance relation detection and consequently precision of the mentioned subtasks, which is not widely addressed in Persian. Furthermore, the experimental results declare that the accuracy rate increases between 4.5 and 23% for different tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adopting a healthy lifestyle and improvements in medical care have led to an increase in life expectancy. Thus, the development and implementation of techniques for assessing healthy lifestyles have garnered more attention recently. Finding and evaluating healthy lifestyle assessment tools across all demographics is the goal of this systematic review. Method: Using online databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and APA PsycINFO, a systematic literature review was carried out in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐analyses. Registration DOI https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/ZD9XK for the review has been set on Open Science Framework (OSF). Using the quality standards proposed for measuring features of health status surveys, two independent reviewers evaluated the methodological quality ratings of the eligible studies. Results: From 7480 studies, 47 eligible instruments were identified and included in the review. Most of the studies followed the World Health Organization's definition of healthy lifestyle to develop the scales. The instruments are categorized into those used to assess general lifestyle or healthy lifestyle in general as well as in the clinical population. Physical activity, nutrition, tobacco use, alcohol use, and stress management were the most assessed modules of healthy lifestyle. Furthermore, validity, reliability, responsiveness, floor and ceiling effects, and interpretability were among the psychometric qualities that were frequently assessed. Conclusion: Lifestyle questionnaires can be used to identify specific risk factors in a variety of populations, as well as to plan community‐based intervention programs, by acting as a predictive diagnostic tool and preventive measure. The majority of the assessments of healthy lifestyles that are currently accessible require improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is a widely prevalent zoonotic protozoan parasite in humans and warm‐blooded animals worldwide. Infection of humans by this parasite can result in severe clinical symptoms, particularly in individuals with congenital toxoplasmosis or immunocompromised patients. Contamination mainly occurs through foodborne routes, especially the consumption of raw or undercooked meat from animals. Objectives: The aim of this study was to use PCR to detect T. gondii in tissues and organs of buffaloes and cattle slaughtered at Tabriz slaughterhouse, in Iran. Methods: Fifty grams of heart, thigh, diaphragm and tongue from 50 buffaloes and 100 cattle slaughtered at the Tabriz industrial slaughterhouse were selected for sampling using a combination of convenience sampling. The samples were tested using a previously published PCR method. Results: Out of the 150 animal samples, T. gondii was detected in 10 (6.7%, 95%CI: 3.2–11.9), including one buffalo (2%, 95%CI: 0.1–10.6) and nine cattle (9%, 95%CI: 4.2–16.4). There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of T. gondii infection among cattle based on age and sex (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The results indicated a potential risk of T. gondii transmission to humans through the consumption of infected meat. Therefore, appropriate and effective preventive measures should be taken to limit the transmission of this parasite to humans, and the consumption of raw and undercooked meat should be discouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Haemagglutinin–neuraminidase (HN) is one of the membrane proteins of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) that plays a significant role during host viral infection. Therefore, antibodies against HN are vital for the host's ability to protect itself against NDV infection due to their critical functions in viral infection. As a result, HN has been a candidate protein in vaccine development against the Newcastle disease virus. Methods: This report used the full‐length sequence of the HN protein of NDV isolated in Iran (VIId subgenotype). We characterize and identify amino acid substitutions in comparison to other more prevalent NDV genotypes, VII subgenotypes and vaccine strains. Furthermore, bioinformatics tools were applied to determine the three‐dimensional structure, molecular dynamics simulation and prediction of B‐cell antigenic epitopes. Results: The results showed that the antigenic regions of our isolate are quite comparable to the other VII subgenotypes of NDV isolated from different geographical places. Moreover, by employing the final 3D structure of our HN protein, the amino acid residues are proposed as a B‐cell epitope by epitope prediction servers, which leads to the introduction of linear and conformational antigenic sites. Conclusions: Immunoinformatic vaccine design principles currently exhibit tremendous potential for developing a new generation of candidate vaccines quickly and economically to eradicate infectious viruses, including the NDV. In order to accomplish this, focus is directed on residues that might be considered antigenic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rabies is a fatal and zoonotic disease that remains endemic in Iran. In this article, rabies in a striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena) in Qazvin Province, Iran, was found when being hunted for using the genitals for traditional thoughts of the people. The fluorescent antibody technique confirmed rabies infection in the brain sample, and vaccination was done for injured hunter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tick‐borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is a significant cause of flaviviral infections affecting the human central nervous system, primarily transmitted through tick bites and the consumption of unpasteurized milk. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of TBEV and identify new natural foci of TBEV in livestock milk. In this cross‐sectional study, unpasteurized milk samples were collected from livestock reared on farms and analysed for the presence and subtyping of TBEV using nested reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction , alongside the detection of anti‐TBEV total IgG antibodies using ELISA. The findings revealed that the highest prevalence of TBEV was observed in goat and sheep milk combined, whereas no TBEV was detected in cow milk samples. All identified strains were of the Siberian subtype. Moreover, the highest prevalence of anti‐TBEV antibodies was detected in sheep milk. These results uncover new foci of TBEV in Iran, underscoring the importance of thermal processing (pasteurization) of milk prior to consumption to mitigate the risk of TBEV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Recognizing the ability to adapt coping mechanisms in response to the unique issues present in various Iranian societies underscores the importance of considering culture and religion when interacting with diverse groups of individuals. The objective of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of the fear of progression questionnaire‐short form (FoP‐Q‐SF) in Iranian breast cancer patients. Methods: In this methodological cross‐sectional research design, 400 Iranian breast cancer patients completed the FoP‐Q‐SF in 2023. We assessed the characteristics, content, and both exploratory and confirmatory construct validity of the measures. To evaluate the reliability and construct validity of the FoP‐Q‐SF, we calculated Cronbach's α, McDonald's omega, and the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient. Results: The average age of the patients was 49.18 (standard deviation = 16.14) years. The results of exploratory factor analysis revealed that a single‐factor structure, specifically the self‐efficacy scale, accounted for 65.045% of the total variance. The findings from the confirmatory factor analysis indicated a satisfactory model fit. The reliability analysis indicated that the internal consistency and stability of the measures were acceptable. Conclusion: The short Persian version of the FoP‐Q‐SF exhibits satisfactory validity and reliability. Thus, we recommend using this questionnaire to assess the fear of disease progression among breast cancer patients in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Multidrug and extensive drug‐resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa was extracted from burn patients referring to burn centers in southwest Iran so that biofilm generation and antibiotic resistance could be investigated. Methods: A specific primer was used to confirm all our considered 110 P. aeruginosa culture‐positive reports on 345 burn patients. The resistance of P. aeruginosa to seven antibiotics and Colistin with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was assessed. Biofilm formation was assessed by the phenotypic study of specimens under Congo red agar and microtiter plate assays. Results: One hundred and 10 clinical P. aeruginosa isolates taken from burn wound infections were validated. Among P. aeruginosa isolates, Piperacillin, Ceftazidime, Maeropenem, Gentamycin, and Gatifloacin had the highest resistance to antibiotics, while Ticarcillin‐Clavulanic acid and Ceftolozane‐Tazobactam showed the least resistance. MICs were then evaluated via the E test. Seven isolates were resistant to colistin. Colistin reference MICs for multidrug‐resistant P. aeruginosa prevalence was 38%, while it was 22% for extensively drug‐resistant (XDR) P. aeruginosa. One P. aeruginosa was pandrug‐resistant (PDR). Under Congo red agar test, 66 isolates (67%) formed biofilms and black colonies, whereas 44 isolates (50%) had red colonies. In MTP, 76% formed biofilm. 40%, 32%, 21% of the isolates were strong, moderate, and weak biofilm formers, respectively, while 43% did not form biofilms. Conclusion: The P. aeruginosa resistance to antimicrobial agents has largely challenged the control of the infection. Accordingly, a higher resistance occurred when the isolates were transferred to the patients. Less than 50% P. aeruginosa samples generated strong biofilms. Consequently, hygienic measurements are essential to inhibit P. aeruginosa transmission to hospitalized patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa as an opportunistic pathogen produces several virulence factors. This study evaluated the relative frequency of exoenzymes (exo) A, U and S genes and integron classes (I, II, and III) among multi‐drug‐resistant clinical P. aeruginosa isolates from burn patients in Ahvaz, southwest of Iran. Methods: In this cross‐sectional study P. aeruginosa isolates were recovered from 355 wound samples. The antimicrobial susceptibility test was done by disk agar diffusion method on Muller‐Hinton agar according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. MDR isolates were defined if they showed simultaneous resistance to 3 antibiotics. Extensively drug‐resistant was defined as nonsusceptibility to at least one agent in all but two or fewer antimicrobial categories. The presence of class I, II, and III integrons and virulence genes was determined using a PCR assay on extracted DNA. Results: Overall, 145 clinical P. aeruginosa isolates were confirmed with biochemical and PCR tests. Overall, 35% (52/145) of the isolates were taken from males and 64% (93/145) from female hospitalized burn patients. The highest resistance rates of P. aeruginosa isolates to antibiotics were related to piperacillin 59% (n = 86/145) and piperacillin‐tazobactam 57% (n = 83/145). A total of 100% of isolates were resistant to at least one antibiotic. MDR and XDR P. aeruginosa had a frequency of 60% and 29%, respectively. The prevalence of integron classes I, II, and III in P. aeruginosa was 60%, 7.58%, and 3.44%, respectively. IntI was more common in MDR and XDR P. aeruginosa isolates. In addition, 70(48%) of P. aeruginosa isolates did not harbor integron genes. Besides, exoA, exoS, and exoU in P. aeruginosa had a frequency of 55%, 55%, and 56%, respectively. Conclusion: It was found that P. aeruginosa as a potent pathogen with strong virulence factors and high antibiotic resistance in the health community can cause refractory diseases in burn patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: There is increasing interest worldwide in using alternative and complementary approaches for treating male infertility. This interest has spawned a multitude of published systematic reviews and meta‐analyses. The aim of this Umbrella review was to consolidate the available evidence regarding the effect of complementary and alternative medicine on male infertility to inform clinical decision‐making processes. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted to identify systematic reviews and meta‐analyses pertaining to the effects of complementary and alternative medicine on male infertility. This search encompassed various databases including MEDLINE, CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus, Proquest, Google Scholar, SID, EMBASE, Magiran, Cochrane Library, Iranmedex, ScienceDirect, SAGE. Subsequently, two researchers independently extracted the data from the selected meta‐analyses and systematic reviews, and evaluated their methodological quality using the assessment of multiple systematic reviews 2 (AMSTAR2). Results: This analysis encompassed 11 studies, with four originating from Iran, two from Korea and five from China. The results regarding the effectiveness of complementary and alternative medicine are controversial, indicating a need for further research. The methodological quality of the systematic reviews and meta‐analyses appraised by AMSTAR 2 was rated as low or critically low. This assessment is attributed to inadequate examination of publication biases in the reviews and a lack of discussion regarding the effect of risk of bias. Conclusion: The existing evidence regarding the effectiveness of alternative and complementary medicine in addressing male infertility is limited. Furthermore, the overall methodological quality of the published systematic reviews and meta‐analyses may have been underestimated as the use of AMSTAR2 appears to be a more precise appraisal instrument compared to its predecessor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study evaluates the cost‐effectiveness of Apixaban and Rivaroxaban, compared to Warfarin, for stroke prevention in patients with non‐valvular atrial fibrillation in Iran. Method: A Markov model with a 30‐year time horizon was employed to simulate and assess different treatment strategies' cost‐effectiveness. The study population comprised Iranian adults with NVAF, identified through specialist consultations, hospital visits, and archival record reviews. Direct medical costs, direct nonmedical, and indirect costs were included. Quality‐adjusted life years (QALY) were assessed using an EQ‐5D questionnaire. This study utilized a cost‐effectiveness threshold of $11 134 per QALY. Results: Apixaban demonstrated superior cost‐effectiveness compared to Rivaroxaban and Warfarin. Over 30 years, total costs were lower in the Apixaban and Rivaroxaban groups compared to the Warfarin group ($126.18 and $109.99 vs. $150.49). However, Apixaban showed higher total QALYs gained compared to others (0.134 vs. 0.133 and 0.116). The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio for comparing Apixaban to Warfarin was calculated at −1332.83 cost per QALY, below the threshold of $11 134, indicating Apixaban's cost‐effectiveness. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the findings, with ICER consistently remaining below the threshold. Over 5 years (2024−2028) of Apixaban usage, the incremental cost starts at USD 70 250 296 in the first year and gradually rises to USD 71 770 662 in the fifth year. DSA and PSA were assessed to prove the robustness of the results. Conclusion: This study shows that Apixaban is a cost‐effective option for stroke prevention in non‐valvular atrial fibrillation patients in Iran compared to Warfarin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One of the most crucial and essential methods for the prevention and management of respiratory infections is for healthcare professionals to take precautions for their own safety. Using Protection Motivation Theory (PMT), the current study looked into effective elements influencing the staff at Kazeroon's Valiasr Hospital's preventive actions against respiratory diseases. Methods: One hundred ninety‐two male and 108 female employees of the Valiasr Hospital in Kazeroon, Iran, participated in this cross‐sectional study, in May 2022. Census data were used as the sample technique. A questionnaire based on the PMT and a questionnaire collecting demographic data served as the data collection method. The study's content validity was confirmed by 10 health education experts, and its reliability was assessed using internal consistency techniques, resulting in a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.87.The statistical program SPSS 24 was used to examine the data using the independent t test, logistic regression, and Pearson correlation. Results: The average age was 34.11 ± 8.91 for men and 32.77 ± 6.09 for women. The majority of participants were married (73.3%), had university education (76.7%), and earned a monthly income between 10 and 15 million Tomans (75%). Notably, 97.7% of participants had received the COVID‐19 vaccine, and 77.7% had undergone training related to respiratory infections. The most common preventive practices included avoiding touching the eyes, noses, or mouths, wearing appropriate protective gear, and maintaining a safe distance of 1–2 m from others. Analysis of PMT constructs showed that participants had a generally positive perception toward preventive behaviors. Perceived vulnerability (P = 0.02), perceived cost (P = 0.03), and motivation (P = 0.001) were the three analyzed components that had the greatest impact on respiratory infection preventative behavior. Logistic regression revealed that perceived susceptibility, cost, and motivation significantly predicted the prevention of respiratory infections, with a predictive power of 45%. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the factors influencing preventive behaviors among hospital staff, from respiratory infections like COVID‐19. Conclusion: According to the findings, the personnel at Kazeroon's Valiasr Hospital wore gloves, goggles, and other appropriate personal protective equipment. The individuals' decision to wear personal protection equipment was also impacted by perceived susceptibility, cost, and motivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nitrogen regulatory policy (NRP) solution is introduced as a mitigation measure against environmental nitrogen losses and keeps food production in the Safe Operating Space of the Nitrogen Planetary Boundary. Meanwhile, scientific research shows that steps taken to reduce environmental harm can increase the unpredictability of calorie production from crops. This study sought to investigate the impact of NRP solutions on the level of risk of accessibility to calorie sources from domestic production, the variations in calorie sources by livestock and non‐livestock diet components, and the responses of different dietary preferences, namely, poor, medium, and rich livestock protein diets, against NRP solutions in the Zayandeh‐Rud River basin, Iran. We developed the aggregate household food security index (AHFSI) and combined it with outputs of crop simulation model to examine how changes in dietary energy supplies under three NRP scenarios—low, moderate, and high nitrogen fertilizer application—affect the stability of three regional dietary preferences. The comparison of NRP scenarios movements realized that increases (or decreases) in nitrogen fertilizer rates contradicted the stability in AHFSI. Additionally, a one‐unit change in the average calories from non‐livestock sources, such as wheat and potatoes, results in greater fluctuations in the standard deviations of produced calories compared to changes in meat and dairy production. We proposed that in order to prevent adverse effects of NRP solutions on food security, mitigation strategies addressing the NRP solution should be structured based on (i) regional heterogeneities, (ii) type of crops, that is, food and feed crops, (iii) the range of nitrogen rates movement; (iv) and the socioeconomic background related to dietary preferences or economic deciles of food expenditure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]