Ilam Province Research Articles

Environmental life cycle assessment of corn production in tropical regions

Corn growing is an important cultural and traditional system in the Iran that has considerable environmental impacts. This study was conducted to determine the environmental effects of corn production using life cycle assessment methodology. In the present study, the data have been collected from face-to-face interviews and completing a questionnaire among corn farmers in Ilam province of Iran, in 2021. The functional unit for analysis was defined as one ton of corn produced in the region. As a result, energy efficiency, energy productivity, net energy and specific energy were equal to 4.41, 0.20 kg MJ−1, 675,379.84 MJ ha−1 and 4.88 MJ kg−1 respectively. Direct, indirect, renewable and non-renewable energies was 61.59, 38.41, 16.03 and 83.97%, respectively. In this study, the amount of global warming potential per ton of product produced is estimated to be 4747,505 kg CO2 equivalent. After normalization and weighting, the highest environmental pollutants are related to the marine aquatic ecotoxicity index with 225,273 kg 1,4-dichlorobenzene equivalent and the lowest pollutants are related to the depletion of ozone layer 1,19 × 10–5 kg CFC-11 equivalent. Result showed that chemical fertilizers and electricity led to the highest contaminating emissions.

Optimizing cropping patterns and resource allocation for sustainable agricultural development: A case study of Ilam province, Iran

Establishing connections between ecosystems and agricultural mechanization can help address erroneous decision-making in agricultural management and prevent further harm to ecosystems. It is essential for authorities and decision-makers in the agricultural sector to understand ecosystem dynamics and influencing factors to develop appropriate policies for sustainable development. This study focuses on identifying optimal conditions for determining crop patterns and input allocation in Ilam province's agricultural practices, considering technical and energy parameters. Cultivating one hectare of wheat and barley in the region requires an average energy consumption of 1.79 GJ from various sources, with an estimated energy output of 38.04 GJ ha−1 for these crops. The research involved farmers cultivating wheat, barley, fodder maize, and canola in the southern region of Ilam province, covering cities like Abdanan, Dareshahr, and Dehloran. The study suggests adjustments to cropping patterns, including reducing wheat cultivation and increasing irrigated fodder maize cultivation under optimal conditions. It also recommends exploring rainfed cultivation or enhancing the yield of rainfed wheat to offset the reduced wheat cultivation. The goal planning model indicates a shift towards sustainability, with changes in cropping patterns focusing on wheat, barley, fodder maize, and canola crops, including expanding the cultivation areas of irrigated wheat, barley, and fodder maize. Efforts aim to enhance the productivity of irrigated crops to promote sustainability and improve agricultural practices in the province for long-term sustainability goals.

Additional new species of Xenodidymella from pasture-medicinal plants in Iran.

Xenodidymella species have a wide range of hosts and can be found as pathogens and saprobes. In this study, two new species of Xenodidymella were found from leaf diseases of three pasture-medicinal plants in Ilam Province, in the west of Iran, and proposed here as X. ilamica and X. scandicis spp. nov. These species were identified based on morphological features and phylogenetic analyses of the internal transcribed spacer regions 1 & 2 and 5.8S nrDNA (ITS), partial beta-tubulin gene (tub2), and partial RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (rpb2) gene. The four Xenodidymella strains isolated in this study were delimited into two sister clades, with the two isolates of X. ilamica from the leaf spot of Colchicum speciosum and Ficaria kochii and two isolates of X. scandicis from leaf blight of Scandix pecten-veneris. Morphologically, X. scandicis produces larger, ostiolate or poroid pycnidia in vitro, while pycnidia in the cultures of X. ilamica are non-ostiolate and smaller. Some pycnidia in old cultures of X. scandicis produce a neck, but a distinct neck in X. ilamica has not been observed. Moreover, three plants under study are new hosts for the genus Xenodidymella.

Designing a model for enhancing intention to accept renewable energy technologies in rural communities of Ilam province, Iran

Purpose The purpose of this research is to investigate factors influencing the intention of villagers to use renewable energy. In this regard, by using the modified model of planned behavior, perceived behavioral control factors, perceived usefulness, perceived ease, mental norm and attitude toward energy sources for the intention of villagers to use energy sources. Therefore, the impact of each of these five variables was investigated in the form of research hypotheses. Design/methodology/approach This research has been done using a quantitative paradigm and a descriptive-correlation method. The statistical population of the study consisted of households (384) living in rural areas of Ilam province. A multistage cluster method was used to select the sample size. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire that was developed based on the research background and research problem. Face validity of the research tool by professors of Islamic Azad University of Ilam and construct validity and reliability of research tools were confirmed by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and composite reliability. Data were analyzed statistically using SPSS26 and SmartPLS3 software. Findings The results showed that the intention to use renewable energies (REs) among the rural peoples of Ilam province is affected by factors such as mental norms, attitude, perceived usefulness and perceived behavioral control and there is a positive and significant relationship between them. Originality/value In Iran, there is a lot of potential for usage of RE in rural communities, but compared to fossil fuels, had a small share in the current energy supply (Rezaei et al., 2022). RE technologies have not been sufficiently accepted and used by Iranian rural people (Rezaei and Ghafranfarid, 2018). Se the public acceptance of RE technologies is vital for successful process energy transfer (Huijts et al., 2012), non-acceptance of RE by society is a major obstacle to establishing RE technologies in Iran (Savari and Razmavar, 2022). It is expected that this research will fill the gap in the research literature.

Investigation of Physiomorphological Characteristics of Sirvan Wheat Cultivar Using Amendment Materials

In order to investigate the effect of some amendment materials on physiomorphological characteristics of the Sirvan wheat cultivar, a randomized complete block design experiment and replicated three times, was carried out in the years 2018-2019 on a farm in Dasht-e Armou, Dareshahr Ilam Province, Iran. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the effects of two factors, namely the type of amendment materials and the number of insoluble matters (alfalfa residues at 5, 10, and 15 t/ha, straw and wheat straw at 5, 10 and 15 t/ha, poultry manure at 2, 4 and 6 t/ha and the required 100-percent mineral fertilizer) on the plant. The results showed that the use of amendment materials significantly increased the number of spikes (15 to 143 percent), chlorophyll index (18 to 122 percent), number of leaves (8 to 51 percent), relative water content (6 to 21 percent), plant height (5 to 16 percent) and leaf area index (5 to 33 percent) of wheat. The highest number of leaves (19), plant height (115 cm), leaf area index (5.76), and relative water content (70 percent) were observed in 15 t/ha of alfalfa residues while the highest number of spikes (5.67) and chlorophyll index leaf (18.6) was obtained in 6 t/ha of poultry manure. Based on findings, it can be stated that the use of amendment materials, especially in raw form and poultry manure, will have beneficial effects on the growth and yield of wheat.

Modeling the structural equations of the corona anxiety level based on psychological hardness and physical activities in the treatment staff of Ilam Province with the mediator role of professional identity.

The increase in deaths due to COVID-19 has increased anxiety among the treatment staff. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to model the structural equations of the anxiety level of corona based on psychological hardness and physical activities in the treatment staff of Ilam province with the mediator role of professional identity. Based on the purpose, the method of this research is applied and based on how to obtain the data it is descriptive-correlational. The statistical population of the research includes all the treatment staff of Ilam province, with the number of 1900 people who were selected using Morgan's table, 320 people with the stratified sampling method as the sample. To collect the data, four standard questionnaires were used: Alipour et al. (2020) coronavirus anxiety questionnaire, Kiamarsi et al. (1998) psychological hardness, Baecke et al. (1982) physical activity, Hao et al. (2014) professional identity, and their validity and reliability were also confirmed. To analyze the data, from the indicators of descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation coefficient test and structural equation model method (SEM) were used using SPSS and Amos software. The results of the research showed that psychological hardness, physical activities, and professional identity have a significant and inverse effect on the anxiety caused by corona, and the mediator role of professional identity in the relationship between physical activities and corona anxiety was confirmed, but this role was not confirmed in the relationship between psychological hardness and corona anxiety. To reduce the anxiety of the coronavirus in the treatment staff, the managers of the health and treatment centers of Ilam province should pay special attention to the employees' perceptions of psychological hardness, physical activities, and professional identity and provide them with the opportunity to create sports activities.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Child Abuse: A Descriptive-Analytical Study in Ilam Province, Iran, in 2020

Background and aims: Child abuse is one of the major health and social problems in all countries, which is affected by a set of cultural, social, and family factors and some characteristics of children. The present study was performed to determine factors related to child abuse in Ilam province. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was designed in 2020 in Ilam province, Iran. Ninety-nine children who had a document of child abuse in social emergency centers were included in the study by the census method. In addition, one hundred and thirty-three children of similar age were selected from the community level by the multi-stage sampling method. The required data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire whose validity and reliability were confirmed, and a significant level of less than 5% was considered statistically significant. Results: Overall, 53.5% of participants were in the non-abused group, and 46.5% were in the abused children group. Neglect and emotional abuse were the most common types among the abused children. A significant difference was reported between all kinds of child abuse in the abused and non-abused groups (P<0.001). There was a significant relationship between the number of family members with both sexual and nutritional child abuse (P<0.001). Conclusion: Overall, family, economic, and social factors are related to child abuse. Social service counselors recommend the introduction of these factors during the consultation with parents.

Management of effective factors in increasing the resilience of rural settlements against drought a case study of Ilam province

Management of effective factors in increasing the resilience of rural settlements against drought a case study of Ilam province

Factors Affecting the Resilience of Nurses in the COVID-19 Crisis: A Mixed Method Study from West of Iran

Background: The widespread outbreak of the COVID-19 virus has resulted in an increase in hospitalizations and mortality in healthcare centers, directly affecting healthcare personnel, especially nurses. Resilience stands for one of the key non-cognitive skills that can ensure nurses’ optimal performance during crises. Hence, the present research was aimed at identifying the status of factors affecting resilience among nurses involved in the COVID-19 crisis at Shohada Hospital in Dehloran (Iran). Methods: This mixed-method study (qualitative-quantitative) was conducted in 2021 (Solar year 1400). Respectively in qualitative and quantitative parts, the research sample consisted of 18 academic members and executive managers in the healthcare sector and 118 nurses at Shahid Dehloran Hospital in Ilam province (Iran). Data collection was performed using semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. Qualitative data analysis was conducted using MAXQDA2020 software, and quantitative data analysis was performed using confirmatory factor analysis, AMOS 26, and SPSS 26. Results: The factors influencing the resilience of nurses were categorized into three main themes: personal factors (motivation, stress, personal life, Becoming obsessed, balance in personal life, resilience in personal life challenges), organizational factors (mental and psychological health, organizational leaders’ responsiveness), and environmental factors (lack of cooperation, lack of facilities and equipment). According to the results, among personal factors, motivation (R=0.88), among organizational factors, mental and psychological health (R=0.83), and among environmental factors, the lack of facilities has the most significant effect on nurses’ resilience (R=0.75). Conclusion: The findings highlight the considerable and significant impact of personal, organizational, and environmental factors on enhancing nurses’ resilience. Based on the research results, the proposed conceptual model can serve as a suitable mechanism for hospital managers to enhance the healthcare staff’s resilience.

Perceived stress and coping strategies after unsuccessful cardiopulmonary resuscitation among pre-hospital emergency technicians: A multicenter cross-sectional study

BackgroundEffective stress management after unsuccessful cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) requires the determination of perceived stress and identification and reinforcement of effective coping strategies. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine perceived stress and coping strategies after unsuccessful CPR for the first time among Iranian pre-hospital emergency technicians. MethodsA cross-sectional, descriptive, correlational, multicenter study was conducted in 2022. The research population included all pre-hospital emergency technicians working in 44 urban, road, and aerial pre-hospital emergency stations in 22 counties of Ilam Province, west of Iran. A total of 374 technicians worked in these stations, which were included in the study by census method according to the inclusion criteria. The data collection tools were the Questionnaire of perceived stress after unsuccessful CPR and Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE) Inventory. The collected data were analyzed with SPSS software version 27 using descriptive and analytical statistics (Pearson correlation test, multiple linear regression analysis, independent sample T-test, and ANOVA) at a significance level of p ≤ 0.05. ResultsThe perceived stress was at a moderate level with a mean score of 65.56 ± 14.21. Among six coping strategies, problem-focused coping had the highest (3.01 ± 0.59) and denial had the lowest mean value (1.94 ± 0.79). Perceived stress had a significant direct relationship with 5 coping strategies, including problem-focused coping, support-focused coping, emotion-focused coping, self-distraction, and religion (p < 0.05). The strongest relationship was found between perceived stress and self-distraction followed by emotion-focused coping. According to the results of multiple regression analysis, emotion-focused coping and self-distraction had predictive roles. ConclusionThe participants used different coping strategies to cope with the stress of unsuccessful CPR. The most common coping mechanisms used by the participants were problem-focused, emotion-focused, and support-focused coping. Pre-hospital emergency officials can assist pre-hospital emergency technicians in coping with occupational stress, including the stress of unsuccessful CPR, through organizing educational courses, teaching effective coping strategies, and offering support programs.

Evaluation of some Dorum Wheat Genotypes under Normal and Drought Stress Conditions in Ilam province

Evaluation of some Dorum Wheat Genotypes under Normal and Drought Stress Conditions in Ilam province

Prevalence of Pain and Factors Affecting it in Patients with Lung Cancer in Ilam

Background: Pain has been known as one of the most common, persistent, and complex symptoms of patients with lung cancer. Objectives: The aim of this research is to study the relationship between attitude to pain and the prevalence and method of pain control in patients with lung cancer. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed through the census method in patients suffering from lung cancer in Ilam Province. For data collection, while interviewing the patients and studying their files, instruments were used including demographic characteristics form, brief pain inventory, and pain attitude questionnaire. Data analysis was performed by SPSS v.16 through descriptive statistical tests (mean, percentage, and standard deviation) and analytical tests (independent t-test, ANOVA, and linear regression). Results: Considering the severity of pain, 12 (18.8%) patients had mild pain, 43 (67.2%) had moderate pain, and 9 (14.1%) had severe pain, and all of them reported some degree of pain. According to the findings, mean ± SD of the total score of the questionnaire was 77.15 (3.18), where the minimum and maximum acquired scores were 72 and 85, respectively. Also, no significant relationship was found between any of the dimensions of the attitude to pain questionnaire and the severity of pain. Further the mean ± SD of attitude to pain was 76.58 (2.81), 77.09 (3.28), and 78.22 (3.23) for mild, moderate, and severe pain, respectively. Conclusions: In this study, there was no relationship between pain severity and attitude to pain, which may have been due to the small sample size or the specificity of the study in the group of lung cancer patients. Accordingly, conducting further studies in this regard with a larger sample size is suggested.

Investigating the Ecological Range Distribution and Environmental Factors Affecting the Distribution of Woody Species in the Zagros Forests of Ilam Province

Investigating the Ecological Range Distribution and Environmental Factors Affecting the Distribution of Woody Species in the Zagros Forests of Ilam Province

A Curve Fitting–Based Directional Protection of Transmission Lines Using Genetic Programing

In modern power systems, there is a growing need for protection techniques that are fast, precise, and stable to enhance the reliability and stability of power networks. This paper introduces an advanced technique for fault direction estimation that addresses key limitations in existing methods. Our proposed algorithm eliminates the dead‐zone issue, effectively handling both forward and reverse faults regardless of their location, including faults near relay regions. Using genetic programing (GP), we derive a closed‐form equation to drive the fault direction estimation algorithm, ensuring accurate and reliable results. The algorithm demonstrates exceptional speed and reliability in fault detection and direction estimation, even under challenging conditions such as current transformer (CT) saturation, power swing, and source strength variations. It is also insensitive to fault resistance and fault inception angle, increasing its robustness. A notable advantage of this algorithm is its efficiency at low sampling frequencies, making it highly adaptable for industrial applications and compatible with modern software and hardware requirements. We validated the algorithm through simulations on the electromagnetic transients program (EMTP‐RV) platform and with field data from the Manesht 230 kV substation in Ilam province, Iran. The results confirm the algorithm’s impressive speed and high reliability.

The Asian Alerothrips Bhatti recorded from Iran with a description of the fourth fungal-feeding species in this genus (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae)

ABSTRACT Alerothrips Bhatti, 1995, a genus of Asian fungus-feeding thrips, is recorded from Iran for the first time. Alerothrips bicoloratus sp. nov. is described and illustrated from specimens collected on dead leaves at the base of oak trees in the Dalab forests of Manesht and Ghelarang protected area, northeastern part of Ilam Province, west of Iran. A key is provided for all four known species in the world.

Men's lived experience of domestic violence (qualitative study)

Objective: Violence is an unpleasant and harmful behavior towards individuals, families and communities. Domestic violence of couples, especially women against men, is a newer phenomenon that needs research. Accordingly, the main goal of the present study was to study men's lived experience of domestic violence. Materials and Methods: The present research method was qualitative-phenomenological and practical in terms of purpose. The present research method was qualitative-phenomenological and practical in terms of purpose. The participating community included married people in Ilam province, and the research sample (18 people) was selected by purposive sampling considering some criteria of the researcher. Considering the nature of the research method, the rule of theoretical saturation was used for the sample size. The research tool included semi-structured interviews, which were used for the validity of the tool using the formal method and for reliability, the recoding method between the researcher and another researcher was used, and the agreement coefficient between the coders was 0.81. The coding method was also used to analyze the findings. Findings: The findings showed that 32 sub-themes and 6 main themes including (quantitative challenges of having children, body management challenges, female infertility challenges, economic violence, psychological violence and sexual violence) were identified from men's lived experience of domestic violence. Conclusion: It can be concluded that men also experience various types of violence in their married life, that family planners and counselors should analyze its dimensions more in order to better understand this type of violence.

The transaction analysis of loan and usage of information resources by library members: A case study of public libraries in Ilam province

The transaction analysis of loan and usage of information resources by library members: A case study of public libraries in Ilam province

Effects of Mixed Leaf Litters of Iranian Oak, Tree of Heaven, and Wild Pistachio on Decomposition and Dynamics of Nutrients in Zagros Forests (Case Study: Ilam Province)

Effects of Mixed Leaf Litters of Iranian Oak, Tree of Heaven, and Wild Pistachio on Decomposition and Dynamics of Nutrients in Zagros Forests (Case Study: Ilam Province)

New data on cave spiders (Arachnida: Araneae) of Iran, with new species and records.

New data on Iranian spiders is provided based on 92 specimens collected from the interiors or surroundings of 27 caves. These specimens belong to 17 species in nine families, of which five species are described as new to science: Tegenaria pallens Zamani & Marusik, sp. n. (; Gakal Cave, Kohgiluyeh & Boyer-Ahmad Province) (Agelenidae); Dysdera elamana Zamani & Marusik, sp. n. (; Barreh Zard Cave, Ilam Province); and Harpactea zagros Zamani & Marusik, sp. n. (; Raad-e Gharbi Cave, Ilam Province) (both Dysderidae); Troglohyphantes megagynus Zamani & Marusik, sp. n. (; Kabootarlan Cave, Ilam Province) (Linyphiidae); and Mesiotelus iranicus Zamani & Marusik, sp. n. (; Mir Melas Cave, Lorestan Province) (Liocranidae). Additionally, two genera, Scotargus Simon, 1913 and Odontodrassus Jzquel, 1965, and three species, Odontodrassus mundulus (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1872) and Synaphosus syntheticus (Chamberlin, 1924) (both Gnaphosidae), and Scotargus pilosus Simon, 1913 (Linyphiidae), are recorded in Iran for the first time. The newly described and recorded species are accompanied by illustrations.

Human health risk assessment of toxic heavy metals in summer crops and vegetables: a study in Ilam Province, Iran.

The presence of toxic heavy metals (HMs) in agricultural crops ‎can be considered as a noteworthy threat for consumers. The aim of this study was to assess the content of HMs ‎(Pb, As, Cr, Cd, Co, Hg, and Ag) and their potential health risk in summer crops and vegetables (watermelon, cantaloupe, cucumber, melon, tomato, onion, ‎potato, raw and stewed vegetables) in Ilam province, Iran. Totally, 31 crop samples were collected from local farms during the 2019 harvest ‎season and the elements ‎ content were evaluated using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The non-carcinogenic health risk of HMs to the adults and children was estimated by Monte Carlo simulation method and target hazard quotients (THQs). In general, the results showed that the concentration of Cr in the studied ‎agricultural crops was higher than other HMs. As well as, the carcinogenic risk (CR) obtained for adults and children were more than the acceptable range for As. Also, CR for As in raw vegetable was the most (‎8.19E-1) and violated the threshold risk limit. The total carcinogenic risk of HMs in children was higher than that in adults. These results suggest that the agricultural crops were not safe for human consumption with potential risks associated. Due to the possible health effects of such products consumption, proper action should be taken to avoid chronic exposure, prevention of further pollution and consequent adverse health implications.