Search

The Panchthar–Ilam–Taplejung Corridor in Eastern Nepal, managed through community forestry, is a crucial habitat for the Himalayan red panda, an endangered carnivore threatened by forest degradation and illegal trade. We deployed the altitude line intercept and ten-tree plotless methods to evaluate the distribution of Himalayan red pandas and the environmental factors affecting them within four community forests, namely Singhadevi, Chitre-Hile, Chhipchhipe, and Kalikhop-Dadehli, of the corridor. We established a total of 23 transects and 92 plots, identifying 41 plots with evidence of the Himalayan red panda's presence. The sign occurrence revealed a clumped distribution of the species across all four community forests. The Himalayan red panda signs were observed between 2200 m and 2700 m above sea level (asl) and the majority of them were from habitats with a moderate slope within elevations of 2400 m to 2500 m asl. The primary sites for the defecation were large horizontal tree branches (78.12%), followed by forest ground (15.62%) and rocks (6.25%). The dominant tree species in their habitats included Lithocarpus pachyphylla (Importance value index, IVI = 45.05), Symplocus theifolia (IVI = 37.19), Symplocos pyrifolia (IVI = 20.99), Quercus lamellosa (IVI = 19.25), and Magnolia campbellii (IVI = 17.25). Among the thirteen environmental variables examined, proximity to water, distance to road, bamboo density, and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index were identified as the major factors influencing the Himalayan red panda's distribution. This research provides crucial insights to develop site-specific habitat management plans for community forestry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Panchthar–Ilam–Taplejung Corridor in Eastern Nepal, managed through community forestry, is a crucial habitat for the Himalayan red panda, an endangered carnivore threatened by forest degradation and illegal trade. We deployed the altitude line intercept and ten-tree plotless methods to evaluate the distribution of Himalayan red pandas and the environmental factors affecting them within four community forests, namely Singhadevi, Chitre-Hile, Chhipchhipe, and Kalikhop-Dadehli, of the corridor. We established a total of 23 transects and 92 plots, identifying 41 plots with evidence of the Himalayan red panda’s presence. The sign occurrence revealed a clumped distribution of the species across all four community forests. The Himalayan red panda signs were observed between 2200 m and 2700 m above sea level (asl) and the majority of them were from habitats with a moderate slope within elevations of 2400 m to 2500 m asl. The primary sites for the defecation were large horizontal tree branches (78.12%), followed by forest ground (15.62%) and rocks (6.25%). The dominant tree species in their habitats included Lithocarpus pachyphylla (Importance value index, IVI = 45.05), Symplocus theifolia (IVI = 37.19), Symplocos pyrifolia (IVI = 20.99), Quercus lamellosa (IVI = 19.25), and Magnolia campbellii (IVI = 17.25). Among the thirteen environmental variables examined, proximity to water, distance to road, bamboo density, and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index were identified as the major factors influencing the Himalayan red panda’s distribution. This research provides crucial insights to develop site-specific habitat management plans for community forestry.

The present study aims to investigate linguistic landscape among Kurdish speakers in the west part of Iran. A total of 812 signs were photographed (772 photos were selected) and were later categorized according to the top-down (governmental) versus bottom-up (private sector) distinction in Kermanshah, Sanandaj, and Ilam. Out of these 772 photos, 578 photos were related to bottom-up and 194 photos were related to top-down signs. The results of linguistic landscape analysis showed that among bilingual signs, Persian-Kurdish signs has the highest frequency in Sanandaj, while Persian-English signs are more prevalent in Kermanshah and Ilam. In all of the cities, Persian-Arabic signs have the lowest frequency among bilingual signs. Sanandaj was the only city in which Kurdish was dominant in Persian-Kurdish signsIntroductionLinguistic landscape is a relatively new area of research that has attracted many researchers in recent years. In their seminal work, "Linguistic Landscape and Ethnolinguistic Vitality," Landry and Bourhis (1997) state that the linguistic landscape is: “The language of public road signs, advertising billboards, street names, place names, commercial shop signs, and public signs on government buildings combines to form the linguistic landscape of a given territory, region, or urban agglomeration" (p. 25). Since Landry and Bourhis utilized the concept of Linguistic Landscape (LL) as the "visibility and salience of languages on public and commercial signs in a given territory or region" (p. 23), researchers in the fields of sociolinguistics, sociology, language policy, social psychology, geography, media studies, and cultural studies have been interested in uncovering the nuances and disparities in the languages used in the public space.Materials and MethodsTo find out which languages are present in the linguistic landscape and how these languages are represented, linguistic and semiotic properties of the signs were investigated. The codification of the signs relies on that developed by Ben-Rafael et al. (2006) and Cenoz and Gorter (2006), such as the languages used on the signs, languages of signs (monolingual, bilingual, multilingual), order of languages on a sign, and the types of signs (top-down and bottom-up signage). Using Excel, the signs were coded according to the following variables: 1. Language of signs: for every sign, the type was coded. The categories include: monolingual, bilingual, and multilingual signs. 2. Number of languages: the number of languages present on the signs was counted. The appearance of a language may consist of an entire text or of only one word. The main languages counted in all sites were: Persian, Kurdish, Arabic, and English. 3. Order of languages: by the order of languages, we mean in bilingual or multilingual signs which language is more dominant. In doing so, the languages written in larger fonts were considered dominant. 4. Types of signs: both top-down (governmental) and bottom-up (private sector) are regarded in this study.FindingsA total of 772 signs were photographed and later categorized according to the top-down (governmental) versus bottom-up (private sector) distinction in Kermanshah, Sanandaj, and Ilam. Out of these 772 photos, 578 were related to bottom-up and 194 were related to top-down signs. The results showed that among bilingual signs, Persian-Kurdish has the highest frequency in Sanandaj, while Persian-English signs are more prevalent in Kermanshah and Ilam. In all of the cities, Persian-Arabic signs have the lowest frequency among bilingual signs. Sanandaj was the only city in which Kurdish was dominant in Persian-Kurdish signs.Discussion and ConclusionsObserving the signs and signs in the respective streets of the studied cities led to interesting results. From the display of languages displayed (used) in the public space, one can realize the possibility of identifying their performance, credibility, position, and expansion. The distribution of minority languages in the city limits can be considered an indicator of the language status in an urban area. Linguistic perspective also expresses the existing political and cultural views and approaches to the position of national languages in multilingual societies. Another important finding of this research is the spread of the Persian language and also the presence of some signs in English, which shows the importance and influence of the English language as a global language. This study shows that the linguistic landscape has both communicative and symbolic functions. A linguistic perspective can be used as a tool to legitimize national identity. Although the language policy of the country insists that all languages should not be given equal rights, the Kurdish language is given attention in these cities, especially in Sanandaj, but this attention is very insignificant compared to the dominant language (Persian), and it is not good news for Kurdish speakers

Bread is a valuable food in Iranian families that is used as a source of energy, protein, minerals, and vitamins. Unfortunately, most bakeries, process bread artificially to speed up the production process and inevitably resort to the use of harmful chemicals such as baking soda, and SDT (sodium hydrosulfite). In this study, the types of bread produced in Ilam City in terms of unauthorized use of SDT were measured. The research site is all active bakeries in Ilam city. Statistical analyzes between different groups were determined using t-tests and ANOVA (SPSS-18). Data were expressed as mean ± SD. For all tests, Р values of less than 0.05 were considered significant. Each test was repeated three times. In this study, 80 bakeries were surveyed, of which 22 bakeries (27.5 %) were Lavash, 26 bakeries (32.5 %) were Barbari and 32 bakeries (40 %) were Sangak. The average SDT consumption in all bakeries was 20.62 and 36.3 %. The amount of SDT consumption was significantly higher in Lavash bread than in Barbari and Sangak bread. The lowest SDT consumption was reported in Sangak. The results showed that 95.5 % of Lavash bakeries did not meet the national standards in the use of SDT and this amount was reported 73.1 % and 34.4 % of Barbary and Sangak bakeries, respectively. In Lavash bakeries 4.5 %, Barbari 26.9 and Sangak 65.6 %, the SDT consumption was significantly in line with national standards (56.3 %). The results showed that the use of SDT has been done with different amounts depending on the type of bread in bakeries in Ilam city so the most use is related to Lavash bread and then Barbari and Sangak.

Aims The unbalanced physical expansion of Ilam City can be attributed to various issues, including regional imbalance, rapid urbanization, the impact of war, fragmented urban management, and inadequate supervision of urban development projects. The aim of this study was to examine the factors that impact the physical development of Ilam City. Methodology This study employed an applied research methodology and was done in Ilam City over the period of 2023-2024. The study instrument employed was a questionnaire developed by the researcher. A compilation of criteria and indicators that impact physical development was made in order to create the questionnaire. Consequently, a survey comprising of 34 questions was created, utilizing a Likert scale with four response alternatives. In order to evaluate the questionnaire’s validity, it was administered to a group of 18 specialists. A comprehensive questionnaire consisting of 5 indexes and 30 components was compiled and thereafter delivered to the inhabitants. The sample size was calculated to be 357 persons using the Cochran formula. The study samples were chosen by the method of simple random sampling. The data were evaluated using statistical methods such as a t-test, Pearson correlation coefficient, and stepwise regression coefficients. Findings The physical development of Ilam City was found to have a substantial correlation with several aspects, including economic, social and cultural, environmental, physical, and managerial factors. The physical evolution of Ilam City was primarily influenced by environmental (natural), economic, managerial, physical, and social and cultural aspects, in that order. Conclusion The physical development of Ilam City has been mostly influenced by environmental variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jahangir building is one of the Sassanid sites in the catchment area of Kangir Dam in Ilam province. Due to dry and hot summers and short winters, the vegetal structure of the region includes thermophilic plants such as crops, pastures, forest and groves. Due to the lack of our knowledge about the vegetation of Ilam during the Sassanid era, this research presents the results of a study on the plant remains obtained from the Jahangir building. The purpose of these studies was to identify the types of plants in the area and its subsistence economy based on plant vestiges found from fireplace, tandoor, burnt layers and graves excavated at this site. The ecology and geographical distribution of identified plants in the Kangir basin and the nature of modern ecosystems in the region, indicates the presence of trees and shrubs such as almond, oak, maple, tamaris and willow in the Sassanid period. The presence of such species in the mentioned contexts shows that in the neighboring environment, there were forests, mountains, steppes and riverine structures similar to those are available today in the Kangir basin. The small amount of charcoal found in Jahangir building cannot be a suitable criterion for commenting on the distribution and density and identification of trees in the vegetation of this area during time. The remains of seeds and fruit stones also show that crops (especially cereals) have been consumed as the main source of food. The abundance of wheat and barley found in the in some context including the tandoor is an evidence for existence of Agricultural lands and a subsistence economy based on the agriculture in the Sassanid period. This is in parallel with the current agriculture ecosystem of the Kangir, basin that is located in an altitude between 700-2000 m above sea level. The study of possible changes in this ecosystem is subject to further archaeobotanical studies in the prehistorical and historic sites of Ilam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to investigate linguistic landscape among Kurdish speakers in the west part of Iran. A total of 812 signs were photographed (772 photos were selected) and were later categorized according to the top-down (governmental) versus bottom-up (private sector) distinction in Kermanshah, Sanandaj, and Ilam. Out of these 772 photos, 578 photos were related to bottom-up and 194 photos were related to top-down signs. The results of linguistic landscape analysis showed that among bilingual signs, Persian-Kurdish signs has the highest frequency in Sanandaj, while Persian-English signs are more prevalent in Kermanshah and Ilam. In all of the cities, Persian-Arabic signs have the lowest frequency among bilingual signs. Sanandaj was the only city in which Kurdish was dominant in Persian-Kurdish signs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Turkish Court of Accounts / Sayistay Dergisi is the property of Turkish Court of Accounts and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The diverse geographical regions of Iran have tribes with different cultures and customs in the medicinal use of plants in the control, prevention and treatment of diseases, and on this basis, to collect valuable ethnobotanical information in the field of medicinal plants, more studies are needed among different tribes. It is so that in the event of the death of people with this knowledge, their historical and experimental knowledge will not be forgotten. In this ethnobotanical and systematic study in the city of Ilam (western Iran), an attempt has been made to identify and report the use of medicinal plants native to this region in the treatment of back pain. Traditional therapeutic information about medicinal plants effective on back pain is done by ethnobotanical questionnaire. The complete list of herbal druggists in Ilam city was obtained from the Food and Drugs deputy, and the interviewer collected the required information personally by visiting each and every herbal druggists in Ilam city. The questionnaire included personal information and the names of native plants, the organ used, the method of use, and the effect of traditional treatment for back pain. Data analysis shows that 16 medicinal plants from 15 plant families are used in the treatment of back pain in Ilam. Medicinal plants Pistacia khinjuk, Amygdalus communis, Achillea biebersteinii, Amygdalus arabica, Pistacia atlantica, Thymbra spicata, Capsicum annuum, Biebersteinia multifida, Nigella sativa, Salvia rosmarinus, Hypericum helianthemoides, Calendula persica, Citrullus colocynthis, Zingiber officinale, Elaeagnus angustifolia, Nerium oleander, Myrtus communis and Ricinus communis are medicinal plants that are used in Ilam city to treat back pain. Based on the obtained results, it was found that the medicinal plant Achillea biebersteinii with usage report index (UR) of 14, relative frequency of citation (RFC) of 0.73 and percentage of frequency of use (PFU) of 53.8% is the most used in the treatment of back pain. Asteraceae plant family is the most used plant family. Leaf with 37% was the most used organ and decoction with 35% was the most traditional way of use. The presence of rich plant flora and medicinal species in Ilam city provides a suitable field for pharmacological research for better use and production of medicines and herbal products against back pain.

The physical and spatial expansion of cities, which often took place without planning, caused numerous environmental, health, economic, and social problems. This study investigates the physical, spatial, and demographic development and expansion of Ilam city in Iran for over 60 years. To achieve these goals, library studies, data analysis, and field studies were applied. The process of development in Ilam and its demographic changes from 1956 to 2016 have been presented, and then the spatial-physical expansion of the city has been evaluated. The results showed that several factors had impacted the physical development and expansion of Ilam. The highest growth was observed between 1976 and 1986. Also, the development of the city has been more horizontal. The study results show the correlation, intensity, extension, and mechanism of conversion and land-use change in Ilam city and embody its spatial-physical expansion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The management of floods in the country reflects the response to the current dangerous to conditions (emergency response and recovery). enhance the effectiveness of management and reduce human and financial losses, reactive response should be transformed into preventive action. This article examines the flood crisis management in Ilam and aims to provide a suitable model to urban flood crisis management to minimize its impact. The current research is applied and employs prospective research methods. Through quantitative methods and data analysis, we will investigate the effects of urbanization and development in Ilam, utilizing questionnaires and conducting in-depth interviews with crisis management experts. The findings reveal that urban planning, particularly urban management, has failed to adequately monitor the city's physical development and protect the river's integrity within the city. Moreover, the structural initiatives of urban management in creating channels and urban flood routes indicate a lack of implementation plans with appropriate studies in the field of flooding in Ilam city. Using Mic Mac software, 36 key factors influencing the current state of flood crisis management in Ilam city have been identified and scored. Based on these factors, appropriate flood crisis management strategies and a Ilam crisis management model have been proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Aim To determine inequality and decompose it’s in Self-Rated Health (SRH). Method This population-based cross-sectional study was undertaken on the entire population of the city of Ilam, Iran, in 2023. Multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling with proportion-to-size approach was used to select the participants. Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition technique was used to show the amount of inequity in SRH and to decompose of the gap of SRH between the poor and the rich group of participants. Results 1370 persons participated in the study. The 59.38% of participants stated good SRH status and just 8.86% of participants had poor SRH status. The results of the Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition revealed a considerable gap (15.87%) in the poor status of SRH between the rich and the poor. A large proportion (89.66%) of this difference was described by explained portion of the model. The results of decomposition showed that economic status was directly responsible for explaining 27.98% of overall inequality gap between rich and poor people. Moreover, hopelessness to future (32.64%), having an underlying disease (18.34%) and difference in the education level (10.71%) were associated with an increase in inequality disfavoring the poor. Conclusion For people suffering from underlying disease, it is suggested to devise policies to improve access to/and remove healthcare utilization barriers. To address hopelessness to future, it is recommended to carry out further studies to reveal factors which affect it in more details. This can help policy makers to formulate more realistic and evidence-informed policies on order to lessen the current socioeconomic inequity in SRH.

Background and Aim: Health literacy is recognized as a key determinant of health and is a central focus of public health policy strategies. The present study aimed to assess the health literacy level and identify the factors influencing it among the clients of comprehensive health service centers in Ilam city. Materials and Methods: In 2022, a descriptive-analytical study was conducted to examine 429 clients aged 18-65 years who visited comprehensive selected health service centers in Ilam city. For adults the data collection tool used was the Helia health literacy questionnaire. Sampling was conducted in nine clusters, with each cluster consisting of 50 samples. The data was analyzed using SPSS software, which included descriptive statistical tests, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and one-way analysis of variance, with a significance level set at 0.05. Results: Based on the results, the average health literacy score was 80.16 ± 16.50. In terms of health literacy, 18.97% of people had inadequate or not very adequate health literacy, while 44.39% of the participants had excellent health literacy. The average health literacy scores across different dimensions are as follows: access to health information 65.74, comprehension of information 81/81, reading information skills 12.74, evaluation of information 05.75, and decision making and behavior based on information 61.92. A significant relationship was observed between job, education, and income variables and various dimensions of average health literacy (p-value≤0.001). However, there was no significant relationship between general health literacy and age, gender, and place of residence (P≤0.05). Conclusion: The results of the present study demonstrate that vulnerable groups have significantly lower literacy levels. Furthermore, given the impact of education on enhancing people’s health literacy, it is advisable to leverage mass media, social networks, and educational centers to enhance literacy levels as a potential factor in community health.

The current study aimed at providing an assessment of pastoralists’ knowledge in Darreh Shahr county at Ilam province associated with Scrophularia striata and Anchusa italica. In this order, field observations, semi-structured interviews and community feedback methods were used with 57 knowledgeable and skilled local pastoralists with legal grazing license. Result showed that pastoralists carried extensive knowledge with regard to different aspects of these two plant species. This knowledge included morphological and botanical characteristics, phenology, habitat properties including geographical distribution, ecology and companion plants, forage and fodder properties, harvesting approaches, therapeutic properties and side effects. It was found through the findings that, based on traditional knowledge of pastoralists, the main therapeutic properties of Scrophularia striata were treatment of burning injuries, internal infection of the female genital organs, the infection in general and acne. For Anchusa italica the therapeutic properties included sedative effects and reducing stress and depression. The result also showed an erosion of medicinal plants traditional knowledge due to the death of knowledgeable elderlies and the lack of interest among new generations regarding traditional knowledge. The innovation of this study is in the deep examination of traditional knowledge regarding different aspects of ethnobotany besides medicinal properties of plants.

Introduction: Suicide is a tragic and complex public health problem that affects individuals, families, and communities. The current study aimed to predict suicidal ideation based on cognitive emotion regulation strategies, perceived social support, self-efficacy, perfectionism, and spiritual health in students at Ilam universities, Ilam, Iran. Material & Methods: The current study was a cross-sectional study conducted in 2021. A total of 463 working students studying in Ilam universities were selected and included in the study through the available sampling method. A questionnaire was used for data collection. To determine the relationship between the variables and suicidal thoughts, the Pearson correlation test was used, and to investigate the predictors associated with suicidal thoughts, stepwise regression analysis was performed. Findings: The research results showed a significant negative relationship between the variables of perceived social support, self-efficacy, spiritual health, and positive emotion regulation strategies (i.e., acceptance, positive reorientation, planning, positive appraisal, and underestimation) and a significant positive relationship between perfectionism variables and negative emotion regulation strategies (i.e., self-blame, rumination, catastrophizing, and blaming others) with suicidal thoughts. The highest correlation coefficient was related to perceived social support, which was the most important predictive variable in this study (r=-0.71). Perceived social support, existential health, rumination, perfectionism, self-efficacy, self-blame, and acceptance variables were able to become significant as predictive variables in the regression equation. In total, these factors explained 66% of the variance of suicidal thoughts. Discussion & Conclusion: Based on the research findings, the variables of cognitive emotion regulation strategies, perceived social support, self-efficacy, perfectionism, and spiritual health may be important components and predictors of suicidal thoughts. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to these components in suicide prevention programs and treatment and counseling methods

Introduction: A study was undertaken to investigate the presence of house dust mites in Ilam town and their climate-induced variability between January and June 2017. Material & Methods: In this cross-sectional investigation, a total of fifty houses located in five different residential areas of Ilam town were selected using a cluster random sampling method. Dust samples, collected from mattresses, pillows, and carpets, were obtained from each house utilizing a portable vacuum cleaner. Each sample was then transferred into 70% alcohol solution, with an amount equivalent to 200mg preserved for further analysis. Under a stereomicroscope, mites were carefully isolated from the samples using micro-dissecting needles. Subsequently, these specimens underwent clearing processes before being mounted on Hoyer media for preservation purposes. The identification process involved employing standard taxonomic keys to determine the species of each specimen. Furthermore, statistical analyses provided both mean values as well as confidence intervals (CI) for the mite populations collected for every identified species. Additionally, binomial tests served to assess the distribution patterns across these species. Findings: Out of a grand total of 208 mite specimens analyzed during this investigation phase, seven distinct species namely Haemolaelaps glasgowi (24.52%), Echinolaelaps echidninus (12.02%), Laelaps nuttalli (11.06%), Androlaelaps setosus (13.94%), Neoeucheyla iranica (10.10%), Cheyletus malaccensis (14.90%), and Ornithonyssus bacoti (13.46%) were successfully identified. The distribution of all species displayed a significant statistical value (P < 0.01). Furthermore, an astonishing 80% of the visited households were infested with mites. Conclusion: This particular study has shed light on the presence of a remarkably diverse array of house dust mite species. The prevalence of certain rodent-related mites suggests that rodents either inhabit or frequent residential homes, prompting the need for further investigation.

Abstract A total of 25 Ilam street dust specimens were sampled to investigate the possible ecological and health risks of heavy metal(loid)s and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). We found that the average concentrations of heavy metal(loid)s, namely Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, Cd, Ni, V, and As, were 52, 213, 63, 46, 0.4, 44, 31, and 5 mg/kg, respectively. The average concentration of all heavy metal(loid)s except for Cr and V was several times higher than the baseline values. We evaluated Zn and Pb in the region using the average enrichment factor (EF) and pollution index (PI); the Nemerow integrated pollution index (NIPI) indicated that 76% of the samples had high degrees of pollution. According to principal component analysis (PCA), three principle components are involved in the heavy metal(loid) pollution of Ilam street dust. For example, the pollution sources of Cu, Cr, Cd, and Ni likely originated from anthropogenetic origins, including traffic, tire depreciation, and gasoline use. The sources of Pb and Zn were other anthropogenic activities, such as metal corroding and the combustion of garbage and gases from industries, while V and As were probably from natural sources. The range of sum over 11 PAHs was 167–11,497 μg/kg with a mean of 2242 μg/kg. The concentration of low molecular weight (LMW) PAHs averaged 1471 μg/kg, accounting for 66% of the total PAHs; their sources were mainly associated with combustion and pyrogenic emissions. The PCA also revealed that PAHs mainly originated from burning fossil fuels. The values of RQ∑PAHs (MPCs) and RQ∑PAHs (NCs) were respectively >1 and ≥800, indicating a high ecosystem risk for PAHs. Mean values for RQ∑PAHs (MPCs) and RQ∑PAHs (NCs) were 4 and 1021, respectively, implying that Ilam street dust poses a relatively high ecosystem risk of PAHs. Street dust PAHs’ toxic equivalency quotient (TEQ) varied from 26 to 199 μg/kg. The total cancer risk was 3.92 × 10−4 and 4.06 × 10−4 for adults and children, respectively, indicating that the potential for cancer risk is very high through dust dermal contact and ingestion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To determine inequality and decompose it's in Self-Rated Health (SRH). Method: This population-based cross-sectional study was undertaken on the entire population of the city of Ilam, Iran, in 2023. Multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling with proportion-to-size approach was used to select the participants. Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition technique was used to show the amount of inequity in SRH and to decompose of the gap of SRH between the poor and the rich group of participants. Results: 1370 persons participated in the study. The 59.38% of participants stated good SRH status and just 8.86% of participants had poor SRH status. The results of the Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition revealed a considerable gap (15.87%) in the poor status of SRH between the rich and the poor. A large proportion (89.66%) of this difference was described by explained portion of the model. The results of decomposition showed that economic status was directly responsible for explaining 27.98% of overall inequality gap between rich and poor people. Moreover, hopelessness to future (32.64%), having an underlying disease (18.34%) and difference in the education level (10.71%) were associated with an increase in inequality disfavoring the poor. Conclusion: For people suffering from underlying disease, it is suggested to devise policies to improve access to/and remove healthcare utilization barriers. To address hopelessness to future, it is recommended to carry out further studies to reveal factors which affect it in more details. This can help policy makers to formulate more realistic and evidence-informed policies on order to lessen the current socioeconomic inequity in SRH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge of the length of hospitalization of patients infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), its characteristics, and its related factors creates a better understanding of the impact of medical interventions and hospital capacities. Iran is one of the countries with the most deaths in the world (146,321 total deaths; 5 September 2023) and ranks first among the countries of the Middle East and the EMRO. Analysis of confirmed COVID-19 patients' hospital length of stay in Ilam Province can be informative for decision making in other provinces of Iran. This study was conducted to analyze the survival of COVID-19 patients and the factors associated with COVID-19 deaths in the hospitals of Ilam Province. This is a retrospective cross-sectional study. Data from confirmed COVID-19 cases in Ilam Province were obtained from the SIB system in 2019. The sample size was 774 COVID-19-positive patients from Ilam Province. Measuring survival and risk probabilities in one-week intervals was performed using Cox regression. Most patients were male (55.4%) and 55.3% were over 45 years old. Of the 774 patients, 87 (11.2%) died during the study period. The mean hospital length of stay was 5.14 days. The median survival time with a 95% confidence interval was four days. The probability of survival of patients was 80%, 70%, and 38% for 10, 20, and 30 days of hospital stay, respectively. There was a significant relationship between the survival time of patients with age, history of chronic lung diseases, history of diabetes, history of heart diseases, and hospitalization in ICU (p < 0.05). The risk of dying due to COVID-19 disease was higher among men, older age groups, and patients with a history of chronic lung diseases, diabetes, and heart disease. According to the results, taking preventive measures for elderly patients and those with underlying conditions to prevent the infection of COVID-19 patients is of potential interest. Efficiency in the management of hospital beds should also be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Health literacy is recognized as a key determinant of health and is a central focus of public health policy strategies. The present study aimed to assess the health literacy level and identify the factors influencing it among the clients of comprehensive health service centers in Ilam city. Materials and Methods: In 2022, a descriptive-analytical study was conducted to examine 429 clients aged 18-65 years who visited comprehensive selected health service centers in Ilam city. For adults the data collection tool used was the Helia health literacy questionnaire. Sampling was conducted in nine clusters, with each cluster consisting of 50 samples. The data was analyzed using SPSS software, which included descriptive statistical tests, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and one-way analysis of variance, with a significance level set at 0.05. Results: Based on the results, the average health literacy score was 80.16 ± 16.50. In terms of health literacy, 18.97% of people had inadequate or not very adequate health literacy, while 44.39% of the participants had excellent health literacy. The average health literacy scores across different dimensions are as follows: access to health information 65.74, comprehension of information 81/81, reading information skills 12.74, evaluation of information 05.75, and decision making and behavior based on information 61.92. A significant relationship was observed between job, education, and income variables and various dimensions of average health literacy (p-value≤0.001). However, there was no significant relationship between general health literacy and age, gender, and place of residence (P≤0.05). Conclusion: The results of the present study demonstrate that vulnerable groups have significantly lower literacy levels. Furthermore, given the impact of education on enhancing people’s health literacy, it is advisable to leverage mass media, social networks, and educational centers to enhance literacy levels as a potential factor in community health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate language attitudes among Kurdish speakers in the western part of Iran. A questionnaire was adopted for collecting the data. Then the final version of the questionnaire was distributed among people in target cities. 450 people participated in this part and answered the questionnaires voluntarily. The results of language attitude showed that the Kurdish language has a very high social status among people in Sene (Sanandaj) and Kermashan (Kermanshah) and a high social status among people in Ilam. Regarding its institutional support, people believe that the Kurdish language, though vital and widely used with a positive attitude among its native speakers, requires more institutional support. Regarding Kurdish vitality, the results showed that, unlike Sene, the Kurdish language may die out in the future in Kermanshah and Ilam. Finally, the results showed that there was no significant difference between males and females in their attitude to the Kurdish language in Kermashan and Sene, but there was an obviously significant difference between males› and females` language attitudes in Ilam. Finally, some suggestions for further research were proposed by the researcher. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Primary schools are a social institution where an important period of children's lives is spent. Observing the environmental health of the school is a kind of social investment that helps improve health-oriented programs for the next generations. the present study was also conducted with the aim of investigating environmental health and safety status of DarehShahr primary schools in 2023. Methods: The current research is a cross-sectional descriptive study in which all the primary schools in the city (28) were investigated by census method. The required data was obtained using the school health inspection checklist with form code 140/920318. Finally, the data were analyzed with excel software. Results: In this research, the percentage of health compliance with the regulations in the subject of personal health indicators, tools and equipment hygiene, building hygiene and building safety in Darrehshahr primary schools in 2023 were equal to 64.73, 83.52، 75, 64.29%, respectively. In total, the percentage of health compliance with regulations in the studied schools was 71.89 percent. Conclusion: In order to improve the environmental health status of DarehShahr elementary schools, it is necessary to put fundamental changes in the factors of environmental health and school safety, especially in the field of deficiencies observed in the personal health and safety of school buildings.

Background: In this study, five types of popular herbal distillates including licorice, fennel, orange blossom, lavender, and cinnamon were purchased from the supply level stores in the city of Ilam by cluster sampling method and analyzed for the amount of ethanol and methanol. Materials and Methods: In the first step, the samples of herbal distillates were taken for testing. In addition, analytical grade ethanol and methanol were purchased from Merck Company and used as controls. Dates of production and expiry of each sample were separately checked and recorded. The samples of every herb distillate were kept in their original containers and used for testing. The names and brands of the manufacturing plants were mentioned as A, B, C, etc., in view of the ethical aspects of the research. The concentration of methanol and ethanol in the products of each company was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and each sample was measured five times and the mean value was reported. Results: On the basis of the obtained results, the mean concentrations of ethanol and methanol in lavender distillate were 7.153 and 17.002 ppm, respectively. The mean ethanol and methanol levels in orange blossom distillate were 164.2551 and 64.2472 ppm, respectively. The average ethanol and methanol content in cinnamon distillate were 11.9482 and 12.769 ppm, respectively. The mean ethanol and methanol contents in fennel distillate were 30.8897 and 7.5103 ppm, respectively. The mean ethanol and methanol contents in licorice distillate were 4.1524 and 38.3075 ppm, respectively. The results of this study showed that herbal distillates have ethanols and particularly methanols. Conclusion: Herbal distillates that contain methanol and ethanol can be toxic, especially to pregnant women, if taken over a long period of time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: A study was undertaken to investigate the presence of house dust mites in Ilam town and their climate-induced variability between January and June 2017. Material & Methods: In this cross-sectional investigation, a total of fifty houses located in five different residential areas of Ilam town were selected using a cluster random sampling method. Dust samples, collected from mattresses, pillows, and carpets, were obtained from each house utilizing a portable vacuum cleaner. Each sample was then transferred into 70% alcohol solution, with an amount equivalent to 200mg preserved for further analysis. Under a stereomicroscope, mites were carefully isolated from the samples using micro-dissecting needles. Subsequently, these specimens underwent clearing processes before being mounted on Hoyer media for preservation purposes. The identification process involved employing standard taxonomic keys to determine the species of each specimen. Furthermore, statistical analyses provided both mean values as well as confidence intervals (CI) for the mite populations collected for every identified species. Additionally, binomial tests served to assess the distribution patterns across these species. Findings: Out of a grand total of 208 mite specimens analyzed during this investigation phase, seven distinct species namely Haemolaelaps glasgowi (24.52%), Echinolaelaps echidninus (12.02%), Laelaps nuttalli (11.06%), Androlaelaps setosus (13.94%), Neoeucheyla iranica (10.10%), Cheyletus malaccensis (14.90%), and Ornithonyssus bacoti (13.46%) were successfully identified. The distribution of all species displayed a significant statistical value (P < 0.01). Furthermore, an astonishing 80% of the visited households were infested with mites. Conclusion: This particular study has shed light on the presence of a remarkably diverse array of house dust mite species. The prevalence of certain rodent-related mites suggests that rodents either inhabit or frequent residential homes, prompting the need for further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Despite numerous studies in the field of home care, the role of unmarried girls in caring for their parents and the problems caused by this care for them, is still neglected or lost due to the study of other caregivers. In this regard, the present study aimed to investigate the care pressure resulting from the care of elderly parents among single girls in Ilam, Iran. Material & Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in 2019. The statistical population included all single girls over 30 years old in Ilam (n=5134 cases), and the sample size was determined at 370 people. The data were collected using a 24-item Novak & Guest Care Burden Questionnaire by cluster sampling. The obtained data were entered into SPSS statistical software (version 20) and analyzed at two levels of descriptive (median, mean, standard deviation, and frequency percentage distribution) and inferential statistics (analysis of variance). (Ethic code: 3102145) Findings: The findings indicated the existence of weak care pressure (26.91±21.13) among respondents. In comparison to the dimensions of care pressure, the time dimension (8.8±5.68) was more intense than other dimensions. Moreover, the girls who were government employees and had university degrees, in all respects, tolerated lower care pressures than their peers. The analysis of variance of the dependent variable considering the independent variables showed a significant difference in the care pressure of girls regarding age, employment status, education level, and mental class affiliation (P

Catheter ablation for ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients with structural heart disease is now part of standard care. Mapping and ablation of the clinical VT is often limited when the VT is noninducible, nonsustained or not haemodynamically tolerated. Substrate-based ablation strategies have been developed in an aim to treat VT in this setting and, subsequently, have been shown to improve outcomes in VT ablation when compared to focused ablation of mapped VTs. Since the initial description of linear ablation lines targeting ventricular scar, many different approaches to substrate-based VT ablation have been developed. Strategies can broadly be divided into three categories: 1) targeting abnormal electrograms, 2) anatomical targeting of conduction channels between areas of myocardial scar, and 3) targeting areas of slow and/or decremental conduction, identified with “functional” substrate mapping techniques. This review summarises contemporary substrate-based ablation strategies, along with their strengths and weaknesses.

Introduction: Suicide is a tragic and complex public health problem that affects individuals, families, and communities. The current study aimed to predict suicidal ideation based on cognitive emotion regulation strategies, perceived social support, self-efficacy, perfectionism, and spiritual health in students at Ilam universities, Ilam, Iran. Material & Methods: The current study was a cross-sectional study conducted in 2021. A total of 463 working students studying in Ilam universities were selected and included in the study through the available sampling method. A questionnaire was used for data collection. To determine the relationship between the variables and suicidal thoughts, the Pearson correlation test was used, and to investigate the predictors associated with suicidal thoughts, stepwise regression analysis was performed. Findings: The research results showed a significant negative relationship between the variables of perceived social support, self-efficacy, spiritual health, and positive emotion regulation strategies (i.e., acceptance, positive reorientation, planning, positive appraisal, and underestimation) and a significant positive relationship between perfectionism variables and negative emotion regulation strategies (i.e., self-blame, rumination, catastrophizing, and blaming others) with suicidal thoughts. The highest correlation coefficient was related to perceived social support, which was the most important predictive variable in this study (r=-0.71). Perceived social support, existential health, rumination, perfectionism, self-efficacy, self-blame, and acceptance variables were able to become significant as predictive variables in the regression equation. In total, these factors explained 66% of the variance of suicidal thoughts. Discussion & Conclusion: Based on the research findings, the variables of cognitive emotion regulation strategies, perceived social support, self-efficacy, perfectionism, and spiritual health may be important components and predictors of suicidal thoughts. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to these components in suicide prevention programs and treatment and counseling methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the formation and strengthening of specific styles and subcultures in the urban society of Iran, the present study aims to study the phenomenon of black clothing as a cultural tool to display values among Elamite black boys. The research has been done in the form of a qualitative paradigm and also the phenomenological method has been used to collect data and the thematic analysis method has been used to analyze the findings. Also, the target population is the study of all boys in black in Ilam city and chain sampling has been used in order to better access the informants. Semi-structured interviews were also used as data collection tools and after interviewing 24 people based on the principle of theoretical saturation, it happened. The results show that black people are more affected by the economic and social conditions of society than by being an influential factor in their life process. A society that deprives them of the necessary mechanisms to create harmony and has brought a kind of inner revolt in them to distort the main path and a new path of social life, even if it is risky, through deviant and challenging behaviors. Draw for themselves to seek out their repressed aspirations. Sociology of Culture and Art Volume 5. Issue 1. Spring 2023. Pages 109 to 126 Gholami. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, many factors such as climate change and drought have changed the Zagros forests in western Iran. Also, unsuitable use of the forest is now threatening the long-term survival of Zagros forests by local natives. The municipal solid waste (MSW) disposal of Ilam city (in the west of Ilam province) is located in the Zagros forests. In this study, the effects of the Ilam landfill on soil and Oak tree (leaf) contamination with heavy metals (HMs) were investigated. 31 points around the landfill (at different distances from the landfill) were considered for sampling, and also 6 points were selected in forest areas that are far away from pollution sources as control areas. The forest soils and oak leaves were randomly collected from the control area and landfill. The soil and tree leaf samples were analyzed for cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, lead, nickel, magnesium, and zinc using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Several pollution indices, the Kriging method, and principal component analyses were applied for evaluating the contamination level spatial distribution, and possible sources of heavy metals. The concentrations of chromium, cobalt, and nickel in landfill soils were 531.6, 43.87, and 408.8, respectively, which were 5–10 times higher than the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) standards. The concentrations of chromium and nickel in oak leaves were 2.83 and 5.91, respectively, which are higher than the permissible limit. The results showed that there were statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in metal soil concentrations between (lead, cobalt, zinc, and copper) the control area and landfill (with was 2 times higher than in the control). Higher values of soil pollution indices were obtained for the landfill sites than for the control sites. The findings of the spatial distribution confirmed that the heavy metals from the landfill significantly affected the soils of the Zagros forest. The presence of heavy metals in soil and leaf samples shows that contamination is due to leachate migration from an open dumping site. Regular monitoring around this non-engineered landfill is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Urban Studies (2322-2875) is the property of University of Kurdistan and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Rural Research is the property of Negah Institute for Social Research & Scientific Communication and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Exposure to potentially hazardous trace elements (PHTEs) through drinking water consumption can endanger the health of the consumer. In this study, the concentration of Aluminium (Al), Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu) and Manganese (Mn) among 288 water samples were collected (March to February 2016) from water distribution networks of Ilam city was measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) instrument and the health risk was estimated using the Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) method. The rank order of PHTEs in the drinking water was Cu (0.200 ± 0.200 mg/l)> Fe (0.096 ± 0.094 mg/l)> Al (0.040 ± 0.060 mg/l) > Mn (0.017 ± 0.020 mg/l).The rank order of PHTEs based on the non-carcinogenic risk for the adult consumers were Cu (0.250) > Mn (0.0069) > Fe (0.0067) >Al (0.0027) while the corresponding values for children wereCu (0.310) > Mn (0.0087) > Fe (0.0084) >Al (0.0034).The percentile 95% total target hazard quotient (TTHQ) correlated with the investigated PHTEs in the children and adults were equal to 0.3205 and 0.2600, respectively. Therefore, the exposed population is at the acceptable non-carcinogenic risk due to the relatively low concentration of PHTEs in tap drinking water in Ilam city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improper use of alluvial aquifers and declining water levels in these aquifers have led to significant attention to the search for other groundwater sources in karst areas and hard formations. Iran is one of the countries that has a very high percentage of karst in the world and the study and tracing of karst are very important in this country. In this research, eight effective factors in karstification are identified and categorized into two groups and the relevant information layers are prepared. The first group includes average annual rainfall, type of geological formations, the density of fractures, and density of the fracture site. The second group, which is of secondary importance, includes the average annual temperature, the density of canals, slope, and type of vegetation. After preparing the information layers, quantitative parameters based on fuzzy logic and qualitative parameters were standardized by the rasterization method. The importance and weight of each of the effective factors were determined from two methods viz. Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Fuzzy Hierarchical Analysis Process (FAHP). After multiplying the standard maps with their respective weights, they were overlaid, and finally, karst potential maps were generated. Maps were generated from the two weighting methods based on the subsurface and surface hydrogeological-geomorphological diagrams. Karst features such as Karen, dissolution cavities, depressions, caves, dry valleys, reservoir rocks of springs and water exploitation wells, and Calcareous limbs were ascertained, which indicates that the results of the FAHP method are more consistent with the existing conditions in the region. The final map was divided into five classes in terms of the karst potential, viz. very high, high, medium, low, and no potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The most well-known classification of the cost of diseases is direct medical cost. The aim of this study is to investigate and analyze direct treatment costs of patients with Covid-19 by hospitals affiliated with Ilam University of Medical Sciences. Methods: This was a descriptive-analytical, cross-sectional study performed retrospectively. The hospital expenditure information in Ilam province from March to October 2020 was used. Cost information related to all patients was collected and classified and reviewed using Excel 2016 software. The average direct treatment costs of hospitalized patients were also determined. Results: The direct costs of treatment in hospitalized patients in Ilam were estimated at $ 2349272.094 (98669427959 billion Rials). The per capita direct medical costs were calculated to be $ 1228.056 (51578373 million Rials(. The largest share of the cost related to pharmaceutical services and the share of basic insurance was equal to $ 934.570 (39,252,109 million Rials). Conclusion: Results of the study indicated that the treatment costs of patients entering Ilam province are high, and the highest cost concerns pharmaceutical services. Taking necessary measures to prevent and control the spread of coronary artery, using the most cost-effective drug interventions and reducing unnecessary hospital stays of patients can increase the efficiency of financial resources and reduce direct medical costs in Ilam province.

Introduction: Linguatula Serrata is a zoonotic parasite. Several cases of human infection have been reported from Iran and other countries. Sheep and Canids, as the intermediate and definitive hosts, respectively, play an important role in the persistence of infection in humans. The present study aimed to evaluate the lymph node infection in the sheep with respect to host factors (age and gender), lymph nodes (color and consistency), and their role in the infection of various hosts. Material & Methods: This cross-sectional study included the randomly selected samples of mesenteric lymph nodes from slaughtered sheep (n=619) of different areas of Ilam province, Iran, from April to November 2015. The positive samples were determined by collecting Linguatula Serrata nymphs. Following that, the obtained data were analyzed using statistical tests. Findings: Out of 619 sheep samples, 99 (16%) samples were infected with Linguatula Serrata nymphs. The highest prevalence rates were observed in the southern areas, including Abdanan, Darreh Shahr, and Dehloran (19%). On the other hand, the lowest prevalence rates were in the eastern regions, including Shirvan, Sirvan, and Chardavol (11.7%). The infection prevalence rate in females was 25.6% (n=52 of 203) that was more than that in males (11.3%; n=47 of 416). There was a significant relationship among gender, age, and the prevalence rate of the infection (P

Abstract Background Persons with disabilities can have physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which can hinder their social participation. Despite Sustainable Development Goals call for “universal access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH)”, women with disabilities (WwDs) continue to experience barriers to access SRH services in Nepal. This study evaluated factors affecting the utilization of SRH services among WwDs in Ilam district, Nepal. Methods A mixed-method study with 384 WwDs of reproductive age was conducted in Ilam district, eastern Nepal. Quantitative data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Relationships between utilization of SRH services and associated factors were explored using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Qualitative data were collected from focus groups with female community health volunteers and interviews with WwDs, health workers and local political leaders. They were audio-recorded, translated and transcribed into English and were thematically analyzed. Results Among 384 respondents (31% physical; 7% vision,16% hearing, 7% voice&speech,12% mental/psychosocial, 9% intellectual, 18% multiple disabilities), only 15% of them had ever utilized any SRH services. No requirement (57%) and unaware of SRH services (24%) were the major reasons for not utilizing SRH services. A majority (81%) of them reported that the nearest health facility was not disability-inclusive (73%), specifically referring to the inaccessible road (48%). Multivariate analysis showed that being married (AOR = 121.7, 95% CI: 12.206–1214.338), having perceived need for SRH services (AOR = 5.5; 95% CI: 1.419–21.357) and perceived susceptibility to SRH related disease/condition (AOR = 6.0; 95% CI:1.978–18.370) were positively associated with the utilization of SRH services. Qualitative findings revealed that illiteracy, poor socioeconomic status, and lack of information hindered the utilization of SRH services. WwDs faced socioeconomic (lack of empowerment, lack of family support), structural (distant health facility, inaccessible-infrastructure), and attitudinal (stigmatization, bad behaviour of health care providers, perception that SRH is needed only for married) barriers to access SRH services. Conclusions Utilization of SRH services among WwDs was very low in Ilam district, Nepal. The findings of this study warrant a need to promote awareness-raising programs to WwDs and their family members, sensitization programs to health service providers, and ensure the provision of disability-inclusive SRH services in all health facilities.

Introduction: Despite numerous studies in the field of home care, the role of unmarried girls in caring for their parents and the problems caused by this care for them, is still neglected or lost due to the study of other caregivers. In this regard, the present study aimed to investigate the care pressure resulting from the care of elderly parents among single girls in Ilam, Iran. Material & Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in 2019. The statistical population included all single girls over 30 years old in Ilam (n=5134 cases), and the sample size was determined at 370 people. The data were collected using a 24-item Novak & Guest Care Burden Questionnaire by cluster sampling. The obtained data were entered into SPSS statistical software (version 20) and analyzed at two levels of descriptive (median, mean, standard deviation, and frequency percentage distribution) and inferential statistics (analysis of variance). (Ethic code: 3102145) Findings: The findings indicated the existence of weak care pressure (26.91±21.13) among respondents. In comparison to the dimensions of care pressure, the time dimension (8.8±5.68) was more intense than other dimensions. Moreover, the girls who were government employees and had university degrees, in all respects, tolerated lower care pressures than their peers. The analysis of variance of the dependent variable considering the independent variables showed a significant difference in the care pressure of girls regarding age, employment status, education level, and mental class affiliation (P<0.001). Discussion & Conclusion: Based on the results of the study, it is inferred that the low care pressure of the studied girls is due to the low pressure of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study is to investigate the epidemiological indicators of brucellosis in Ilam province, west of Iran, during the years 2011 to 2018. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional analytical study was performed on 1,002 patients with brucellosis in Ilam province, west of Iran. People with a Wright test greater than 1.80 or a positive 2ME test who were diagnosed with brucellosis were followed up and treated. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 21 and Excel 2007. Results: 1002 patients with brucellosis were diagnosed, 566 of whom were male (56.5%) and 436 were female (43.5%). The mean age at the onset of the disease was 38.11 ± 19.61 in men, 41.73 ± 15.67 in women, and39.94 ±17.81 in both sexes. The incidence of brucellosis in 2011 was 20.44 per 100,000 (22.30 per 100,000 in men and 18.53 per 100,000 in women), which dropped to 15.94 per 100,000 in 2018. Regarding the season, most cases of the disease were observed in summer (31%), spring (24.7%), winter (23.6%), and autumn (20.7%), respectively. Conclusion: The results showed that the age of the onset of the disease was middle age, when individuals are active labor and human capital working in a community. Therefore, improving cross-sectoral and intra-sectoral cooperation and promoting effective education for prevention seem necessary.

The genus Agrochola s. l. Hübner, 1821 (Noctuidae, Xyleninae, Xylenini, Xylenina) include more than seventy described species, most of them have a quite typical external habitus. Due to recent revisions on this lineage in the Palaearctic, we decided to update the data of this group in Iran, according to the latest synonymy information and distribution data. A total of 18 taxa belonging to Agrochola s. l. of Iran was listed among them, three taxa namely Agrochola imitata Ronkay, 1984, A. consueta (Herrich-Schäffer, 1852) and A. helvola pallescens (Warren, 1911) are newly recorded for the fauna of Iran. A list of Agrochola s. l. taxa of Iran with their synonymy and distribution data is given together with some notes and illustrations of genitalia and wing pattern for the new records. It is suggested to do more intensive exploration and study the food plants of Iranian Agrochola in their habitats, especially in the Zagros range in western Iran.

The purpose of this study was to compare and analyze the pattern of energy consumption and greenhouse gases emission in different sizes of walnut orchards in Ilam region. The average of total energy requirement was estimated to be 65334.82 MJ/ha. Diesel fuel, irrigation water and machinery with 57.4, 12.55 and 10.65 percent, respectively, were the most consumed energy inputs in walnut production. Energy efficiency and productivity weres estimated to be 1.05 and 0.04 kg per MJ, respectively. The amount of greenhouse gas emissions for walnut production was calculated as 2496.5 kg of CO2 per hectare. The three inputs of diesel fuel, animal manure and nitrogen fertilizer with 73.62%, 16.82% and 2.92%, had the highest environmental pollution in walnut production. Positive regression coefficients were obtained from the Cobb-Douglas function for human labor inputs, machinery, diesel fuel, chemical pesticides and the regression coefficients of chemical fertilizer and irrigation inputs were negative. The results of econometric estimation and sensitivity analysis of walnut production inputs showed that by increasing one megajoule per hectare in energy inputs of human labor, machinery, diesel fuel, chemical fertilizer, animal manure, irrigation, chemical pesticides, electricity and pruning, yield increases by 26%, 03%, 001%, 004%, 36%, 2.78% and 0.16 kg/ha respectively.

Introduction: The location of sanitary landfills is one of the most important environmental issues in cities. If the design of landfills is not appropriate, it will threaten human health. This study aimed to detect a suitable location for a landfill in Ilam, Iran. Materials & Methods: A questionnaire and consultation with experts were used to conduct the research. For this purpose, three main criteria of the environment (e.g., vegetation, surface water resources, and habitats of animal species), hydrology (e.g., groundwater depth, and distance from springs, wells, as well as aqueducts), and access roads/population centers (e.g., distance from protected areas, the prevailing wind direction, and distance from the main roads) were considered in this study. The data were then weighted based on Analytic Network Process, and Super Decision software was used to integrate the information layers. Subsequently, based on the studied criteria and sub-criteria, four areas were proposed for waste disposal in Ilam. Finally, based on the weight and ranking of criteria, their coefficient, and the paired comparison matrix tables, the most appropriate option was selected for landfilling. Findings: According to the results, location 1 with a weight of 0.419 and a consistency ratio of 0.05 is the most suitable place for landfilling in Ilam among the four selected options. Discussions & Conclusions: The results showed that Super Decision software has a good ability to locate the landfill.

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the effect of mindfulness on the alexithymia and academic achievement of male middle school students in Ilam, Iran. Materials & Methods: This semi-experimental study was conducted based on a pretest-posttest design using experimental and control groups. The study population included all junior male students of middle school (n=3750) in Ilam (the academic year 2018-19). Accordingly, five schools were selected from the districts in Ilam. In the next stage, some classes were selected and investigated randomly. According to the Cochran formula, 348 students were selected as samples using the cluster random sampling method. Of these, 60 students had high levels of alexithymia and were selected as the main sample. After the identification of the population and sample, the researcher referred to the schools and commenced the treatment sessions following the obtainment of the required permission. The Toronto Alexithymia Scale and the Pekrun Academic Achievement Questionnaire were used in this study. The experimental group received eight 60-min training sessions using the mindfulness method. On the other hand, the control group received no training. The content of the intervention was designed by Kabat-Zayn et al., and Narimani et al. used and approved the designed content. Findings: Based on the findings, the calculated F values for academic achievement and alexithymia were obtained at 114.511 and 143.511, respectively. Moreover, the covariance analysis showed a significant difference between experimental and control groups regarding the dependent variables (P

The possibility of suspending radioactive particles during dust storms from Iraq and entering Iran has always been a concern. The aim of this study was to investigate the particulate matter concentration during dusty days and the effect of dust storm on the irradiation rate in the atmosphere of the city of Ilam (capital of Ilam province). The concentration of particulate matter and radiation dose in the study area were monitored between March 2012 and February 2013 (1 year). Sampling was done every 6 days for periodical days. For the dusty days, samples were gathered according to the forecast information of dust plum entrance by the meteorological organisation. The results showed that the average and standard deviation of PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 concentrations in the periodic sampling (every 6 days) were 76.9 ± 57.1, 17.5 ± 10.5, and 8 ± 4 μg/m3, respectively, and in the dusty days were286 ± 164.8, 54.4 ± 30.3, and 14.6 ± 6.5 μg/m3, respectively. During the study period, the concentration of PM10in 35 days were more than 150 μg/m3 (Dusty day), and June with 13 days was the highest number dusty days. The average radiation dose in normal and dusty days were 0.152 and 0.150 μSv/hr, respectively. The results of Mann–Whitney's test showed that there was no significant difference between measured radiation in normal and dusty days (P > 0.05). Spearman test showed that there was no significant correlation between radiation doses and PM (PM10, PM2.5, and PM1) (P > 0.05). The results of the study show that dust storms and its concentration intensity did not affect the amount of radiation in the Ilam atmosphere. Because of the high density of the uranium element and its rapid sedimentation near the emission sources, the entry of this contamination related to dust storms to Ilam has not been proven. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the attitude of social network users of Ilam province regarding the vaccination of Covid-19 in 2021. Materials and Methods: In the present descriptive study, 739 users of social networks in Ilam province were selected by convenience sampling. The research-made questionnaire was completed online. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and univariate and multivariate regression. Results: The mean attitude score was at a weak level in 47 people (6.36%), moderate in 619 people (83.6%), and good in 73 people (9.88%). There was a significant relationship between age, education, job, and attitude (p <0.05). There was no significant relationship between gender, marital status, place of habitat, and attitude (p> 0.05) Conclusion: Most of the users of social networks had a moderate level of attitude about vaccinations. Considering the possibility of the next waves of covid-19, planning to improve people's attitudes is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the flagellated protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis. Little information is available on the epidemiology and genetic diversity of T. vaginalis in Ilam City, southwestern Iran. A descriptive cross-sectional investigation was carried out between July 2017 and December 2018 on the suspected women patients referred to eight gynecology clinics of Ilam City for probable Trichomonas infection. They were undergone a set of clinical, parasitological, and molecular examinations. During clinical consultation, posterior vaginal fornix secretions and urine samples were gathered from the participants. For the reasons such as physical conditions and cultural and religious constraints, most of participating women, especially young girls due to their virginity, preferred to give urine samples instead of vaginal discharge. The presence of Trichomonas was diagnosed by microscopic examination and molecular detection using conventional PCR targeting ITS1-rDNA. A total of 1765 suspected individuals were examined clinically via vaginal secretions (495 specimens) and urine samples (1270 specimens). Of them, 21 (1.18%) cases, including 13 vaginal secretions and 8 urine samples, were positive for Trichomonas infection by microscopy. Slightly more than half of the patients (11/21, 52.4%) complained of vulvar itching, burning, and frequent urination. Cervical lesions, patchy erythema, and vaginal discharge were recorded in 28.6%, 23.8%, and 19% of the patients respectively. All patients with positive microscopic identification were confirmed by amplification of 450-bp fragment of ITS1-rDNA. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a high rate of genetic homogeneity in which all our isolates together with homologous sequences from China, Philippines, Austria, and USA were clustered within the same clade. A statistically significant relationship was recorded between the patients positive for trichomoniasis and the presence of chronic disease (e.g., diabetes, immune system deficiency). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suicide is increasingly being recognized as a global public health concern, but it is still treated as a neglected burden in Nepal. Case-control study on suicide from Nepal is very rare. Thus, a community-based matched case-control study was conducted at Ilam District to identify different stressors associated with Nepalese suicidal victims with appropriate samples of 64 cases which were matched for age group (± 2 years) and area of residence with 128 controls (1:2 ratio). Data was collected through suicide survivors and close neighbors of suicide victims. Intimate partner violence was an independent risk factor for committing suicide (OR (95% CI) = 5.33 (1.41–20.10), P = 0.013). A conditional logistic regression identified two strong stressors of suicide: depression (OR (95% CI) = 10.53 (3.11–35.66), P < 0.001) and substance dependence (OR (95% CI) = 16.38 (4.23–63.35), P < 0.001). This is the first community-based case-control study to report stressors of suicide from eastern Nepal. An integrated counseling and public awareness center needs to be established by the Nepal Government at Ilam District addressing those significant stressors. Furthermore, the findings also have implications for formulating national health policy to be implemented in vulnerable districts in order to decrease risks of suicide in Nepal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]