Karaj City Research Articles

Extensive investigation of seasonal and spatial fluctuations of BTEX in an industrial city with a health risk assessment

There are many pollutants in the air that can be harmful to human health. Their impact varies based on factors such as the kind of pollutant, duration of exposure, and concentration levels. Volatile organic compounds are particularly significant carcinogens among the various pollutants present in the air. Consequently, people who are exposed to these harmful airborne pollutants suffer permanent consequences. This study examines the properties of BTEX compounds—benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene—as well as their sources and risk assessments throughout a one-year period from March 21, 2019, to March 20, 2020, in Karaj, Iran’s largest industrialized city. First, utilizing a geographical information system that covered the entire city, 17 locations within Karaj were chosen for this purpose. Then, samplings were carried out in the spring, summer, autumn, and winter months with the NIOSH 1501 method. During the research period, 68 samples of BTEX compounds were collected. The adsorption of these contaminants on the activated carbon adsorbents was performed using an environmental sampling pump with a flow rate of 0.2 L/min for 1 h. The samples were subsequently prepared using a carbon disulfide solution and injected into a GC-FID for analysis. In this research, the average annual concentration of BTEX compounds in the air of Karaj city was obtained at 33.01 µg/m3. Autumn and spring had the highest and lowest average concentrations of BTEX compounds, respectively. In addition, sites 5 and 8 had the highest average annual concentrations of these pollutants. The sourcing conducted in this study showed that transportation and fuel consumption, as well as industries, were the primary sources of pollution in the city. In addition, the excess lifetime cancer risk was higher than the guideline value in some sites and lower in others. Furthermore, the Hazard Quotients were lower than 1, but in general, the citizens of Karaj were at serious risk from exposure to this group of pollutants.

Evaluation of exposure to volatile organic compounds (BTEX) and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in gas station workers and oxidative stress assessment in Karaj city

Gas stations are one of the sources of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX) and polyromantic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The present study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the level of breathing exposure of gas station workers to BTEX, PAHs and oxidative stress caused by exposure to these compounds in Karaj city. Oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS) is one of the mechanisms involved in the toxicity caused by exposure to gas vapors. In this study, all 25 gas stations in the city of Karaj were investigated. Personal sampling and analysis of BTEX and PAHs was done according to National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 1501 and 5515 methods, respectively. Finally, oxidative stress markers were investigated in 25 gas station workers and 25 control group. The results showed that the mean age and employment history of gas station workers are 39.96 ± 9.55 and 12.84 ± 6.92, respectively. Also, no significant difference was reported between gas station workers and control subjects in terms of oxidative stress parameters including the level of ROS, oxidized glutathione (GSSG) content, malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) content. The concentration values of personal exposure of gas station workers to BTEX and PAHs are lower than the occupational exposure limits (OEL). Although the level of oxidative stress parameters in gas station workers is higher than the control group, this difference is not statistically significant (p>0.05). It is recommended to take personal protection measures in case of chronic exposure.

The requirements of providing health education for rural people through electronic methods: the experiences and perspectives of community health workers.

Reliance solely on traditional approaches in health education is no longer considered sufficient, and electronic/digital education can be a complementary approach. Implementing electronic methods in health education requires identifying the requirements from the perspective of the service providers. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the experiences and perspectives of community health workers (Behvarzan) regarding the requirements for providing health education for rural people through electronic/digital means. This descriptive qualitative study was conducted in 2022 at Alborz University of Medical Sciences. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 14 Behvarzan from Health Houses (HH) in Karaj City. The data were analyzed using the inductive Elo & Kyngas approach and conventional content analysis facilitated with MAXQDA software. After analyzing the results, we extracted 139 open codes, and by merging them for more precise coding and to facilitate the research process, we formed three main themes and ten subthemes. The themes included Technology (technical infrastructure, content production, content delivery methods, and content delivery channels), Facilities and equipment (communication equipment and electronic content repositories), and Stakeholders (training of providers, motivating providers, persuading learners and target groups, and reference groups). From the perspective of rural healthcare workers, the implementation of electronic education requires necessary technology, equipment, facilities, processes, and content should be pursued and provided through specialized working groups, extending from the Ministry of Health and Medical Education to local HHs. These resources should be available to the healthcare workers and their target populations. Concurrently, educational programs and incentives should be defined and offered at the university level and within health networks for rural healthcare workers and their populations.

Preferences of Iranian smokers regarding smart smoking cessation technologies: a parallel convergent mixed methods study

BackgroundConsidering the values and preferences of individuals who attempt to quit smoking is a crucial step in the development of smoking cessation technologies. This study aimed to explore preferences regarding smart smoking cessation technologies.MethodsThis parallel convergent mixed-methods study was conducted in two phases: quantitative and qualitative. In the quantitative phase, a cross-sectional study was conducted with 360 participants selected through stratified random sampling from technology-based smoking cessation clinics in Tabriz, Tehran, and Karaj cities in Iran. Data on demographic characteristics and preferences for smart smoking cessation technologies were collected using questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics. In the qualitative phase, 25 users of these technologies were selected through purposeful and snowball sampling. The data were gathered through in-depth semistructured interviews and analyzed using qualitative content analysis with a conventional approach. Quantitative and qualitative data were integrated using the merging strategy and convergence model.ResultsThe quantitative phase results indicated that the highest preference was related to wearing and using a smartwatch for smoking cessation and using mobile apps. In the qualitative phase, 17 subcategories were extracted and classified into 8 main categories: high effectiveness, better management of the smoking cessation process, personalized technology, safe and uncomplicated technologies, attractiveness and innovative design, scientific basis, mobile applications, and smart monitoring devices.ConclusionBy combining and integrating quantitative and qualitative results, it can be concluded that users are more interested in wearable technologies and interactive mobile applications. The findings of this study can assist smoking cessation technology developers in designing and improving their tools based on user needs and preferences to enhance their effectiveness and acceptability.

Analysis of urban and peripheral green spaces using DEMATEL & COPRAS methods (West of Karaj city)

Analysis of urban and peripheral green spaces using DEMATEL & COPRAS methods (West of Karaj city)

Evaluation of the Personality Characteristics of Cardiovascular Patients and People with a History of Drug abuse with the Control Group

Introduction: Personality traits are the basis of stable patterns and emotional and behavioral functioning that affect the risk of contracting chronic diseases and people's ways of understanding health. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the personality traits between cardiovascular patients and the individuals with a history of drug abuse. Methods: The present study was an analytical cross-sectional study on 301 individuals (115 control group, 86 cardiovascular patients and 100 individuals with a history of drug addiction) in the form of convenience and available sampling in Karaj City in 2023. The data were collected using the ZKA personality questionnaire. After collecting the data, they were entered into SPSS version16 software. Independent t-tests, one-way analysis of variance were used for data analysis. Results: In the present study, the mean and standard deviation of the total age of the participants was 41.37±14.76. The participation consisted of 179 (59.4%) men and 122 (39.6%) women. In SS1, EX2, AC4, AG2, NE4, SS4, and EX3 aspects, statistically significant differences were observed between the groups of cardiovascular and the control. In the aspects of AC4, AG2, NE4, EX2, NE2, SS4 and NE and SS factors, a significant difference was observed between the individuals with a history of addiction and the control group. Conclusion: Considering the relationship between personality traits and heart diseases and substance abuse, it is recommended that the results of this study be considered for prevention and appropriate intervention by doctors and health professionals, and these results can also be used to develop treatment programs.

A Bi-objective location-routing model for the healthcare waste management in the era of logistics 4.0 under uncertainty

The purpose of this study is to apply Industry 4.0-based technologies to improve the management of infectious healthcare waste considering location-routing problem and population risk under uncertainty. To achieve this, a decision support system is developed and implemented utilizing a bi-objective mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model. The bi-objective MILP model improves the performance of the healthcare waste management by applying Industry 4.0 technologies, including electric autonomous vehicles, information sharing system, internet of things (IoT), Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), and RFID-tagged waste bags. We develop a multi-objective solution approach by integrating the lexicographic and TH methods. The validity of the model has been established through its implementation in seven hospitals in the city of Karaj, Iran. The results denoted significant improvements in waste collection efficiency, route optimization, and the reduction of contamination risks.

The Effectiveness of Metacognitive Therapy on Relational Beliefs and Self-Differentiation in Couples with Marital Conflict

Background: Metacognitive therapy targets self-differentiation and relational beliefs by helping couples identify unhelpful thinking patterns that fuel conflict. By addressing these underlying cognitive processes, metacognitive therapy aims to improve both individual well-being and relational dynamics. Objectives: This research aimed to determine the effectiveness of metacognitive therapy in couples with marital conflicts attending the family court in Karaj city. Methods: The present study employed a semi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest and control group. The statistical population of this study comprised all couples applying for divorce who had sought divorce or marital dispute resolution at the family court in Karaj in the year 2023. A sample of 32 individuals (16 individuals per group) was selected through voluntary sampling, considering the study entry criteria, and randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. Participants completed questionnaires on their relational beliefs and self-differentiation in the pretest and posttest stages. The experimental group underwent 16 sessions of 90-minute metacognitive therapy, while the control group received no intervention. Data analysis was conducted using analysis of covariance. Data analysis was performed using SPSS-27 software. Results: Metacognitive therapy significantly improved relational beliefs compared to the control group (P < 0.001). The experimental group's mean score increased from 85.19 (± 9.89) at pretest to 135.88 (± 11.91) at posttest, while the control group showed minimal change (pretest: 89.31 ± 7.99; posttest: 95.75 ± 16.94). Similar improvements were observed in self-differentiation scores (P < 0.001). The experimental group's mean score increased from 120.81 (± 8.88) at pretest to 173.50 (± 14.45) at posttest, compared to minimal change in the control group (pretest: 126.31 ± 7.40; posttest: 125.75 ± 11.06). Conclusions: The present study yielded significant findings that support the effectiveness of metacognitive therapy in improving relational and marital functioning. These results are promising, suggesting that metacognitive therapy may be a valuable intervention for couples experiencing marital conflict.

Improving access to psychological intervention in low-middle income settings: Results from a waitlist-controlled, proof-of-concept trial of the MemFlex intervention for trauma-exposed Afghan youth.

Low-intensity interventions targeting a range of mental health issues offer a scalable approach for young trauma survivors in low-middle income countries. Here, we present results from a proof-of-concept, randomized, waitlist-controlled trial evaluating MemFlex, an autobiographical memory-based intervention, for trauma-exposed Afghan youth residing in Iran. MemFlex seeks to reduce the negative and overgeneral memory biases which maintain and predict poor mental health. Young people aged 12-18 years (N = 40) with parents who had experienced forced migration from Afghanistan were recruited from high schools in Karaj City in Iran. All had experienced a traumatic event in the last year. Participants were randomized to receive four weeks of a group-based delivery of MemFlex or Waitlist. Our primary cognitive outcome was autobiographical memory flexibility, that is, the ability to deliberately retrieve any memory type on demand. Primary clinical outcome was emotional distress, measured on the Farsi version of the Hopkins Symptom Checklist. Results indicated that MemFlex participants demonstrated large effect sizes for pre-to-post improvement in memory flexibility (d = 2.04) and emotional distress (d = 1.23). These improvements were significantly larger than Waitlist (ds < .49), and were maintained at three-month follow-up. Positive benefits were observed for completion of MemFlex, and future comparison against an active intervention appears warranted. Further evaluation of MemFlex in this context may offer a low-cost, and low-resource intervention to improve access to psychological intervention for young migrants in low-middle income countries.

Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella enteritidis and Salmonella typhimurium isolated from hen eggs and quail eggs in Karaj, Iran.

Different Salmonella serotypes are considered one of the most important food pathogens in the world. Poultry meat and eggs are the primary carriers of Salmonella in human populations. This study aimed to estimate the Salmonella enteritidis and Salmonella typhimurium contamination rates of retail hen and quail eggs in Karaj, Iran. Moreover, the antimicrobial resistance patterns of the strains were evaluated, and the efficiency of the standard culture method and multiplex polymerase chain reaction (m-PCR) were compared. In this descriptive cross-sectional study over 1 year (Jan-Dec 2022), 150 commercial and 150 backyard hen eggs and 300 commercial quail eggs, without cracks and fractures, were collected randomly from best selling groceries in Karaj city. All samples were examined for Salmonella contamination independently by standard culture and m-PCR approaches. A standard disc diffusion method was employed to assess the antimicrobial susceptibility of the strains against 18 antimicrobial agents. Out of 300 examined eggs, 2 S. enteritidis strains were isolated from the shell of backyard hen eggs. The same serotype was also detected in the contents of one of these two eggs. One S. typhimurium was isolated from the shell of a commercial hen egg. Overall, the Salmonella contamination of the shell and contents was 1% and 0.3%, respectively. Salmonella was not isolated from the eggshells or the contents of the quail eggs. There was complete agreement between the results of m-PCR and the standard culture methods. Among the 18 tested antibiotics, the highest resistance was recorded for colistin (100%), followed by nalidixic acid (75%). As most Salmonella spp. are associated with human food poisoning, continuous surveillance is required to effectively reduce the risk posed by contaminated poultry eggs. Furthermore, mandatory monitoring of antimicrobial use on Iranian poultry farms is recommended.

Managing uncertainties in fault avoidance zone of urban areas: a case study of Karaj, Iran

Purpose This study aims to develop the application of the strategic choice approach (SCA) in Karaj City (Iran) as the case study for facilitating the decision-making process concerning uncertainties associated with determining fault trace, fault buffer zone and fault setback, as well as inherent uncertainties related to urban issues – known as wicked problems – which make a clear definition unachievable for them. Design/methodology/approach The SCA was recycled in this study to manage uncertain situations in planning. It is designed to deal with problems caused by uncertainty, insufficient knowledge and unpredictable policy outcomes. In combination with the risk-based planning approach, the paper proposes a new model to deal with uncertainty and hazard risk at the same time. Findings The results indicated that such decision-making tools are helpful for urban planners who impose changes in the fault zone to save lives and properties where the process seems problematic and ambiguous. Further analysis from the SCA development not only shows that urban planning restrictions should be applied gradually and in pace with the completion of fault displacement geological data but also reveals that defining the implementation process and institutional structure is as important as the preparation of binding fault zoning documents. Originality/value The paper will push forward global research and practice because the results can be generalized for use in other earthquake-prone countries, as the considerations and obstacles have a universal character and more specifically because many earthquake-prone countries have not started to define fault avoidance zone restrictions up to now.

Growing crisis of urban rat infestation in Karaj city, Iran: Insights from hotspot mapping and social network analysis

To control the increasing growth of rat populations in metropolitan areas, several factors need to be considered to mitigate the risks posed by rats. Identifying rat density hotspots with more efficient methods and assessing people's experiences and attitudes toward them can be useful in prioritizing rat control efforts. We focused on the two most common species of rats (Rattus rattus and Rattus norvegicus) in the metropolis of Karaj, the fourth most populous and the largest immigrant-friendly city in Iran. The urban rat infestation is one of the problems caused by the high population growth in Karaj and the insufficient development of urban infrastructure and waste collection. It has led to discontent and public concern about rat infestations and there is a need to address the associated threats. We applied the Kernel Density Function and Optimized Hotspot Analysis to the presence points of the aforementioned types of rats and found that while Optimized Hotspot projects a macro view of hotspots at the city level, the Kernel Density Function prioritizes neighborhoods for initial actions. In addition, social network analysis with complementary regression models was conducted to determine people's experiences. The results show that fear of rats and concern about their presence form the basis of people's attitudes toward rats and lead to feelings of hatred. Moreover, economic harm reinforces people's motivation to control or eliminate this species. Despite their unpleasant feelings toward rats, people have a great influence on the growth of rat infestations by creating food sources through improper waste disposal. They prefer to use traps and poison instead of disposing of household waste and following the principles of cleanliness as preventive measures and believe that the lack of proper garbage collection by the municipality is the most important reason for the growth of rat populations. They are not sufficiently aware of their position in addressing this crisis. Our findings argue for the formation of a stronger network between the relevant authorities and residents, especially those living in the hotspots, to educate them about their role in rat control and to gain their cooperation in improving the city's waste management system.

The Effectiveness of Logotherapy on Pain Coping Strategies/ Psychological Capital and Death Anxiety in women with Breast Cancer

Introduction: Breast cancer is one of the most challenging diseases in the world. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of logotherapy on coping strategies for pain, psychological capital, and death anxiety in women with breast cancer. Materials and Methods: This was an applied and semi-experimental research with a pretest-posttest design and a control group. The statistical population included women referring to Zafar Medical Complex in Karaj city, among whom 30 women with breast cancer were selected by non-random sampling method. The samples were divided into two experimental and control groups using the multivariate covariance method after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. Having obtained written consent from the participants, they filled out questionnaires of Rosenstein's Pain Coping Strategies, Luthans' Psychological Capitals, and Templer's Death Anxiety at the pre-test stage. Following that, the experimental group was trained in Blair's logotherapy protocol for 10 sessions. The control group did not receive any intervention. Both groups completed the questionnaires once more during the post-test stage. The data was analyzed in SPSS-22 software using a multivariate covariance test. Results: Data analysis after logotherapy showed a significant difference in the test group, including pain coping strategies (returning attention, P=14.667; reinterpretation of pain, P=6.248; self-talk, P=0.0001; invisibility of pain, P=0.002; disaster, P=0.002; prayer-hope, P=0.004; psychological capitals, P=0.0001; and death anxiety, P=0.51) compared to the investigated variables in the control group. Moreover, the results of the covariance in the test group demonstrated a significant difference in the mean scores before and after logotherapy in coping strategies with pain, including returning attention (8.47±1.278), reinterpretation of pain (11.40 ± 11.120), self-talk (20.27 ± 2.183), invisibility of pain (9.93 ± 0.796), catastrophizing (13.53 ± 1.641), prayer hope (14.00 ± 1.418), psychological capitals (54.33 ± 1.968), and death anxiety (0.859 ± 9.40) (P&lt;0.05). However, no significant difference was observed in the control group in this regard. The value of eta showed that 64% of the changes in psychological capital, 54% of the changes in returning attention, 36% of the changes in the reinterpretation of pain, 61% of self-talk changes, 59% of pain-ignoring changes, 34% of catastrophizing changes 53% of changes in prayer-hope, 52% of changes in activity ability and 51% of changes in death anxiety were due to the effect of treatment. Conclusion: Logotherapy proves to be efficacious in aiding women with breast cancer in managing strategies related to coping with psychological strength and fear of death.

Investigating and Measuring Radon Gas Concentration in Tehran and Alborz Metro Stations

Abstract Humans are regularly exposed to various types of radioactive radiation and, of course, to Radon-222 over the course of their lives. According to the report of the United Nations scientific committee on the effects of atomic radiation in 2000, the average human is estimated to be exposed to about 4.2 mSv of radioactive radiation each year, 52% of which is caused by inhalation of radon gas. The radon gas is one of the most important elements that is emitted from the decay of natural uranium and radium in the earth. Therefore, the concentration of this gas can be higher in enclosed spaces, especially underground locations, and it is important to measure the amount of radon gas radiation in these underground stations. In this research, a domestically manufactured environmental meter for radon gas was used to measure the concentration of this gas in different Tehran metro stations. In general, all 42 subway stations of Tehran and Karaj cities were measured at continuous time intervals during the spring season. On average, trace amounts of radon gas were observed in all the stations, but high concentrations of radon gas were measured at some stations, such as Tajrish and Ghaem stations in the northern Tehran-Karaj plain due to underground water resources, fault type and distinct geological structures. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standard, the maximum permissible amount of radon gas concentration in the air is 148 Bq/m3, while the average amount was 156 Bq/m3 at Tajrish station. This amount is above the permissible limit and can therefore be considered hazardous to health. Geologically, the Meydan-e-Azadi (Azadi square) station on line 4 located in the center of Tehran also revealed a near high radon concentration due to bedrock that it mainly has been consisted of calcite. Consequently, measures for better ventilation and easier air movement are required in such stations.

Analytical framework for institutional power orientation towards earthquake resilience: A case study on urban development policies in Karaj, Iran

The concept of urban resilience, originating from ecological sciences, poses challenges in its introduction and explanation as an objective and approach in urban planning. Expanding the social and normative dimensions of urban resilience is challenging due to its conservative and non-political ecological background. Critically, the reductionist approach and depoliticization of urban resilience in planning are significant concerns. This paper addresses the analysis of institutional power orientations in defining the concept of urban resilience and targeting its achievement. According to this purpose, this paper provides a theoretical framework for analyzing institutional power orientations towards earthquake resilience, developed in two primary parts, as the main novelty and contribution of the proposed research. The city of Karaj is selected as a case study to test this framework. The research methodology involves a triple analysis of epistemology, ontology, and axiology of resilience from institutional power point of view, utilizing qualitative content analysis, semi-structured interviews, and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) questionnaire. In conclusion, emphasizing the importance of exploring the logical connection between ideas, the need for attention, and analyzing decision-taking processes is highlighted based on the research findings.

Modeling of institutional factors affecting the development of entrepreneurship (case study: Nesa rural district in Karaj city)

Modeling of institutional factors affecting the development of entrepreneurship (case study: Nesa rural district in Karaj city)

Explain the development of social capital in urban water crisis management using factor analysis method (Case study: Karaj city)

Explain the development of social capital in urban water crisis management using factor analysis method (Case study: Karaj city)

Investigating the Effectiveness of Virtual Physical Activity Education on Students’ Quality of Life of Karaj in 2020

Background: Sedentary lifestyle is regarded as one of the main risk factors for obesity and chronic diseases. As schools provide students with important opportunities for physical activity, their closure, prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, had a detrimental impact on vulnerable populations, particularly youth and school students. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of virtual physical education on students’ quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This community trial was conducted with an experimental and a control group. For this purpose, 300 students aged 13 to 15 years, selected among students of the 1st year of high school, were selected from the four education districts of the urban areas of Karaj city in the year 2020 using a cluster sampling method. The selected students were randomly assigned to the two groups of intervention and control, each with 150 people. There was no difference between the two groups in terms of inclusion criteria and demographic characteristics. Following group assignment, the intervention group received virtual physical education for eight 30-minute sessions, one session each week. All subjects completed the Physical Activity and Quality of Life Questionnaires before and after the training. The data were analyzed with SPSS software version 20, using the chi-square test, paired t-test, and independent t-test. Results: The mean and standard deviation of the scores in almost all areas of quality of life (both physical activity and mental health) in the intervention group had a significant improvement after the training courses (P&lt;0.05). After training, the mean scores of quality of life in the virtual education group were significantly greater than control group (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: The virtual school-based physical activity intervention had positive effects on children’s psychological and psychological wellbeing. The online educational method could provide customizable physical education learning activities as a suitable step in promoting physical activity engagement for different groups of students.

First report of Neoscytalidium dimidiatum as the causal agent of leaf blight on Clivia miniata

In this survey, the symptomatic leaves of Clivia miniata were collected from a greenhouse in Karaj city of Iran. The isolation and morphological investigation showed Scytalidium-like fungus associated with leaf blight symptom. The phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer along with partial sequences of rDNA large subunit and translation elongation factor 1-α (tef-1α) genomic regions confirmed the identification of the recovered isolate as Neoscytalidium dimidiatum. The pycnidial morph of the fungus didn’t observe both in vitro and in vivo. The pathogenicity test on C. miniata and C. nobilis was also conducted to fulfill the Koch’s postulates. To our Knowledges, this is the first report of N. dimidiatum causing leaf blight disease on C. miniata and C. nobilis worldwide, as well as these host plants are new for N. dimidiatum in the world.

Investigation of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Strains in Children with Urinary Tract Infection in Karaj City

Investigation of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Strains in Children with Urinary Tract Infection in Karaj City