Northwestern Iran Research Articles

The effects of e-learning using educational multimedia on the ethical decision-making and professionalism of nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic: a quasi-experimental study

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has created a great challenge for educational systems worldwide. During this time, educational centers have been encouraged to use e-learning programs to protect the population against infection. Online teaching has the greatest effect on the process of teaching-learning for certain topics, including professional behavior and commitment, which has prompted educational systems to use creative strategies for a greater effect on learners. The present study aims to determine the effects of e-learning using educational multimedia on the ethical decision-making and professionalism of nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThis study was conducted using a quasi-experimental design with a control group. The statistical population comprised second-semester nursing students in a first-rank nursing school in north western Iran. The samples were selected using simple random sampling and were divided into experimental (n = 40) and control (n = 40) groups. In the first stage of teaching, the conventional training method of the COVID-19 pandemic was used in both groups. In the second stage of teaching, an in-person workshop was organized for the control group and an e-learning workshop using educational multimedia for the experimental group. Data were collected by a tool with three parts: Demographic information, the Nursing Dilemma Test (NDT) by Crisham based on the Nurse Principled Thinking, and the Nursing Students Professional Behaviors Scale (NSPBS) designed by Goz. Data were analyzed in SPSS 25 software.ResultsThere was a statistically significant increase in the post-test mean score of professionalism (125.70 ± 6.20 vs. 120.95 ± 9.28) and ethical decision-making (46.17 ± 3.81 vs. 44.02 ± 3.21) in the experimental group compared to the control group (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe learning environment affects learning, and e-learning using educational multimedia has a greater impact than in-person workshops on improved learning outcomes with regard to ethical decision-making and professionalism.

Unveiling crustal deformation patterns along the north Tabriz fault from 2015 to 2022 using multi-temporal InSAR analysis

This paper presents a comprehensive study on the recognition of crustal deformation patterns surrounding the North Tabriz Fault in Northwestern Iran, utilizing Multi-Temporal InSAR analysis. The fault, despite its seismic inactivity for over two centuries, has a long history of ancient seismicity, with earthquake recurrence intervals exceeding two centuries. This makes it highly susceptible to future activity and the generation of significant and devastating earthquakes. However, limited research has been conducted on extracting and modeling deformation patterns of the North Tabriz Fault to identify its active segments. The primary objective of this study is to derive a general trend for fault displacement and investigate regions under pressure in terms of abnormal crustal movements. The results indicate that the Earth's crust in the surrounding regions of the central and northwest segments of the fault exhibits an upward movement ranging from approximately 2 to 10 millimeters per year from 2015 to 2022. In contrast, neighboring areas of the northwestern fault, as well as the northwestern, western, and southwestern parts of Tabriz County, experience ground subsidence with rates ranging from approximately 5 to 40 millimeters per year. These findings are consistent with GNSS-derived line-of-sight measurements obtained from some IPGN stations around the fault with an RMSE of 1.72 mm/yr. Furthermore, the study identifies critical points near the fault that exhibit varying and diverse displacement patterns over time, suggesting significant strain and notable stress within the subsurface environment. According to the analysis of time series data on crustal movements at the identified critical points, it has been found that the prevailing motion pattern of the Earth's crust within the fault zone largely conforms to a sinusoidal descending pattern. Additionally, recent earthquakes in the northwest vicinity of the fault have been observed to occur close to these critical points. Using line-of-sight (LOS) data acquired at these critical points, the study estimates a slip rate of 7.71 ± 0.01 mm/year and a locking depth of 11.27 ± 0.01 km, contributing to a better understanding of the fault's seismogenic behavior. These findings provide valuable insights into the crustal deformation patterns around the North Tabriz Fault, highlighting active segments and regions under pressure.

Biogeography of the Iranian snakes.

The events of the Cenozoic era such as mountain formation caused Iran to become one of the most amazing biodiversity hotspots in the world today. This pioneering study on Iranian snake biogeography integrates historical and ecological analyses. A phylogeographic review traces speciation and dispersal, while cluster analysis with a new snake checklist assesses faunistic similarities within Iran and its surroundings. Jaccard and Sorenson indices generate similarity dendrograms, Indicator Species Analysis pinpoints regional key species, and Endemism index calculates regional endemism rates, enriching our knowledge of Iran's species diversity. Phylogeographic analyses identify four biogeographical corridors for snake ingress into Iran: the Arabian region through southwestern Iran, the Western Asian mountainous transition zone via northwestern Iran, the Turanian region into northeastern Iran, and the Indus River Valley into southeastern and eastern Iran. Dendrogram analysis divides snake fauna into three groups. The first group associates western Zagros and Khuzestan fauna with the Sahara and Arabian regions. The second group links Kopet Dagh and Turkmen Steppe fauna with the Turanian region, and Central Plateau and Baluchistan fauna with the Iranian region. The third group connects northwest highlands, Alborz and Zagros mountains, and Caspian Sea coasts with the Western Asian Mountain transition zone. The study validates broad biogeographic patterns via ecoregional associations and indicator species analysis, providing finer resolution. Species like Platyceps najadum in Caspian Hyrcanian mixed forests exemplify ecoregional alignment, while Zagros and Alborz mountains exhibit unique faunal indicators, indicating species-level divergence. Shared indicators among widespread ecoregions reflect habitat continuity; exclusive indicators emphasize regional distinctiveness. Despite endemic species prevalence, they seldom act as significant indicators due to various factors. Our research confirms the Zagros Mountains, Khuzestan Plain, Alborz Mountains, and Persian Gulf coasts as snake diversity hotspots, marked by higher species richness compared to other Iranian regions.

Основоположники арабо-мусульманской историографии (IX–начала x века)

The culmination of the “Golden Age” of Islamic literary culture was the multivolume “History of the Prophets and Kings” (Ta’rīḫ ar-Rusul wa-l-Mulūk) by the “father of Muslim historiography”, an Arabic spoken Iranian Muḥammad b. Ǧarīr (Djarir) aṭ-Ṭabarī (839–923), which outlines the general history since the Creation, as well as the works of other founders of the Islamic historiography in Classical Arabic – al-Kūfī, Ḫalīfa b. Ḫayyāṭ (Khalifah b. Khayyat), ad- Dīnawarī, al-Balāḏurī (al-Beladsori), al-Ya‘qūbī (al-Ja‘qubi). The breakthrough works by these authors contain a lot of data concerning the countries and peoples of the Armenian Highlands, Caucasus, Asia Minor, and North-Western Iran (Atropatene-Azerbaijan), as well as adjacent areas of the Mesopotamia, Media, and Syria from Ancient times to the early of the 10th c. These materials may well be of interest to readers of the periodical “Studies in oriental sources” (Institute of Oriental Studies, National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia).

Foliar blight, leaf spot, and stem blackening diseases caused by Stemphylium beticola, Alternaria alternata, and Alternaria atra on dragon's head (Lallemantia iberica) in Iran

Dragon's head, Lallemantia iberica, is an oilseed crop adapted to be grown in cold-dry areas. In the growing season of 2022–23 a severe foliar blight, leaf spot, and stem blacking symptoms were observed in commercial fields in northern and northwestern Iran, leading to more than 50 % yield loss. Infected samples were collected and transferred to the laboratory. Following the isolation of fungal agents, five representative isolates were selected for further studies. Morphological studies, based on conidial shape, conidiation, and other mycological characteristics, were carried out on a pure culture established from a single spore. Furthermore, multigene phylogenetic analyses were performed using sequences of translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF1), glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2), and Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) rDNA genes for Alternaria isolates, along with calmodulin (cmdA) for the Stemphylium isolate. The morphological and molecular studies identified the fungal isolates as Alternaria atra, Alternaria alternata, and Stemphyliium beticola. Pathogenicity tests on the commercial cultivar ‘Sara’ indicated that all isolates were pathogenic to dragon's head, but they differed significantly in aggressiveness. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the association of these fungal species with an important foliar disease on this crop in Iran and worldwide.

Spatio-temporal assessment of land use and land cover dynamics in Urmia lake basin of Iran: A bi-directional approach using optical and radar data on the Google Earth Engine platform

Sustainable development, a cornerstone in responsible land resource management, occupies a critical role in global efforts to balance economic progress with ecological preservation. This research explores the intricate dynamics of sustainable development and land resource management in the Lake Urmia watershed, northwestern Iran, with a specific focus on Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) alterations. Leveraging cutting-edge methodologies within the Google Earth Engine (GEE) framework, the study employs the Random Forest (RF) model, and multi-sensor satellite data to achieve meticulous LULC classification from the years 2016 to 2020.This strategy incorporates satellite images from Sentinel-1 (S1), Sentinel-2 (S2), coupled with ancillary data, and the implementation of the RF algorithm. It highlighted the intricate synergy between optical and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data for LULC classification in the Lake Urmia watershed. The Overall Accuracy (OA) values ranging from 88.28 % to 92.00 % affirmed the robustness of the RF model, demonstrating its potential for research objectives. In addition, Dynamic World, a near real-time global dataset, was applied to the study area, provides a convenient view to detect changes from the years 2016 to 2023, while enabling comparison with the widely used RF algorithm in past studies. Notably, this study goes beyond methodological developments to examine the concrete consequences of the observed changes. The decline in water bodies within the Urmia Lake basin and the parallel expansion of cultivated lands underscore the profound impact of human activities, particularly agricultural practices, on the ecological equilibrium. As we navigate the intricate terrain of sustainable development, this research serves as a clarion call for remote sensing approaches to monitor and manage land resources, emphasizing the delicate balance between economic growth and ecological preservation.

Stable isotope and proteomic insights into Bronze age human dietary life history at Köhne Shahar, Northwest Iran

Interest in subsistence strategies practiced by the Kura-Araxes communities in Southern Caucasus and the highlands of the Near East has a long history, yet direct studies of paleodiet at the scale of the individual are few. We apply serial sampling of carbon and nitrogen isotopes in 17 teeth representing 11 comingled individuals at the Kura-Araxes early Bronze Age site Köhne Shahar (KSH) in northwestern Iran. Proteomic analyses of dental enamel show seven females and four males. Isotopic results indicate an agro-pastoral diet with little or no C4 millet. Individual isotopic biographies reveal a dietary life history that includes weaning between 1.5 and 3.7 years of age (average = 2.4 years), followed by a stable early childhood diet with little intra-individual variation through age 10 years. Isotopic shifts around 12–14 years of age suggest a change in diet that may correspond to marriage and the establishment of new household units focused more on plant foods. Gradual isotopic shifts between 14 and 20 years may represent such households developing livestock herds and increasing meat consumption. Stability in diet across this transition is consistent with village endogamy. Sex-linked differences in the age of weaning and childhood δ15N values hint at differences in learning and enculturation practices. Males and about half of females were weaned earlier but had access to greater amounts of meat, suggesting they were more involved in animal husbandry and/or production of animal products (e.g., cheese, yoghurt) outside the house. By contrast, the other half of females were weaned later in childhood, but ate significantly more plant foods, suggesting they were more involved in tending gardens and producing crafts and/or plant-based foods within the house, where they had greater access to breastmilk.

Minimizing brine waste in thermal power plants: A techno-economic evaluation of secondary RO and closed circuit RO systems

Thermal power plants situated in water-scarce regions encounter a critical challenge: balancing high water demand with environmental sustainability. Although efforts have been concentrated on optimizing cooling systems, the aspect of minimizing wastewater within water treatment units (WTUs) has been overlooked. This study conducted a techno-economic analysis comparing two brine treatment options for WTUs, secondary reverse osmosis (RO) and closed-circuit RO (CCRO), using a power plant in northwestern Iran as a case study. Both systems demonstrated notable water conservation benefits. CCRO achieved a 10 % higher recovery rate but necessitated 12 % more antiscalant. The secondary RO system consumed 56 % more energy than CCRO (1.68 vs. 1.078 kWh per m3) and emitted 20.5 % more greenhouse gases. Despite CCRO having a 35 % higher initial cost, its superior recovery rate resulted in a comparable total product cost of permeate water (approximately $0.55 per m3). This attributed to CCRO's reduced energy consumption (56 % less) and operational costs (20 % less), which offset its higher capital expenses. The study also emphasized the significance of a system's lifespan and interest rates as the most critical factors influencing total product cost. Operational costs, including labor, antiscalant, and electricity, also played a role, albeit to a lesser extent. These findings indicate that CCRO technology presents a promising environmentally sustainable solution for power plants aiming to reduce wastewater generation and enhance water management strategies.

Sero-prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Northwestern Iran

BackgroundToxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a ubiquitous protozoan parasite on our planet that causes toxoplasmosis. This study evaluated the seroprevalence and related risk factors for T. gondii infection in a population referred to healthcare centers in Meshkin-Shahr, Northwest Iran.MethodsA total of 400 blood samples were randomly collected from the general population and assessed using the anti-Toxoplasma antibodies, Immunoglobulin G and M (IgG and IgM) Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) Kits in two steps before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, 2019–2020. The results were analyzed through logistic regression via SPSS 26 software.ResultsBefore the COVID-19 pandemic, anti-toxoplasma antibodies were detected in 39% of individuals (IgG: 38%, IgM: 0.5%, and IgG-IgM: 0.5%). Among the eleven risk factors evaluated, contact with soil and people awareness were significantly associated with T. gondii infection (p < 0.05). However, factors such as females, 20–39 age groups, junior high schools, housewives, rural areas, raw meat or vegetable consumption, vegetable or fruits washed by water, not detergent, and cat owners did not show a significant relationship with seropositivity (p > 0.05). After the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the overall seroprevalence for anti-T. gondii antibody increased to 49.7% (IgG: 47.7%, IgM: 0.5%, and IgG and IgM: 1.5%). Among these patients, 26% were positive for COVID-19. Additionally, before the COVID-19 pandemic, 40 samples were negative for anti-T. gondii antibodies but later became positive. The crude and adjusted models suggested that toxoplasmosis may be a possible risk factor for increased susceptibility to COVID-19, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.28 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.82–1.99; P < 0.05). Conversely, a non-significant protective effect against latent toxoplasmosis was observed in COVID-19-positive individuals (OR = 0.99; 95% CI, 0.51–1.92; P > 0.05), and COVID-19 positivity did not increase the levels of anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies.ConclusionsThe general population in this region had a moderate seroprevalence of T. gondii. The increased number of COVID-19-positive patients with latent toxoplasmosis highlights the need to pay attention to the early diagnosis and proper treatment of toxoplasmosis in these patients and implement preventive programs in these areas for future possible viral infections.

Evaluation of the Pollution by the Potentially Toxic Elements in the Topsoils of a Semi-Industrial Zone, Northwestern Iran

ABSTRACT Various industries, including cement production, petrochemical processing, and power plants, exert significant environmental impacts on their surroundings. The close proximity of these industries within the study area underscores the critical need to investigate soil pollution of potentially toxic elements and elucidate possible pollution sources and associated risks. The present study involved taking 44 topsoil (0–10 cm) samples of Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd) Cobalt (Co), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), Nickel (Ni), Lead (Pb), and Zinc (Zn) concentrations, which their mean concentration were found to be 11.29, 0.46, 15.89, 67.36, 44.36, 79.93, 8.50 and 68.27 mg kg−1, respectively. Comparison with the baseline values stated in local and international soil quality guidelines has indicated higher As, Cd, Cr, Cu, and Ni concentrations. The soil pollution indices of the geoaccumulation index, pollution index, pollution load index, and enrichment factor pollution have evaluated the pollution status of the study area to be uncontaminated to moderately contaminated, moderately polluted, polluted, deficient enrichment to moderate enrichment classes, respectively. Ecological and health risks that involved the application of the single index of ecological risk, potential ecological risk, hazard quotient, hazard index, and cancer risk have revealed that the study area was ecologically in a low-risk state with an average potential ecological risk value of 90.38, while carcinogenic (10−6-10−4) and non-carcinogenic risks (>1) were also found to be in a tolerable range for human health. Possible pollution sources were identified using multivariate statistics and further confirmed and visualized by the spatial distribution maps obtained from the deterministic interpolation method of inverse distance weighting. These analyses have suggested that the soil pollution which its existence was confirmed by the related indices and comparisons, to the potentially toxic elements of Cr and Ni can be possibly attributed to the petrochemical and power plants, to Cd could be appointed to cement plant, and to Cu could be associated with agricultural activities. It has also been found that arsenic was determined to be a common pollutant among the three main industries.

Morphometrical and molecular identification of Echinococcus granulosus genotypes in wild canids in north of Iran.

The cestode Echinococcus granulosus causes cystic echinococcosis, a zoonotic parasitic infection that constitutes a significant public health risk. This parasite has been documented to have potential reservoirs and carriers among wild canids, namely wolves, foxes and jackals. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and molecular characteristics of E. granulosus sensu lato species/genotypes among wild canids in three northern, northeastern and north-western Iran regions. From 2019 to 2022, 93 wild canid carcasses (69 jackals), (22 foxes) and (2 wolves) were collected that were killed in car accidents or illnesses. Analyses of morphology and morphometry were performed to verify the presence of E. granulosus. To determine E. granulosus s.l. species/genotypes, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-RFLP (ITS1) was performed utilizing the Bsh1236I (BstUI) restriction enzyme. COX1, NADH1 and ITS1 gene sequencing were also performed to confirm the PCR-RFLP results. During this study, 93 wild canids were examined, and 3.2% (95% CI: 0%-7%) of the 93 were infected with Echinococcus. The north-western region of Iran showed two out of 30 jackals (6.6%) infected with adult Echinococcus compared to one out of 35 jackals (2.8%) in the northern region. DNA from Echinococcus was detected in these individuals by PCR. Based on PCR-RFLP analysis of the ITS1 gene and sequencing of COX1, NADH1 and ITS1 gene, E. granulosus sensu stricto genotype was confirmed in the jackals that had been infected. Evidence shows that E. granulosus occurs in jackals in Iran, with the E. granulosus s.s. genotype being the most common. This parasite has been identified as a zoonotic parasite with a genotype that can be transmitted to livestock and humans. Establishing effective control measures to prevent the spread of echinococcosis and ensure public health is crucial.

Nurses’ perception of uncertainty in clinical decision-making: A qualitative study

BackgroundUncertainty is a common challenge for nurses in clinical decision-making, which can compromise patient care quality and safety. To address this issue, it is essential to understand how nurses perceive and cope with uncertainty in their practice. AimThis study aimed to explore nurses’ perceptions of uncertainty in clinical decision-making using a qualitative approach. MethodsThis study was conducted with a qualitative approach and conventional content analysis in 2020. Participants consisted of 17 nurses from different wards of teaching hospitals in Northwestern Iran, recruited using the purposive sampling method. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed simultaneously with data collection (June to December 2020). The data were analyzed using the content analysis approach suggested by Wildemuth. Data were managed with MAXQDA10 software. The analysis revealed four main themes and ten subthemes that described the nurses' experiences of uncertainty in clinical decision-making. ResultsThe main themes were: difficult choice, difficult situation, insufficient judgment, and emotional burden. ConclusionsThe study participants defined uncertainty in clinical decision-making as a difficult choice that occurs in difficult situations, which influenced their clinical judgment and emotional well-being. These findings provide valuable insights for developing interventions to help nurses manage uncertainty and improve their decision-making skills and safety.

A contribution to the knowledge of the genus Niphargus (Arthropoda: Crustacea: Amphipoda) in northwestern Iran

Niphargus Schiödte, 1849 is the most diverse subterranean amphipod genus in the West Palearctic, distributed between Ireland and Iran. The exploration of Niphargus diversity in the Zagros Mountains in Iran has begun a decade ago, and the number of newly described species is increasing fast. Recently, we collected several specimens of Niphargus from springs located in the northern parts of the Zagros Mountains in Iran. Detailed morphological observations and molecular phylogenetic analyses using 28S rDNA and COI markers revealed that these animals comprise two taxonomic units distinct from all hitherto described species. We hypothesize they should be treated as new species, named as Niphargus qalatianensis sp. nov. and Niphargus arasbaranensis sp. nov. Molecular phylogenetic analyses have shown that N. qalatianensis sp. nov. is nested within a monophyletic Middle Eastern clade known from previous studies. By contrast N. arasbaranensis sp. nov., is with low support associated to European species and suggests that the Iranian karst was not colonized two but three times. To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the intricate biogeographical history of the genus Niphargus in the Middle East, additional sampling in the region is imperative.

Factors affecting the downturn of traditional livestock husbandry in local communities of northwestern rangelands of Iran

Currently, a combination of natural and human factors has led to the lack of cost-effective production, resulting in the downturn of traditional animal husbandry (DTLH) in rural regions. This research aims to investigate the factors contributing to the DTLH in indigenous communities in northwestern Iran. The statistical population consisted of pastoralists residing in the villages of Namin-Ardabil, Iran. The research method employed was descriptive-analytical, and a questionnaire was used as the data collection tool. The sample size was determined by selecting approximately 5–10% of households in each village, preferably the household head. Friedman's test was utilized to prioritize the most significant factors influencing DTLH. The findings reveals that the most crucial economic criteria contributing to the DTLH were “the high cost of providing inputs and fodder required for livestock (mean rank = 11.12),” “more economic opportunities and access to well-paying employment opportunities in the city (mean rank = 8.99)”, and “low profit from livestock farming in the rangeland (mean rank = 10.60)”. Moreover, the most important social criteria were “uncertainty regarding the future well-being of children and the social and economic situation in the village (mean rank = 14.12)”, “motivation for academic and career development in urban areas (mean rank = 14.10)”, and “access to specialized and professional training opportunities in cities (mean rank = 13.80)”. Furthermore, the most crucial ecological criteria impacting the DTLH were “drought” (mean ran = 7.96)” and “non-implementation of range management plans and grazing permits” (mean rank = 6.07)”. In general, the results indicated that the ecological criteria had the highest impact on the DTLH, followed by social and economic criteria, with values of 41.1%, 34.6%, and 24.29%, respectively. Overall, understanding the challenges faced by traditional livestock husbandry and identifying the factors contributing to its decline is crucial for developing effective strategies to support and sustain this industry in rural areas.

Energy, economic and environmental evaluation of the energy storage capabilities of artificial lakes based on pumped-hydro storage systems with a case study of Daghgoli artificial recreational lake

In the present study, Daghgoli artificial recreational lake has been investigated as an energy storage system. This lake with a capacity of 54,000 (m3) is located in the largest metropolis of northwestern Iran, above the Eynali Mountains, in the vicinity of the city. The elevation of this lake is about 450 (m) from the downstream lake with a capacity of 60,000 (m3). The energy storage capacity of the lake has been evaluated based on the pumped-hydro method. Then, the capacity of this large “battery” to store a part of the excess energy generated by the Tabriz thermal power plant has been evaluated. In addition to the technical evaluation, a full economic analysis as well as environmental investigation of application of the lake as an energy storage system has been conducted. The capacity that can be develop the existing small wind farm in the vicinity of the lake so that its generated energy can be fully stored by the energy storage system based on Daghgoli Lake has also been determined. Finally, the capacity of the photovoltaic solar power plant that can be established in the flat plain adjacent to the lake to store its generated electricity by the lake to be used at night or peak hours has been also evaluated. The results showed that using the presented energy storage plan, 74.7(MWh) of excess electrical energy generated by the thermal power plant can be stored daily. By releasing this energy during peak hours, 13.24 (MW) of electricity can be generated with an energy conversion efficiency about 71 %. At the same time, the emission of 8508 tons of carbon dioxide can be prevented during a year. The investment payback period of the project is estimated to be 4.7 years. By using the designed energy storage system, a wind farm consisting of 16 turbines with a capacity of 660 (kW) or a photovoltaic solar plant with a capacity of 9.34 (MW) can be created.

Machine learning-based soil aggregation assessment under four scenarios in northwestern Iran

Machine learning-based soil aggregation assessment under four scenarios in northwestern Iran

Mechanism of Ivughli salt dome exhumation, northwestern Iran

ABSTRACT The Ivughli salt dome, located in the West Azerbaijan province of Iran, is sourced in the Miocene Upper Red Formation, which includes salt and gypsum layers, red marl, and sandstone. The salt diapirs of West Azerbaijan are located along the North Tabriz Fault. Faults related to fractures around the Ivughli salt dome have displaced the folded layers and have caused subsidence in some parts of the salt dome. Based on the results of interferometry data, there are smaller and bigger elevation/subsidency rates with a total average of 4 mm for the whole body of the dome. The east of the dome shows high elevation and this may be due to the effect of a hidden fault that branches off the North Tabriz Fault. As well as the role of normal faults in the lower elevation of the western parts of the dome, there may have been subsidence related to surface washing and driven by erosion and agriculture in the region. Regarding the emplacement and shape of the Ivughli salt dome, it is young diapirism and currently acctive. In general, tectonic activity is still causing the rise of the Ivughli salt dome at a rate of movement that is not uniform across its structure.

Sydenham's Chorea in Children with Acute Rheumatic Fever: An Echocardiographic Survey of Pediatric Patients in Northwestern Iran.

Although infrequent, Sydenham's chorea (SC) may occur as a result of injury to the basal ganglia in children with acute rheumatic fever (ARF) secondary to group A Streptococcal infection. Certain hallmarks of SC, such as movement disorders, could be utilized as a predictive marker for carditis. The present study aimed to investigate neurologic and cardiologic symptoms in children with suspected SC after ARF. All children aged 5-16 who were admitted at Shahid Madani Pediatric Hospital (Tabriz, Iran), with an initial diagnosis of ARF and SC between 2009 and 2022 were included for echocardiographic assessment and prospective follow-up within 6 and 12 months after the start point. The pattern and severity of valvulopathy, as well as the prevalence of Jones criteria for rheumatic fever, were used to assess the effect. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics software (version 22.0) using Chi square and Fisher's exact tests. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. The study enrolled 85 children, 36 girls and 49 boys, with a mean age of 9.7±2.7. On the first echocardiography, 42.4% of patients had mitral valve regurgitation (MR), with a predominance of female patients (P=0.04). Of those diagnosed with SC (12 girls and 6 boys), 66.7% showed cardiac involvement, with a higher prevalence of MR in both sexes (P=0.04). The pattern of cardiac involvement after 6 months was significantly different between the groups (P=0.04). However, no such difference was observed during the one-year follow-up (P=0.07). Female sex was found to have a significant relationship with SC localization (P=0.01). In addition to its neurological manifestations, SC can be associated with clinical or subclinical cardiac valve dysfunction that might last for more than a year. In addition to attempting early detection and appropriate management, a precise cardiac and neurologic assessment during admission and follow-up is recommended.A preprint version of this manuscript is available at DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-772662/v1 (https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-772662/v1).

Neglect in Nursing Homes: Prevalence and Risk Factors

Introduction: Neglect refers to the failure to meet the needs and well-being of elderly individuals. This can include inadequate care by responsible caregivers or a lack of essential necessities such as food, water, shelter, personal hygiene, medication, comfort, and safety. Despite the prevalence of neglect, no studies have specifically investigated its occurrence and related factors among elderly residents in nursing homes in Iran. In this study, we aimed to address this gap by examining neglect among older adults covered by state welfare centers in Ardabil city (Iran) in 2020. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analytical study involving 130 older people in Ardabil, located in northwestern Iran. Our data collection tool consisted of a two-part questionnaire: one section focused on demographic information and the Elder Neglect Checklist. Participants were selected through a census from older adults residing in nursing homes. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 22). Results: Among the 130 participants, 56 (43.08%) were male, and 74 (56.92%) were female. The overall prevalence of neglect was 39.2%. Dental problems were the most common type of neglect (36.2%), followed by neglect related to providing a healthy environment (24.6%). Additionally, our findings revealed significant associations between neglect and marital status (p = 0.001), previous occupation (p = 0.002), and a history of illness (p = 0.046). Conclusion: The study highlights a concerning rate of neglect among elderly individuals, posing serious risks to their health and security. To address this issue, health and welfare officials, along with nursing homes, should implement necessary measures to improve the well-being of older adults and align with international standards.

Dust Events over the Urmia Lake Basin, NW Iran, in 2009–2022 and Their Potential Sources

Nowadays, dried lake beds constitute the largest source of saline dust storms, with serious environmental and health issues in the surrounding areas. In this study, we examined the spatial–temporal distribution of monthly and annual dust events of varying intensity (dust in suspension, blowing dust, dust storms) in the vicinity of the desiccated Urmia Lake in northwestern (NW) Iran, based on horizontal visibility data during 2009–2022. Dust in suspension, blowing dust and dust storm events exhibited different monthly patterns, with higher frequencies between March and October, especially in the southern and eastern parts of the Urmia Basin. Furthermore, the intra-annual variations in aerosol optical depth at 500 nm (AOD550) and Ångström exponent at 412/470 nm (AE) were investigated using Terra/Aqua MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) data over the Urmia Lake Basin (36–39°N, 44–47°E). Monthly distributions of potential coarse aerosol (AE &lt; 1) sources affecting the lower troposphere over the Urmia Basin were reconstructed, synergizing Terra/Aqua MODIS AOD550 for AE &lt; 1 values and HYSPLIT_4 backward trajectories. The reconstructed monthly patterns of the potential sources were compared with the monthly spatial distribution of Terra MODIS AOD550 in the Middle East and Central Asia (20–70°E, 20–50°N). The results showed that deserts in the Middle East and the Aral–Caspian arid region (ACAR) mostly contribute to dust aerosol load over the Urmia Lake region, exhibiting higher frequency in spring and early summer. Local dust sources from dried lake beds further contribute to the dust AOD, especially in the western part of the Urmia Basin during March and April. The modeling (DREAM8-NMME-MACC) results revealed high concentrations of near-surface dust concentrations, which may have health effects on the local population, while distant sources from the Middle East are the main controlling factors to aerosol loading over the Urmia Basin.