Amol City Research Articles

Development of a novel hybrid multi-boosting neural network model for spatial prediction of urban flood

In this study, a new hybridized machine learning algorithm for urban flood susceptibility mapping, named MultiB-MLPNN, was developed using a multi-boosting technique and MLPNN. The model was tested in Amol City, Iran, a data-scarce city in an ungauged area which is prone to severe flood inundation events and currently lacks flood prevention infrastructure. Performance of the hybridized model was compared with that of a standalone MLPNN model, random forest and boosted regression trees. Area under the curve, efficiency, true skill statistic, Matthews correlation coefficient, misclassification rate, sensitivity and specificity were used to evaluate model performance. In validation, the MultiB-MLPNN model showed the best predictive performance. The hybridized MultiB-MLPNN model is thus useful for generating realistic flood susceptibility maps for data-scarce urban areas. The maps can be used to develop risk-reduction measures to protect urban areas from devastating floods, particularly where available data are insufficient to support physically based hydrological or hydraulic models.

Effects of land use and reducing conditions of paddy fields on soil quality and high energy moisture characteristic structural stability indices in North of Iran

The present paper is aimed at investigating the effects of land use (particularly reducing conditions of paddy fields) on soil structural stability as characterized by the high energy moisture characteristic (HEMC) method and finding the relationship between soil structural stability and available water (AW) in Amol city in Mazandaran province, Iran. Land use conversion led to a change in the soil organic matter (OM) content. The highest OM was found in the forest and pasture land uses, being significantly different from those of citrus garden and paddy field land uses. The high values of bulk density in the citrus garden and paddy fields can be attributed to intensive machinery traffic and puddling, respectively. However, bulk density was low in pasture and forest land uses because of high OM and macropores. Forest and the paddy fields had higher soil structural stability due to high OM/Clay ratio. The HEMC indices including volume of drainable pores ratio (VDPR) and stability ratio (SR) were calculated using the modified van Genuchten model, and the ratio of slopes at the inflection point of HEMCs of fast-wetted to slow-wetted soil samples (SiR) was determined using the van Genuchten model. The HEMC indices showed positive and significant correlations with OM and OM/Clay ratio. By increasing the OM/Clay ratio, greater clay became complexed with organic matter, and thus soil structure stability increased. A strong correlation was observed between VDPR and OM/Clay in citrus garden and paddy fields. Furthermore, there was a significant correlation between VDPR and AW. The highest field capacity and AW were observed in the forest and paddy fields due to high OM and the presence of smectitic clays under reducing conditions, respectively.

Study of the design principles of residential buildings in a moderate and humid climate with a natural ventilation approach (Case study: Analysis of simulated openings of a residential building in Amol city)

Background and Objective: Inattention to the climatic features of different regions and the absence of sufficient knowledge of the design principles for optimal use of the potentials of the natural environment leads to higher costs and waste of energy in various fields. Accordingly, due to high humidity in Amol and high cost of ventilation and reduction of moisture in summer, the main objective of this research is to examine and analyze the simulated openings of a residential building with a natural ventilation approach. Method: the present study was carried out in the first step by reviewing the subject literature on this issue and identifying the concepts and principles of residential building design in the field of energy. Then, by supplying the climate information file of Amol from the Weather Meteorology Center for the Climate Consultant software, Design elements were presented. Subsequently, the components were analyzed by Expert Choice software based on the AHP method and computation of component weight led to the final decision in choosing the most important component. Finally, with the simulation of the building in the Flow Design software, the impact of natural ventilation on residential slopes was investigated. Findings: seven components were extracted from the above software as principles of the design and tables of climate interpretation. In the following, with the hierarchical analysis method (AHP), a natural ventilation component with a weight of 0.399 was found to be the main component of the static solar power system. Discussion and conclusion: A natural ventilation pattern was designed in a building with a sloping roof and specific dimensions in the Amol climate. By changing the layout of two 1-square-meter openings on two walls with a height of 2.7 meters in opposite directions at two heights of 1 and 1.7 meters from the floor of the building, 4 airflow modes were simulated with regard to the wind speed of the area in the Flow Design software. In this simulation, by placing the wind tunnel perpendicular to two walls, it can be stated that the best natural ventilation efficiency from these four conditions, is the one with two under-roof structures at 1.7-meter height with the highest wind-suction coefficient of 1.19, which will make a reasonable ventilation and air flow in the simulated residential building.

A Comparative Feasibility Study of Stand-Alone and Grid-Connected PV System for Residential Load: A Case Study in Iran

With rising the environmental issues regarding the fossil fuels, the renewable energy resources (RES) could be as interesting scheme in supply side for micro grids. The aim of this paper is to investigate the feasibility of photovoltaic (PV) system in Iran both in grid-connected and island mode. The case study is a residential house in the city of Amol. The software of HOMER (Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Energy Resources) is used for analyzing the data for finding the optimal design among the various solutions which takes in to account electrical and economic assessment factors. In the section of grid-connection mode, two different simulation methods namely HOMER optimizer mode and optimal sizing design mode is used to better understand the grid participation with PV in supplying the power for load demand. Finally, the optimal and affordable design for selected region is grid-connected PV system which alleviate the energy need from grid.

The effect of transtheoretical model-based education on reproductive age woman's decision making toward childbearing

Context: Childbearing is the most important determinants of population fluctuations. Childbearing decision-making is one of the most important issues in couple's life. Aim: This study was done to determine the effect of transtheoretical model-based education on reproductive age woman's decision-making toward childbearing. Setting and Design: This quasi-experimental study was done in nine urban community health centers in Amol city in Iran in 2017. Materials and Methods: In this study, we used multistage random sampling method was conducted among 75 reproductive age women (38 in the intervention group and 37 in the control group). Education in intervention group conducted in five sessions (specific content for precontemplation, contemplation, and preparation group) and continued in weekly online sessions (for 6 months). Control group got education according to routine program from health centers. All participants evaluated by demographic and decision-making questionnaires (based on transtheoretical model) before, 3, and 6 months after education. Statistical Analysis Used: Mean, standard deviation, frequency, t-test, repeated measures ANOVA, Mann–Whitney U, and Generalized Estimation Equation Test used. Results: The mean (standard deviation) of childbearing decision-making scores in education and control groups were as following: in the preeducation, 99.00 (16.60), 97.07 (13.34), 3 months later 109.34 (17.81), 98.44 (15.60), and 6 months after education 107.06 (16.73), 94.59 (15.24), respectively. Repeated measurement showed a significant difference in woman's decision-making toward childbearing within and between the education and control group by time (P = 0.001). Conclusion: The educational program based on the transtheoretical model had a positive effect on reproductive age women's decision-making toward childbearing.

A Comparative Study on Psychosocial Factors between Mothers of Infants with and without Physical Abnormalities

Introduction: Congenital anomalies are one of the most important causes of disability and mortality in childhood seen in developing and developed countries. Mothers with physically-abnormal newborns have unfavorable lifestyle compared to mothers with healthy infants. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the difference between mothers of infants with and without physical abnormalities in terms of psychosocial factors. Materials and Methods: This is a case-control study with two study groups; the case group (n=133) consists of mothers who had babies with birth defects referred to health centers in Amol city, Iran for postnatal care in 2018. The control group (n=133) included mothers with healthy infants in this city. They were selected using a convenience sampling method. Measurement tools included a Socio-demographic form, Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP), Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale (MPSSS), Coping Strategies Scale - Short Form (CSS-SF), Prenatal Distress Questionnaire (PDQ), and General Health Questionnaire - Short Form (GHQ-SF). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and t-test. Results: A total of 266 mothers with a mean age of 31.9±5.6 years were examined. There was a significant difference between the two groups of mothers in terms of overall HPLP score (P=0.01), and its dimensions of spiritual growth (P<0.05), physical activity, nutrition (P=0.01), and stress management (P<0.05). Moreover, a significant difference was reported between them in terms of MPSSS and its dimensions of social support from friends, family, and significant others (P=0.01). Furthermore, There was a significant difference between them with respect to GHQ dimensions of anxiety/insomnia, and depression (P<0.01); CSS dimensions of escape avoidance and emotion-focused coping strategies (P=0.01); and PDQ and its dimensions of concerns about the delivery and the health of the baby, and about the body weight/image (P=0.01). Conclusion: Mothers of infants with and without birth defects are significantly different from each other in terms of psychosocial factors. It seems that poor psychosocial variables in mothers during pregnancy can act as a risk factor for congenital anomalies.

Correlation between job motivation and organizational justice with burn out of employees of Imam Khomeini hospital in Amol City

Correlation between job motivation and organizational justice with burn out of employees of Imam Khomeini hospital in Amol City

Evaluation of Drug Use and Its Effective Factors in Elderly

Introduction: The use of medicine as a link in the treatment chain is inevitable, and medical experts believe that proper and regular use of the drug can improve in many cases. One of the population groups that are more likely to take self-medication because of their illnesses is the elderly. Given that older people are at greater risk of misuse and the consequences of drug abuse because of their special status, including loneliness, neglect, and sometimes social isolation, therefore, this study was designed and conducted to evaluate the rate of use and factors affecting drug use in the elderly and to determine its relationship with some variables. This is a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study that was done on 100 elderly people in Amol city in 2018 selected by multistage sampling. Data were collected using a questionnaire consisting of three sections: demographic characteristics, medication use, and factors affecting drug use. Descriptive statistics and chi-square and variance analysis were used for data analysis. Of the samples, 65% of the elderly were taking medication for three months prior to self-examination. The most important causes were previous drug use and remission and symptoms similar to 20.1%. Self-medication was significantly associated with marital status (P=0.020), education level (P=0.005) and number of children (P=0.003). The mean drug use was 3.04±0.28 pens per day. 65% of the samples observed more than 4 drugs simultaneously. Around 75% of the elderly had self-medication. Cardiovascular drugs were the most common drug group among the 71.2%. Aspirin, Atenolol and Ranitidine were the most commonly used drugs in the elderly. There was a significant relationship between age and age with arbitrary drug use (P<0.020). The mean age of the subjects was 67 years with a standard deviation of 6.89. 73% of the elderly were male. 72% kept the drug at home, the most important reason being caution and 58% storage. Analgesics were the 15% of most home remedies. This study shows that arbitrary drug use among the elderly is lower than the general population, but it is still high compared to developed countries.

Assessing the impact of social capital on municipal waste management (Case study of Amol city)

Assessing the impact of social capital on municipal waste management (Case study of Amol city)

An investigation on shaping local waste management services based on public participation: A case study of Amol, Mazandaran Province, Iran

Iranian northern cities neighboring the Caspian Sea are dealing with several environmental and public health issues. One of them being high volume of waste generated in the region and the waste management system is based on conventional routines such as open dumping. This research proposes modifying the current waste management process based on active participation of citizens and considering the local people and expert's viewpoints. The case study is Amol city located in Mazandaran province in north of Iran. The survey outcomes have been evaluated based on both quantitative and qualitative methods including descriptive statistics methods, thematic and SWOT analysis.The results indicate that the occupational status of citizens is correlated with their satisfaction of urban management services. Pearson correlation coefficient shows a direct relationship between citizen participation and municipal waste management service qualities. More than 58% of respondents have stated that public participation in waste separation from the source has been below satisfactory. Nevertheless, more than 98% of respondents have shown positive approach towards active participation in waste separation from source while generating lower amount of waste. The modified pattern of waste management process covers all three stages namely, waste generation, its transportation, and its final disposal. In addition, different aspects of active participation in the process of waste management by the citizens is considered. The Proposed pattern can be a roadmap for local urban managers to facilitate the public participation in Amol and other cities, with similar socio-economic profiles.

Molecular Study of Benzimidazole Resistance in Teladorsagia circumcincta Isolated from Sheep in North of Iran

Resistance to benzimidazole (BZ) compounds is common in Teladorsagia circumcincta populations in sheep and goats worldwide. Given the importance of anthelmintic resistance and shortage of information on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in this prevalent nematode in Iran, this study was conducted. From June to September 2016, abomasa of 139 sheep of different sexes and ages in Amol City slaughterhouse, northern Iran were examined for isolation of nematodes. Totally 45 male T. circumcincta confirmed by both microscopical and nested-PCR-RFLP methods were included in this study. Susceptibility or resistance of each single T. circumcincta worm to benzimidazoles was assessed using allele-specific PCR. Frequency of genotypes in the present study were 33.33% heterozygote BZ and 66.67% BZ homozygote sensitive. No homozygote resistant worm was found. Resistance against BZs in T. circumcincta of sheep has occurred at a low prevalence in the north of Iran. However, mutated genes might get dominant under drug selection in future. Hence, periodic investigations for early detection of mutated alleles in nematode populations using accurate and sensitive molecular methods such as PCR-RFLP is recommended.

Urban flood risk mapping using data-driven geospatial techniques for a flood-prone case area in Iran

AbstractIn an effort to improve tools for effective flood risk assessment, we applied machine learning algorithms to predict flood-prone areas in Amol city (Iran), a site with recent floods (2017–2018). An ensemble approach was then implemented to predict hazard probabilities using the best machine learning algorithms (boosted regression tree, multivariate adaptive regression spline, generalized linear model, and generalized additive model) based on a receiver operator characteristic-area under the curve (ROC-AUC) assessment. The algorithms were all trained and tested on 92 randomly selected points, information from a flood inundation survey, and geospatial predictor variables (precipitation, land use, elevation, slope percent, curve number, distance to river, distance to channel, and depth to groundwater). The ensemble model had 0.925 and 0.892 accuracy for training and testing data, respectively. We then created a vulnerability map from data on building density, building age, population density, and socio-economic conditions and assessed risk as a product of hazard and vulnerability. The results indicated that distance to channel, land use, and runoff generation were the most important factors associated with flood hazard, while population density and building density were the most important factors determining vulnerability. Areas of highest and lowest flood risks were identified, leading to recommendations on where to implement flood risk reduction measures to guide flood governance in Amol city.

Urban Flood Hazard Modeling Using Self-Organizing Map Neural Network

Floods are the most common natural disaster globally and lead to severe damage, especially in urban environments. This study evaluated the efficiency of a self-organizing map neural network (SOMN) algorithm for urban flood hazard mapping in the case of Amol city, Iran. First, a flood inventory database was prepared using field survey data covering 118 flooded points. A 70:30 data ratio was applied for training and validation purposes. Six factors (elevation, slope percent, distance from river, distance from channel, curve number, and precipitation) were selected as predictor variables. After building the model, the odds ratio skill score (ORSS), efficiency (E), true skill statistic (TSS), and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC) were used as evaluation metrics to scrutinize the goodness-of-fit and predictive performance of the model. The results indicated that the SOMN model performed excellently in modeling flood hazard in both the training (AUC = 0.946, E = 0.849, TSS = 0.716, ORSS = 0.954) and validation (AUC = 0.924, E = 0.857, TSS = 0.714, ORSS = 0.945) steps. The model identified around 23% of the Amol city area as being in high or very high flood risk classes that need to be carefully managed. Overall, the results demonstrate that the SOMN model can be used for flood hazard mapping in urban environments and can provide valuable insights about flood risk management.

Job Satisfaction Challenges Of Nurses In The Intensive Care Unit: A Qualitative Study.

BackgroundJob satisfaction is an important factor in health care settings. This concept is not a single factor; rather, it is the product of factors such as the conditions and relationships that govern the workplace, the organizational system of employment, and social, cultural, and economic factors. Therefore, awareness of its related factors is important for medical staff including nurses in special units and nursing managers. The aim of the present study was to investigate job satisfaction challenges in intensive care unit (ICU) nurses.MethodsThis was a qualitative study using conventional content analysis approach. This study was performed in a general ICU of Amol City, Iran. Thirteen nurses employed in the ICU were recruited until data saturation was reached. Research data were collected through interviews, a focus group and field notes. Findings were analyzed using a conventional method.ResultsAccording to data analysis, 6 themes including “nursing education”, “organizational resources”, “management”, “multiple occupational stresses”, “professional performance” and “professional identity” were developed.ConclusionThis study provided better and clearer understanding of job satisfaction challenges of nurses working in an ICU. The findings of this research can be helpful in developing management programs for understanding the factors affecting job satisfaction of nurses and job satisfaction promotion.

Modelling surface heat island intensity according to differences of biophysical characteristics: A case study of Amol city, Iran

Abstract One of the most important environmental phenomena in urban environments is urban heat island, which plays a big role in understanding anthropogenic activities. The main objective of this study is to present a novel approach based on the differences of the biophysical characteristics between built-up and non-built-up land to model Surface Heat Island Intensity (SUHII). To do so, several datasets such as Landsat images, MODIS products of MOD07L2 and MOD11A1, and data recorded at the local meteorological station for the period of 1985–2017 for Amol, Iran were used. Land Surface Temperature (LST) was calculated from single-channel algorithm and SUHII was calculated using the Surface Urban Heat Island Ratio Index (SUHIRI) as well as the surface biophysical characteristics. Finally, based on Least Squares Adjustment (LSA) model, the influence coefficient of the difference of each biophysical parameter between built-up and non-built-up land on the SUHII was calculated. The results show that the average LST of the built-up land exceeds of that for the non-built-up LST by 2.9 °C. In the study area, SUHII varies by time within 1985–2017. The standard deviation of the differences between the characteristics of brightness, greenness and surface wetness of the built-up and non-built-up land was 0.36, 0.76 and 1.17, respectively. The LSA model results show that the difference in the brightness of the built-up and non-built-up land relative to the two parameters of greenness and wetness has a greater effect on the SUHII. The coefficient of determination and root mean square error between the observed SUHII and the LSA-based calculation for the training set were 0.80 and 0.06, and for the testing set 0.75 and 0.08, respectively. The results of this study indicate the significant effect of the differences in the biophysical characteristics of land on the SUHII and the effectiveness of the model presented in the study to model the SUHII.

New evidence of nematode-endosymbiont bacteria coevolution based on one new and one known dagger nematode species of Xiphinema americanum-group (Nematoda, Longidoridae).

Three populations of Xiphinema primum n. sp. and two populations of X. pachtaicum were recovered from natural forests and cultural regions of northern Iran. Both species belong to the X. americanum-group and were characterized by their morphological, morphometric and molecular data. The new species, which was recovered in three locations, belongs to the X. brevicolle-complex and is characterized by 2124–2981 μm long females with a widely rounded lip region separated from the rest of the body by a depression, 103–125 μm long odontostyle, two equally developed genital branches with endosymbiont bacteria inside the ovary, which are visible under light microscope (LM), vulva located at 51.8–58.0%, the tail is 26–37 μm long with a bluntly rounded end and four juvenile developmental stages. It was morphologically compared with nine similar species viz. X. brevicolle, X. diffusum, X. incognitum, X. himalayense, X. luci, X. parabrevicolle, X. paramonovi, X. parataylori and X. taylori. The second species, X. pachtaicum, was recovered in two geographically distant points close to city of Amol. Molecular phylogenetic studies of the new species were performed using partial sequences of the D2-D3 expansion segments of the large subunit ribosomal RNA gene (LSU rDNA D2-D3), the internal-transcribed spacer rDNA (ITS = ITS1+5.8S+ITS2), and the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I gene (COI mtDNA) regions. The Iranian population of X. pachtaicum was also phylogenetically studied based upon its LSU rDNA D2-D3 sequences. Both species were also inspected for their putative endosymbiont bacteria. Candidatus Xiphinematobacter sp. was detected from two examined populations of the new species, whereas the second endosymbiont bacterium, detected from three examined isolates of X. pachtaicum, was related to the plant and fungal endosymbionts of the family Burkholderiaceae. The phylogenetic analyses of the two endosymbiont bacteria were performed using partial sequences of 16S rDNA. In cophylogenetic analyses, significant levels of cophylogenetic signal were observed using both LSU rDNA D2-D3 and COI mtDNA markers of the host nematodes and 16S rDNA marker of the endosymbiont bacteria.

A disaster relief operations management model: a hybrid LP–GA approach

People are always threatened by natural disasters which usually cause significant losses. Therefore, planning for confronting such situations is a vast dilemma. In this paper, a general model is proposed to address the uncertain demand of disaster-stricken areas. Demand from injured people relates to the vulnerability of regions that depends on the quality of buildings and severity of damage. In the studied problem, the commodities collected from relief centers, donations and storage warehouses are distributed to the shelters. It aims at minimizing the total cost, and unfulfilled demand and maximizing the coverage and accessibility of relief centers. The LP-metric approach is utilized to solve the multi-objective model, and a scenario-based optimization is used to incorporate the uncertainty in the proposed model. Moreover, an LP–GA method is proposed for optimizing large-scale instances. Several problems in different scales are solved to show its flexibility and time-efficiency. Finally, a case study of an earthquake disaster in Amol city in Iran is presented. The obtained results suggest better service in the distressed urban areas.

Physical and geotechnical long-term properties of lignosulfonate-stabilized clay: An experimental investigation

Abstract This research investigates the effect of Lignosulfonate (LS), timber and paper industries by-product, in improving physical and geotechnical properties of high plasticity clay from the Amol city in the Mazandaran province, Iran. Long-term behavior of unstabilized and LS-stabilized clay by using direct shear tests were evaluated. In addition, the effect of wetting and drying cycles on the results of direct shear and unconsolidated-undrained (UU) triaxial tests was investigated and compared together. Addition of LS by aggregation of clay particles, enhanced the physical and strength properties of the clay. The effect of LS-stabilization on the internal friction angle of the soil was negligible (only one degree increase). The major part of the improvement in long-term strength of the soil, was due to increased cohesion between soil particles (from 1 to 7 kPa). Also, test results revealed that wetting and drying cycles has no considerable effect on the UU triaxial test results (up to 1.86% decrease in maximum deviatoric stress). However, in the direct shear tests, the samples are more affected by wetting and drying cycles (up to 37% decrease in peak shear strength). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs revealed that due to the stabilization, the structure of clay was changed from a particle base to an aggregated form. In fact, in this case, the pores in the soil structure have been reduced, which has led to strength increase.

Volume Change Behavior of Stabilized Expansive Clay with Lignosulfonate

This paper presents the swelling and consolidation characteristics of Lignosulfonate (LS) stabilized expansive clay. Expansive clay samples of Amol city in Iran have been used in this research. Based on Atterberg limits and unconfined compressive strength tests, optimum percentage of LS for treatment of this clay was determined 0.75% by soil dry weight. To investigate swelling and consolidation properties of untreated and LS-treated remoulded samples, one dimensional swell and consolidation tests were conducted on these samples. Test results showed that LS has considerable effect on the consolidation and swelling behavior of the expansive clay. Moreover, the effects of compaction water content change and cyclic wetting and drying on the volume change properties of unstabilized and LS-stabilized samples were investigated. Untreated and LS-treated specimens showed different consolidation behavior to the changes of compaction moisture content due to the altering of soil expansivity category from high to moderate. The SEM images of samples showed that the soil specific area was reduced because of stabilization. This reduction in soil specific area was led to the decrease of affinity of samples to moisture increase, so the volume change of expansive clay was decreased.

The Effect of Learning-oriented Assessment on Learning Pronunciation among Iranian EFL Learners

Oral communication is one of the main reasons language learners attend language classes. As pronunciation is among the most significant aspects of oral communication, this study attempted to see how learning-oriented assessment (LOA) could affect pronunciation learning of Iranian EFL learners. To this end, 64 language learners in a private language institute in the city of Amol, Iran, were given NELSON language proficiency test as homogeny test. A total of 40 learners were selected and assigned to two groups. Both groups were given a researcher-made pronunciation test at the beginning and two pronunciation tests (immediate and delayed tests) at the end of the treatment. The control group participants followed the conventional curriculum of the language center and the experimental group learners went through LOA treatment. The findings of the study revealed that LOA can positively affect pronunciation learning of Iranian EFL learners. In addition, it was observed that LOA has a significant effect on the participants’ retention of pronunciation knowledge. This study can have pedagogical implications for language teachers and teacher trainers.