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Objective: The purpose of this article is to investigate the capacity of studying contemporary social history based on archival documents of social communication. The issue that is evaluated based on an obvious principle in this article is related to the concept of communication. Since the social life of a human gets its meaning in the interactions and communication with others, can it be said that the conceptual study and thematic analysis of issues related to social communication will lead to the unraveling of all the hidden aspects of social history? Therefore, the main premise of the article is a temporary answer to such a question. From this point of view, it seems that the study of documents related to social communication will, to some extent, lead to the understanding of the state of social history. Methods: For this target, we tested the proposed hypothesis in a sample. Since Abadan was one of the pioneers of the social transformation of contemporary Iran due to industrial developments and the use of modern civilizational components, it creates an appropriate model for measuring the capacity of this research experiment, in the study of these developments and methodological extension to other places. In order to check the aforementioned hypothesis, first, common communication concepts were extracted from a number of international communication encyclopedias. In the next step, the number of 6128 archival documents related to the issues of Abadan city was obtained by searching in the "RASA" software of the National Library and Archives Organization through the "Abadan" descriptor, and through several stages, communication documents were purified and studied in parallel with the study of social history. Results: The results showed that among the examined documents, 238 documents have standard communication content and are in accordance with international encyclopedias. In other words, the results obtained from the point of view of communication professors generally show that the study of archival documents of social communication is effective in clarifying more than half (54.71%) of the issues related to social history, which is the optimal capacity of archival documents with a communication theme for the study of social history. Conclusions: despite the fact that the problem of society is equal to communication, these types of documents alone do not have the full capacity to analyze and measure social history. It can also be added that the issue of communication as a variable in the analysis of the state of social history has received less attention from researchers in related fields such as communication science, history, sociology, and interdisciplinary topics corresponding to the topic. Therefore, examining this issue in a methodological approach is a new thing. From a theoretical point of view, the use of archival documents as one of the reliable historical sources, within the framework of historicism and the Annales school, has a relatively strong support. This school's emphasis on micro-narratives that intersect with official narratives, as well as attention to the necessity of understanding the state of society in connection with other fields of study such as social sciences and the like, naturally adds to the validity of using archival documents. On the other hand, paying attention to the views of Benjamins and Knoblauch, who state that communication has the ability to include all domains of society's actions, or Habermas's philosophy-oriented views, which emphasize the praxis project such as communication action and the evolution of the human species from both social-historical and technological perspectives. has emphasized the importance of understanding communication in order to understand and identify aspects of social issues, including social history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Low birth weight (LBW) can cause complications and disorders in the future life of newborns. This study aimed to investigate maternal risk factors affecting low birth weight among term newborns in the affiliated cities of Abadan University of Medical Sciences based on a nested case-control study.Methods: In this study, based on the nested case-control design, namely with the risk set sampling approach, the case and control groups were selected. All in-term newborns born since the beginning of 2018, with less than 2500g birth weight, were considered as the case group. Two were randomly selected as controls from newborns born in the same time frame and geographical location and with over 2500g birth weight. The selection ratio of the cases to control was 1:2. The questionnaires were completed from the beginning of 2019 to the end of 2020. To describe the data, descriptive statistical indicators including mean, standard deviation, frequency, and logistic regression were used in this method.Results: The results of this study indicate that the factors affecting LBW are maternal age, number of pregnancies, number of abortions, history of stillbirth, history of bleeding, mother’s BMI, number of births, twins, and gestational intervals.Conclusion: It is suggested that health policymakers should pay special attention to the necessary interventions for mothers with special pregnancy care conditions. In addition, it is necessary to pay more attention to the continuation and improvement of the quality of educational programs for health and medical personnel to increase the mothers’ awarenessregarding the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy.

Background: Due to the destructive effect of cardiovascular disease on vital organs, the study of laboratory biochemical factors in the most common heart diseases is essential to accelerate the treatment of cardiovascular patients. Materials and Methods: This study was cross-sectional and analytical. By referring to the hospital information system of educational hospitals of the Abadan University of Medical Sciences, the necessary information of 565 patients with cardiovascular diseases (e.g., demographic information and laboratory diagnostic markers) from March 21, 2019, to March 19, 2020, was extracted through the hospital information system and completed checklist. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software version 22. Results: In this study, fasting blood sugar (FBS), international normalized ratio (INR), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), Serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), serum glutamate oxalate transaminase (SGOT), creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), total bilirubin, creatine kinase (CK)- MB, and prothrombin time (PT) were higher than normal in patients with cardiovascular diseases. SGOT was significantly different between age groups (P=0.006), and the highest value was observed in the age group over 75 years. Moreover, FBS was significantly different between the male and female groups (P=0.002). Conclusion: FBS and some diagnostic markers such as renal markers, liver, coagulation, and inflammatory markers are abnormal in patients with cardiovascular diseases.

Background and Objectives: Maternal anemia is associated to premature birth and fetal disorders. The aim of this study was to estimate prevalence of maternal anemia and identify its underlying causes in pregnant women. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-analytical cross-sectional survey, 301 Iranian pregnant women aged 15-42 y of 5-40 gestational weeks referred to comprehensive health centers in Abadan, Iran, were selected. First, anthropometric indices were measured. Then, obstetric, sociodemographic characteristics and disease history were collected using selfdesigned questionnaires. Laboratory data documented in the electronic health records were used to assess maternal anemia. Dietary intake was assessed using 168-item qualitative food frequency questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, independent Ttest, Chi-square tests and logistic regression were used to analyse data using IBM SPSS statistics software. Results: Rate of the maternal anemia was 20.3%; of which, 75, 23.4 and 1.6% were mild, moderate and severe anemia, respectively. History of anemia before pregnancy enhanced the risk of maternal anemia (OR=6.048, 95% CI: 2.00-18.27, p=0.001). Moreover, 6-10 times weekly iron supplementation during pregnancy protected women from anemia, compared to 1-5 times weekly iron supplementation (OR=2.799, 95% CI: 1.438-5.450, p=0.002). Anemic women had less frequent intakes of bell peppers, dates and pomegranates than non-anemic women. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of obstetric and nutritional factors as well as positive roles of healthy dietary patterns and appropriate uses of iron supplements in controlling anemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, monitoring of airborne bacteria and fungi concentrations has obtained increasing universal attraction not only for influences on ecological balance but also for evaluating their public health consequences. In this study, we aimed to investigate culturable airborne bacteria and fungi levels in different sites of Abadan, and their association with meteorological parameters and PM2.5 levels. Abadan is one of the most industrialized cities in the southwest of Iran where over the current decade has experienced lots of dust storm episodes. In total, 400 air samples were collected in 6 months (autumn and winter) using a single-stage viable Andersen cascade impactor for sampling airborne bacteria and fungi and portable DustTrak Aerosol Monitor 8520 for measuring PM2.5 concentrations and meteorological parameters. Microbial concentrations showed a significant difference between various sites over the study period with averages of 569.57 ± 312.64 and 482.73 ± 242.86 CFU/M3 for bacteria and fungi, respectively. The air temperature had a significant effect on the concentration of both airborne bacteria and fungi. A significant positive correlation between relative humidity and fungi but no correlation between relative humidity and bacteria concentrations were observed. The average airborne PM2.5 concentrations of all sites among the study period was 93.24 ± 116.72 μg/m3. The atmospheric bacterial and fungal communities were strongly positively correlated with the ambient PM2.5 level. The levels of airborne bacteria and fungi along with PM2.5 in the air of the city were relatively higher than the recommended levels. Therefore, the best course of action is needed to control emission sources. Further studies are also needed to evaluate the clinical analysis of the health effects of exposure to these pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SARS-CoV-2 that causes Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was first known in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of common hepatic, renal, and cardiac diagnostic markers in hospitals in patients with severe COVID 19. In this study, 259 patients with symptoms of severe COVID-19 and a positive RT-PCR assay of nasopharyngeal samples were enrolled. Inclusion criteria are positive for COVID-19 patients at the diagnosis of an infectious disease physician. Diagnostic markers of liver, kidney, and heart were evaluated by age and gender. In this study, 48.3% of patients severe with COVID-19 were male, and 51.7% were female. The mean of markers such as LDH, Direct Bilirubin, SGOT, SGPT, D-dimer was higher than normal, which was observed in men more than women. The mean of CK-MB also was higher than normal, which was observed in women more than men. The highest mean of markers was seen in the older ages. The mean of BUN was observed in the age range of 55-64 years and above 65 years above normal. But the mean of CPK, creatinine, potassium and alkaline phosphatase were normal. The results of the present study showed an increase in the level of some of the most important diagnostic markers of hepatic, renal, and cardiac in patients with COVID 19. This increase was greater in some markers, including SGOT, SGPT, Direct bilirubin, LDH, D-dimer, in men than in women, and more in older patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In developing countries, due to improper segregation and management of health care waste (HCW), the environmental effects of these infectious components are becoming a major challenge. The purpose of this study was to evaluate quantity and quality of HCW, and current status of waste management in four educational hospitals of Abadan School of Medical Sciences, Iran. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted in four educational hospitals of Abadan School of Medical Sciences to evaluate the amount of production rate, type of hospital waste, and the current status of HCW management. These HCW of hospitals were selected and sampled daily in four seasons in 2018. The waste was manually segregated by the hospital staffs into 8 components (according to WHO manual) and weighted. Proposed questionnaires of WHO for developing countries was used to evaluate HCW management system of studied hospitals. Results: The average of hospital waste produced was 604.75 kg/day including 217 kg/day of infectious and 387.75 kg/day of non-infectious waste, respectively. The per capita of hospital waste generated in all studied hospitals was 4.13 kg/bed-day. The main part of infectious and non-infectious wastes was food waste and plastics which are recyclable. In addition, 70% of the separation sources were performed correctly, which facilitates segregation. All hospitals used autoclave and hydro-clave treatment for disinfection before final disposal. However, the current management status was poor and underdeveloped. Conclusion: According to the waste management hierarchy, waste minimization can be considerable if carried out in an effective, safe and sustainable manner. But in studied hospitals, this strategy was very weakly managed. There was no management program (waste minimization, separation, reuse and recycling) in the hospitals.

Background: Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne, viral disease that may also be transmitted through person-to-person transmission by exposure to infected body fluids. It causes a severe disease in humans with high mortality rates. Case presentation: Here we present two cases of CCHF patients with sudden onset of lethargy, fever, nausea, vomiting, headache, and hemorrhagic manifestation. With one of the patients tick bite was confirmed, then he was treated with ribavirin in isolation and recovered completely. The second patient was in contact with the infected blood of a sheep and, unfortunately, despite the treatment, he passed away. Conclusion: Public health measures should focus on preventing this infection by raising the awareness of CCHF symptoms and route of its transmission, and also by adopting practices to decrease the chances of spreading infections in hospitals.

SARS-CoV-2 that causes Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was first known in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of common hepatic, renal, and cardiac diagnostic markers in hospitals in patients with severe COVID 19. In this study, 259 patients with symptoms of severe COVID-19 and a positive RT-PCR assay of nasopharyngeal samples were enrolled. Inclusion criteria are positive for COVID-19 patients at the diagnosis of an infectious disease physician. Diagnostic markers of liver, kidney, and heart were evaluated by age and gender. In this study, 48.3% of patients severe with COVID-19 were male, and 51.7% were female. The mean of markers such as LDH, Direct Bilirubin, SGOT, SGPT, D-dimer was higher than normal, which was observed in men more than women. The mean of CK-MB also was higher than normal, which was observed in women more than men. The highest mean of markers was seen in the older ages. The mean of BUN was observed in the age range of 55-64 years and above 65 years above normal. But the mean of CPK, creatinine, potassium and alkaline phosphatase were normal. The results of the present study showed an increase in the level of some of the most important diagnostic markers of hepatic, renal, and cardiac in patients with COVID 19. This increase was greater in some markers, including SGOT, SGPT, Direct bilirubin, LDH, D-dimer, in men than in women, and more in older patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Abadan oil industry in Iran is very significant due to its various valuable layers as a part of national memory and identity. Therefore, to protect and reuse this industrial heritage, the adaptive reuse strategy by means of the andscape is considered. The purpose of this study is to achieve urban sustamabihty through a landscape adaptable to the oil industry heritage. METHODS: This research is descriptive-correlational and has been done through a survey. The statistical population of this research consists of pundits and experts of Abadan's oil industry and the sample size is 88 people. In the analytical section, while using documentary studies, a questionnaire with 21 closed questions was used for data collection. After collecting the data, its validity and reliability were measured and confirmed. FINDINGS: In this study, the relations between nine environmental, historical, economic, social, cultural, policy, technology, physical, and infrastructure factors were measured as the factors affecting the landscape adaptable to the oil industry heritage. CONCLUSION:The results showed that the completion and facilitation of policies lead to the creation and strengthening of opportunities for cultural and social interactions in the industrial landscape. Also, the impact of physical factors on infrastructure, economic, and environmental leads to strengthening economic factors and infrastructure reuse in urban development. Findings indicated that the impact of environmental factors on economics and policy by using landscape leads to success in the mentioned fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The practice of developing urban areas without considering climate factors has contributed to global warming, increased drought, changed the pattern of rainfalls, magnified the effects of storms and in cases, paired them with dust and particle pollutants. Considering the large share of residential spaces in the urban fabric, it can be argued that revising the design methods used in residential buildings may contribute to the quality of life for the residents, improve environmental conditions, reduce energy consumption and control pollution levels. One of the main environmental issues in the dry and humid cities of South-western Iran is the winds carrying particles and dust. Therefore, in designing residential buildings, priority must be given to the factors that help combat the unpleasant effects of dust storms and particle pollution. By studying the prevailing desirable and undesirable winds blowing into Abadan city, collecting and analyzing the structural and design data from a sample group of residential buildings located in the historic fabric of the city, and by considering the latest technological advances which help to improve the quality of life for the residents in dust-prone areas, this study suggests several solutions that offer the best combination of form and direction in planning residential spaces to preserve the natural structure of the city and minimize the unwanted effects of dust storms. Recommended design solutions include methods of optimizing ventilation in the building's open spaces and corridors, paying attention to the orientation of the building's site and optimization of the building orientation relative to the desirable and undesirable winds, careful planning of the location of windows and openings, the use of wind deflectors and re-designed wind towers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One of the main pillars of sustainable development is health and wellness which is an integral part of improving the quality of life. Lack of hygiene facilities and human resources and their inadequate distribution in urban and rural areas are major problems in providing health services in third world countries. The main and important reasons for inequalities in the distribution of health sector resources include inappropriate and poor budget allocation to the health sector, inadequate and long-term planning. This study was conducted to determine the degree of development of Abadan, Khorramshahr and Shadegan cities in terms of health indicators using numerical taxonomy model. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted in 3 cities of Abadan, Khorramshahr and Shadegan in Khuzestan province in 2016. The data collection tool was a checklist containing information needed to calculate 15 health indices that were collected from Abadan Medical School Deputy of Health. The numerical taxonomy of these cities was evaluated in terms of degree of development of health indicators. Results: According to the values of the upper and lower limits of homogeneity distance and the values of the shortest distance between cities, it was found that all cities (regions) were homogeneous and were in the same group. Finally, the results showed that Abadan is considered to be developed (0.47), Shadegan under developed (0.78) and Khorramshahr undeveloped (0.81). Conclusion: Regarding the results obtained for improving the health status and managing the health sector, it is suggested that a comprehensive development-based program to be developed for reducing gaps and inequalities in terms of health indicators and to pay specific attention to the main development indicators of health care system based on population in each region.

Background and Objectives: Hospitals as one of the most important sensitive populated areas must be located in areas within standard air quality. The aim of this study was assessing Abadan hospitals outdoor air quality affected by oil refinery using CALPUFF (California Puff) model. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was performed on the dispersion of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) from the catalyst unit of Abadan oil refinery for 12 months of 2018. Upper and surface climate data, land cover map, physical properties of smokestacks and emission rate of pollutants were used as input data in CALPUFF modeling system. Results: Based on the results, the highest level of SO2-1hr occurred in January and in the other months this pollutant was higher than the standard limit. Maximum concentration of NO2-1hr was observed in January that was higher than the standard level. SO2-1hr and NO2-1hr had limited distribution in 1500 meters buffer of smokestacks. Outdoor air pollutants concentration in hospital areas were lower than the standards limit. Conclusion: Admissible level of pollutants in the hospitals ambient outdoor was due to large area of oil refinery land and limitation of pollutants propagation in average monthly. Using advanced air pollution models can be useful in awareness increasing and the vulnerability reducing of medical centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural organic matter reacted with chlorine used for disinfection, and finally, trihalomethanes (THMs) are formatted. The main purpose of this study was to determine four THM concentrations and human health cancer risk and non-cancer risk assessment from exposure through oral ingestion, dermal contact, and inhalation for males and females in Abadan. Two sampling sites were selected, and five samples before and after treatment by two different water treatment systems (RO and ion exchange) were collected every week. Results showed that total THM concentrations before and after treatment by RO were 98.1 and 8.88 μg/L, and ion exchange ranged between 101.9 and 14.96 μg/L, respectively, that before treatment was upper than the maximum of 80 mg/L recommended by USEPA. Inhalation was the primary route of exposure by around 80–90% of cancer risk. Total cancer risk was higher than the USEPA acceptable limit of 10−6 via three exposure routes. Oral route has the higher hazard index values than dermal ways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate risk of heavy metals on human health including (Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, Cd, Ni, V, As and Co) in street dusts in Abadan. Materials and Methods: 30 dust samples were collected from sidewalks of main streets of Abadan and analyzed by inductively coupled spectroscopy (ICP-OES) method. Results: The mean concentration of the heavy metals was as follows: Pb (59.13), Zn (287.50), Cu (112.97), Cr (50.30), Cd (0.52), Ni (56.77), V (35.83), As (10.7) and Co (7.33) (mg/kg). The concentration of all of the heavy metals, except V, in the dust samples was several times higher than the field concentration (concentration in the earthchr('39')s crust). The average value of the potential ecological risk of the heavy metals V, Cr, Zn, Ni, As, Cu and Pb was low and had a low potential ecological risk. Cd had a moderate potential ecological risk. Also, based on the average value of Risk Index, the samples were at medium risk. Cumulative non-carcinogenic hazard of all the heavy metals in the street dust was higher for children than adults. This indicates that children are more at risk for heavy metals than the adults. In both age groups, Cr had the highest risk of carcinogenicity and Pb had the lowest risk. Conclusion: The results indicated that the main source of the heavy metals in the study area is anthropogenic sources such as traffic, industrial facilities and burning of fossil fuels.

Background: Some members of family Calliphoridae are myiasis agents and mechanical vectors of some pathogens. The aim of this study was to measure the biodiversity and synanthropy behaviour of Calliphoridae flies in Abadan, Khuzestan province. Methods:Data were collected based on a monthly schedule during March to December 2014 in urban, semi-urban and rural ecosystems of Abadan County. Bottle trap was equipped with 30 g of chicken liver and installed 3 days in each collection site where net collection was done for about 30 minutes. Synanthropy Index (SI) of flies and biodiversity indices including Simpson, Shannon-Wienner and Margalef were calculated. Results: As many as 1479 samples of Calliphoridae were collected including 18, 1212 and 249 specimens of Chrysomyia megacephala, C. bezziana and C. albiceps respectively. C. bezziana showed a moderate SI in some collecting times. In spite of more collection of C. megacephala in all three ecosystems, its SI had the highest range in comparisons with the others. The biodiversity of Calliphoridae community was high in spring (H´= 0.67) while the highest diversity of dominant species was in autumn (1-D = 0.74). Margalef Index showed equal estimation of species richness in spring and autumn (Mg = 0.3) but it was reduced in summer. Conclusion:C. megacephala was the common species of Calliphoridae in Abadan. Abadan is an old international county in Iran which is the host of many domestic and international engineers, workers and visitors. Knowing the fauna and behaviour of medically important flies would be a major fact for the conditions of the health status of this city.

Students’ academic achievement as the community capital depends on the appropriate educational, physical, and psychological environment. Since students spend 20% of their time at school, and due to their high vulnerability to health problems and their value for the family, attention and promotion of their educational environment health is essential. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the environmental health and safety of 192 urban and rural schools in Abadan using a checklist prepared according to the Ministry of Health Regulations. The collected data were analyzed using Excel. The results showed that 100% of urban and rural schools have access to safe drinking water. In 98.6% of urban schools and 93.75% of rural schools, the standards for water drinking were followed. The minimum required area per student was met in 100% of urban and rural schools. Per capita green space was observed in 100% and 12.5% of urban and rural schools, respectively. In 95.5% of urban schools and 79.2% of rural schools, the standards for the number of hand washing stations was followed. The standard number of toilets was followed for 76.4% of urban schools and 77% of rural schools. In 100% of urban schools and 77% of rural schools, waste disposal was based on the sanitary standard. A total of 73.4% of urban schools and 45% of rural schools adhered to Article 13 of the Food, Cosmetics and Health Act. With regard to the effect of school buildings on education and academic achievement of students, it is necessary to address the environmental health deficiencies of schools.

Background and Objectives: Domestic violence is the most common type of violence against women which leaves negative effects on the mental health of the mother, children, family, community, and the next generation directly and indirectly. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the arte of domestic violence and some related factors in married women. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive research was carried out with participation of 623 married women attending health care centers of Abadan, Iran who were selected through random cluster sampling from in 2015. The data were collected by a demographic questionnaire and a women abuse scale checklist. Moreover, descriptive and analytical statistics (including T-Student Test, Pearson Correlation Coefficient, One-Way Variance Analysis, Chi-Square Test, and Fisher) were used for data analysis. Results: The total prevalence of violence was 72.3%, and the porevalence of psychological, physical, life threatening, and sexual violence was 71.7%, 17.8%, 8.3%, and 7.1%, respectively. Moreover, a significant relationship was observed between violence and age, marital satisfaction, family behavior, financial situation, cigarette, alcohol, disease, domicile, occupation, place of birth, and criminal records. Conclusion: Violence in the city of Abadan, eespecially psychological violence, is highly prevalent. Therefore, it is suggested that domestic violence against women be prevented using approaches such as life skills training starting before marriage such as anger management, proper communication, and problem solving.

The history of the oil industry's labor movement during the 1940s has often focused on the Tudeh's ability to act overtly and rally the masses of workers. Thus, more often than not, the importance of union underground activity and the role played by the masses of ordinary oil workers during times of political and military repression, is overlooked. This article examines how the particular setting of the oil town of Abadan influenced motivations of oil workers and the dynamics between them and the Tudeh. As the article aims to show, these elements were an essential part in the ability of the labor movement in Abadan to remain viable and reemerge in force in the early 1950s as part of the oil nationalization movement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Liver diseases have a lot of pain and suffering for the patients and also cost a lot to cure. In this study, we tried to collect comprehensive and applied information about the incidence of these diseases in Abadan and Khorramshahr cities and provide it to the ministry of health and public opinion. Materials and Methods: Referring to the medical records department of Ayatollah Taleghani and Shahid Beheshti Hospitals in Abadan city and Valiasr Hospital in Khorramshahr city, information about patients with liver diseases from 2012 to 2017 were collected from the Hospital Information System (HIS) of the hospitals. The findings were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: In our study 62.1% of the patients were male and 37.9% were female. The highest frequency of liver diseases was in the age group of 35-44 years. The lowest incidence was in the age group of less than 1 year and 1-4 years. The most common causes were cirrhosis (319 cases), inflammatory liver disease (121 cases), other specified liver diseases (133 cases), liver failure (71 cases), secondary malignant neoplasm (52 cases), hepatitis C (53 cases), hepatitis B (25 cases), and Fatty liver (20 cases). Conclusion: According to the results of this study, it was observed that the prevalence of liver diseases, especially liver cirrhosis, was the highest. As a result, people need to modify their lifestyle and consider weight loss, low-fat diet, and increased physical activity to reduce their body mass index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last decades, air pollution has been regarded as one of the major environmental problems. Cardiovascular and respiratory diseases are among the most common illnesses arising from air pollution and dust storm. Nowadays, non-communicable diseases resulting from air pollution have affected many people around the world. In recent years, the cities of Abadan and Khorramshahr, located in the southwestern Iran have been adversely affected by air pollution and dust storm. To address the issue, this study set out to investigate the relationship between hospital admissions for cardiovascular diseases and dust storms in Abadan and Khorramshahr in 2014–2016. The data was collected by the Abadan Environmental Protection Agency (Abadan EPA) office. The monitoring station is fully automated and provides hourly particulate matter (PM10) concentrations using a β-ray absorption monitor (Met One Model BAM-1020-Continuous Beta, USA). The annual PM10 mean concentrations reached 169, 187 and 201 µg/m3 in 2014, 2015, and 2016, respectively. The number of people suffering from cardiovascular diseases attributed to PM10 during this period was 237, 259, and 274, respectively. The results showed that high levels of particulate matter (PM) in the air drastically increased the number of people with cardiovascular diseases. The results also revealed that there was a significant relationship between concentrations of PM10 in dusty days and the cases of cardiovascular diseases in Abadan and Khorramshahr. According to the results of the study, an increase in the exposure concentrations of particulate matter could potentially cause different health problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Abstract The potential hazard to human health from exposure to toxic metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in street dust was assessed using thirty street dust samples collected from Abadan, an industrial city in Southwest Iran. The mean concentration of Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, Cd, Ni, V, As and Co in the street dust was: 59, 288, 113, 50, 0.5, 57, 36, 7.1 and 7.5 (mg/kg), respectively. The majority of potentially toxic metals were elevated compared to background concentrations, with the exception of Co and V. Mean enrichment factors decreased in the following order: Zn > Pb > Cu > Cd > As > Cr > Ni > Co > V, with a high enrichment value for Zn and Pb. Cadmium had a moderate potential ecological risk compared to other toxic metals. Correlation coefficients and principal component analysis (PCA) identified three principal groups as sources of toxic metals in Abadan street dust. Metals such as Cr, Ni, Co and V were identified to originate from natural parent materials, Zn, Cu and Pb from anthropogenic sources emitted from combustion/vehicular materials and Cd and As from other anthropogenic sources such as the Abadan refinery and petrochemical complex. The sum of 13 PAHs ranged from 400 to 11,766 (μg/kg), with a mean of 2436 (μg/kg). Approximately 68%–79% of ∑PAHs comprised of higher molecular weight PAHs (HMWPAHs 4–6 rings), revealing a combustion origin. Principal component analysis (PCA) for PAHs in Abadan street dust originated mainly from vehicular, petroleum emission and fossil fuel. The toxic equivalency quantities (TEQs) of PAHs in the street dust ranges from 22 to 951 (μg/kg). High coefficients of correlation (r2 = 0.98 to 0.83, p < 0.01) among Pyrene, Benzo (a) anthracene, Chrysene, Benzo (a) pyrene, Benzo (b) fluoranthene, Benzo (k) fluoranthene, and TEQ of street dust showed that these PAHs were principal contributors to TEQ. Ecosystem risk calculations for PAHs were high since the value of RQ ∑ PAHs (MPCs) was ≥1 and RQ ∑ PAHs (NCs) was ≥800. The mean values for RQ ∑ PAHs (MPCs) and RQ ∑ PAHs (NCs) were 8 and 1151, which indicated a relatively high ecosystem risk of PAHs in street dust in Abadan. The total cancer risk was 8.64 × 10−3 for adults and 8.95 × 10−4 for children, suggesting a high potential cancer risk through both dust dermal contact and ingestion pathways. Highlights • This study assesses a comprehensive environmental risk of toxic metals and PAHs pollution in street dust. • Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, Cd, Ni, and As contamination were found to be significantly elevated in Abadan street dust. • Vicinity of Abadan oil refinery and petrochemical complexes are the major contributing source of street dust pollution. • Exposure to PAHs in street dust poses high cancer risk for Abadan residents. • Ecosystem risk assessment indicated that PAHs widely showed middle to high level ecosystem risk in street dust of Abadan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Petroleum and its refined products are globally traded commodities; they are also key elements in our energy landscape and have shaped the built environment in multiple, interconnected ways over the last century. Petroleum flows encompass the entire world. Constellations of oil actors — including corporations and nations — shape seemingly disconnected and geographically distant physical spaces over time. Together, they function as a global palimpsestic petroleumscape. Among the diverse industrial, administrative, retail and ancillary spaces that are part of this petroleumscape, this article argues, refineries have the most important "staying power." It investigates exemplary cases in four select periods of the petroleum industry: the lighting age (1860s to 1910s), the car age (1910s to 1950s), the plastic age (1950s to 1980s), and the period since the 1980s with its early attempts to go beyond oil. In the first three periods, it explores the relationship between major refineries and nearby (port) cities of Philadelphia, Dunkirk, Suez, Abadan, Rotterdam, and Tehran. It proposes that refineries due to the global networks of petroleum have managed to overcome periods of war and nationalization, of destruction and re-appropriation, while redirecting petroleum flows over time. The article then examines the current state of the refineries discussed in this article, exploring their entanglement with global events and national strategies, and their often detrimental current spatial and environmental impact. The article concludes with a reflection on the necessity to design transition strategies for cities that are based on understanding of the role that refineries have played through time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxoplasmosis is a cosmopolitan zoonotic infection, caused by a unicellular protozoan parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) that belongs to the phylum Apicomplexa. The present investigation was aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in the general population of Abadan city. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 496 subjects were participated. Anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies were tested using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Moreover, a structured questionnaire was completed for each person. Out of 496 subjects, 188 (37.9%) and 30 (6.05%) samples were seropositive for IgG and IgM, respectively. The more seroprevalence was found during spring season, among female subjects, in rural inhabitants, in persons with the education level of diploma or lower, from the subjects with a history of contact with cat, in individuals who consumed raw/undercooked meat, and amongst who drink unpurified water. The results showed that inhabitants of tropical areas, may be moderately exposed to T. gondii. Increase of knowledge of people about toxoplasmosis, certainly affects in reduction of the infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vi hører ofte, at olieforekomst er en velsignelse pakket ind i en forbandelse, der medfører rigdom for nogle og elendighed for mange: Det sorte guld for eliterne er ’djævlens ekskrement’ for masserne. Olien skaber forurening, avler vold og korruption, den nærer diktaturer og kvæler demokratiske kræfter. For at nuancere denne gængse historie, tager nærværende artikel udgangspunkt i det helt særlige, moderne bysamfund, som olien formede, da den i det 20. århundrede tilvejebragte Abadan midt i ørkenen i Iran. Hvordan mindes abadanierne i dag med nostalgi byens florissante periode, og hvordan hænger denne nostalgi sammen med oliens „magiske kraft“?

Industrial wastewater is of particular importance. In most wastewater treatments, physicochemical parameters are used to determine the performances which are costly while protozoa can be used as less expensive biological indicators to determine the efficiency of the treatment plant. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between protozoa and physic-chemical characteristics of the Abadan wastewater treatment industry. Samples were collected from wastewater stabilization ponds in the Abadan industrial park. A total of 66 samples for biochemical and chemical tests and protozoa counts were taken. The sites of sampling were influent of sewage and effluent from maturation pond. For the parameters from influent, first 300 mL of samples was collected in depths of 0.1, 0.35 and 1 m and then mixed to provide a composite sample. 300 mL sample was directly taken from the effluent. The results of this study indicate that there is a positive relationship between the number and population percentage of amoeba and mastigophora (flagellate) with BOD and COD, whereas is the negative relationship between sticking ciliates with BOD and COD. Furthermore there is a positive relation between DO, the percentage, number of ciliates and amoeba population and there is a correlation, with flagellate population. Increase of flagellate numbers is indicative of high effluent Kjeldahl nitrogen. There was also an increase of input TSS and amoeba population percentage and a reduction of free ciliates numbers. The type and abundance of protozoa in industrial wastewater treatment following biological methods is an indicator of the system performance and effluent quality. This study shows the use of biological indicators can be used for monitoring as a much cheaper alternative resulting in a better economy. It is also a good indicator for the detection of toxic materials entering the plant or refinery and also its organic load shocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air pollution because of the dangerous compounds present in it can very dangerous for humans. Abadan due to exposed to Middle Eastern Dust (MED) storms, heavy industries emission (petroleum and oil) and climate condition is one of the most polluted cities in Iran. The aim of this study was to assess the air quality index related (AQI) to criteria air pollutants (CAP) outdoor air in Abadan, Iran during 2016-2017. In this descriptive study, the air quality data of were taken from the Khuzestan environmental protection agency (Khuzestan EPA) during 2016-2017. In this study we used to EPA guidelines for calculation of AQI. The results show that unhealthy condition for sensitive groups with 32.87% (120 days) was highest situation air quality. Also, according result this study good condition ( 41 days, 11.23%), moderate (150 days, 41.09%), unhealthy conditions (24 days, 6.57%), very unhealthy (21 days, 5.75%) and dangerous conditions (9 days, 2.65%) were the AQI in Abadan. Result of this study showed the mean of PM10 concentration in Abadan was significantly higher than standard. Also, according to results level of AQI during 2016 were higher than the standard. We can reduce the exposed to criteria air pollutant (CAP) in outdoor air by increase environmental monitoring, decreasing CAP in source and increase people knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Some members of family Calliphoridae are myiasis agents and mechanical vectors of some pathogens. The aim of this study was to measure the biodiversity and synanthropy behaviour of Calliphoridae flies in Abadan, Khuzestan province. Methods:Data were collected based on a monthly schedule during March to December 2014 in urban, semi-urban and rural ecosystems of Abadan County. Bottle trap was equipped with 30 g of chicken liver and installed 3 days in each collection site where net collection was done for about 30 minutes. Synanthropy Index (SI) of flies and biodiversity indices including Simpson, Shannon-Wienner and Margalef were calculated. Results: As many as 1479 samples of Calliphoridae were collected including 18, 1212 and 249 specimens of Chrysomyia megacephala, C. bezziana and C. albiceps respectively. C. bezziana showed a moderate SI in some collecting times. In spite of more collection of C. megacephala in all three ecosystems, its SI had the highest range in comparisons with the others. The biodiversity of Calliphoridae community was high in spring (H'= 0.67) while the highest diversity of dominant species was in autumn (1-D = 0.74). Margalef Index showed equal estimation of species richness in spring and autumn (Mg = 0.3) but it was reduced in summer. Conclusion:C. megacephala was the common species of Calliphoridae in Abadan. Abadan is an old international county in Iran which is the host of many domestic and international engineers, workers and visitors. Knowing the fauna and behaviour of medically important flies would be a major fact for the conditions of the health status of this city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A needle stick injury (NSIs) is a percutaneous piercing wound caused by a sharp instrument. In medical centers one of the most important agents that can threated health patients and health care workers (HCWs) are needle stick injuries (NSIs). The purpose of this study was to investigation of the relative frequency of NSIs among health workers in Abadan, Southwest Iran. In this descriptive study, the population under study contains on all HCWs in Abadan teaching Hospitals, during 2016. Data about health worker's age, sex, site of NSIs injury and case of needle stick were collected. In this study, in order to analyze Excel, SPSS 16.0 and descriptive statistical methods were utilized. The results of the present study showed that 62 cases of NSIs found in this hospital during 2016. According result our study, nurses were maximum cases NSIs between HCWs. Based on the findings, recapping the needles was the most risk factor for NSIs. Result our stud showed that frequency of NSIs were very lower in comparison with standard. It should be emphasized that the decrease in consecutive shift works for nurses may have a significant impact on prevention of these injuries in nursing staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hearing loss among workers can be caused many economic losses by the reduction of labor productivity in the industry. The aim of this study was assessment of factors affecting on hearing loss (HL) among workers in Abadan petroleum refinery (Abadan PR). This is a cross-sectional study, which was conducted in Abadan petroleum refinery, Iran, during 2016. The data collection tool was a questionnaire included two parts, demographic characteristics and factors affecting on hearing loss among workers. The coded data were entered into SPSS version 16. According result this study, the minimum and maximum working time per shift was 1 and 18 hr. Based on results this study, the mean age of participants was 39.5±3.42 years. The results showed that the highest work experience was 10 years. The results showed that there are a signification relationship between hearing loss among workers and average distance of resource (P=0.0037), years of work experience (P=0.001) and tinnitus and a feeling of sound in the ears (P=0.0042). According to the research, industries by improved equipment, increase knowledge, periodic examinations, and rotation in work force have been able to increase labor productivity and prevention of hearing loss among workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: An appropriate solid waste (SW) disposal has been a major problem in municipal environment. The use of landfills is the most economical and environmentally acceptable method for the disposal of SWs all over the world. However, landfill leachate can cause environmental issues such as soil and ground water pollution. So, finding suitable land fill site is one of the most significant tasks in SWM. In this study, Geographic Information System (GIS) and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method were used for Abadan solid waste landfill site selection. Materials and Methods: Six criteria were used in this study comprise distance from aquatic ecosystem, risk, residential, economical, geographical and social criteria. Each criterion weighted by using AHP method. After omission of inappropriate areas, the suitability examination of the residue areas was accomplished using GIS. Results: Relative importance weight of each criterion and score value of sub-criteria in the GIS environment was determined and finally suitability map was prepared. Based on the final suitability map, appropriate solid waste landfill site was located in north part of the study area. Conclusion: The combination of AHP method with GIS in our experiment proves it is a powerful tool for solid waste landfill site selection.

Environmental factors can be very important role in the working efficiency of employees. The aim of this study was assessment of environmental factors in the improvement of labor productivity between employers in the Abadan school of medical sciences. This is a cross-sectional study, which was conducted in Abadan school of Medical Sciences, Iran, during 2016. The data collection tool was a questionnaire included two parts, demographic characteristics and environmental factors in the improvement of labor productivity. The coded data were entered into SPSS version 16. The results showed 100% of participant's answered to questionnaire. The results showed that the mean age of participants was 38.9±3.76 years. According result this study, 55% of employers were women. The results showed that there are a signification relationship between environmental factors in the improvement of labor productivity and age (P=0.049), gender (P=0.02), and years of work experience (P=0.003). According to the research, some hospitals have been able to increase labor productivity by improved environmental factors, paying attention to local standards and encouraging employer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial and fungal microflora of Litopenaeus vannamei cultured in Choibdeh, Abadan was studied. For this purpose, PLs before and after stocking and those shrimps persisting on food tray from June to August, 2006 were taken randomly. Live samples transferred to microbiology laboratory of South Aquaculture Research Center, Ahwaz. Special culture media (e.g. Tryptic Soy Agar + 1.5-2% Nacl & Sabouraud Dextrose Agar + 1.5-2% Nacl) were used for bacterial and fungal culture. We isolated 10 bacterial species of which Vibrio alginolyticus (36.92%) had high abundance among bacterial species. We also isolated and identified three fungal species including Aspergillus niger (66.66%) A. fumigatus (16.66%) and Fusarium sp. (16.66%). A. niger was predominant among fungal species. All bacterial and fungal species that were identified were opportunistic.

Introduction: Nowadays, the greatest of process type used in treatment of beverage water is conventional treatment. That it cannot remove organic matter effectively. Filtration is one of the most important treatment processes used in water treatment plant.The one of approaches, modification of conventional rapid sand filters into dual or multimedia filters. Methods: This study was results from of pilot study that with the purpose of assessment performance was using of GAC and Anthracite in dual media filter filters in Abadan water treatment plant in removal of TOC, Fe, Mn, No3-and NH4+ in Drinking Water by GAC and Anthracite in dual - media filters in Abadan water treatment plant. All parameters were measured according to sections of Standard Methods APHA et al. The t-test and regression equations were calculated. Results: Samples were collected in summer from the inlet and outlet of each pilot filter and the outlet of the filtration unit. Turbidity, Total Organic Carbon (TOC), Fe, Mn, NO3- and NH4+ were measured in each sample for three different low, medium, and high filtration rates. Pilot No.2 had a maximum efficiency in the removal of the parameters that removal average of turbidity, TOC, Fe, Mn, NO3-, NH4+, respectively. So, the best performance of GAC-sand filter is in EBCT=20 min during loading rate of 35 l/d. Conclusion: In general, both pilot filters performed better at low surface loading rate. More specifically, pilot scale No. 2 showed better removal of parameters and longer empty bed contact time (EBCT) in that surface loading rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the eve of July 14, 1946, an unprecedented violent outburst erupted in the oil city of Abadan in southwestern Iran between local Arab tribesmen, members of the recently founded “Arab Tribal Union,” and members of the formidable Tudeh-affiliated union, the Council of Federated Trade Unions of Iranian Workers and Toilers. Although seemingly the result of recent happenings, this incident was, in fact, the culmination of several processes which had originated at the turn of the twentieth century in Iran and particularly in Abadan. What were the causes of tension and rivalry between these two unions? Why were Arab tribesmen, the majority of whom lived in Abadan’s hinterland, organized in a trade union? How did Arab sheikhs come to be union leaders? What were the relations between the city and its hinterland and what influences did the oil industry and the Iranian authorities have on the urban and tribal communities? These are the main questions this article tries to address. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The development of the commercial culture of penaeid shrimps has been accompanied by the occurrence of infectious and noninfectious diseases. The most important penaeid diseases are caused by organisms that are part of the normal microflora of penaeids. In 1998, the samples were collected from five farms in Ghofase area (Ahadan) 2-5 ponds in each farm. The shrimps of these ponds were preserved in full hygienic conditions, from each pond, at least 5 samples were collected and then transferred to the Aquatic Diseases Laboratory of Khouzestan Fisheries Research Center. The main tissues of Gill, Hemolymph, Hepatopancreas and cuticle of live-shrimps were studied in the laboratory. In this research, a total of 40 fungal species were isolated from different tissues with high abundance in Hepatopancrease (19 species) and Hemolymph (12 species). Aspergillus niger was identified as the most abundant species.

Human and natural physical caused climate change can affect climate extremes, as well as maximum temperatures. The variations of the interannual and interdecadal hot temperatures have been studied between 1960 and 2012 (53 years) based on Abadan annual maximum temperatures (AAMT) data. The decadal analysis of the time variations of AAMT showed a positive and ascending trend in 60d, 70d and 90d, the neutral trend in 80d, and the descending trend in the last decade of the twentieth century. The positive time variations of AAMT in the 60d and 70d are too severe and more significant than that of other decades. The analysis of relationship between the absolute AAMT and the factors such as the global annual mean land-ocean temperature index (GAMLOTI), the annual concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide (ACD), and the summer June-July-August (JJA) index of North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) teleconnection pattern in AAMT showed that there is a significant correlation between AAMT and the mentioned factors. Thus, the relationship between the AAMT and the GAMLOTI is significant with a correlation coefficient of 0.602 at the significant level of 0.01. ACD had a negative significant correlation ( r = 0.60), and the JJA NAO index had a negative significant correlation ( r = −0.34) with AAMT. The results of multiple regression analysis showed that the overall effect of the GAMLOTI, the annual concentration of ACD, and the JJA NAO index on the temporal variability of AAMT during a 53-year period is 46.2 %. The relationship between the AAMT and the GAMLOTI and the annual concentration of ACD represents the effects of global warming on the variability of the AAMT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]