Hamedan Province Research Articles

Modeling the Factors Affecting the First Birth in the Family's' Fertility in Hamedan Province

Background: The role of fertility as the most important determinant of demographic fluctuations has given more importance to its studies compared with other demographic phenomena. In this context, different indexes are used to measure fertility patterns where the index of the first birth after marriage has received much attention.
 Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional (descriptive-analytic) study in which the fertility data of women are converted into a fictitious cohort and investigated. In this study, married woman in the age group of 15 to 49 years in 500 families in Hamedan were selected. In this study, a researcher-made questionnaire was used that included information related to the number of live births (fertility) and factors related to it (i.e. date of marriage, age, the first pregnancy, number of unwanted pregnancies, average interval between children, and the use of contraceptives). Univariate and multivariate survival analysis was carried out for the interval between marriage and the first birth. In the univariate section, using Kaplan-Meir method and log-rank test, survival functions of the interval between the first births after marriage in different predictive variables were compared.
 Result: Mean age of mothers at the first birth was 22.04±4.357 years and mean number of live births was 2.18±0.904. The first marriage age of women, parental education, women’s employment, the use of contraceptives, and the number of live births were at a significance level of 5%.
 Conclusion: It can be concluded that parental education, women’s employment, and use of contraceptives play important roles in population growth.

Predictors of Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest Outcomes in Pre-Hospital Settings; a Retrospective Cross-sectional Study.

Different potential factors can affect the outcomes of Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA). The present study aimed to identify important factors contributing to the Return of Spontaneous Circulation(ROSC) and Survival to Hospital Discharge (SHD) in these patients. This cross-sectional study was conducted on all the OHCA patients who underwent Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) in emergency medical service (EMS) of Hamedan province during 2016-2017. All the relevant data were retrieved from three sources, according to Utstein's style. In addition, univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were employed to identify predictive factors of ROSC and SHD using SPSS software, version 20. Among the 3214 eligible patients whose data were collected, most OHCA patients were female (59.7%) with the mean age of 58 years. Moreover,the majority of OHCAs (77.8%) occurred at home during 8pm-8am (65.1%) and about 26.3% of OHCAs were witnessed, with only 5.1% bystander-initiated CPR. Furthermore, the median ambulance response time and CPR duration were 6.0 and 20 minutes, respectively. Overall, ROSC and SHD success rates were 8.3 and 4.1%, respectively. Bystander CPR was found to be the most effective predicting factor for the success rate of ROSC (AOR=3.26, P<0.001) and SHD (AOR=3.04, P<0.001) after adjusting for the Utstein variables including the patients' age, gender, cardiac disease history, arrest time, CPR duration, response time, being witnessed, bystander CPR, and endotracheal intubation (ETI). The overall success rates of ROSC and SHD were 8.3% and 4.1%, respectively. The age, ambulance response time, CPR duration, and cardiac disease history were negatively associated with the outcomes of ROSC and SHD, while being witnessed, bystander CPR, ETI, and initial shockable rhythm were positively related to both of the above-mentioned outcomes.

Predicting of uniaxial compressive strength of some igneous and metamorphic rocks by block punch index and cylindrical punch index tests

Uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) of rock materials is a crucial parameter in designing of engineering structures to be constructed in/on rock masses. Although the suggested methods for determination of UCS are well known and required relatively simple procedures, preparation of standard core specimens may not be easy for rock materials of heavily jointed rock and/or thinly stratified rock masses. In order to overcome these difficulties to be encountered during sample preparation, the studies on the alternative equations based on results of simple index tests for predicting of UCS of rock materials have been popular. A linear correlation with conversion factor of 5.1 was suggested in literature for predicting of UCS from block punch index (BPI) considering a wide variety of rock types. In this study, the relations were investigated to be used for predicting of UCS from BPIc and also cylindrical punch index (CPI) based on experimental studies employed on seven different igneous and metamorphic rocks, collected from different locations in Hamedan province, west of Iran. The linear regression analysis showed that the conversion factor between UCS and BPIc was obtained as 5.7 for the tested rocks, which is already higher than the proposed value of 5.1. A conversion factor equal to 7.4 was derived for relation between UCS and CPI. In addition, the prediction performance of some well-known equations on the test results obtained in this study for determination of UCS from BPIc, and also CPI were evaluated. Moreover, the coefficients of determination of logarithmic and power functions were higher than any other functions for UCS–BPIc and UCS-CPI relations, respectively.

Modelling Bank Performance: A Novel Fuzzy Two-Stage DEA Approach

Evaluating the banks’ performance has always been of interest due to their crucial role in the economic development of each country. Data envelopment analysis (DEA) has been widely used for measuring the performance of bank branches. In the conventional DEA approach, decision-making units (DMUs) are regarded as black boxes that transform sets of inputs into sets of outputs without considering the internal interactions taking place within each DMU. Two-stage DEA models are designed to overcome this shortfall. Thus this paper presented a new two-stage DEA model based on a modification on Enhanced Russell Model. On the other hand, in many situations, such as in a manufacturing system, a production process or a service system, inputs, intermediates and outputs can be given as a fuzzy variable. The main aim of this paper is to build and present a new fuzzy two-stage DEA model for measuring the efficiency of 15 branches of Melli bank in Hamedan province.

Kinetic release and fractionation of cobalt in some calcareous soils

The availability of cobalt (Co) depends on its concentration in solution which is affected by kinetic release from solid phase, and also depends on its distribution between different soil constituents. There is very limited information on kinetic release of Co from calcareous soils. On the other hand, the lack of Co fractionation data in calcareous soils is a problem in determining mobility and availability of this element. The release kinetic of Co from 10 calcareous soils collected from different agricultural areas in Hamedan Province, western Iran, was investigated using 0.01 M calcium chloride (CaCl2) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) solutions in time intervals from 8 to 2084 h (8, 20, 44, 92, 164, 284, 452, 692, 1028, 1484 and 2084 h). The results showed that the general trends of Co release were similar for all studied soils and after 2084 h, 0.01 M EDTA released more Co than 0.01 M CaCl2. Different kinetic equations (parabolic diffusion, power function, Elovich and first order) adequately described the cumulative Co release and power function equation with the lowest Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) best described the Co release by 0.01 M CaCl2 and EDTA in studied soils. In the case of 0.01 M EDTA, the Co release rate parameters in parabolic diffusion, power function, Elovich equations were significantly correlated to pH (r = 0.80, 0.78 and 0.80, respectively; p < 0.01) and the percentages of clay (r = 0.87, 0.88 and 0.84, respectively; p < 0.01) and sand (r = −0.76, p < 0.01; −0.70 and −0.70, p < 0.05, respectively) that indicates the importance of these properties in relation to Co release from soils. Cobalt distribution between different soil constituents, before and after Co sorption in soils was investigated using sequential extraction procedure. Results indicated that the residual fraction (RES) was the dominant fraction both before and after Co sorption in soils. Sorption of Co in soils increased the proportion of Co associated with RES and carbonate-bound (CARB) fractions and decreased the proportions of exchangeable/solution (EXCH) and organically bound (OM) fractions, so it can be concluded that Co was mainly distributed between RES and CARB fractions and sorption included both adsorption and precipitation processes. Individual contamination factor (ICF) was used for Co pollution and leaching risk assessment in soils. According to results, the ICF in soil 7 (collected from Hesare Motahari) was higher than other soils, so this soil that is located close to a busy boulevard in vicinity of Hamedan city had the highest risk of Co pollution and leaching between studied soils.

Tyrophagus hamedaniensis sp. nov. (Acari: Acaridae) from Western Iran

A new species belonging to the family Acaridae, Tyrophagus hamedaniensis sp. nov. , is described and illustrated from specimens collected from soil and litter beneath forest trees, Hamedan province, Iran. Also, a key to Iranian species of the genus Tyrophagus is provided.

Health Risk Assessment of Inorganic Arsenic Through Groundwater Drinking Pathway in some Agricultural Districts of Hamedan, West of Iran

Groundwater resources are an important portion of potable water in Hamedan Province, Iran. Therefore, monitoring the pollutants especially heavy metals in these resources are vital to protect the residents’ health. This study aimed to assess the health risks caused by inorganic arsenic pollution through groundwater drinking pathway in four important agricultural areas of Hamedan Province, Iran. In so doing, a total of 180 groundwater wells were chosen randomly for sampling during the spring and summer seasons in 2015. The samples were filtered (0.45 μm), preserved with HNO3 at a pH level lower than 2, and stored in acid-washed polyethylene bottles at 4°C for further analysis. Finally, arsenic content was determined using inductively coupled plasma- optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The results showed that the mean contents of arsenic (mg/L) in groundwater samples taken during the spring were 0.052 for Asadabad plain, 0.007 for Ghahavand plain, 0.006 for Razan plain, and 0.004 for Toyserkan Plain; whereas, the mean content in groundwater samples taken during the summer from Asadabad, Ghahavand, Razan, and Toyserkan plains were 0.058, 0.009, 0.007, and 0.004, respectively. Moreover, based on the computed values of the noncarcinogenic risk of groundwater samples from Asadabad plain, the hazard quotient (HQ) was greater than 1. Therefore, a non-carcinogenic effect is considered to be possible for the inhabitants of this study area. Accordingly, serious considerations including managing the use of agricultural inputs especially arsenical pesticides or herbicides and treatment of arsenic-contaminated groundwater with some proper methods before water ingestion are recommended.

Assessing the interrelations of traffic collisions' risk factors

The enormous human and financial costs of traffic collisions mean that improving road safety by reducing the number of accidents is a major priority for transportation authorities around the world. One major prerequisite for reducing accidents is investigation of the risk factors for traffic collisions. Conventional multiple regression, pattern recognition and multi-criteria decision-making models in some ways have a high ability to predict traffic collisions. However, they provide no information about the indirect effect of the examined factors in the occurrence of traffic collisions; therefore, they are not appropriate for the descriptive analysis of these factors. In the present study, structural equation modelling was applied to evaluate the cause–effect interrelationship of traffic collisions' risk factors, and their cause–effect relationships with the accidents. According to experimental results on the main roadway network of Hamedan province, human, traffic and road factors had a significant direct effect on the occurrence of collisions. Moreover, the human factors indirectly led to an increase in the probability of the collisions' occurrence through the mediator variable of the road. Among the human factors, education and age had prominent impacts rather than the locality. The work highlights these peculiar aspects and suggests methods to reduce their effects.

Simulating soil loss rate in Ekbatan Dam watershed using experimental and statistical approaches

Reservoir sedimentation resulting from water erosion is an important environmental issue in many countries where storage of water is crucial for economic and agricultural development. Therefore, this paper reports results from analysis of the soil hydrological response, i.e. soil water erosion, to simulated rainfall resulting in sediment accumulation at the reservoir of Ekbatan Dam (Hamedan province, Iran). Also, another objective of this study was to simulate the future trends in reservoir sedimentation (soil loss rate; SLR) from indoor rainfall simulator data by multiple linear regression (MLR) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs). For this research, three sampling points with different types of soils were chosen including clayey sand soil (SC-SM), silty soil (ML), and clayey soil (CL). The input parameters were slope gradient (sin θ), soil type (St), water content (w), dry density (ϒd), shear strength (τ), unconfined compressive strength (qu), permeability (k), and California bearing ratio (CBR). Using MLR and ANN methods, 7 models were developed with 2 constant predictors (i.e. sin θ and St) and 6 free predictors which were added in each step one by one. Among MLR models, model 5 with St, sin θ,ϒd, τ, w, and qu as input parameters was statistically significant. Among ANN models, model 4 with St, sin θ,ϒd, τ, and w as input parameters, 9 nodes, and 1 hidden layer was statistically significant. The root mean square error (RMSE), mean error (ME), and correlation coefficient (R) values were 1.433 kg/m2 h, 0.0195 kg/m2 h, and 0.698 for the MLR model and 0.38 kg/m2 h, 0.151 kg/m2 h, and 0.98 for the ANN model, respectively. These results show that the ANN model could better predict the SLR in comparison to the MLR model. The results also demonstrate that shear strength, among the strength parameters, had a greater impact on the SLR than compressive strengths (qu and CBR). Last but not the least, the reservoir sedimentation was estimated for all methods and compared with the observed data. The results indicate that the ANN model is more appropriate for forecasting/simulating the sediment yield for a small watershed.

A Comparative Study of Prehospital Emergency Services Over the Urban and Road Areas in Hamedan Province

A Comparative Study of Prehospital Emergency Services Over the Urban and Road Areas in Hamedan Province

"Technical Report" Trend Analysis of Meteorological Drought Characteristics in Hamedan Province

"Technical Report" Trend Analysis of Meteorological Drought Characteristics in Hamedan Province

The Application of Resistivity and Induced Polarization Methods in Identification of Skarn Alteration Haloes: A Case Study in the Qale-Alimoradkhan Area

This paper investigates the capability of the resistivity and induced polarization (IP) methods to delineate skarn alteration haloes within the Qale-Alimoradkhan skarn copper deposit. This deposit is located in the Sanandaj-Sirjan geological and structural zone, Hamedan province, Iran. It is understood that fresh limestone and metamorphosed limy units including skarns represent high resistivity anomalies whereas granodiorite intrusions represent medium to low resistivity responses. Four profiles were selected to explore the sulfide-rich zones within the deposit using the Combined Resistivity Sounding and Profiling (CRSP) array. After the appropriate selection of inversion parameters, the inverted models were in good agreement with the known geological features. The resistivity response of the intrusive rocks were found to be alteration dependent. Furthermore, IP targets likely represent sulfide-rich zones. Our study suggests that if preexisting knowledge regarding the geological setting is available, then resistivity and IP can be helpful in the exploration of skarn mineralization.

Tenuipalpus pariae sp. nov., a new species of the genus Tenuipalpus Donnadieu (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) from Iran

A new species of the genus Tenuipalpus, T. pariae sp. nov., is described and illustrated based on female, male and immature stages, collected from leaves of caper bushes, Capparis sp. (Capparaceae) from Gamasiab, Nahavand, Hamedan Province, Iran. A key to all known Iranian species is provided.

Association of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma trifolii’ related strain with white willow proliferation in Iran

A phytoplasma was identified in white willow trees exhibiting symptoms of proliferation, growing in urban areas in Hamedan province of Iran. The association of a phytoplasma with this disease was confirmed by nested PCR of the 16S rRNA gene using universal phytoplasma-specific primer pair P1/P7 and R16mF2n/R2. Results of nested-PCR amplified a product of expected size (1.4 Kb). Comparison of the sequencing results with those available in GenBank and phylogenetic analysis allowed classification of the phytoplasma into ‘Candidatus phytoplasma trifolii’ (16SrVI) taxonomic group. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the molecular detection and identification of a clover proliferation group phytoplasma in willow trees in Iran.

An Artificial Neural Network - Particle Swarm Optimization (ANN- PSO) Approach to Predict Heavy Metals Contamination in Groundwater Resources

Background: The quality of groundwater as the most important source for domestic, irrigation, and industrial purposes is affected by discharge of the chemicals from the anthropogenic resources. Therefore, the current study aimed at predicting heavy metals (As, Pb, Cu, and Zn) contamination in groundwater resources of Toyserkan Plain as an important agricultural area in Hamedan Province, West of Iran using artificial neural network - particle swarm optimization (ANN- PSO) approach. Methods: In the current study, samples were randomly selected from 20 groundwater wells with depth of 10 - 90 m. The samples were filtered and kept cool in polyethylene bottles and then taken for the analysis of metal contents; they were acidified using nitric acid to reach pH < 2. Finally, element contents were determined using inductively coupled plasma – optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Also, the performance of the PSO model was compared with that of ANN using Bayesian regulation (BR) training algorithm in terms of accuracy and model prediction efficiency. Results: The results showed that among the analyzed groundwater samples, the detected amounts of As ranged 0.08 to 7.48 µg/L, Zn 0.12 to 15.64 µg/L, Pb 0.09 to 5.50 µg/L, and Cu 0.89 to 13.58 µg/L. Also, based on the results, the potential of ANN-PSO model to predict the concentration of heavy metals in the Toyserkan Plain was useful to implement sustainable policies for groundwater management. Conclusions: The proposed method can be effectively applied to predict the concentration of heavy metals in groundwater resources of Toyserkan Plain.

Bluetongue virus seropositivity and some risk factors affecting bluetongue virus infection in sheep flocks

Bluetongue (BT) is an insect-transmitted, viral, and non-contagious disease in several species of domestic and wild ruminants. Sheep is the most susceptible host for bluetongue virus (BTV) in ruminants. In current study, 556 serum samples of ewes were assessed by competitive ELISA to investigate the serum status of BTV antibodies and risk factors affecting its seroprevalence in sheep flocks of Hamedan province, west part of Iran. In total, 256 out of 556 (46%) samples were found seropositive against BTV in all examined counties with different prevalence (ranging from 23.9 to 85%). The mean of age in positive and negative groups (2.87 ± 0.83 and 2.94 ± 0.83, respectively) was not significantly different but the seroprevalence rates showed a reduction by increasing of age in sheep herds (P < 0.05). The analyzed data showed that 67.8% of abortions occurred in the second half of pregnancy and 25.0% of abortions happened in the first half of pregnancy period, and only 7.2% of lamb wastage occurred in the first day after labor. An association was found between seropositivity to BTV and abortion history, so that the seropositivity rates in ewes with abortion and non-abortion history were 41.7 and 4.3%, respectively (df = 4, χ2 = 6.73, P = 0.0001). The present study demonstrated the seroprevalence of BT in sheep is considerable in this region, so isolation and identification of involved serotypes of BTV and preparation of a precise control program with emphasis on vaccination and eradication of carriers are suggested for controlling of the BT.

Assessment and Estimating Groundwater Vulnerability to Pollution Using a Modified DRASTIC and GODS Models (Case Study: Malayer Plain of Iran)

This study deals with the intrinsic vulnerability of groundwater reservoirs to pollution, by the use of two models DRASTIC and GODS, this study is done by taking samples from 17 water resources of Malayer plain Aquifer area of southern Hamedan Province, Iran. 30 physicochemical parameters and heavy metals have been studied and vulnerability of this aquifer to the nitrate concentration, was determined. The study showed that results from DRASTIC were better than GODS in Assessment and Estimating groundwater vulnerability to pollution, also DRASTIC model has been corrected, and compared the ability of these two models in vulnerability zoning has been evaluated. According to high correlation between DRASTIC index and nitrate concentration, ranking and weighting of nitrate pollutant is inserted in the DRASTIC equation, and zoning map of DRASTIC method has been calibrated by nitrate concentration. By this method, vulnerability zoning is determined between very low to very high, which shows the increase of DRASTIC index by nitrate concentration. DRASTIC parameters uncertainty has affected the zoning results in this method, but its calibration with nitrate concentration, gives more accurate vulnerability results.

Nitrogen rate applied affects dry matter translocation and performance attributes of wheat under deficit irrigation

ABSTRACTCrop production in arid/semi-arid regions is restricted by soil moisture and nitrogen (N) deficiencies. Consequently, sufficient levels of N and irrigation are important in improving the crop's productivity. Therefore, a 2-year field experiment was conducted to understand influences of watering techniques namely 300, 500 and 700 mm with contrasting N supply (0, 60, 120 and 180 kg ha−1) on wheat cv. “landrace” productivity, dry matter translocation (DMT) and contribution of pre-anthesis assimilates to the grain (CPAAG, %). Experiments were conducted each year using a split-plot design with three replications at a private farm, North Hamedan Province, Iran. Accordingly, when 500/700 mm water was applied, CPAAG values were higher than those obtained after applying 300 mm water, i.e. 49.99 and 45.45 vs. 40.13%. The highest productivity in terms of grain yield, grain N concentration, nitrogen harvest index, special products analysis division and protein content was achieved in normal deficiencies of irrigation and N. This was further supported by a higher leaf area index, crop growth rate and N uptake of such treatment. Meanwhile, co-application of 120 kg N and 500 mm water significantly improved DMT, water and N use efficiency, and it was the optimal scheme for wheat production.

The spider mites of the genus Oligonychus Berlese (Acari: Tetranychidae) from Iran

Two new species of the genus Oligonychus Berlese, namely O. shojaeii sp. nov. and O. hamedaniensis sp. nov., are described from plane trees, Platanus orientalis L. (Platanaceae), in Hamedan, Hamedan province, Iran. Four species are re-described based on new Iranian material: O. afrasiaticus (McGregor, 1939), O. coniferarum (McGregor, 1950), O. punicae (Hirst, 1926) and O. saccharinus Baker &amp; Pritchard, 1960. Among them O. saccharinus is the most important pest on sugarcane farms in southern Iran. All active life stages are described for all species except O. afrasiaticus, allowing us to confirm the ontogenetic patterns of leg setae in the Tetranychini. We refine the definition of the ununguis species group and discuss taxonomic problems relating to the members of this species group, and also regarding the identification of O. sacchari (McGregor, 1942) and O. saccharinus.

Epidemiology and Pattern of Traumatic Brain Injury in a Developing Country Regional Trauma Center.

To determine the epidemiological aspects of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) in a regional trauma center. A cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with TBI during 2013 to 2016 in a single center in Hamedan, central Iran. The distribution and relationships of TBI was assessed with gender, age, type of trauma, traumatic cause, exiting status and Length of Hospitalization (LOH). Data were analyzed by Stata V11 statistical software. In general, 9426 patients with TBI were enrolled in analyses. The mean ± SD age of patients was 29.70 (± 21.46) years. Multivariate logistic regression indicated that being male [OR: 1.29; 95% CI (2.92-4.73), P ≤0.001], 41-50 to 71-80 and 90+ years old' age groups (1.32<OR<3.12, 0.029<p≤0.001), having surgery [OR: 5.58; 95% CI (4.89-6.37), p≤0.001], and different types of trauma (p≤0.001) were significantly related to LOH. Moreover, odds ratio of mortality was 1.52 times greater in males than females (p≤0.001). As the age increases, the odds ratio of mortality was also rising. However, having surgery [OR: 3.72; 95% CI (2.92-4.73), p≤0.001], LOH >5 days [OR: 2.01; 95% CI (1.60-2.52), p≤0.001] and different types of trauma were significantly related to mortality. TBI is one of the main causes of mortality and LOH of the young population. By providing preventive measures and a traumatic care system, the burden of trauma can be greatly reduced, the implementation of the trauma care system in Hamedan province is a necessity.