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Extreme climate events and precipitation depths are assessed for Iran with minimal uncertainties, considering three sources of uncertainty: general circulation models (GCMs), future scenarios, and downscaling method. The frequency, duration, severity, and intensity of extreme events, along with extreme precipitation depths for 2- to 50-year return periods, are evaluated for the baseline period (1980–2014) and three Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs): SSP1-1.9, SSP2- 4.5, and SSP5-8.5 (2021–2080). Daily precipitation and temperature data from multi-model ensemble of the Coupled Model Inter-comparison Project phase 6 are statistically downscaled for 51 stations across Iran. Extreme precipitation depths increase under SSP1-1.9, whereas the precipitation anomaly depends on location under SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5. The southern coastal and southeastern regions (remaining stations) will experience more-frequent shorter (less-frequent longer) extreme events. The GCM and downscaling method are the main sources of uncertainty in projected precipitation, while climate scenario significantly contributes to the uncertainty in projected temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the sensitivity of aquifer‐scale estimates of transmissivity (T) and storativity (S) to the variance and correlation length scale of aquifer heterogeneity, when such estimates are obtained by the traditional approach of analyzing pumping test data. We consider both constant‐rate and variable‐rate pumping tests, and a variety of Theis‐based solution methodologies (single‐ and multiple‐observation well methods, and interpreted single value or transient values for T and S parameters) applied in pumping test data analysis. Our results indicate that achieving reliable inference of effective T and S requires that pumping be continued until the radius of the test‐induced cone of depression exceeds a "representative length" that corresponds to ∼15 times than the correlation length scale of the aquifer heterogeneity. Independent of solution type, pumping history, correlation length scale, magnitude of the sill, and location of observation well, the estimates for T will converge toward the geometric mean. For S, the estimation uncertainty is relatively large for observation wells that are close to the pumping well, but diminishes for observation wells located beyond the representative distance, resulting in convergence to the arithmetic mean. Given that these results have practical implications for how pumping tests should be carried out, we present a simple "rule‐of‐thumb" for estimating the correlation length scale of the heterogeneity of an aquifer. Key Points: The T estimates for constant and heterogeneous S aquifers differ for every observation well; instead, the difference for S strongly depends on observation well distancePumping rate and history does not affect the inferred aquifer parameters; however, Theis‐based solution type results in different interpretationsAs a rule‐of‐thumb, temporal variability of T and S diminishes when the depression cone radius exceeds 15 times the correlation length scale plus the observation well distance [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a serious risk for health care workers (HCWs). Vaccination of the group against HBV therefore is a central part of programs to prevent nosocomial infections in healthcare workers. An evaluation of the anti-HBs level in vaccinated persons is a necessary measurement to handle immunization coverage. Material and methods: We evaluated the Anti-HBs level of 100 randomly selected HCWs in an Educational Hospital 6 months after implementing a vaccination program against HBV to handle the immunization coverage of HBV in the group. Results: 90 (90%) HCWs responded to the immunization program that 72 (72.0%) had anti-HBs titers in an equal range (>10 MIu/L), 18 (18%) were

This paper presents a physical metric that is defined as 'difference of water footprint and availability in a given region' during either normal or dry periods, based on blue and green water concepts. Proposed metric quickly highlights water‐stressed regions and directly provides volume of water surplus/deficit in the region of interest. Evaluated green water surplus/deficit for agricultural areas can be applied to assess optimum irrigation water requirement while blue water surplus/deficit can be used to assess potential growth of agricultural‐based economy and sustainable water use and allocation within a watershed. We assessed surplus/deficit volumes of blue and green waters for three watersheds of Karaj, Latian and Mamlu dams located in Tehran and Alborz Provinces of Iran. Blue and green water resources are quantified using well‐calibrated hydrologic model of the Soil and Water Assessment Tool during the period 1995–2013. Results denote that minimum and maximum water deficit occur during wet and dry seasons, respectively. Study area does not experience green water deficit during normal periods, but a few regions encounter green water deficit during droughts. Annual blue water metrics show that one (Subbasin 7) and three subbasins (Subbasins 5–7) are ecological hotspots during normal and dry periods, respectively. Results also indicate that farmers should reduce applied irrigation water from 4.86 to 3.165 (−35%) and 3.4 (−30%) m3/s during normal and dry periods, respectively, while cultivated area (agricultural production) in Karaj, Latian and Mamlu watersheds can, respectively, be increased by 31 (46.5×106 kg), 52 (65.6×106 kg) and 31.4 km2 (47.6×106 kg) during droughts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate visual and refractive outcomes and quality of vision after implantation of the AT LISA tri 839MP intraocular lens (IOL). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This interventional clinical trial comprised 46 cataractous eyes of patients who underwent phacoemulsification with IOL implantation (mean age of 58.08 ± 11.01 years; range: 36–76 years old). Spherical equivalent (SE), uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), uncorrected intermediate visual acuity (UIVA), corrected intermediate visual acuity (CIVA), uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA), and corrected near visual acuity (CNVA) were measured 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. Contrast sensitivity (CS) was measured at 6 months. Subjective quality of vision and presence of dysphotopsia by a short questionnaire were evaluated postoperatively. RESULTS: At 6 months, the mean visual acuity was 0.08 ± 0.11, 0.03 ± 0.08, 0.07 ± 0.09, 0.02 ± 0.08, 0.05 ± 0.09, and 0.02 ± 0.08 LogMAR for UDVA, CDVA, UIVA, CIVA, UNVA, and CNVA, respectively. The mean values of SE were − 0.4728 ± 0.32D. These variables improved over time, yet significant changes were detected in UDVA (P = 0.009) and SE (P = 0.0001). The mean CS value was 1.74 ± 0.08. The mean scores (0% = no symptoms; 100% = strong symptoms/unable to perform activities) for glare and halos were 7.07 ± 0.22% and 8.70 ± 0.23%, respectively. These items were reduced over time. Patients' level of satisfaction mean score for performing activities was 96.66%. CONCLUSIONS: The AT LISA tri 839MP IOL provides excellent uncorrected distance, intermediate and near vision, and CS. This IOL showed a minimal level of photic phenomena and a high level of patient satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]