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Coastal areas within the Bushehr Province (BP), Persian Gulf, Iran, face great challenges due to the heavy organic contamination caused by rapid industrialization, and the presence of numerous oil fields. In addition, in 2014, a significant number of tar balls are found along the coasts of BP. A total of 96 samples (48 coastal sediments and 48 tar balls) were taken from eight sampling points at the BP coast during the summer of 2014. These samples were analyzed to identify the sources and characteristics of their organic matter using diagnostic ratios and fingerprint analysis based on the distribution of the source-specific biomarkers of n -alkanes, PAHs, 1 1 Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons hopanes and steranes. Mean concentration of n- alkanes (μg g−1 dw) and PAHs (ng g−1 dw) varied respectively from 405 to 220,626, and 267 to 23,568 in coastal sediments, while ranged respectively from 664 to 145,285 and 390 to 46,426 in tar balls. In addition, mean concentration of hopanes and steranes (ng g−1 dw) were between 18.17 and 3349 and 184.66 to 1578 in coastal sediments, whereas in tar balls were 235–1899 and 520–1504, respectively. Pri/Phy 2 2 Pristane/Phytane ratio was 0.25 to 1.51 (0.65) and 0.36 to 1 (0.63) in coastal sediment and tar ball samples, respectively, and the occurrence of UCM 3 3 Unresolved Complex Mixture in both matrices, reflecting the petrogenic OM 4 4 Organic Matter inputs and chronic oil contamination, respectively. The C 30 and C 29 homologues followed Gammacerane were detected in both matrices, in particular those collected from intensive industrial activities, suggesting petrogenic sources of OM. The coastal sediment PAHs profiles were significantly dominated by HMW 5 5 Higher Molecular Weight -PAHs in the Bahregan Beach (BAB) (78% of total PAHs), Bandare-Genaveh (GP) (66%), and Bandare-Bushehr (BUB) (61%) stations, while the Bashi Beach (BSB) (40%), Bandare-Kangan (KP) (57%), and Bandare-Asaluyeh (AP) (51%) stations exhibited higher proportion of LMW 6 6 Lower Molecular Weight -PAHs. PCA 7 7 Principal Component Analysis indicated that the tar ball and coastal sediment samples deposited along the Southwest of the BP beaches are most likely originated from the Abuzar oil. Based on the intensity of the anthropogenic activities, NPMDS 8 8 Non-Parametric Multi-Dimensional Scaling analysis revealed that the GP, BAB, NNP, AP, and KP sampling sites had a high concentration of detected organic pollutants. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that investigates oil pollution in costal sediments and tar balls in the BP, providing insights in to the fate of oil in the coastal areas of the Persian Gulf, Iran. Unlabelled Image • Coastal sediments and tar balls of Bahregan Beach, Bandare-Genaveh and Bandare-Bushehr exhibited high values of petroleum biomarkers. • Coastal sediment texture, and TOC influence the spatial distribution of petroleum biomarkers. • The occurrence of the unresolved complex mixture (UCM) in both tar balls and coastal sediments suggests chronic oil contamination. • Predominance of high molecular weight PAHs originated mostly from fuel combustion. • Abuzar oil was identified as the most probable source of the sediments and tar balls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although studies have reported an inverse association between fruits, vegetables, and fiber consumption and all-cause and cause-specific mortality, the issue remains incompletely defined in the Middle Eastern population. Aims: The current study aimed to investigate the association between dietary fiber, fruit, and vegetable intake and all-cause and cause-specific mortality. Methods: A total of 48632 participants (mean age = 52years), 57.5% (n = 27974) women and 42.5% (n = 20658) men, were recruited from an ongoing large-scale prospective cohort study (the Golestan Cohort Study (GCS)), in the north of Iran. Using a validated semi-quantitative 116-item food questionnaire, dietary intakes were collected. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) of all-cause and cause-specific mortality were reported. Results: After approximately 14 years of follow-up, 10,774 deaths were recorded. In the fully adjusted model, compared to those in the lowest quintile of intake, those in the second and third quintiles of dietary fiber intake had a 7%-10% reduction in risk of all-cause mortality, and a 15%-17% reduction in the risk of mortality from other causes. Increasing consumption of fruits was also associated with a decreased risk of mortality for all-cause mortality by 9%-11%, and all cancer by 15–20%. Further, those in the third and fourth quintiles of vegetables intake had 11%-12% lower risk for CVD mortality. Discussion: The results from the GCS further support the current recommendations on following a healthy diet containing proper amounts of fiber, vegetables, and fruits, as health-protective dietary items. Conclusions: Higher intake of dietary fiber, fruits, and vegetables has the potential to reduce both overall and cause-specific mortality rates. However, additional cohort studies with larger sample size and long-term follow-up durations are required to establish these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are four paradigms of lean, agile, resilient, and green (LARG) which can promote human resource culture to create novel ideas and increase performance in organizations. This study aims to conceptualize, develop, and validate four lean, agile, resilient, and green paradigms in human resource management (HRM) context and investigates how different LARG HRM elements can affect organizational innovation and performance. In this way, a conceptual model for investigating the LARG concept in HRM is proposed. A new tool to measure lean, agile, resilient, and green indicators in service industry has been developed. Using convenience sampling method, an online survey questionnaire is managed to collect data from 102 service sector organizations, including banking and financial services, transportation, hotel, telecom, and insurance, having more than 50 employees in Iran. The collected data are analyzed by partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The results indicate that the LARG HRM significantly and positively influences organizational performance. In addition, the LARG HRM indirectly affects organizational performance through organizational innovation. The findings also showed that employee's ability to perform several different jobs from the lean paradigm, paying attention to employee's ideas in decision-making from the agile paradigm, increasing the ability of staff to change rules in different situations from the resilient paradigm, and having employees with a full understanding of environmental policies from the green paradigm, is the most effective elements among the LARG paradigms factors. This study provides valuable insights into recognizing the most effective LARG elements and factors for implementing the LARG HRM in organizations and how it contributes to enhancing organizational performance and organizational innovation in order to achieve competitive advantage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comparative study of the relations among nations and an evaluation based on the attitudes of "the Other" generates a deep insight; thence, travelogue is considered a profitable means in this regard. Within the path of knowing "the Other", the travel writer paces to know him/herself. Put another way, the writing would culminate in his/her own understanding along with "the Other'. In this vein, the similarities and cultural differences which are formed in accordance with the travel writer's prior thought lines or prejudices, encompass a vast information regarding the travel writer's identity. Besides, the French school of Imagology, especially Daniel-Henri Pageaux's researches, is a valuable resource for analyzing such travelogues. For this purpose, Pietro Della valle's Travels in Persia has been taken into account to examine his constructed identity as an Italian/Eueopean "Other". Out of the very minute descriptions he generates regarding political, social, and cultural conditions of Iran in comparison with his own country or The Ottoman Empire, his own identity is constructed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the concentration of mercury in feathers of 40 owls (five species) in five regions of Iran. Results showed that mercury concentration in Tawny owl's feathers (Strix aluco) were significantly higher than in the Little owl (Athena noctua), Eagle owl (Bub bubo), Long-eared owl (Asio otous) and Short-eared owl (Asio flammeus). Also, mercury concentrations in owl feathers collected from the north of Iran were significantly higher than others regions. Furthermore, mercury concentrations in owl feathers obtained in this study were higher than other regions in the world except for Sweden. This study demonstrates that mercury concentrations in Iranian owls, with the exception of the Tawny owl, are below toxic concentration (5 mg kg-1). In addition, location was a contributing factor in the mercury concentration in Iranian owl's feathers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carpet weaving, especially the production of pile carpets, is one of the most important handicrafts in Iran. One of the oldest examples, known as the Pazyryk carpet, dates back to around the 4th to 3rd centuries BC. According to Mesopotamian inscriptions, carpet weaving and its trade date back to the first millennium BC and the Iranian carpets of the Median type are mentioned in ancient Greek texts. Based on archeological excavations as well as samples in museums from different periods of pre-Islamic era and the fall of the Sassanid Empire, there is no doubt that pile carpet had been made in Iran since very ancient times. Ancient textual evidence, most of which comes from Zoroastrian holy texts, gives us a small amount of information about several types of ground coverings. One of the words under discussion in this research is the Avestan word stairiš-, which is used in the Vendidad for a kind of hand-woven ground covering, but to determine whether the carpet is a pile type or not, we first need to scrutinize the associated texts and the present research is intended to fulfill this goal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of hydro-alcoholic extract of spinach (HES) on hepatic and serum measurements of NAFLD in a rat model. Methods: In the prevention phase, 18 Sprague–Dawley rats were fed a high-fat diet, a high-fat diet plus 400 mg/kg HES, or a chow diet for seven weeks. For the treatment phase, after the induction of NAFLD, they were fed a high-fat diet, a high-fat diet plus 400 mg/kg HES, a chow diet, or a chow diet plus 400 mg/kg HES for four weeks (n = 6). Results: Administration of HES combined with high-fat diet in rats was associated with decreased food intake (P < 0.01), weight loss (P = 0.01), and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) (P = 0.02) enzyme activity in the liver, at the end of the prevention phase. hs-CRP (P < 0.05), PTX-3 (P < 0.05), and TNF-α (P < 0.05) gene expression in the liver were decreased and PPAR-γ (P < 0.05) gene expression in the liver was increased by spinach intake, both in the prevention and treatment phases. Furthermore, administration of spinach in the treatment phase increased serum TAC (P = 0.03) and hepatic GPX (P = 0.01) enzyme activity. Conclusion: Taking into account the potential beneficial effects of HES on prevention and treatment of NAFLD in the present study, to confirm these findings, we propose that further clinical trials be conducted on human subjects with NAFLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnoornithology is a multidisciplinary field of study that focuses on human-bird relationships and humans' knowledge of the Earth's avifauna. Falconry (the use of trained birds of prey—usually eagles, falcons, and hawks—to hunt wild animals) is one type of human-bird relationship, with its origins obscured in poorly understood prehistoric times. We hypothesized that falconry would have been memorable enough to prehistoric peoples to be the subject of rock art, and that evidence of prehistoric falconry could be found in the petroglyphs of the Persian Plateau. To assess this hypothesis, we visited 13 major rock art sites in the Persian Plateau, and searched for petroglyphs depicting a person bearing a bird on the forearm. We found, identified, and photographed 11 petroglyphs depicting falconry. Most (n = 10) occurred in the archaeological region of Teymareh, most (n = 7) showed a falconer mounted on horseback or elephant, and many (n = 6) included an accompanying trained canid or cheetah. These tableaus suggest that falconry was but one aspect of a suite of human-animal associations developed and maintained by the prehistoric peoples of the Persian Plateau. Based on previous surveys of the petroglyphs of Teymareh, along with other evidence, we assume that most of the petroglyphs we discovered were inscribed approximately 4000 years ago, likely making them some of the oldest remaining evidence of falconry in the world. We suggest that our work indicates that future research on petroglyphs may be useful in further exploring and understanding the relationship between prehistoric mankind and wildlife. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives Human platelet antigens (HPAs) are polymorphic structures located on the membrane of platelets (PLTs). These antigens have important role in clinical situations like refractoriness to platelet transfusion which is the most important cause of transfusion related mortality and morbidity in patients by recurrent platelet transfusion. Alloimmunization against the human platelet antigen 1 (HPA-1) is assumed as the major cause of platelet refractoriness in white population. Due to the variation of platelet antigens frequencies among ethnic groups; in this study, we investigated the frequency of HPA-1 alleles on Turkmen blood donors. Materials and Methods In this descriptive study, 80 non-relatives of Turkmen donors were randomly sampled from Aq Qala blood center during the year 2018. Results The mean age of the subjects was 38.2 ± 7.7 years (range: 18-59 years) and all were male. Molecular genotyping of HPA-1 in this study revealed that HPA-1a allele was detected in 96% donors and the HPA-1a/1b heterozygote was found in 4% of individuals. No one was HPA- 1bb homozygous (frequency 0%). Conclusions It was declared that 96% of Turkmen blood donors have shown HPA-1a similar to the frequency which was previously detected in Iranian blood donors and HPA-1b/b homozygous was not found in all donors. So it could be concluded that HPA-1a alloimmunization may not be involved in platelet refractoriness in Turkmen ethnicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Using the PRECEDE model, the purpose of this paper is to determine the predictors of mothers' performance in daily consumption of fruit and vegetables (FV) in rural preschoolers. Design/methodology/approach: This study was carried out on 350 mothers of preschool children who had health records in the rural health-care centers of Iran. To collect data, a researcher-made questionnaire based on the PRECEDE model was used. The data were analyzed using the SPSS 19 software. Findings: The results showed that 11.42 percent of the mothers observed the FV intake for their children recommended by WHO. The independent t-test showed a significant difference between the mean scores of predisposing, enabling and reinforcing factors. Originality/value: This study showed that the rate of FV intake by preschool children in rural areas was much lower than the recommended WHO rate. To promote behavior, attention to the predisposing, enabling and reinforcing factors seems to be necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To examine the relationship between dietary patterns and inflammatory markers including serum high sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) and interleukin 17A (IL‐17A) in females. Methods: In the present cross‐sectional study in female teachers living in Yazd, central Iran, data on anthropometric measurements and general information were gathered. A food frequency questionnaire was completed by participants and then, subjects were invited to give blood samples. Major dietary patterns were derived using principal component analysis and serum inflammatory markers were compared according to quintiles of dietary patterns scores. Results: In total, 320 subjects aged 40.38 ± 8.08 years were included. Three dietary patterns were derived: (i) 'traditional' with a high intake of poultry, salt, eggs, other vegetables and red meat; (ii) 'vegetables and fruits' with a higher intake of tomatoes, yoghurt drinks, green leafy vegetables, dried fruits, fruits, other vegetables and organ meats and (iii) 'dairy and saturated fat' with a high loading of high‐fat dairy products, butter, low‐fat dairy, margarine, eggs, other vegetables and green leafy vegetables. Participants in the highest quintile of the 'vegetables and fruits' dietary pattern had significantly lower serum hs‐CRP levels compared to those in the lowest quintile (3.6 ± 0.4 mg/L vs 2.6 ± 0.4 mg/L, respectively; P < 0.05). None of the dietary patterns were associated with circulating IL‐17 levels. Conclusions: Higher consumption of fruits and vegetables is inversely associated with serum hs‐CRP but not IL‐17 levels. Studies investigating the dietary patterns in association with IL‐17 in other populations are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The “Pir-e patr” ritual is one of the healing ceremonies among Baluchs (Baluchis) of Iran, which is similar to other rituals with elements such as music, spirituality and spiritual hierarchy. In this ritual, the formation of the healing process can be seen in the form of a threshold process with the emergence of an ultra-structured community. The purpose of this research is to identify the subject matter, record it ethnographically and analyze its anthropology. Materials and Methods: The data of the present research is the result of anthropological researches based on fieldwork (in-depth interview and observation technique) and documentary based and library research methods. To collect these data, all of the field study, documentary based and library research methods have been used. Interviews with Sheikh Seyyed Mohammad and Sheikh Mahmoud, two of those who held the Pir-e patr ring as indigenous people has been one of these methods. Results: Aside from the links of this rite with the way and followers of Sheikh Abdul Qader Gilani, due to the closeness of the cultural area of Sistan and Baluchistan (the Baluchi culture of Iran) to the culture and civilization of the Persian Gulf, it may also be related to rituals originating from Africa, including Zar. That is why the ceremony in addition to the Islamic characteristics, also features the native culture of the region. Conclusion: When we examine the anthropology of the Pir-e patr ritual, we encounter religious beliefs that are part of the popular rituals. This rite must be a healing ritual, in which the spiritual and mystical power of the Pīr and the musical, inner, symbolic and spiritual harmony of believers and ritualists in a sacred space are seen as the source of healing. Research on this healing ritual can initiate a way to discover the unknowns of other healing rites in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:To evaluate an intervention programme based on the Health Action Process Approach and designed to increase the intake of fruit and vegetables (F&V) among Iranian adolescents aged 13 to 18. Design:A randomised controlled trial with three arms examined the short- (1 month) and long-term (6 months) effects of the intervention. There were two intervention groups (one included adolescents only [A group;n = 510]; the second included mothers and adolescents [M + A group;n = 462]) and a control group (n = 483). All participants were recruited from schools. Main outcome measures:Social cognitions, self-regulatory processes and F&V intake. Results:The intervention led to an increase in F&V intake for adolescents in the short and long terms. Adolescents in the M + A group increased their F& V intake more than adolescents in the A group. Outcome expectancies, self-monitoring, intentions, action and coping planning, perceived social support and behavioural automaticity mediated the effect of the intervention on F&V intake. Conclusion:The theory-based intervention led to an increase in F&V intake and promoted more positive social cognitions and self-regulatory processes among Iranian adolescents. The findings also provide evidence that involving mothers in an intervention can confer additional benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

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Background: The aim of this study was to determine the association between the dietary diversity score (DDS) and anthropometric indices in a nationally representative sample of Iranian children and adolescents., Methods: The nationwide cross-sectional study included 5178 students aged 6-18 years. A validated 168-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used. The DDS was assessed by dividing food items into five groups., Results: An increase of 1 in the total DDS score was associated with 0.08 increase in the body mass index z-score (BMIz), 0.06 increase in waist circumference z-score (WCz), and 0.07 increase in hip circumference z-score (HCz) (P < 0.05) in girls. An increase of 1 in the DDS score of the dairy group was associated with an 0.11 increases in BMIz (P < 0.05). An increase of 1 in the DDS score of the fruit-vegetable group was associated with 0.09 and 0.08 increase in BMIz and HCz among girls respectively (P < 0.05). The odds of excess weight (overweight or obesity) and abdominal obesity increased with each unit increase in total DDS in girls (odds ratio, OR excess weight  = 1.11 (95% confidence interval, CI: 1.003-1.23), OR abdominal obesity  = 1.11 (95% CI: 1.001-1.23)). The odds of excess weight increased with each unit increase in dairy DDS (OR excess weight  = 1.20 (95% CI: 1.002-1.43) among boys., Conclusion: Higher DDS was associated with higher anthropometric indices and greater risk of obesity among children and adolescents. Our findings emphasize the importance of increasing the diversity of healthy food items to reduce weight disorders in the pediatric age group. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry., (© 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.)