Cities Of Iran Research Articles

Psychometric Validation and Setting Cutoff Point for the Persian Version of Mindful Self-Care Scale (MSCS) Among Older Adults.

Mindful self-care is a valuable activity that contributes to old people's independence and self-control and its development is in line with the duties of social workers. This study aimed to validate the mindful self-care scale (MSCS) for Iranian old people and was performed on old people living in the community of Shiraz, Iran. This cross-sectional study was conducted on old people living in the community who met the inclusion criteria in Shiraz, Iran. After linguistic validation of the Persian version of MSCS with 36 items, face, and content validity were determined. Then the first part of construct validity was conducted using a kurtosis test, and exploratory factor analysis with the first sample (n = 250). After selecting the appropriate items, confirmatory factor analysis was assessed with the second sample (n = 250). Scale reliability was also evaluated. The optimal cut-off points were obtained by calculating the area under the curve (AUC). SPSS version 23 was used for further data analysis, while confirmatory factor analysis was conducted using AMOS version 24. Exploratory factor analysis loaded only 24 items with four factors. The modified second-order confirmatory factor analysis model displayed a good fit (RMSEA = 0.04; CFI = 0.90; GFI = 0.90). Cronbach's alpha coefficient of MSCS with 24 items was .94. The cut-off points were 38, 11, 23, and 17 for factors of resilience, goal achievement, supportive relationship, and self-care respectively, and 90 for the whole instrument. The study found that the MSCS short form with 24 items is valid and reliable in the Iranian elderly population, making it an effective tool for mental self-care screening and a practical tool for social workers. However, the study recommends repeating the study in other cities of Iran to generalize the findings.

Dementia prevalence among hospitalized older patients: a multicenter study in Iran.

To evaluate the prevalence of dementia and its associated risk factors among older patients admitted to hospitals. The study included older patients (≥ 60 years) admitted to medical departments of a general hospital in three major Iranian cities. Researchers utilized the Activities of Daily Living-Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (ADL-IADL) scale, the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), the Mini-Cog test, the 4 A's test (4AT), and the Abbreviated Mental Test Score (AMTS). Among the 420 recruited older inpatients, 228 (54.3%) were female. The mean age of participants was 71.39 years (standard deviation ±7.95), with 30.7% diagnosed with major neurocognitive disorder (dementia). The likelihood of dementia exhibited statistically significant correlations with gender, age, number of children, and occupation. Screening older individuals for cognitive impairment upon hospital admission holds the potential to prevent adverse outcomes and enhance the quality of treatment for patients concurrently dealing with dementia.

Investigating effective factors on rural crash severity at marginal areas around cities in Iran: a partial proportional odds modelling approach

Over the past decade, rural crashes have been responsible for an average of 65% of crash-induced casualties in Iran. Evidence from prior studies reveals that a significant number of these rural crashes occur at marginal areas around cities. Thus, Exclusive crash severity models should be developed to identify the factors associated with higher injury and fatality probabilities in these areas. In this study, a partial proportional odds (PPO) model was formulated using the rural crash data collected from roads leading to the city of Isfahan. The PPO model holds the ordinal nature of crash observations and allows for different influences of independent variables on various crash severity levels. Insights derived from the results reveal that factors such as vehicle traffic maintaining an average speed exceeding 95 km/h, the occurrence of multi-vehicle crashes, the incidence of overturn-type crashes, the at-fault vehicle being a truck/trailer and at-fault or not-at-fault vehicle being a motorcycle, increase the likelihood of more severe rural crashes. Conversely, a foreign vehicle being at-fault, and the driver of the at-fault vehicle aged between 30 and 40 years, tend to diminish the occurrence of severe crashes at marginal areas around cities.

The Effectiveness of Training Mothers with regard to Pediculosis Preventive Behavior among School Students; A Protection Motivation Theory Study

ABSTRACT Background & objectives: Today, lice infestation is considered as a reemerging problem as well as a health challenge. Based on Protection Motivation Theory, the present study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of training mothers in regard to pediculosis preventive behavior among students. Methods: In a critical trial, 180 mothers of primary school daughters were assessed in two study groups in the Iranian city of Qom in 2021. They received training intervention in the course of four ninety-minute sessions during four weeks. After six months, the post-test questionnaire and the checklist were completed by them. The data were gathered using a valid and reliable questionnaire. Finally, the data analysis was performed using SPSS 20. Results: After the training intervention, a significant difference was observed within the intervention group in scores of the prevention motivation constructs (P<0/001). Besides, there was a significant difference between the mean scores of the preventive behavior of the mothers and daughters in the intervention group before the training intervention and six months after it (P<0/001). However, no significant difference was seen before and after the intervention in the control group (P>0/05). Additionally, no significant differences were observed between the intervention and control groups (P<0/001) in terms of comparing the mean score differences of all the constructs of protection motivation theory, the mothers’ behavior and the daughters’ behavior checklist. Interpretation & conclusion: The results indicate the effectiveness of training mothers based on Protection Motivation Theory in regard to pediculosis. Therefore, it seems that in developing training programs, utilizing this theory could prove useful to bring about changes in the individuals’ behavior regarding the prevention of pediculosis.

Thermal Performance Evaluation of TIM Combined with Residential Windows in Different Climatic Regions in Iran

Windows play a significant role in the increase and loss of heat from the building envelope and determine the quantity, quality, and distribution of daylight. A strategy that involves incorporating transparent insulating materials into a double-glazed window offers the potential to provide combined improvements in thermal and daylighting performance. The thermal properties of transparent insulation materials in windows depend on various factors, such as the type of insulation material, thickness, geometry and insulation structure, location, and orientation of the window, among others. The aim of this research is to optimize three criteria: "thickness," "location of transparent insulation relative to window layers," and "direction of the wall with transparent insulation of the building window." The goal is to minimize thermal loads and reduce energy consumption in residential buildings. To achieve this, a real model was selected, and Design Builder software was used to measure the "heating load," "cooling load," and the sum of these two loads as the "total thermal load" for all three criteria in three cities of Iran with different climates: Tehran (moderate climate), Ahvaz (warm climate), and Tabriz (cold climate). The results of the research showed that for the city of Tehran, 3-inch insulation in the middle of the double-glazed window and the south front is optimal. For the city of Tabriz, 5-inch insulation on the inner surface of the window and the western front is optimal. And for the city of Ahvaz, 3-inch insulation on the outer surface of the window and the eastern front is optimal. It is worth noting that the annual heating load and total annual heating load for all three criteria have the highest values in Tabriz city. Therefore, it is recommended to use HSNPS insulation in transparent windows to reduce energy consumption in Tabriz (cold climate).

Gasification potential of municipal solid waste in Iran: Application of life cycle assessment, risk analysis, and machine learning

This paper focuses on a comprehensive solution for dry municipal solid waste (MSW) management with describes the scenario of the gasification process. For this purpose, the potential of implementing the MSW gasification process in Southeast Asia (Iran) with three agents of air, steam, and air-steam is investigated. In order to manage the MSW gasification process as accurately as possible in the study area, a thermodynamic, exergy, economic, environmental, carbon footprint, water footprint, ecological emergy, and risk assessment for the three mentioned gasification agents were carried out in the most populated cities of Iran. In the capital of Iran (Tehran) with the largest population and as a result of largest MSW production, the potential of the gasification process has been investigated at different times (10 consecutive years and 12 months of a year). Finally, by combining artificial neural networks and genetic programming, comprehensive relationships have been established to predict the thermodynamic conditions of gasification with an air-steam agent. The general results of the survey indicate that gasification with air agents has good potential for most regions. The use of the steam agent has created worse economic, environmental, and risk conditions than the other two agents. Investigating the potential of the gasification process in Tehran shows that this city has a good potential to implement this process compared to other cities in Iran, and the most suitable location for establishing the gasification process is the 4th region of this city.

A Multiple Geospatial Approach for Intangible Cultural Heritage Tourism Potentiality Mapping in Iran

Intangible cultural heritage has recently emerged as an important sector of sustainable tourism development programs. In this regard, the main objective of this study was to map and examine the capability of different cities in Iran for intangible cultural heritage (ICH) tourism. For the methodological perspective, we employed an integrated geographical information system (GIS) and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) as efficient geospatial approaches for intangible tourism potentiality assessment. Regarding this goal, we concluded that Iranian pastoral nomads have a number of unique characteristics that are suitable to international tourists from a geographical, social, cultural, and artistic perspective. From the methodological framework, we employed an integrated geographical information system and multiple geospatial approaches for analyzing the ICH features and intangible tourism potentiality assessment. The methodological framework includes several major steps, including (a) the selection of the criteria and preparation of a GIS dataset, as well as standardization; (b) criteria weighting and sensitivity analysis; and finally, (c) criteria aggregation and production of the final ICH maps. The results of this study indicated that there is a very high capability of intangible and cultural tourism and heritage in different parts of the country, which are variable based on the local customs, traditions, events, and cultural characteristics. As the results indicated, the highest level of the ICH potentiality was found in Urmia, Khoy, Tabriz, Mashhad, Shiraz, Isfahan, Dezful, and Kashan. These cities are ranked based on the overall capability and contribution of the national intangible tourism potentiality assessment. The results of this study indicated that Iran has indeed remarkable ICH capabilities that can be used as the base of efficient sustainable development programs. However, due to international sanctions and political issues, developing a sustainable tourism program has already faced critical challenges. Based on the results, we concluded that the information obtained from this study leads local stakeholders, decision-makers, and authorities to identify the potentiality of each area and take into account developing tourism plans. In addition, the obtained information will also support readers, international travelers and tourism agencies to understand the potentiality of each area, as well as the suitability of different areas for intended travel objects, and to develop tourism programs and plans.

Machine learning models for predicting the performance of solar-geothermal desalination in different meteorological conditions

This research aimed to evaluate the amount of produced fresh water (FWP) in a desalination system based on humidification-dehumidification using TRNSYS software. The study was conducted for one year, analyzing the results for five cities in Iran with different climatic conditions. Meteorological data from Meteonorm software were used for the simulation. Different heating sources, including solar energy (SE) and geothermal energy (GE), were considered in the design. The impact of using three types of collectors and the simultaneous use of SE and GE heating sources was investigated. The findings showed that using a flat plate solar collector resulted in the highest FWP in June and July, as well as during certain day time hours with increased solar radiation intensity. Increasing the number of flat plate collectors and their cross-sectional area intensified the FWP about 10.60%–33.16%. When SE and GE were used as heat sources, increasing the mass flow rate of water and air entering the system led to a decrease and increase in FWP, respectively. The highest FWP for Hamedan city was achieved when using GE simultaneously with a compound parabolic collector. Exergy destruction was analyzed for humidification and dehumidification devices, with the maximum observed in the case of Type74. The LSTM deep learning neural network and the Gaussian process (GP) machine learning algorithm were used to approximate the desalination efficiency, with the GP method exhibiting slightly higher accuracy.

A 4E Comparative Study between BIPV and BIPVT Systems in Order to Achieve Zero-Energy Building in Cold Climate

The growing demand for energy has led to the popularity of building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems. However, photovoltaic (PV) system efficiency decreases as the temperature increases. To address this issue, a study was conducted on a BIPV thermal (BIPVT) system, which can generate both thermal and electrical energy, to enhance its efficiency. In this study, for the cold weather in Tabriz city in Iran, BIPV and BIPVT systems are compared with each other in terms of energy, economy, exergy, and environment (4E) and the goal is to fully supply the thermal and electrical load of the desired building. The studied criteria are electrical power and heat recovery, payback time (PBT), exergy efficiency, and saved carbon dioxide (SCD) from the energy, economic, exergy, and environmental point of view, respectively. Finally, it is concluded that in cold weather, the BIPVT system can achieve a 7.15% improvement in produced power compared to the BIPV system and 52.2% of the building’s heating needs are provided. It also causes the exergy efficiency to improve by an average of 1.69% and saves 34.98 ton of carbon dioxide. The PBT of this study is calculated as 5.77 years for the BIPV system and 4.78 years for the BIPVT system.

Hepatitis A Chronic Immunity in Iran: A Geographic Information System-Based Study

Background: Chronic immunity to hepatitis A (HA) is largely influenced by environmental factors, such as socioeconomic indicators, public health conditions, and access to safe water. In the past two decades, Iran has witnessed improvements in socioeconomic status, increased urbanization, enhanced health education, improved access to safe drinking water sources, and better public health conditions. However, these changes have not been uniform across all regions of Iran, and varying epidemiological situations are expected. Objectives: This study aimed to delineate the pattern of HA chronic immunity across different regions of Iran using geographical information system (GIS) mapping. Methods: The study included a total of 3255 individuals who tested positive for anti-hepatitis A virus (anti-HAV) immunoglobulin G (IgG). This study analyzed factors such as place of residence, marital status, age, and gender to explore possible relationships. Univariate and multivariable analyses were conducted to identify independently associated factors for HA. A locally weighted scatterplot smoothing (LOWESS) multivariate model was developed using a backward stepwise approach. Geographical variations in the prevalence of HA chronic immunity in the general population of Iran were assessed to understand spatial effects and risk factors. A Bayesian spatial model was employed to identify the spatial pattern of HA chronic immunity prevalence, using OpenBUGS version 3.2.3. Results: The prevalence of HAV immunity was higher in regions with mild semi-dry climates (aPR = 2.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.30 - 3.33, P< 0.001), medium semi-dry climates (aPR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.14 - 1.63, P< 0.001), dry climates (aPR = 1.13, 95% CI = 0.9 - 1.4), and ultra-dry climates (aPR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.05 - 2.98, P = 0.033), compared to semi-humid climates. Other variables did not exhibit a significant relationship with HA chronic immunity. The GIS analysis map revealed that immunity to HA was generally lower in the capital cities of Iran’s provinces. However, most central regions of Iran exhibit medium endemicity; nevertheless, higher immunity to HA was observed in border areas and coastal regions, particularly in the northern part of the country. Conclusions: Different regions of Iran display distinct patterns of HAV endemicity, influenced by the country’s climatic diversity.

Attitudes and Beliefs Towards Transgender Individuals Among Residents of Mashhad, Iran in 2020.

A growing number of studies show that transgender people are at higher risk for psychiatric morbidities. This increased vulnerability can result from the discrimination, violence, and other forms of stigma transgender people experience. Several studies have assessed the stigma by studying the public attitudes and beliefs towards transgender people. Using the Genderism and Transphobia Scale, we evaluated how citizens of a metropolitan city in Iran think and feel about transgender people. A total number of 1202 participants, with a mean age of 41.57 years ± 13.41 (27.4% cisgender men and 72.6% cisgender women), were recruited via a random cluster sampling. Demographic data and socioeconomic status were collected for all the participants. The findings showed a notable level of transphobia. Participants identifying as men, being single, personally acquainted with a transgender individual, possessing a higher education, and having a higher socioeconomic standing displayed significantly more positive views towards transgender people. Iranian transgender people, living under a theocratic state, experience more challenges compared to those live in Western countries. Our findings demonstrate that educational level accounted for much of the variance in transgender attitudes. Therefore, representing transgender issues in social media can educate the general population and positively change attitudes and behaviors.

The Structural Analysis of Driving Forces to Adaptive Capacity with Climate Change in Iranian Cities (Ahvaz City in Focus)

Climate change is an increasing concern for national and local governments around the world. The scope of the wide-ranging consequences of climate change has been shown in all aspects of human life and to different extents in cities and countries. Adaptation is the strategy agreed upon by the global community in facing climate change. This study aims to identify and structural modeling of driving forces of adaptation to climate change in the strategic city of Ahvaz, in southwest Iran. After identifying the factors and indicators through the study of records and a survey of the elite group, analysis and stratification were done using the combined interpretive structural modeling–decision-making trail and evaluation laboratory (ISM–DEMATEL) model. Finally, the main driving forces of adapting to climate change in Ahvaz were identified by Mic-Mac structural model. The research findings have shown among the five economic, social, institutional, physical, and technological factors, the economy has known as the most influential factor in adapting to climate change in Ahvaz. Also, among the 44 selected indicators, 10 driving forces were selected among them, and six driving forces, have economic and social backgrounds. Based on cross-impact analysis; the financial support for vulnerable groups, business improvement, alleviation of poverty measures, diversification of economic activities, social cohesion, and social trust in the government were recognized as the main drivers of Ahvaz city’s adaptation to climate change.

Predictive factors of ergonomic behaviors based on social cognitive theory among women workers on assembly lines: application of Bayesian networks

BackgroundThis study focuses on identifying the key factors associated with ergonomic behaviors (ERBE) among women workers on assembly lines (WwAL) to prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) caused by repetitive motions and unfavorable body postures. To achieve this objective, this study employed Bayesian networks (BN) analysis based on social cognitive theory (SCT).MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted to examine the predictive factors of ERBE among 250 WwAL from six different industries located in Neyshabur, a city in northeastern Iran. The study used a two-stage cluster sampling method for participant selection and self-report questionnaires to collect data on demographic characteristics, variables associated with SCT, ERBE, and the standard Nordic questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using Netica and SPSS version 21, which involved statistical analyses such as independent t-tests, Pearson correlation, and ANOVA tests at a significance level of p < 0.05. BN analysis was conducted to identify the important factors that impact ERBE.ResultsThe majority of individuals reported experiencing chronic pain in their back, neck, and shoulder areas. Engaging in physical activity, consuming dairy products, and attaining a higher level of education were found to be significantly associated with the adoption of ERBE p < 0.05. Among the various SCT constructs, observational learning, intention, and social support demonstrated the highest levels of sensitivity towards ERBE, with scores of 4.08, 3.82, and 3.57, respectively. However, it is worth noting that all SCT constructs exhibited a certain degree of sensitivity towards ERBE.ConclusionsThe research findings demonstrate that all constructs within SCT are effective in identifying factors associated with ERBE among WwAL. The study also highlights the importance of considering education levels and variables related to healthy lifestyles when promoting ERBE in this specific population.

Quantitative analysis of multiclass pesticide residues in spinach, Iran

Pesticide residues in agricultural crops, particularly vegetables, are a global concern due to their adverse impacts on human health. As spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) is among the valuable leafy vegetables in the Iranian food basket, this survey was conducted to assess the presence of 108 pesticide residues (including organophosphorus, organochlorines, carbamates, dicarboximides, strobilurin, triazine, pyrethroids, etc.) in spinach samples, to ensure consumer safety. A total of 11 spinach samples were collected, during a ten-month period, from local markets of four different cities of Iran (Isfahan, Khash, Sari, and Karaj). Quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) technique was applied for sample pretreatment. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) method was applied for quantification of multi-pesticide residues in spinach samples. The obtained findings displayed that all the pesticide residues in the samples were below the LODs, and also much lower than the MRLs (maximum residue limit) set by EU/Codex. The findings showed that spinach is in a good status in terms of pesticide residues. Nevertheless, a continuous screening program is highly recommended because of the persistent nature and toxicity of applied pesticides to human health, so that any inconsistency with the maximum residues limits standards can be identified immediately and relevant actions are taken.

Comparing the Impact of Multimedia and Educational Brochures on Knowledge, Attitude and Work Performance of Healthcare about COVID-19 Management in Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Breastfeeding

Background: In times of pandemic and quarantine, it is necessary to use new educational methods. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of multimedia and booklet educational methods on knowledge, attitude, and job performance of healthcare providers in community health centers regarding COVID-19 in women during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of multimedia and booklet educational methods on knowledge, attitude, and job performance of healthcare providers in community health centers regarding COVID-19 in women during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. Methods: The population of this quasi -experimental study consisted of 90 Iranian health care providers in the community health centers of Gonabad city in eastern Iran) 2021, who were selected using the non-probability, purposive sampling method and randomly divided into three groups using a permuted block randomization design: Control group, Multimedia group and Textbook group. Knowledge, attitude and work performance were measured and compared before, after and four weeks after the intervention. The educational content was based on the Iranian Ministry of Health guidelines for the management of Covid-19 in pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding. Results: The results showed a significant difference between the mean score of knowledge, attitude, and work performance of the multimedia group and booklet group before and after the intervention (P&lt;0.001), while there was no statistically significant difference between the mean score of knowledge, attitude, and work performance of the control group before and after the intervention (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Multimedia teaching increases the knowledge, attitude and work performance of healthcare providers in community health centers regarding COVID.

Tunnel Modeling of Dust Concentrations that Affect the Environment of Ahvaz City in Iran

Tunnel Modeling of Dust Concentrations that Affect the Environment of Ahvaz City in Iran

An applicable multi-generation system for different climates from energy, exergy, exergoeconomic, economic, and environmental (5E) perspectives

Proposing a practical multi-generational system for different climates can be the key for setting up renewable-based systems as an alternative to fossil fuels in different countries. This paper introduced a flexible renewable energy system that is capable of generating multiple forms of energy using solar energy and hydrogen storage, and can operate under diverse weather conditions across four cities in Iran. The system was equipped with a solar unit, photovoltaic panels (PV), heating and cooling units, a desalination technology, a hydrogen production unit, and a fuel cell to supply heating, cooling, electricity and freshwater loads for a residential building. Mashhad (normal), Tabriz (cold), Bandar Abbas (humid), and Yazd (hot and dry) cities were considered as different climates in Iran to suggest the best city based on the present system. Analysis and simulation were conducted, taking into account five perspectives, namely energy, exergy, exergoeconomic, economic, and environmental (5E). This was done utilizing the TRNSYS and Engineering Equation Solver (EES) packages. Multi-objective optimization was carried out to achieve the best performance using the TOPSIS method for the four cities mentioned. The system was grid-connected to sell excess power when there is no need for electricity and receive power when it is needed. Optimization showed that Bandar Abbas has the highest exergy efficiency of the system by 26.3 % and the lowest total cost rate of the whole components by 6.08 $/h. Moreover, the maximum net output power of 28.72 kW was reported in Tabriz. Environmental analysis revealed that the system had the ability to lower CO2 emissions through the generation of clean electricity and avoiding the use of natural gas. This was particularly significant in Bandar Abbas and Yazd, where the maximum reductions in CO2 emissions were obtained at 23.3 tons and 4.4 tons, respectively. In conclusion, the payback period for Mashhad, Tabriz, Bandar Abbas, and Yazd cities was obtained at 6.5 years, 5.8 years, 5.5 years, and 5 years, respectively.

Abortion stigma, government regulation and religiosity: findings from the case of Iran

PurposeExperiencing stigma after abortion may decelerate the accumulation of human capital. Despite the importance of studying the relationship between religiosity and abortion stigma, the topic is understudied, especially in Islamic contexts. Abortion was legalized in Iran in 2005. Under the new law, far more cases are allowed for abortion. This change provided an opportunity to explore the interplay of abortion stigma, legalization and religiosity in Iran.Design/methodology/approachUsing regression analysis based on 291 completed questionnaires from two cities in Iran, this study analyzes the relation between abortion stigma level and religiosity in Iran, controlling for contextual and individual variables. The time trend is also identified. The authors use different manifestations of abortion stigma as dependent variables.FindingsThe authors found that abortion stigma and its two manifestations decreased after the new law, suggesting that its legalization might have caused abortion stigma to decrease gradually. Another finding of this study is that the correlations between abortion stigma (internalized stigma) and individual religiosity level are meaningful and positive; religious people feel higher levels of abortion stigma.Originality/valueThe study supports the idea that effective health regulations (in the specific case of abortion) would result in less cost/risk of social issues like stigma. Policymakers in religious societies must pay more attention to the specific case of abortion stigma since it is very important for the mental health of women who think of abortion and/or select it.

Water quantity–quality assessment in the transboundary river basin under climate change: a case study

Abstract This study combined hydrological and water quality simulation models with a water resources planning model to project future water supply conditions under the dam construction in the Harirud River, located at the Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, and the Iran border. The sustainability requirements and possible conflicts among riparian countries were assessed under climate change and future development in Afghanistan's upstream. The water quantity and quality of the Doosti Dam Basin on the Harirud River were investigated based on a contemporary time (1955–2015) to predict the future condition (2020–2099). The representative concentration pathway scenarios were applied based on five bias-corrected climate models. Results showed that most areas of the study area experienced an increase in temperature (1.5–3.8°C) and a decrease in precipitation (19–24%). The Doosti Dam inflow decreased by about 70% after the Salma Dam construction, and the reliability and sustainability of agricultural water supply in Iran and Turkmenistan will reduce to less than 3% under the representative concentration pathways 8.5 climate change scenario. The results show that the Doosti Dam is not a reliable source to supply the domestic water demand of Mashhad, the second most important city in Iran.

Knowledge and attitude of pregnant women in Urmia, Iran, about oral health care during pregnancy.

Physiological changes during pregnancy make mothers susceptible to periodontal diseases, in particular gingivitis, which could be prevented by good oral hygiene. Therefore, their knowledge and attitude could affect their oral hygiene and general health. This study therefore aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding oral hygiene, of pregnant women living in a city in Iran. It was a cross-sectional studythat was performed in Urmia City in 2019. After completing an informed consent form, pregnant women completed a specially designed questionnaire, which included questions on demographic characteristics and assessed participants' knowledge and attitude about oral health care during pregnancy. A clinical examination of each participant's oral cavity was performed and dental plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and number of decayed, missed, filled teeth (DMFT) index were recorded. Any correlations between participants' knowledge and attitude and oral health indices were evaluated. A paired t test and Pearson's correlation coefficient were employed for statistical analysis. A total of 96 pregnant women (mean age of 29.11 ± 6.80 years) participated in this study. Among them, 67 had a moderate level of knowledge. There was no significant correlation between participants' knowledge, and attitude levels and educational level (p = .88 and p = .43, respectively). Also, there was no correlation between knowledge and attitude levels and GI, PI, and DMFT (p > .05). This study showed that the knowledge and attitude of the pregnant women who participated were not favorable and their oral hygiene needed to be improved.