Guilan Province Of Iran Research Articles

Social life cycle assessment of the olive oil industry: a case study in Guilan Province, Iran

AbstractOlive oil production has severe environmental consequences, including resource depletion, land degradation, carbon emissions, and waste generation. As a result, for over two decades, environmental life cycle assessment (ELCA) has been applied to the olive oil industry to identify environmental issues and reduce the environmental effects. However, little is known regarding the social sustainability of this industry. Social life cycle assessment (S-LCA) has been established as one of the most effective methodologies for assessing the social implications of products throughout their life cycles. Accordingly, based on the S-LCA approach, this study aims to assess the social impacts of the olive oil extraction industry in Roudbar County in Guilan Province in Iran, the major producer of olives and olive oil. The S-LCA model adopted in this paper is built in four major phases (UNEP/SETAC in Guidelines for social life cycle assessment of products, 2009): (1) Definition of Goal and Scope: outlines the intended use and the goal pursued and specifies the scope of the research. The research will then be defined to fulfill that purpose within any constraints. (2) Life Cycle Inventory analysis: is the phase at which data are collected, systems are modeled, and LCI results are generated. (3) Life Cycle Impact Assessment: a collection of steps to obtain data categorization, aggregation, and characterization based on performance reference points. (4) Life Cycle Interpretation: considers all important aspects of the research when drawing results, offering recommendations, and reporting. The findings suggested that the social conditions governing the olive oil extraction cycle in the study area are almost adequate. However, other categories of social impacts, such as cultural heritage, community development, and working conditions, were rated unsatisfactory by olive orchard workers and need improvement. Adopting the cause-and-effect chain in this study favors identifying specific indicators based on social issues in the study location. On the other hand, a scale-based assessment may result in the subjectivity of the results, which adds to the uncertainty. An impact-based assessment may be applied to analyze social impacts such as occupational health and safety, employment, pay, and benefits to get more credible social impact data. Consequently, integrating the scale-based approach with an efficient path-based method may improve its effectiveness.

Estimation and modeling of the biomass and carbon storage in the stump and root of Populus deltoides

Carbon storage in plant biomass is the simplest and most economically viable way to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide carbon dioxide concentration. The objective of this study was to estimate and model the biomass and carbon storage of the stump and root in Populus deltoides trees in afforestation, Guilan Province of Iran. For this purpose, 93 trees with 25 years old were selected from different diameter classes and after cutting and removing the sections, an excavator was used to unearth the stumps and roots of the trees from the soil. In order to estimate the biomass and carbon storage of tree stumps and roots, samples of these components were isolated and weighed, and after drying in the oven, the dry weight of the samples was measured. The carbon content of stumps and roots of the trees were calculated after burning the dried samples in an electric furnace. The results showed that the biomass of stumps and roots was 7.99 and 65.5 kg per tree, respectively, and the carbon content of stumps and roots was estimated to be 3.92 and 32.32 kg per tree, respectively. The results of allometric equations showed that the models for estimating biomass and carbon storage of stumps and roots using the tree stump diameter variable had a high coefficient of determination, but the model using the stump height had no acceptable coefficient of determination. The evaluation results of different models also showed that the power model was more accurate than other models. In general, the results showed that the carbon stored in stumps and roots was 1.568 and 12.928 tons per hectare, respectively.

Toward recognizing characteristics of women’s entrepreneurial intelligence: a comparative study

PurposeRecognizing women’s potential and directing their talents to realize these potentials can be of great benefit. Accordingly, this paper aims to identify the characteristics of entrepreneurial intelligence in female entrepreneurs, drawing on a national-level study and the international literature on this topic.Design/methodology/approachThe present paper conducted two studies. First, 15 female entrepreneurs in the Guilan province of Iran, who were selected using purposive sampling, were interviewed to identify the characteristics of entrepreneurial intelligence nationally. The data gathered by interviews were analyzed using inductive content analysis. Then, their validity was tested using qualitative validation and analyzed using Shannon entropy. In the second study, the characteristics of female entrepreneurial intelligence were identified through a qualitative metasynthesis. The results of the two studies were compared together.FindingsThis categorized entrepreneurial intelligence into six categories, namely, entrepreneurial insights, cognitive intelligence, social intelligence, intuitive intelligence, presumptuous intelligence and provocative intelligence. Ultimately the characteristics of women’s entrepreneurial intelligence in each category were compared according to the national-level study and the international literature.Originality/valueThis study has the potential to discover credible and robust approaches for further examining the contextualization of women’s entrepreneurial intelligence at both national and international levels, thereby advancing new insights. By conceptualizing various dimensions of entrepreneurial intelligence for the first time and exploring how contextual factors differ across nations and internationally for women’s entrepreneurship, this paper challenges the assumption that the characteristics of women’s entrepreneurial intelligence are uniform across the world.

Unlocking the power of public awareness: paving the way for sustainable wetland management in Anzali, Iran

The Anzali Wetland, located in the Guilan Province of Iran, is a vital ecosystem with significant ecological value. However, it faces numerous environmental challenges due to pollution, habitat degradation, and unsustainable resource use. This paper aims to assess the awareness and perceptions of local communities regarding the Anzali Wetland, Iran, and its management and how these factors might influence the implementation of the CEPA program. A quantitative survey based on a structured questionnaire was designed and administered to local communities within the wetland’s watershed. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results indicate that local communities have limited knowledge about the wetland, often associating it solely with Anzali Lagoon. Despite this lack of awareness, most participants recognize the wetland’s importance in conserving wildlife. Further, participants identified domestic and industrial wastewater pollution as the most significant threat to the wetland. Additionally, education at the school level, the Internet, and virtual networks were perceived as effective means of raising awareness among the local population. The study highlights the importance of increasing public participation and interaction among different social groups to enhance awareness of the wetland’s value and environmental issues. It also emphasizes the need for coordinated efforts among stakeholders in wetland management and policy-making, including government agencies and civil organizations. By examining the significance of public awareness in the Iranian context, the study provides unique insights into wetland conservation efforts in a specific geographical and ecological setting. Furthermore, by considering the perceptions and opinions of these stakeholders, the study offers a holistic understanding of the diverse perspectives and interests related to wetland conservation, which adds depth and richness to the analysis.

Designing and Validating a Training Model for the Staff of the Incident Command System in the Hospitals

Background. The main influencing factor in the success of the crisis management process is the group's readiness to deal with the crisis. Training models are a tool to maintain the preparation of personnel, increase their ability to achieve certain goals, and help them acquire information, skills, and ways of thinking. This research aimed to design and validate a training model for the staff of the hospital incident command system. Methods. The research method was a qualitative-quantitative (mixed method) approach. The statistical population in the qualitative part included experts in the field of incident command system, and in the quantitative part included managers and staff of this system in the hospitals of Guilan province in Iran. The sampling method in the qualitative part was the judgmental forecasting method. Also, the sampling method was cluster random in the quantitative part. According to the data saturation principle, the sample size in the qualitative section was 15 people, and in the quantitative section, 226 people were selected based on Cochran's formula. The data collection tool in the qualitative part was a semi-structured interview and in the quantitative part was a questionnaire extracted from the interview. Results. After analyzing the categories resulting from interviews with 15 experts, 43 open codes and 12 central codes were determined. Also, five selection codes were obtained as follows: design, analysis, evaluation and feedback, policymaking and determination of strategies, and implementation and support dimension. The findings showed that the design dimension had a more significant effect on designing the training model (path coefficient = 0.987 and t = 176.713). Also, all components had a significant relationship in pattern design. For data analysis, we used the MAXQDA2020 and SmartPls3 software in the qualitative part, and SPSS26 software in the quantitative part. Conclusion. The results of this research showed that effective command in possible incidents depends on the effective training of employees with a new and up-to-date model.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception of Students Regarding Renewable Energies in Agriculture in Guilan, Iran

Transitioning from fossil to renewable energy is a global challenge, especially for countries with large fossil-fuel reserves and exports, such as Iran. This study analyses agricultural students’ knowledge of, attitudes toward, and perceptions of renewable energies in the agriculture sector in Guilan Province in Iran. The research was based on a structured questionnaire comprising three sections: (i) respondents’ socio-demographics; (ii) practicality and relevance of academic material and curriculum; and (iii) respondents’ knowledge of and attitudes and perceptions toward renewable energies in agriculture. The results showed that students’ attitudes regarding renewable energies ranked highest, and their perception was lowest. The results also showed a positive and significant relationship between the respondents’ knowledge, marital status, age, and level of education. Moreover, respondents’ age and educational level significantly impacted their attitudes. Cluster analysis divided students’ behavior into three different clusters. These clusters were most affected by attitude. In clustering students’ behavior towards using renewable energies, 38.5%, 33.5%, and 28% of respondents were positioned in the first, third, and second clusters, respectively. This is a pioneering study analyzing agricultural students’ behavior regarding renewable energies in agriculture in Guilan Province, Iran. The results of this study can assist agricultural organizations, politicians in the field of energy, and local authorities in promoting sustainable energy in Guilan Province.

Identifying and Prioritizing Factors Affecting Financing Performance of The Supply Chain in Food Industry SMEs

Chain financing is one of the essential pillars of the supply chain, which plays a critical role in facilitating and accelerating the financing of the working capital of the production company. This research aims to identify and prioritize the factors affecting the financing performance of the supply chain in food industry SMEs of Guilan province in Iran. At first, indicators were selected by browsing the library and academic sources, then releasing Likert Scale questionnaires between experts to find effective scales. Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), the importance of 7 categories, such as the cultural index of human resources, infrastructure technical, macro policy, financial, legal, logistics, financial, and information technology, respectively, and a total of 38 sub-factors are prioritized. The results show that the development of accreditation and rating institutions in the discussion of chain financing; Development of chain financing tools and infrastructures in operationalizing it in the country's banking network; Creating electronic invoice infrastructure and store terminals; Emphasizing the regulatory role of the Central Bank and the development of supply chain management companies under the supervision of the industry are the most critical factors. Based on the identified factors, a hierarchical model of chain financing in SME food industries is proposed, with which businesses can formulate action plans for financing problems along their supply chain.

Effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines on hospitalization and death in Guilan, Iran: a test-negative case-control study

ObjectivesThe present study was conducted to estimate the effectiveness of (BBIBP)-CorV (Sinopharm), ChAdOx1-S/nCoV-19 (AZD1222, Oxford-AstraZeneca), rAd26-rAd5 (Gam-COVID-Vac, Sputnik V), and BIV1-CovIran (COVIran Barekat) and BBV152 COVAXIN (Bharat Biotech) vaccines against hospitalization and death of COVID-19 in Guilan Province of Iran from May 22 to December 21, 2021. MethodsThis test-negative case-control study was conducted on the population aged 5 years and above by extracting information from local databases (The Medical Care Monitoring Center and The Integrated Health System). A logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the effectiveness of the vaccines against COVID-19 hospitalization and death. ResultsThe total study population was 42,084, including 19,500 cases (with a positive Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction test admitted to hospitals in Guilan Province) and 22,586 controls (with a negative Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction test). Among the admitted patients, 1887 deaths occurred. The maximum effectiveness of BBIBP-CorV (Sinopharm) in preventing temporary hospitalization and regular hospitalization was observed 151 days after receiving the second dose, 95% (95% CI: 67-99.4%) and 85% (95% CI: 77-91%) respectively. The maximum effectiveness of the BBIBP-CorV (Sinopharm) vaccine 91-120 days after receiving the second dose against death was showed 56% (95% CI: 33-71%). The maximum effectiveness of ChAdOx1-S/nCoV-19 (AZD1222, Oxford-AstraZeneca) and BIV1-CovIran (COVIran Barekat) in preventing regular hospitalization and death was observed 121-150 and 61-90 days (respectively) after receiving the second dose, reaching 98% (95% CI: 94-99%) and 92% (95% CI: 48-99%), respectively for ChAdOx1-S/nCoV-19 and 95% (95% CI: 91-97%) and 89% (95% CI: 55-98%) respectively, for BIV1-CovIran. ConclusionFor almost all vaccines, the study observed an increase in effectiveness against hospitalization and death over time.

The effects of similarity of values, religious values, and empathy on bank commitment to CSR and customers’ internal and behavioral responses: evidence from Guilan Province in Iran

The effects of similarity of values, religious values, and empathy on bank commitment to CSR and customers’ internal and behavioral responses: evidence from Guilan Province in Iran

Investigating the Potential of Streptomyces spp. in Suppression of Rhizoctonia solani (AG1-IA) Causing Rice Sheath Blight Disease in Northern Iran

A study was conducted in the Guilan Province of Iran, using a variety of Actinomycetes species isolated from the rice fields, with the intention of identifying useful biocontrol agents to lessen rice sheath blight disease. The antagonistic effects against the rice pathogen agent were also assessed both in vitro and in vivo. The antifungal abilities of more than 30 Actinomycetes isolates against the Rhizoctonia solani Kühn (AG1-IA) were used. The biocontrol abilities of the most active isolates were studied in a greenhouse. The size of the inhibition zone against pathogen development and the most potent antagonist Actinomycetes isolates were determined based on the dual culture screening test findings. The ability to create hydrolytic enzymes including amylase, chitinase, protease, and lipase were shown by hydrolytic enzyme assays on the putative antagonists. Antifungal activities of Streptomyces isolates against fungus mycelia were also studied using SEM since, compared to the control grown mycelia and mycelia adjacent to the inhibition zone in the plate, tests revealed an unusual and deformed structure; in our opinion, the chitinase secreted can destroy fungal mycelium. Chloroform test showed that its antifungal effect persists upon exposure to chloroform. All possible isolates belonged to the Streptomyces species, according to the 16S rDNA molecular analysis of the majority of active isolates. Comparing isolates, G had the highest impact in reducing sheath blight disease. The Iranian strain of the Streptomyces has antifungal capabilities, highlighting its potential as a viable biocontrol agent to be used in an Integrated Disease Management (IDM) program to control the rice sheath blight disease.

Predator and parasite mites associated with aphids and scale insects in Guilan Province of Iran

A faunistic study on the predator and parasite mites (Acari) associated with aphids and scale insects in Guilan province, northern Iran was carried out during 2020- 2021. Totally, 32 species belonging to 23 different genera and 11 families were collected and identified. Amblyseius herbicolus (Chant), Amblyseius meridionalis Berlese, Euseius stipulates (Athias-Henriot), Euseius finlandicus (Oudemas), Neoseiulus barkeri, Paraseiulus triporus (Chant & Yoshida-Shaul), Paraseiulus soleiger (Ribaga), Paraseiulus talbii (Athias-Henriot), Transeius wainsteini (Gomelauri), Typhlodromus caudiglans Schuster [Phytoseiidae]; Cheletogenes ornatus (Canestrini & Fanzago), Cheletomimus berlesei (Oudemans), Cheletomorpha lepidopterorum (Shaw), Cheyletus malaccensis Oudemans [Cheyletidae]; Armascirus cerris Kaluz [Cunaxidae]; Balastium zhangi Saboori [Erythraeidae]; Cyta latirostris (Hermann) [Bdellidae]; Lasioseius extremus (Daneshvar) [Blattisociidae]; Uropoda orbicularis (Muller) [Uropodidae] and Nenteia stylifera (Edwards) [Trematuridae] are new records for association with aphids and scale insects in Guilan province. Collection information of identified species and the dominance (%) of their families are provided. A tabulated checklist of 69 mite species associated with aphids and scale insects in Guilan Province, Iran, is also provided.

Comparing linear and non-linear data-driven approaches in monthly river flow prediction, based on the models SARIMA, LSSVM, ANFIS, and GMDH.

River flow variations directly affect the hydro-climatological, environmental, and ecological characteristics of a region. Therefore, an accurate prediction of river flow can critically be important for water managers and planners. The present study aims to compare different data-driven models in predicting monthly flow. Two river catchments located in the Guilan province in Iran, where rivers play an essential role in agricultural productions (mainly rice), are studied. The monthly river flow dataset was provided by Guilan Regional Water Authority during 1986-2015. The models are derived from two different numerical types of stochastic and machine learning (ML) models. The stochastic model is seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA), and the MLs are least square support vector machine (LSSVM), adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), and group method of data handling (GMDH). The inputs were selected by autocorrelation and partial autocorrelation functions (ACF and PACF) from the flow rates of the previous months. The data was divided into 75% of training and 25% of testing phases, and then the mentioned models were implemented. Predictions were evaluated by the criteria of root mean square error (RMSE), normalized RMSE (NRMSE), and Nash Sutcliff (NS) coefficient. According to the calculated values of different criteria during the test phase, RMSE = 1.138 cms, NRMSE = 0.109, and NS = 0.826, it can be concluded that the SARIMA model was superior to its ML competitors. Among the ML models, GMDH had the best performance (by RMSE = 1.290 cms, NRMSE = 0.124, and NS = 0.777) because it has more optimization parameters and sample space for network make-up. The models were also evaluated in hydrological drought conditions of both rivers. It was resulted that the rivers' flow can be well predicted in drought conditions by using these models, especially the SARIMA stochastic model. According to the NRMSE values (ranged between 0.1 and 0.2), the accuracy of predictions is evaluated in the appropriate range, and the present study shows promising results of the current approaches. Consequently, a comparison between the performance of linear stochastic models and complex black-box MLs, reveals that linear stochastic models are more suitable for the current region's monthlyriver flow prediction.

Carrier Status for p.Gly61Glu and p.Arg368His CYP1B1 Mutations Causing Primary Congenital Glaucoma in Iran.

PurposeTo estimate carrier frequencies of CYP1B1 mutations p.Gly61Glu and p.Arg368His, respectively, in Talesh and the east of Guilan province in Iran with a maximum error of 2%. Previously, it was shown that these CYP1B1 mutations may be relatively prevalent in these regions.MethodsPopulation-based screenings were performed. DNA was extracted from saliva samples of 1036 individuals from Talesh and 3029 individuals from the east of Guilan. P.Gly61Glu and p.Arg368His screenings were performed, respectively, by RFLP and ARMS-based PCR protocols. For confirmation, the DNA of individuals with mutations was sequenced using the Sanger protocol.ResultsNine individuals from Talesh (0.86%; 95%CI: 0.45–1.64%) carried the p.Gly61Glu mutation, and 73 from the east of Guilan (2.41%; 95%CI: 1.91–3.04%) carried p.Arg368His. There was no significant difference in frequencies between urban and rural regions of the various cities, nor among four cities within the east of Guilan.ConclusionThe frequencies of p.Gly61Glu carriers in Talesh and of p.Arg368His carriers in the east of Guilan were within the 95% confidence interval of a previous study based on screenings of fewer individuals. The reliability of the recent estimates is higher, as the confidence interval for p.Gly61Glu decreased from 6.5% to 1.19% and the interval for p.Arg368His decreased from 4% to 1.13%. Based on the new findings, the maximum expected frequency of p.Gly61Glu carriers in Talesh is 1.64%, and of p.Arg368His carriers in the east of Guilan is 3%. The need for performing premarital screenings in the respective cities can be evaluated.

What are the Sports Tourism Factors and Potentials in Guilan Province

Purpose: In recent years, tourism, especially sports tourism, has become a rich source of income in many countries. Therefore, identifying the factors that affect the flourishing of sports tourism in a region is the first step for the progression and development of sports tourism. Methodology: In this study, a researcher-made questionnaire with 94% Cronbach's alpha was used to identify the factors affecting tourism growth in Guilan Province. Twelve professors of sports management confirmed the validity of the questionnaire. The statistical population consisted of 25 cultural heritage experts, 46 sports specialists, and 600 sports tourists. A census was sampling in the first (cultural heritage experts) and second (sports experts) groups. The third group consisted of sports tourists, namely all those who visited Guilan Province to participate in competitions and watch the fajr decade tournament in 2019. The sample number was considered 460 according to similar studies. The questionnaire was submitted to a group of professors and university experts, and its validity was confirmed. SmartPLS software was employed to analyze the data. Findings: The research results showed that aquatic sport in coastal cities could lead to the prosperity of sports tourism in Guilan Province and turn this province into a hub of water sports tourism. To achieve this goal, sports, welfare, transportation infrastructure, and proper advertisements are necessary. Originality: Many studies have been done on affective factors of sports tourism in Guilan province. These researches show that the natural attractions of Guilan province are the priority of sports tourism development in this region. This study shows that attention to water sports effectively promotes sports tourism in Guilan province. It appears that this is the first research to investigate the potentials of sports tourism in Guilan Province of Iran.

Discovering recovery strategies from COVID-19 pandemic in lodging sector: insights from ecolodges and luxury hotels (the case of Guilan, Iran)

ABSTRACT COVID-19 outbreak has affected many sectors across the globe, and the lodging industry is among the hardest hits. Yet, empirical studies on the recovery strategies of accommodation establishments are limited. Drawing upon semi-structured interviews with 4 and 5-star hotels and ecolodges managers in Guilan province in Iran, this study aims to investigate the differences between recovery strategies of ecolodges and luxury hotels. The findings confirm the dramatic negative impacts of the pandemic on both the occupancy rate and revenue of the accommodation facilities in Guilan. Furthermore, using the frame analysis, the findings of this study illustrate that five recovery solutions have been adopted by the ecolodges and luxury hotels with different priorities and there are overall four key challenges in implementing these initiatives in Guilan’s hospitality sector. According to the results obtained, in contrast to the findings of most previous studies and some advantages related to large-scale hotels, small-scale accommodation establishments such as ecolodges as local service businesses generally cope with this crisis more creatively and efficiently. Finally, the author draws some general conclusions, summarises the practical implications, and offers recommendations for further research.

The Role of Media Advertising in the Development of Sports Tourism in Guilan Province of Iran

The Role of Media Advertising in the Development of Sports Tourism in Guilan Province of Iran

The Prevalence of High-risk Human Papillomavirus Type 16 and 18 in Women in Rasht-Iran

Background & aim: Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death among females. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most important risk factor for cervical cancer. The aim of the present study was to explore the prevalence of high-risk human papillomavirus types 16 and 18 in women who undergo HPV test. Methods: In this descriptive epidemiological study, which was conducted in Mehr Medical Institute, Rasht, Iran from 2019 to 2020, two cervical samples were obtained from each of 301 patients for cytological and real-time PCR evaluation. Genotyping the samples was carried out using the Real-Time PCR technique. Different genotypes were divided into the following groups: 16 and 18 genotypes, other high risk genotypes, possibly low risk and high risk genotypes. Results: The prevalence of HPV types in the study participants with a mean age of 33.4± 6.5 (18-61) years were 36.5% (n=110). HPV16 and 18 were detected in 28 (25.7%) and 7 patients (6.4%), respectively. Histopathological findings among HPV positive and negative participants were similar. HPV distribution according to women´s age was: group 1 (20-24.9 years, 47%), group 2 (25-29.9 years, 42.6%), group 3 (30-34.9 years, 40.4%), group 4 (35-39.9 years, 27.6%) and group 5 (40≤ years, 28.3%). Conclusion: The general percentage of HPV positive patients in the local area can be compared to the previous literature. The study includes updates on the prevalence and type of HPV distribution between women of Guilan province in Iran.

The Role of Media Advertising in the Development of Sports Tourism in Guilan Province of Iran

The Role of Media Advertising in the Development of Sports Tourism in Guilan Province of Iran

Hybrid multi-criteria decision-making approach to select appropriate biomass resources for biofuel production

Biofuel generation from local biomass resources can significantly contribute to greenhouse gas mitigation and cleaner energy production. In this regard, a hybrid Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) approach was employed to prioritize appropriate biomass resources for biofuel production. Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), Additive Ratio Assessment (ARAS), and Weighted Aggregates Sum Product Assessment (WASPAS) were the employed MCDM approaches. Subsequently, ranking aggregation methods, i.e., Borda, Copeland, and Rank Mean, were applied to integrate the rankings obtained from the MCDM approaches. Guilan province of Iran was selected as a case study based on its promising potential for biofuel production from first-, second-, and third-generation biofuel resources. Initially, through an in-depth review of the literature and the use of academic professors' expert opinions, ten criteria were selected as the evaluation indices of the study: 1) creating technical side jobs, 2) preserving non-renewable energy resources, 3) relative advantage of biofuel production, 4) complexity of biofuel production process, 5) cost of the biomass conversion process, 6) biomass reusability, 7) cost of biomass supply, 8) environmental impacts of biomass accumulation, 9) adaptability of the biofuel production process to the size of biomass production units and the attitude and knowledge of the producers, and 10) energy self-sufficiency of the biomass producer. Moreover, the 11 investigated potential sources of biofuel production were rice, peanut, livestock and poultry wastes, rice waste, peanut waste, tea residues and its processing wastes, olive residues and its processing wastes, livestock and poultry slaughter and farm-raised fish wastes, municipal solid waste and sewage, forest and wood farming wastes, algae and Azolla. The results indicated that “municipal solid wastes and sewage”, “forest and wood farming wastes” and “livestock and poultry wastes” from the second-generation biofuels were identified as the most important biomass resources in the studied area.

Epidemiology and Trends of Skin Cancers in Guilan Province, Iran During 2010-2014

Background: Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the world. Pattern of skin cancer is different in various geographical regions, depending on the genetic and environmental factors. Objective: This study aims to investigate the incidence rate of skin cancer and its trends in Guilan province of Iran during 2010-2014. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, the five-year data related to all cases of skin cancer recorded for Guilan Province during 2010-2014 were used. The age-sex incidence of skin cancer was standardized using the standard population of the World Health Organization. The age-standardized incidence rate of skin cancers including Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) and Melanoma was calculated, and then its trends were evaluated. Results: A total of 1664 cases with skin cancer, 1014 men and 650 women, were reported in the province from 2010 to 2014. Incidence of skin cancer was higher in men. BCC was the most common skin cancer. The most common site for BCC was face and scalp, and for SCC it was the lip. Melanoma was mostly occurred on acral regions. The incidence of skin cancer had a rising trend and had raised in all age groups. Conclusion: There is an increasing trend of skin cancers in Guilan Province. Therefore, planning for detection, prevention and control of its risk factors is necessary.