Ardebil Province Research Articles

Molecular analysis of acetylcholinesterase gene in field-collected populations of Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae) in Northwestern Iran.

Nowadays, pyrethroid (Py) insecticides are commonly used against household insect pests and housefly. The combination of Py and organophosphates (OP) are also utilized to combat these insects. The resistance status of Iranian housefly populations to them and carbamate (CB) insecticides is uncertain. This study investigates the presence of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) mutations related to the resistance of Musca domestica to OP and/or CB insecticides in Northwestern Iran. Nucleotides 1041-1776, based on their positions in the ACE gene of aabys strain, were amplified and sequenced in houseflies collected from West Azerbaijan, Gilan, and Ardebil Provinces, Iran. Among 12 single-nucleotide polymorphisms detected, 3 mismatches were found at nucleotides 1174 (T/A, G), 1473 (G/T, C), and 1668 (T/A), leading to amino acid substitutions in V260L, G342A/V, and F407Y positions with various combinations. Genotyping results showed that 85% of specimens had at least one of these substitutions. In addition, the Iranian housefly population was composed of 5 insensitive and sensitive alleles. For the first time, the current study reports the presence of V260L, G342A, G342V, and F407Y substitutions in M. domestica specimens collected from Northwestern Iran. The selection of multiple alleles in field populations might be due to the application of various pesticides/insecticides during extended periods in the region. These molecular levels signify the presence of control problems in the area and the need for developing effective control strategies for such populations.

A comprehensive survey of permethrin resistance in human head louse populations from northwest Iran: ex vivo and molecular monitoring of knockdown resistance alleles

BackgroundHead louse infestation is an important public health problem, and expanding resistance to permethrin is a major challenge to its control. The mapping and detection of pyrethroid resistance are essential to the development of appropriate treatments and ensure the effectiveness of current measures. The aim of this study was to present the phenotypic and genotypic basis of permethrin resistance and identify knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations in head louse populations in northwestern Iran.MethodsAdult head lice were collected from 1059 infested girls in Ardebil, East Azerbaijan, West Azerbaijan and Zanjan Provinces, northwestern Iran. The toxicity of permethrin and the possible synergistic effect of piperonyl butoxide (PBO) on this toxicity were assessed using bioassays. Fragments of voltage-sensitive sodium channels (vssc) and cytochrome b (cytb) genes were amplified and analyzed for the detection of knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations and mitochondrial groups. Moreover, genotypes of the two hot spot regions of the vssc gene were determined by melting curve analysis of amplicons.ResultsA total of 1450 adult head lice were collected during 2016–2021. Live lice were exposed to a dose of 1% permethrin for 12 h, and the median lethal time (LT50) and time to achieve 90% mortality (LT90) were determined to be 6 and 14.8 h, respectively. Topical application of 2 and 16 ng permethrin per louse resulted in 25% and 42.11% mortality, respectively. Pre-exposure of samples to 3% piperonyl butoxide had no synergistic effect on the effects of permethrin. Analysis of the 774-bp vssc gene fragment showed the presence of the M815I, T917I and L920F mutations, wild-type and T917I mutation, in 91.6%, 4.2% and 4.2% of samples, respectively. Investigation of the mitochondrial cytb gene demonstrated the predominance of clade B. The frequency of domain II segment 4 (S4)-S5 kdr genotypes in mitochondrial groups was identical, and heterozygotes were present in 93.5% of samples. A significant difference was detected in the frequency of domain IIS1-S3 kdr genotypes, and the frequency of resistant alleles and heterozygotes was higher in clade B than in clade A.ConclusionsThe presence of kdr mutations in the vssc gene and the non-synergist effect of PBO indicate that pyrethroid target site insensitivity is the main resistance mechanism. This phenomenon and the high frequency of resistant alleles necessitate that new pediculosis management programs be developed. Further studies need to be conducted to identify all factors contributing this resistance and to develop alternative pediculicides.Graphical

Temporal–spatial analysis of drought and wet periods: case study of a wet region in Northwestern Iran (East Azerbaijan, West Azerbaijan, Ardebil and Zanjan provinces)

Northwest of Iran has plant, animal and environmental varieties because of its geographical location. Therefore, alternate weather may have irreparable outcomes in numerous environmental sectors. In the prevailing research, it was turned into consideration to investigate the droughts that with inside the northwestern vicinity of Iran all through a 30-yr statistical period (1987–2016) that occurred, the usage of the records of fifty-five synoptic, climatology and rain gauge stations was evaluated with inside the positioned area. Using the SPI in a 12-month period, 360 maps had been produced for drought severity and month-to-month droughts. Then, the maps had been transformed into records, and the calculations associated with its descriptive information consisting of the common center, well-known circle and ellipse had been calculated on 4236 cells. The consequences of the month-to-month evaluation of droughts and moist duration intensities all through 360 months confirmed that the chance of susceptible moist durations with inside the important elements and extreme droughts with inside the southern half of the vicinity is better than different situations. More extreme droughts arise on this vicinity.

An integrated approach of the analytic network process and barometer model mapping of human settlement sustainability in Ardebil Province, Iran

An integrated approach of the analytic network process and barometer model mapping of human settlement sustainability in Ardebil Province, Iran

Studying the Efficacy of Job Rotation on Organizational Justice and Organizational Trust (case study: employees of Sepah Bank, Ardabil Province)

The aim of this study was to study the efficacy of job rotation on organizational justice and organizationaltrust among employees of Sepah Bank in Ardabil province, Iran. This research was applied by goal, and descriptive-correlational by method. The population under study were employees of Sepah bank in Ardebil province (n=320), among whom 175 people were selected randomly. We conducted the present research in two theoretical and practical sections. In the theoretical part, the necessary information was obtained through library and documentary methods and in the practical part the required information was obtained through fieldwork and standard questionnaires. Validity and reliability of the questionnaire were proven by the experts in this field. Data analysis was done through SPSS software and with both simple and multiple regression tests. The obtained results indicated that the dimensions of job rotation (human capital development and transformation of human capital) have a significant positive effect on organizational justice and organizational trust. It can be concluded that job rotation is useful in organization and it can increase the sense of justice and paves the way for building trust in organization.

Improving performance of furrow irrigation systems using simulation modelling in the Moghan plain of Iran*

AbstractThe objective of this study was to assess the different scenarios for improving the irrigation application efficiency of a two‐row bed furrow irrigation system (wide furrow) using the SIRMOD model in six sugar beet fields of the Moghan plain for the 2015–2016 growing season. The Moghan plain is situated in the Ardebil province of Iran. Therefore, five scenarios including: (i) irrigation cut‐off time equal to the advance time (ICTEAT); (ii) cutting off the flow discharge before it reaches the end (CTIBRE); (iii) increasing the flow discharge up to 2.5 l s¯¹ and cutting it off when the irrigation requirement is fulfilled (IARCSI); (iv) increasing inflow discharge up to 2.5 l s¯¹ and cutting off the flow discharge as soon as the advance phase reaches the end (IARCARE); (v) reducing inflow rate, cut‐off time and furrow length (100 m in all the furrows) by blocking the end of the furrow (RICTLBE), were applied using the calibrated SIRMOD model. In addition, surge irrigation was carried out in fields with high percolation. The results indicated that the average irrigation application efficiency under the current status was 35%. However, average application efficiencies increased to 63, 74, 59, 60 and 77% in the ICTEAT, CTIBRE, IARSCI, IARCARE and RICTLBE scenarios, respectively. The application efficiency for fields with high percolation increased from 32%, in the current status, to 53, 64, 62, 60, 78 and 76% under ICTEAT, CTIBRE, IARSCI, IARCARE, RICTLBE and surge irrigation, respectively. Overall, the irrigation management scenarios could substantially reduce on‐farm irrigation water losses.

The effect of performance audit economy, efficiency and effectiveness criteria on the accountability level of Ardebil province executive agencies’ managers referred to in Article (5) of the Civil Service Management

Objective: The present study is an attempt to investigate the effect of performance audit criteria on accountability of managers in executive agencies of Ardabil province referred to in Article 5 of the Civil Service Management. Methodology: This study is applied in terms of objectives and descriptive in terms of nature and hypothesis testing. Data collection is carried out through library and field studies. The population of this study consists of 206 executive managers in Ardabil province referred to in Article (5) of the Civil Service Management. Due to specific size of the population, samples of 134 managers were selected through the Cochran formula. The disproportionate stratified random sampling method was used for sampling in this study. Results: The data were analyzed by The SPSS software. After making sure about the normal distribution of data, single-sample T-test was used to test and analyze the hypotheses of the study. Finally, the Friedman test was used to rank the variables of the study. Conclusion: The results obtained from all the hypotheses showed a significant difference between the average of samples and the average of the population, thus, we can say that the performance audit in the executive agencies, based on economy, efficiency and effectiveness criteria can affect the accountability level of managers.

Forecasting the wind direction by using time series models with long-term memory (case study: Nayer region)

Purpose Today, because of the increasing need for the energy resources and the reduction of fossil fuels, renewable energy, especially wind energy, has attracted special attention. The precise forecasting of such energy will be the main factor in designing and investing in this field. On the other hand, the wind energy forecast provides the possibility of optimal use of available resources. In addition, the produce maximum energy would be possible by identifying wind direction and putting wind turbines in the best position. Design/methodology/approach Time series forecasting methods with long-term memory in this research have been used. Findings Eventually, the autoregressive fractionally integrated moving average (3,0,0)-FIGARCH (1,0,1) long-term memory model has more acceptable performance. The obtained error is based on the RMSE (0.2889) and the TIC (0.2605) values. Practical implications In this paper, the forecast wind direction belongs to Ardebil province and Nayer city in Iran. Originality/value The speed and direction of wind are variables that constantly change; hence, it will be difficult to predict the exact wind energy. In recent years, some studies have been conducted on wind speed forecasting, whereas wind direction forecasting has been done in a fewer number of studies. Most studies are related to low-lying areas. As the height of the wind turbine is directly related to the energy generation, 78 m height has been considered in this study.

<p>Socioeconomic Inequality in Self-Medication in Iran: Cross-Sectional Analyses at the National and Subnational Levels</p>

BackgroundSelf-medication (SM) is a public health concern globally. This study aimed to measure socioeconomic inequality in SM and identify its main determinants among Iranian households.MethodsA total of 38,859 households from the 2018 Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) were included in the study. Data on SM, household size, age, gender and education status of the head of household, monthly household’s expenditures (as a proxy for socioeconomic status), health insurance coverage and living areas and provinces were obtained for the survey. The concentration curve and the normalized concentration index (Cn) were used to quantify the magnitude of socioeconomic inequality in SM among Iranian households. The Cn was decomposed to identify the main determinants of socioeconomic inequality in SM in Iran.ResultsThe results indicated that 18.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 17.7% to 18.5%) of households in Iran had SM practice in the past month. The results suggested a higher concentration of SM among the rich households (Cn= 0.0466; 95% CI= 0.0321 to 0.0612) in Iran. The concentration of SM among high SES households was also found in urban (0.0311; 95% CI=0.0112 to 0.0510) and rural (= 0.0513; 95% CI=0.0301 to 0.0726) areas. SM was concentrated among the rich households in Tehran, Qom, Esfahan, Ardebil, Golestan, and Sistan and Baluchestan provinces. In contrast, a higher concentration of SM was found among the poor households in Semnan, North Khorasan, Kerman, Bushehr, and South Khorasan provinces. The decomposition revealed SES of household, itself, as the main contributing factor to the concentration of SM among the wealthy households.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that SM is more concentrated among socioeconomically advantaged households in Iran. Thus, effective evidence-based interventions should be implemented to improve awareness about SM and its negative consequences. Further studies are required to investigate the consequences of SM practice among people.

A feasibility study on the potential, economic, and environmental advantages of biogas production from poultry manure in Iran

Abstract Biogas is the gas produced by the anaerobic degradation of organic matter. In addition to the usual uses in burning, it has widespread applications as a raw material in some industries. The biomass of organic matter decomposition is a good fertilizer for agriculture. Unfortunately, despite such a large potential for reasons such as the cheapness of energy in Iran, the use of this benefical capacity has not been addressed so far. This paper investigates the potential of biogas production from poultry manure sources in Iran and demonstrates the examples of biogas plants in Iran. Also, the information about the capacity of biogas production has been investigated and reported in different provinces in Iran. The results consist of economic analysis as the cost of biogas production, and the environmental analysis as the environmental impact of the biogas production and carbon footprint. Kermanshah, Chaharmahalbakhtiari, Golestan, Bushehr and North Khorasan provinces have the highest capacity for biogas production from poultry manure. The highest cost savings by using the biogas are in Khorasan Razavi and Isfahan provinces and the lowest levels have been found in Ardebil and North Khorasan provinces.

Monitoring, analysis and spatial and temporal zoning of air pollution (carbon monoxide) using Sentinel-5 satellite data for health management in Iran, located in the Middle East

Various natural and anthropogenic factors are effective in causing air pollution. The effects of air pollution are more pronounced on the health of living things, especially on the mental and physical health. Therefore, this issue is important because of the importance of health and well-being. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the spatial and temporal monitoring and analysis of air pollution (carbon monoxide, CO) using satellite and remote sensing data in Iran. To do this, Sentinel-5 satellite data for air pollution (CO) monitoring over a 14-month period (November 2018 to December 2019) and Terra satellite and MODIS satellite data with LST index for monitoring changes of daily and nocturnal temperatures (Kelvin unit) over a 24-month period (January 2018 to December 2019) were used. The results showed that the highest amount of air pollution (CO) was obtained in April 2019 with 0.39 mol/m2. However, the highest amount of air pollution in spatial monitoring of CO was obtained for Tehran and Guilan provinces with values of 0.51 mol/m2 and 0.49 mol/m2 respectively, while the lowest amount of CO was 0.19 mol/m2 for December 2019. Northwestern Iran, south and west areas of the central part of Ardebil province, south half and eastern part of East Azarbaijan province, Sahand mountain range, and western part of the border section of West Azerbaijan province were exposed to air pollution with average values of 0 to 0.21 mol/m2. Since the highest amounts of air pollution (CO) occur during the cold months of the year, people who are vulnerable to this phenomenon should travel to the polluted sites with observing hygiene principles.

Morphological Description, Phylogenetic and Molecular Analysis of Dirofilaria immitis Isolated from Dogs in the Northwest of Iran

Dirofilariasis is a globally distributed arthropod-borne parasitic disease of mainly canids and felids. We evaluated to extend the knowledge of morpho-molecular characteristics and outer ultrastructure of Dirofilaria immitis isolated from Northwest of Iran. Overall, 67 filarial worms including 41 females and 26 males parasites were collected from the cardiovascular system of the 43 stray dogs in Meshkinshar, Ardebil Province, Northwest of Iran in 2017, and subjected to light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as well as carmine alum staining for morpho-molecular and identification. Molecular methods were used for confirmation of morphological findings by sequencing of Cyto-chrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) gene. The partial DNA sequencing of cox1 gene of adult parasites showed considerable homology and close proximity to the previously isolated from Kerman and Meshkinshahr, Iran. The lowest genetic variation and the highest intra-species variability was found in D. immitis and Dirofilaria repens, respectively. No similarity was identified between D. immitis nucleotide sequence and Wolbachia species as its endosymbiont bacteria. The SEM technique is an excellent tool for differential recognition of the parasite surface morphology and molecular techniques could differentiate and identify Dirofilaria spp.

Determination of Suitable Areas for underground Dam Construction Using Boolean and Fuzzy Logics in Central Areas of Ardebil Province

Determination of Suitable Areas for underground Dam Construction Using Boolean and Fuzzy Logics in Central Areas of Ardebil Province

Effective Self-Efficacy Factors in Empowerment of Health Care Networks Managers in East Azerbaijan, West Azerbaijan and Ardebil Provinces, Iran

Introduction: Empowerment has determinant role in developing the ability of individuals in order to achieve sustainable improvement in efficiency of the health care organizations. This study was carried out to identify the variables and effective self-efficacy components affecting the manager’s empowerment in Health­ Care Networks during 2018-19. Methods: This is an applied and exploratory study. At first, the variables involving in the empowerment of human resources were extracted by reviewing the literature as well as interviewing with the specialists. Then, the conceptual model was designed, the questionnaire compiled and its validity and reliability confirmed. The data were collected through the completing of the questionnaire by 416 managers who were chosen via stratified random sampling method and analyzed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Results: According to the results of the exploratory factor analysis, the variable “continuous training” with the factor loading of 0.84 was found the most important variable. Concerning the standard coefficients of confirmatory factor analysis, variables of all the three components of self-efficacy were significant (p<0.001) and the component “Believe in responsibly ability and skill in work” (factor loading = 0.96) had the higher effect on self-efficacy. The impact rate of self-efficacy in empowerment with 0.96 and the variables “having job skills” and "emotional arousal" with 0.79 factor loading are considered as the most significant variables. Conclusion: The Universities of Medical Sciences and Health Care Networks can improve the ability of the managers through continuous training, promotion of professional skills, responsibility and presenting the successful models and experiences.

ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT OPTIMUM STRATEGIES USING SWOT AND QSPM MODELS: A CASE STUDY OF ARDEBIL PROVINCE, IRAN

Tourism is the largest economic activities in the worlds and has a fast growth, status of Iran suggests that Iran's tourism industry in less than one thousandth of global revenue from tourism is their portion. Among the provinces of Iran, many ecotourism attractions in Ardebil province (about 42 hot and cold mineral springs, 24 dams, 11 habitats and 35 special natural attractions, etc.), which can be a factor for sustainable development in the region. This study aimed to identify existing facilities and provide optimal solutions to assist in economic development, social and cultural development of ecotourism is in shadow, so in this research using descriptive - analytical model of strategic planning (SWOT) to provide strategies and effective strategies used in the development of ecotourism is in the end, using a strategic quantity planning priorities, 20 basic strategy suggested for the ecotourism development.

ESTIMATING THE POLLUTION RISK OF CATCHMENT BASIN IN RIVERS WITH THE FUZZY LOGIC THEORY

One of the most important problems associated with water is the pollution of surface and underground waters mainly due to human activities that currently threatens many of the world's water resources. The study area of Sabalan dam basin is on Gharasu located at 30 km (air gap) in Northeast of Meshkinshahr (Ardebil province) on the northern slopes of Mount Sabalan. This study was conducted to identify, classify and manage the pollution risk of Sabalan dam. The overall objective of this study was to predict possible events and identify risk factors, potentials and risks in pollution incidents at Sabalan Dam using URSM methods and fuzzy logic in MATLAB, Fuzzycell and Arc Gis software environments. The results of the URSM method showed that the catchment basin has a pollution risk of 0.43-0.66. The results of this method and fuzzification in the MATLAB software revealed that the basin has the risk in the range of 0.16 to 0.76. Therefore, it can be concluded that using the URSM method and its integration with fuzzy logic in risk assessment can reduce the disadvantages of other methods such as ursm (alone).

Providing an Appropriate Prediction Model for Traffic Accidents: A Case Study on Accidents in Golestan, Mazandaran, Guilan, and Ardebil Provinces

Providing an Appropriate Prediction Model for Traffic Accidents: A Case Study on Accidents in Golestan, Mazandaran, Guilan, and Ardebil Provinces

Occurrence, origin and health risk of arsenic and potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in sediments and fish tissues from the geothermal area of the Khiav River, Ardebil Province (NW Iran)

In this study contamination, ecological and health risk of potentially toxic elements (As, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) were investigated in 22 surface sediments, 3 water and 8 fish (muscle and liver tissues) samples of the Khiav River. Results showed that mean concentration of As, Cr, Cu, Ni and Zn in sediments, and As in water samples are higher than local background and standard values. Moderate to significant enrichment of As in river and very high enrichment in sediments of pollution hotspots were observed, while Zn, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb showed low to moderate enrichment. Based on mean probable effect level (PEL) quotient, river and hotspot sediments were classified as slightly toxic and heavily toxic, respectively. Potential ecological risk index (PER) indicated low risk and high risk for river sediments and pollution hotspots, respectively. Based on factor analysis, Moiel iron mine and geothermal/hot springs are the main sources of Cr, Zn, Pb and As. Limonite as a secondary mineral accumulated As from hydrothermal or geothermal sources. Concentrations of As, Cr and Pb in fish muscle samples are higher than liver, while higher Cu, Ni and Zn concentrations observed in liver of fish samples. The Mann-Whitney U test revealed significant differences in As, Cu and Zn concentrations between different organs. The average target hazard quotient (THQ) in fish muscle followed the order of As > Cr > Cu > Pb > Zn > Ni, and hazard index (HI) values indicate an alarm for public health concern. Consumption of these fish can cause carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects for local people and consumers in long term.

Study of the type 2 diabetic patients’ status of care and control in rural areas of Ardabil Province in 2017, Iran

Introduction. Diabetes mellitus includes a group of metabolic disorders diagnosed by increased serum glucose concentration. It causes major changes in most systems of the body, which lead to acute and chronic complications of the disease which results in disability, medical costs, and high mortality. This research was conducted to assess type 2 diabetic patients’ status of care and control in rural areas of Ardebil province in order to improve the care indicators by presenting results to regional authorities. Materials and methods. In this cross-sectional descriptive-analytic study, 360 patients identified as type 2 diabetes in rural areas of Ardabil province were selected through cluster sampling and data was collected through a questionnaire by interviewing patients and reviewing their files, and 3 categories of demographic, clinical and socio-economic factors were studied. The data was analyzed by Chi-square and Friedman statistical tests using SPSS software version 20. Results. According to Chi-square test, there was a significant relationship between the patients’ marital status (p = 0.032) and their complications of diabetes (p = 0.10) and the level of care and between the number of patients’ family members (p = 0.001) and body mass index (p = 0.006) and the level of control and also, between the use of ordered drug by patient and the level of care and control (p = 0.003). The results of the mean ranking based on the Friedman statistical test showed that the age variable has the highest mean score and the greatest impact on the care and control of the disease and the lowest score and impact was of the nutrition education variable. Conclusion. This study revealed that in order to control the complications of the disease, lifestyle changes, dietary observation, weight control, ordered drug use and self-care programs are very effective.

High-Resolution Melting Analysis as an Appropriate Method to Differentiate between Fasciola hepatica and F. gigantica

Fasciolosis is a shared disease between humans and livestock caused by hepatic trematodes; Fasciola hepatica and F. gigantica. Differentiate between the two species of this genus is essential. High-Resolution Melting (HRM) Analysis represents a new approach to this issue. This method can be performed right after termination of Real-Time PCR. This technique has not been used for identification of adult F. hepatica and F. gigantica genotypes. The aim of this study was to determine Fasciola species by using HRM in isolates taken from Iran, respectively. Ninety-three Fasciola spp. samples were collected from infected slaughtered animals in different regions of Iran, including North West (Ardebil Province) and South East (Zahedan Province) during 2016. Genomic DNA from the samples was extracted using a DNA extraction kit and then after Real-Time PCR amplification, HRM was done. Overall, 59 and 34 isolates were identified as F. hepatica and F. gigantica, respectively. The percentages of each species from animals were as follows: sheep (F. hepatica, 80.39% and F. gigantica, 19.61%), cattle (F. hepatica, 42.85% and F. gigantica, 57.15%). HRM technique developed in the present study is a powerful, rapid and sensitive technique for epidemiological survey and molecular identification between F. hepatica and F. gigantica.