ABSTRACT Bringing the WHO age-friendly city framework into urban policymaking to meet the needs of elderly people is complex and challenging. This task is particularly important in tourist cities that accommodate both elderly residents and visitors with diverse needs. This study applied the Analysis of Interconnected Decision Areas (AIDA) model to address this challenge in Isfahan, one of the largest historical tourist cities in Iran, and a WHO age-friendly city, with the aim of enhancing the quality of life for its elderly population. It addressed two questions: (1) What are the needs of elderly users, and which domains should be included in a context-specific age-friendly city framework? (2) What strategic steps can improve the city’s age-friendliness using the AIDA model? A six-step AIDA process was employed with 400 elderly participants and 12 experts, using questionnaires and focus groups for data collection. The results identified an additional domain (accommodating tourists) alongside the eight WHO domains. They also demonstrated how the AIDA model can structure complex decision-making processes, guiding two hierarchical levels of urban planning policies to enhance the age-friendliness of Isfahan.

There are insufficient data about the relationship between dietary consumption of magnesium and calcium with metabolic health phenotypes in adolescents. The present study examined this association among Iranian adolescents with overweight and obesity. This cross-sectional study was performed on 203 adolescents chosen from students in grades 7 to 12 of 6 education areas in Isfahan city, Iran. Anthropometric and biochemical assessments were performed based on standard procedures. International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and a combination of IDF with HOMA-IR criteria were applied to group participants as metabolically healthy overweight/obese or metabolically unhealthy overweight/obese (MUO) (as the outcome of interest). Magnesium, calcium intake, and calcium-to-magnesium (Ca:Mg) intake ratio as the exposures of interest, and other dietary data were gathered by a validated 147-item food frequency questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was applied to estimate the possible association by considering potential covariates. Adolescents in the top tertile of magnesium consumption compared with those in the bottom tertile had 64% decreasing odds of MUO based on the IDF criteria in the fully adjusted model [odds ratio (OR) = 0.36; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.14, 0.92]. No significant link was found between magnesium consumption and MUO defined by IDF/HOMA-IR definition. Individuals in the highest tertile of calcium consumption compared with those in the lowest tertile have respectively shown 82% (OR = 0.18; 95% CI: 0.07, 0.48) and 78% (OR = 0.22; 95% CI: 0.08, 0.62) lower odds of MUO based on IDF and IDF/HOMA-IR criteria, in a maximally-adjusted model. Subgroup analyses revealed that these associations were stronger among girls and overweight subjects. Higher Ca:Mg ratio was inversely associated with MUO based on IDF (OR = 0.30; 95% CI: 0.13, 0.73). This study suggests that higher dietary intakes of magnesium and calcium may prevent MU in adolescents with excess weight, particularly in girls. These findings highlight the potential role of these nutrients in maintaining metabolic health during adolescence.

This study investigates the comparative effect of urban development policies on social cohesion and public trust in the cities of Isfahan and Bushehr in 2025. The primary objective was to analyze the impact of urban development policies—including public transportation infrastructure, green spaces, and cultural projects—on social cohesion (sense of belonging, social participation, and social relations) and public trust (institutional trust and interpersonal trust). The research adopted a quantitative method using a standardized questionnaire (content validity index: CVI = 0.89; reliability: Cronbach’s alpha = 0.83). A sample of 600 individuals (300 from each city) was selected using a stratified cluster random sampling method. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 through t-tests, ANOVA, and multivariate regression analyses. The results indicated that in Isfahan, public transportation had a significant impact on social cohesion (mean = 4.15) and public trust (mean = 3.90), with a standardized regression coefficient of β = 0.47, p < 0.001. In Bushehr, green spaces had a more substantial effect on the sense of belonging (mean = 4.02) and social participation, with a regression coefficient of β = 0.41, p < 0.001. All hypotheses were confirmed at a significance level of p < 0.05. The observed differences were attributed to the distinct cultural and geographical characteristics of the two cities. These findings underscore the necessity of tailoring urban policies to the local context.

Objective: The present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of adolescent-centered mindfulness training on self-compassion among adolescent boys experiencing psychological insecurity. Methods and Materials: This study employed a quasi-experimental design with pretest, posttest, and follow-up stages, including an experimental group and a control group. The statistical population consisted of adolescent boys with psychological insecurity in the city of Isfahan during the 2022–2023 academic year. Using convenience sampling, 60 eligible participants aged 14–18 years were selected and randomly assigned to either the experimental group or the control (waitlist) group. The experimental group received eight 90-minute sessions of adolescent-centered mindfulness training delivered in a group format, while the control group received no intervention during the study period. Data were collected at three time points using standardized self-report measures of psychological insecurity and self-compassion. The intervention emphasized age-appropriate mindfulness practices, emotional awareness, acceptance, and compassion-based exercises. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics and repeated measures analysis of variance to examine within-group and between-group differences over time. Findings: Repeated measures analysis of variance revealed a significant main effect of time on self-compassion, indicating meaningful changes across assessment points. A significant time × group interaction effect was observed, demonstrating that changes in self-compassion were significantly greater in the adolescent-centered mindfulness group compared with the control group. In addition, a significant between-groups effect indicated that the experimental group reported higher self-compassion scores overall than the control group. Effect size indices suggested moderate to large intervention effects, and statistical power values indicated robust reliability of the findings. Conclusion: The findings indicate that adolescent-centered mindfulness training is an effective intervention for enhancing self-compassion in adolescent boys with psychological insecurity and may serve as a valuable preventive and therapeutic approach for promoting adolescent psychological well-being.

Objective: The present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of schema therapy training on self-awareness and acceptance in girls diagnosed with gamophobia. Methods and Materials: This study employed a quasi-experimental design with pretest, posttest, and a 60-day follow-up, including an experimental group and a control group. The statistical population consisted of girls with gamophobia in the city of Isfahan who referred to the Isfahan Welfare Organization between January and May 2025. From this population, 30 participants were voluntarily selected through a public call based on the inclusion criteria and were then assigned in a purposive random manner to the experimental and control groups (15 participants in each group). The research instruments, administered to both groups at pretest, posttest, and 60 days after the completion of the intervention, included the Standard Self-Awareness Questionnaire (Nystrom & Davis, 2002) and the Standard Self-Acceptance Questionnaire (Chamberlain & Haaga, 2001). Schema therapy training was conducted in eight 90-minute sessions, while the control group remained on a waiting list during this period. The collected data were analyzed at two levels: descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (repeated-measures analysis of variance), using SPSS software, version 24. Findings: The results of the statistical analyses indicated that schema therapy training was effective in improving self-awareness and acceptance in girls with gamophobia (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Based on the analysis of the findings of the present study, schema therapy training can contribute to the improvement of psychological constructs, particularly self-awareness and acceptance, among girls with gamophobia.

Digital marketing refers to the process of promoting, selling, and delivering products or services through online platforms and digital channels using the internet and electronic devices within the digital environment. One branch of digital marketing is digital content marketing. This form of marketing involves the creation and distribution of valuable and relevant content to engage customers in a way that motivates them to participate in achieving business goals. The aim of digital content marketing is to attract target audiences through diverse strategies and methods, enhance brand presence, and promote sales growth. The primary objective of this research is to develop a digital content marketing model for customer relationship management in beauty clinics in the city of Isfahan. To deeply examine and analyze this topic, the grounded theory method and a qualitative research approach were employed. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with six specialist physicians. Based on the analysis of the collected data, a proposed model was constructed. The model consists of causal conditions (technological advancement, inclination toward virtual spaces, and responsiveness to customer needs), contextual factors (environmental, managerial, and financial factors), intervening conditions (legal-political issues and technical-content challenges), strategies (customer interaction, content production and management, digital marketing, monitoring and overcoming limitations, adherence to ethical principles), and finally, outcomes (customer development and management, and the growth and success of the clinic). The results of the study indicate that digital content marketing positively affects the performance improvement of beauty clinics in Isfahan. Ultimately, the study provides recommendations to enhance business performance.

This paper investigates the effect of high-rise building layout on desirable wind flow patterns. To investigate these factors in Isfahan city, first, three existing high-rise residential complexes were simulated using ANSYS Fluent software to analyze the airflow patterns under local wind conditions (average speed: 2.5 m/s). Then, 15 parametric layout models were developed in three elongation directions (east-west, northwest-southeast, north-south), each with three spacing scenarios based on the ratio of passage width to building height of 1:3, 1:2, and 1:1, which included a total of 45 CFD simulations. The results showed that the location and spacing of high-rise buildings significantly affect the velocity, pressure, and volume of passing and stagnant air when encountering obstacles. In particular, if the distance between buildings is greater than the width of the windward front, the wake area formed behind the buildings becomes shorter. The length of this trailing area is directly related to the total length of the building blocks, and the reduction in wind speed and the level of air stagnation behind the buildings are directly affected by the density and compactness of the design. The least effective design occurs when the buildings are arranged so that they overlap and collectively act as a single, impenetrable barrier to wind flow. The most effective design depends on various factors such as site area, land use, and adjacent buildings.

BACKGROUND:Nursing is recognized as a highly demanding profession, often leading to psychological issues such as stress, anxiety, hopelessness, and depression. Social capital, defined as the network of relationships and social trust among individuals and groups, can influence interactions with organizations and social institutions, potentially affecting mood disorders. This study aims to explore the relationship between social capital, anxiety, and depression among nurses in private and public sectors in Isfahan city in 2022.MATERIALS AND METHODS:This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022, including nurses from both private and public hospitals in Isfahan. A total sample of 350 nurses, with 110 from private and 240 from public hospitals, were participated. Data collection instruments included demographic forms, Putnam’s Social Capital Questionnaire, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 20, employing descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, independent t-test, Mann–Whitney U test, and ordinal logistic regression.RESULTS:The findings revealed no significant difference in anxiety and depression levels between nurses in private and public hospitals (P > 0.05). However, cognitive social capital was significantly associated with depression (P < 0.05), where higher cognitive component scores were linked to a reduced likelihood of anxiety at lower levels. Additionally, the extra group social capital component was significantly correlated with anxiety (P < 0.05), with higher extra group scores associated with a lower likelihood of depression at lower levels.CONCLUSION:Improving social capital components, such as cognitive and extra group social capital, could potentially help reduce anxiety and depression among nurses. Integrating social capital development into nursing management and training practices may offer a beneficial strategy for mental health support.

BACKGROUND:Disseminating bad news in the field of medical sciences poses challenges for patients and their families. This is particularly important in cases of high-risk pregnancies, where cultural differences across cities and countries can impact the attitudes and experiences of pregnant women when receiving and coping with unpredictable and stressful situations. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the experiences of pregnant women in hearing bad news during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum period in 2024.MATERIALS AND METHODS:This qualitative study will utilize a conventional content analysis approach. The sample will consist of 30 pregnant women in the perinatal period, and data collection will continue until data saturation is achieved. The research will take place in both public and private hospitals in Isfahan city. Data will be collected through individual, in-depth, open, and semistructured interviews as well as through observation and field note-taking. Participants will be selected through purposeful sampling, specifically targeting pregnant women attending public and private hospitals in Isfahan. Data analysis will be conducted using the inductive analysis method developed by Granheim and Lundman.CONCLUSION:This study will shed light on the experiences of mothers with high-risk pregnancies during the perinatal period, regarding the communication of bad news by healthcare professionals. To the best of our knowledge, no previous studies have employed this approach, making the findings of this study valuable in informing health policies and improving the quality of care, particularly within the sociocultural context of Iran.

Background: Light is essential to many facets of human endeavors and is not only required for vision. The prevailing climate in the areas where workplaces are situated might moderate good lighting conditions, which are described as those that balance human needs. This study aimed to clarify how the Ergonomic Lighting Indicator should be used in workplaces while considering two distinct climates. Methods: Utilizing the Ergonomic Lighting Indicator questionnaire, the current investigation was conducted. A total of 140 volunteers who worked in indoor environments (70 in each climate condition) took part. Spider charts and descriptive analysis were employed. Results: In Isfahan City, practically every employee expressed complete satisfaction with the natural lighting’s quality. There was more visual comfort, according to workers in the province of Isfahan (p = 0.03). Except for the empowerment rating (p = 0.03; Mazandaran &gt; Isfahan), Isfahan had greater scores on the Ergonomic Lighting Indicator than Mazandaran (visual performance: p = 0.02; vista: p = 0.01; vitality: p = 0.04). Conclusions: Based on this study, the use of Ergonomic Lighting Indicators to evaluate light quality is acceptable. In addition, this instrument can be applied in a variety of nations with diverse climates.

Association between maternal serum levels of Alpha-Fetoprotein and eruption timing of the first central deciduous tooth: a cross-sectional study.

Background:Physical inactivity is related to the development of functional dyspepsia (FD); however, the available evidence about association between physical activity (PA) levels with risk of FD is scarce and indecisive. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to investigate this association in enormous number of Iranian adult people.Methods:This study was conducted on 4763 general public adults in Isfahan, Iran. The data of the present study are collected from SEPAHAN study of Isfahan city. The PA levels were estimated using general practice physical activity questionnaire (GPPAQ). The presence of FD was explored using a modified Persian version of the ROME III questionnaire. In addition, the association of PA and FD according to diagnostic symptoms including postprandial fullness, early satiation, and epigastric pain separately was analyzed.Results:Totally, 22.2% (n = 748) of study participants had FD. Participants were classified to two groups based on their daily physical activity: 1. moderately inactive and inactive and 2. moderately active and active. Participants those have lower levels of physical activity were more likely to have functional dyspepsia compared with those who had higher level of activity (OR = 1.29; 95% CI: 1.09-1.53, P value: 0.004). Low-level physical activity tended to be associated with an increased prevalence of FD in women (OR = 1.23; 95%, CI: 0.98-1.54, P value: 0.06). After controlling for all confounders, we found that subjects with low PA were 16% more likely to have epigastric pain (OR = 1.16; 95% CI: 1.00-1.34, P value: 0.03) and early satiation (OR = 1.27; 95% CI: 1.07-1.47, P value: 0.005) compared with those who had high-level PA.Conclusions:Conclusively, in fully adjusted models, there was marginally significant association between PA level and FD.

BACKGROUND:Menstrual bleeding refers to the average blood loss in a normal menstrual period, which is approximately 40 cc. Heavy bleeding during menstruation is one of the common problems of reproductive age. Therefore, to compare the effectiveness of hypnotherapy and Menstrugol capsules on the volume of menstrual bleeding, a clinical trial study was conducted.MATERIALS AND METHODS:The present study is a two-group clinical trial conducted on 72 girls who referred to the clinics of Al-Zahra, Amin, and Shahid Beheshti hospitals in Isfahan city in 2023. The girls who met the study entry criteria were selected by the available sampling method. Then they were divided into two control groups (use of Menstrugol capsules: 500 mg every 12 hours) and the intervention (hypnosis: three 20-min sessions individually, once a week). The PBLAC chart was completed by all participants to determine the volume of bleeding before the intervention, immediately after the intervention, and 2 months after the intervention. The collected data were analyzed by spss software version 20.RESULTS:The results of this study showed that the average volume of bleeding in the control group is 32% higher compared to the intervention group, which is statistically significant (P = 0.01).CONCLUSION:The results of data analysis showed that hypnosis significantly reduces the volume of bleeding according to the number of pads used. Based on the results, it is recommended to use hypnotherapy as a method to reduce the volume of menstrual bleeding. Considering the importance of bleeding due to iron deficiency in girls of childbearing age and the desire of most people to use non-pharmacological methods, as well as safe and cheap, hypnosis can reduce the side effects caused by drugs.

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is recognized as one of the most common metabolic diseases worldwide. Given the increasing prevalence of this disease and its serious complications, examining the willingness to pay for treatment costs is of particular importance. This study aims to identify and analyze factors affecting the willingness to pay for treatment costs among patients with fatty liver disease. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted using a regression model. Patients diagnosed with NAFLD who referred to the lifestyle clinic in Isfahan were studied. Data were collected using a standardized willingness-to-pay questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS25 and statistical tests including Chi-square and multivariate logistic regression. Results: The mean willingness-to-pay score was 3.25. Findings showed that variables such as age (P-value=0.035), gender (P-value=0.045), income (P-value=0.003), and basic insurance coverage (P-value=0.001) significantly affected willingness to pay (WTP). Moreover, the study indicated that WTP significantly decreased after a 20% tariff increase for NAFLD care services (P-value=0.003). Conclusion: There was a relative WTP for these services within the studied community, and socioeconomic factors played a critical role in determining this willingness. Moreover, the significant decrease in WTP following tariff hikes reflected consumer sensitivity to price changes. It is recommended that future studies delve deeper into these factors and the long-term impacts of pricing changes on access and utilization.

Background: The advantages of using saddle block anesthesia have been established in certain surgical procedures; however, its application in patients undergoing dilation and curettage (D&amp;C) has not yet been thoroughly investigated. Given the urgent nature of this procedure, it was necessary to compare the patient’s sitting time. Accordingly, the present study was conducted to compare saddle block anesthesia with three different sitting times in patients undergoing D&amp;C. Methods: The current randomized, double-blind clinical trial was conducted at Shahid Beheshti Hospital in the city of Isfahan in 2024. Forty-five patients were randomly allocated to three groups. In the first group, patients remained seated for 3 minutes; in the second group, for 4 minutes; and in the third group, for 5 minutes following the injection of Marcaine (bupivacaine). Data were collected using a checklist and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Results: There were no significant differences among the three groups in terms of age, gestational age, length of hospital stay, and maximum sensory block level (P &gt; 0.05). However, a significant difference was observed between gestational age and pain intensity among the three groups (P &lt; 0.05). Blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) and heart rate showed no significant differences among the three groups (P &gt; 0.05). Conclusion: Sitting patients undergoing D&amp;C after saddle block anesthesia for 3, 4, or 5 minutes had no significant effect on any of the measured variables, including pain, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate. Notably, according to the results, if a pregnant woman is beyond 15 weeks of gestation, it is advisable for her to remain seated for 5 minutes after the saddle block to minimize pain intensity, as shorter sitting times will culminate in greater pain intensity.

ABSTRACT Art events are widely recognized as one of the most important facilitators in achieving cultural, social, and economic goals in the process of culture-led urban regeneration. This paper examines the difficulties faced by the International Film Festival for Children and Youth (IFFCY) during culture-led urban regeneration in Isfahan and suggests strategies to overcome these difficulties. Using a mixed-methods approach, the first stage of the research was based on grounded theory, and data was collected through semi-structured interviews with 14 experts. The second step involved quantifying and ranking qualitative data in accordance with the Promethee II multiple criteria decision making method. According to the results of this study, the Festival faced many obstacles in achieving culture-led urban regeneration due to the government’s undue interference in the Festival’s specialized affairs, the dilapidated venues, and the lack of spatial and temporal stability. The strategies proposed in this paper aim to develop management, enhancing venue quality of art events in historical cities, and economic dimensions of culture-led regeneration.

Introduction: Noise pollution is a significant factor impacting employee health. A large number of employees face noise problems in their work or life. Therefore, this study sought to examine the noise condition in industrial workshops where the worker population of less than 20 individuals.Materials and Methods: This descriptive-cross-sectional research was carried out in 500 small industrial workshops, each with fewer than 20 employees, comprising automotive service workshops, turning operations, plastic industries, door and window manufacturing, woodworking, CNC facilities, metalworking industries, and welding workshops. The chosen workshops were selected from a pool of 1000 available workshops through simple random sampling. Initially, the workshop gathered information regarding the maintenance condition of the devices, the noise type, and the device’s response time. workshop, including the maintenance status of the devices, the type of noise, and the response speed of the device, was recorded. Subsequently, a straightforward TES52A sound level meter was utilized to measure the sound. Results: The sound measurement findings indicated that 63.2 percent of the workshops exhibited a desirable sound level. The minimum, maximum, mean and standard deviation of the sound were 45, 105 and 79 ± 11.3 dB, respectively. 82.8% of the workers in the workshops exposed to sound did not utilize personal protective equipment. The maximum sound intensity was recorded in the occupational categories of door and window manufacturing (90.7 dB) and woodworking (88.7 dB). Additionally, the Spearman correlation coefficient for the equivalent sound level and workshop volume was 0.315 and statistically significant (P&lt;0.001). Conclusion:The findings indicate that the noise level in jobs like door and window manufacturing and woodworking exceeds the allowable limit, and the majority of employees do not utilize hearing protection devices. Additionally, the dimensions of the workshop and the number of individuals working in each workshop were recognized as factors affecting the equivalent sound level.

Heavy metals are toxic elements that can have significant adverse effects on human health, particularly during vulnerable periods such as pregnancy. The presence of heavy metals in the environment can lead to increased exposure in pregnant women, which may adversely affect both maternal and neonatal health. This study investigates the relationship between heavy metal concentrations, thyroid hormones, and birth outcomes in pregnant women in Isfahan city. Measuring heavy metal concentrations in urine is considered a non-invasive and accurate method for assessing exposure to these harmful substances. The primary aim of this research is to identify the potential impacts of these factors on birth weight and other growth parameters of infants. Results are indicating that 11.4% of the mothers were less than 25 years of age, and 57.1% of the mothers are overweight. Moreover, 19.2% of pregnant women had less than 37 weeks of gestation, and 82.8% of mothers were university-educated. Significant difference in heavy metal levels was observed across residential areas for arsenic (p = 0.007), chromium (p < 0.001), nickel (p = 0.005), lead (p = 0.003), selenium (p = 0.034), and T4 (p = 0.045). Notably, only lead exposure was directly and significantly associated with decreased infant birth weight (β = − 120.99, p = 0.008). All heavy metals showed a positive association with maternal TSH levels (p < 0.05), and except for selenium, they were also positively associated with the maternal T3/T4 ratio (p < 0.05). Both birth weight and head circumference were negatively associated with maternal TSH levels (β = − 209.25, p = 0.001) and the T3/T4 ratio (β = − 203, p = 0.041), especially among female infants. Therefore, careful monitoring of environmental heavy metal exposure and thyroid hormone regulation during pregnancy is essential to optimize birth outcomes and infant health.

Isfahan is called “Nesf-e-Jahan” in the Persian language, which means “half of the world” due to its magnificent constructions, especially during the Safavid period. Naghsh-e-Jahan Square is one of the glorious architectural masterpieces in Isfahan, containing the Imam/Shah Mosque, the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, the Gheysariye Entrance, and Aalighapu. This complex, with its masterpieces, is the symbol of Isfahan in Iran, undervalued internationally. This article aims to introduce these historic buildings worldwide for the preservation of this significant complex in Isfahan. After brief research about Isfahan, the Naghsh-e-Jahan Square, Imam/Shah Mosque, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Gheysariye Entrance, and Aalighapu are presented expansively. This historic research is based on a qualitative method and personal observations of the author. The results of this article can be useful for preservationists and conservationists in the field of cultural heritage, architects, interior designers, and urban planners for designing in the historical context of ancient cities.

The concept of City as Text suggests that cities possess their unique narrative that can be explored and interpreted through various visual representations, such as photographs and cultural features. Whereas the function of visual representations in analyzing urban spaces has frequently been highlighted, there is a gap in the literature regarding a comprehensive visual representational study of specific city landmarks. To this goal, the study was to investigate the visual manifestations and symbolic meanings embedded within cultural features of an Isfahan city landmark, Naghsh-e Jahan Square. Accordingly, a new approach, multimodal-intertextual critical discourse analysis, was proposed and, through this analysis, the study of three-dimensional or spatial texts and their prior interactions within and between other texts and situational contexts would be possible.