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In rural society, various factors play a role in the participation of local communities in the conservation of natural resources. Among them, stakeholders have the central role of participation. Natural resources are considered economic sources, and their restoration and conservation are considered the basis for human activities for the current and future generations. These factors include social factors, economic factors, and cultural factors, which are known as norms. Most experts believe that participation is determining factor in the process of growth and development in developed and developing societies. Therefore, to prevent the degradation of rangelands, a comprehensive plan must be designed by various organizations and departments to monitor the exploitation and utilization of rangelands, and this depends on the participation of the stakeholders. To protect and restore rangelands, organizations must be aware of the norms that affect local collaborative behaviors. This study aims to identify the norms that influence the pastoralists' participation and determine the contribution of each of their components in the conservation of Nodushan rangelands, Yazd province. In this study, we assessed the impact of norms, including social, economic, and cultural factors as independent variables, on the amount of beneficiaries' participation as a dependent variable. The method was descriptive-analytical in the form of a questionnaire based on a five-option Likert scale. The sample size included 104 rangers and random sampling. After checking the reliability and validity of the questionnaire, the path analysis method was used to rank the independent variables. The results showed that the social factor 0.857, the economic factor 0.633, and the cultural factor 0.144 had the highest total impact and also the direct and indirect impact on the rangers' participation. The method of exploitation in rangelands, the amount of income of beneficiaries, and the awareness and experience of stakeholders had the priority. Spearman's correlation coefficient between independent variables and pastoralists' participation showed that the social and economic factors have a positive and significant correlation coefficient with the dependent variable of pastoralists' participation. Therefore, it was suggested that the social and economic factors should be considered as the most important indicators of attracting beneficiaries' participation in planning for the restoration of rangelands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fuzzy modeling is a well-known solution for simplified modeling and predicting nonlinear systems behavior. Dynamic TSK Fuzzy Systems are an important branch in fuzzy modeling and are used for complex nonlinear dynamic systems modeling vastly. High order fuzzy systems have been developed recently in the fuzzy modeling field, aiming to reduce number of the fuzzy model rules compared to zero and first order systems, not in cost of a larger modeling error. Employing high order TSK in dynamic TSK fuzzy systems, motivates finding a better model for nonlinear dynamic systems. Closed loop control system design is an important usage of dynamic TSK models, including the stability analysis as the first step. While stability investigation is a main part of any Controller design process, in this paper, a criterion has been investigated based on Lyapunov second method, for High Order Dynamic TSK Fuzzy System stability. Although the controller design process is not totally discussed in this paper, however some examples are provided to verify the proposed stability criterion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Varenicline tartrate is a new and selective agonist of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine varenicline efficacy in smoking cessation among hospitalized patients., Methods: We looked through worldwide databases such as Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus. Relevant pieces of research published on varenicline efficacy on smoking cessation among hospitalized patients were discovered using proper keywords. The data were analyzed using Stata software version 14 and a random-effects model meta-analysis., Findings: Nine studies were eligible to be included in this study, with a total sample size of 2131. Generally, the point abstinence rate was significantly greater in the varenicline group than in the placebo group at weeks 12 (odds ratio [OR]=0.59; 95% CI: 053-0.65; P <0.001), 24 (OR=0.78; 95% CI: 0.72-0.84; P <0.001), and 52 (OR=0.86; 95% CI: 0.80-0.92; P <0.001). Furthermore, the continuous abstinence rate for weeks 4 (OR=0.70; 95% CI: 019-0.54; P =0.000), 12 (OR=0.26; 95% CI: 019-0.54; P <0.001), 24 (OR=0.32; 95% CI: 019-0.53; P <0.001), and 52 (OR=0.32; 95% CI: 019-0.54; P <0.001) was significantly greater in the varenicline group than in the placebo group., Conclusion: According to the high efficacy of varenicline in both short- and long-term smoking settings and considering the importance of smoking cessation in high-risk hospitalized patients, varenicline consumption could be considered as a main smoking cessation strategy in these patients., Competing Interests: Competing Interests No competing interest, (© 2024 Kerman University of Medical Sciences.)

Background: Today, waterpipe (WT) smoking is a rising issue worldwide, and has taken a significant and growing share of tobacco consumption in the world. Present study aimed to explore the predictors of WT cessation in the light of the theory of planned behavior (TPB)., Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in 2021-2022 using a multi-stratified cluster sampling on 1,764 women in Bandar Abbas, southern Iran. Data were collected through a reliable and valid questionnaire. The three-part questionnaire includes demographic information, behavioral information of WT smoking, and the constructs of the TPB along with an additional habit construct. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was run to model the predictor constructs of WT smoking. The data were analyzed statistically in STATA14.2., Results: With an increase in one attitude score, the odds of cessation increased by 31% (p < 0.001). Also, with an increase of one score in knowledge, the odds of cessation are increased by 0.05% (0.008). With an increase of one score for intention, the odds of cessation are 26% (0.000). in social norms, the odds of cessation are 0.02% (0.001). With an increase of one score in perceived control, the odds of cessation increased by 16% (0.000) and inhabit score, the odds of cessation decrease by 37% (0.000). In the model where the habit construct was present, the accuracy, sensitivity, and pseudo R2 indices were 95.69%, 77.31%, and 65%, respectively and after removing the habit construct, the so-called indices changed to 90.7%, 50.38% and 0.44%, respectively., Conclusions: The present research confirmed the effectiveness of the TPB model in predicting waterpipe cessation behavior. The knowledge obtained from this research can help develop a systematic and effective intervention to facilitate waterpipe cessation. Focusing on the habit variable can play a critical role in waterpipe cessation in women., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Background: Since last decade, a device called PAKDAM (means clean inspiration) was invented in Iran which has been used in some cafe to prepare N 2 O and O 2 as a new instrument instead of using water pipe. This study aimed to evaluate the respiratory and health effects of Pakdam and investigate its short and midterm side effects in users., Materials and Methods: In a case-control pilot study between September 2021 and March 2022, 152 individuals were divided into two groups: 76 consumers (case) and 76 non- consumers (control). Both groups were divided into two groups of 36 smokers and 36 non-smokers. Participants signed the participation form and filled out the demographic data questionnaire, and then their vital signs, O 2 saturation, expiratory CO, and spirometry tests were recorded., Results: The subjects who used the device had a mean blood pressure of 123.71±16.11 mmHg, oxygen saturation of 97.2±1.9, exhaled carbon monoxide of 9.8±5.5, and an FVC / FEV1 ratio of 88.5±7.9. These figures in control group were (137.79±18.15) - (94.1±4.2) - (14.3 ± 9.3) and (83.9 ± 10.4), respectively. In addition to the effects on the respiratory system, consumers had lower heart rates and lower systolic and diastolic blood pressures., Conclusion: The blood oxygen level and FEV1/FVC ratio were higher in subjects using Pakdam and the amount of exhaled carbon monoxide and blood pressure were lower. This condition was more common in smokers and less in non-smokers. It is possible to see the favorable effects of using Pakdam device on people especially in smokers., (Copyright© 2023 National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease.)

Background: Secondhand tobacco smoke exposure is one of the morbidity causes but it is ignored occasionally. Various studies have shown that hookah and cigarette smoke contain significant volume of heavy metals. This study was designed aiming biological monitoring of the level of heavy metals in the urine samples of workers in smoking cafés and its association with their lung function and respiratory symptoms in Tehran City., Methods: The list of cafés in Tehran was provided, and they were divided into water pipe cafés (WPC), cigarette smoking cafés (CSC), and non-smoking cafés (NSC); and then, 10 cafés were randomly selected from each group. Sampling was performed after explaining the study and obtaining the consent of the manager and staff. A check list of demographic data and smoking history was completed and analyzed., Results: A total of 96 individuals were studied; there were 32 subjects in each group. All subjects were male. Six days a week, they worked about 10 h a day in café. The concentration of heavy metals in the groups of hookah and cigarettes was significantly higher and respiratory indices in these groups were significantly lower than non-smoking group., Conclusions: Exposure to secondhand smoke increases the urinary level of heavy metals and reduces the respiratory capacity of people and this can be highly pathogenic in the future. Comprehensive informing on human rights should be provided in this regard and smoking bans in public places must be properly enforced., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2022 International Journal of Preventive Medicine.)

Background: Few studies have shown that smokers are more likely than non-smokers to have coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), whereas some reports indicate that smokers are under-represented among those requiring hospital treatment for this illness. This study was designed and implemented for investigating the severity and outcome of COVID-19 based on smoking., Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study implemented in Tehran and Ahvaz with all COVID-19 hospitalization patients from February to June 2021. Four categories selected for severity and worst outcomes. They are admission in the intensive care unit (ICU), lung involvement more than 50%, using more than three medications, and death. A check list of demographic data and smoking history was completed and analyzed., Results: A total of 11,112 patients were male (61.1%), and the mean age was 47.9 ± 11.3. A total of 1508 smokers (8.3%) were seen with any type of tobacco consumption. The frequency of ICU admission in the smokers is significantly higher than that in non-smokers (23.9% vs. 18.8%). A total of 668 (44.3%) smokers had more than 50% ground glass opacity in lungs, whereas 5340 non-smokers (32.1%) had so. Use of more than three medications in the smokers was significantly higher (70.6% vs. 52%). A comparison between patients based on smoking indicates that the death rate was significantly higher in smokers (31.6% vs. 25.6%)., Conclusions: Although smoking rates in COVID-19 patients are lower than those in the general population, the consequences and mortality are higher in smokers., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2022 International Journal of Preventive Medicine.)

Background: Illicit tobacco trade is focused on Iran as a main target in the WHO's eastern Mediterranean region. Serial studies of Cigarette Packs Survey with same method were conducted in Tehran between 2003 and 2015 to evaluate consumed smuggled cigarettes. This study as the fourth Cigarette Packs Survey is designed to indicate the trends of illicit cigarette trade in Tehran in the last two decades., Methods: A cross-sectional household study was carried out in early 2021 in Tehran on 3042 persons who smoked at least one daily cigarette for a year. The sampling method was like the sampling method used in three previous studies. Participants aged≥15 years were asked to reveal their current cigarette pack, which was either legal cigarettes (having governmental label); or illegal cigarettes (without governmental label)., Results: The subjects included 2536 males (83.4%) and the mean age was 39.9±12.1 years; 1854 subjects (60.9%) showed foreign cigarettes and 1188 (39.1%) showed domestic cigarettes; 2705 (88.9%) consumed legal cigarettes and 337 (11.1%) consumed illegal cigarettes. Consumption of illegal cigarettes by gender showed greater use of smuggled cigarettes in males (11.7%vs 8.1%). No significant differences were seen based on the marital and educational status in terms of illegal cigarettes prevalence., Conclusion: Compare with previous studies, the trend of consumption of illicit cigarettes was decreasing in past two decades. This could be due to new regulation on monitoring cigarette distribution and changing illegal brands to legal as joint production., (© 2022 The Author(s). This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.)

Improved methods to assess the degradation of coil coatings to approximate lifetime have been an area of academic and industrial interest for decades. This work aims to elucidate the differences in the degradation behavior of two coil coating systems: one standard commercial formulation and one formulation with a significant addition of biorenewable reactive diluents. Depth-resolved degradation behavior of samples exposed to accelerated and natural field weathering is assessed. Focal plane array attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to acquire high-resolution chemical data from a sloping cross section. The results agreed with conventional photoacoustic spectroscopy. Degradation profiles for the two coatings were significantly different, with the biobased samples showing a more durable behavior. This study provides a method for detailed assessment of coating degradation, giving a good estimation of its durability. This is both a way to compare the performance of coating systems and to improve the understanding of the impact of exposure conditions, paving the way for the development of more sustainable coil coatings., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest., (© 2022 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society.)