Northern Iran Research Articles

Effects of plant density and nitrogen splitting on grain yield and nitrogen uptake in rice re-cropping

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) re-cropping has a special place in the crop rotation of rice plants in terms of increasing the efficiency of land productivity. A two-year research (2013–2014) was done with three replications to determine the best planting density and appropriate nitrogen splitting in rice re-cropping at Qaemshahr Agricultural Faculty, Mazandaran, northern Iran. For this purpose, a split plot design in RCBD format was used. Experimental factors consisted of plant density (33.3, 25, and 16 plants per sq m at intervals of 30 × 10, 20 × 20, and 25 × 25 cm2, respectively) as the main factor, and nitrogen splitting (NS1: all as a base, NS2: 1 2 base + 1 2 tillering, NS3: 1 2 base + 1 2 panicle formation, NS4: 1 3 base + 1 3 tillering + 1 3 panicle formation, and NS5: 1 3 base + 1 3 panicle formation + 1 3 end of panicle emergence) as subfactors. The results showed that the grain yield was higher for 2014 than in 2013 by 60.0%, due to increasing the number of panicles per sq m (27.2%) and the weight of 1000 grains (7.2%). The maximum grain yield was achieved at a density of 33.3 plants per sq m along with NS4 treatment. The highest straw nitrogen uptake was observed in 2013 by NS4 treatment. The maximum grain nitrogen concentration, nitrogen harvest index, and grain protein yield were recorded in 2014 along with NS4 treatment. The density of 33.3 plants per sq m and NS of 1 3 base + 1 3 tillering + 1 3 panicle formation are suggested for rice re-cropping.

Conceptual design and 4E analyses of a tetrageneration system in two different configurations based on poplar sawdust as a local woody biomass fuel

ABSTRACTIn this study, an innovative woody biomass‐fueled hybrid tetrageneration system composed of a single‐effect lithium bromide‐water absorption refrigeration system, a reverse osmosis desalination system, two organic Rankine cycle for the production of cooling, heating, power, and freshwater in two distinct configurations (configurations A and B), compared and discussed using energy, exergy, economic, and exergoeconomic analyses. The poplar sawdust used as a local woody biomass fuel was a by‐product of the Iran Wood and Paper Industries Company, located in northern Iran. The results revealed that the highest heating production and lowest exergy destruction were related to configuration B. The overall cost of configuration A was higher than that of configuration B. A detailed sensitivity analysis was also developed to study the effect of various factors on the thermodynamic and economic performance of the proposed configurations. By increasing the turbine inlet temperature of ORC1 from 625 to 692 K, the total sum unit costs of product of the system in configurations A and B decreased by 20 and 23 $ GJ−1, respectively (about 21%).

Impacts of Hyrcanian forest ecosystem loss: the case of Northern Iran

Impacts of Hyrcanian forest ecosystem loss: the case of Northern Iran

Microplastics abundance, distribution and composition in surface waters, sediments and fish species from Amir-Kalayeh Wetland, Northern Iran.

Microplastics (MPs) pollution is considered as a globally pervasive threat to aquatic ecosystems and many studies reported this pollution in different aquatic ecosystems. However, studies on MPs pollution in wetlands are still scarce. Therefore, the aim of present study was to investigate the presence of MPs in the surface water, sediment and different fish species of Amir-Kalayeh wetland, Northern Ian. Surface water and sediment samples were collected from six stations during June to July 2022. Moreover, the gills and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of 54 fish specimens belonging to four species including Cyprinus carpio, Tinca tinca, Esox lucius and Silurus glanis were analysed. MPs were detected in all samples with an average of 2.15 ± 1.98 items/m3 for surface water, 51.66 ± 32.20 items/kg dry weight for sediments, 0.17 ± 0.17 items/individual for fish GIT and 0.12 ± 0.12 items/individual for fish gills. There was no significant relationship between MPs abundance in surface waters and sediments as well as between MPs abundance in environmental matrices and fish (P > 0.0.5). In terms of feeding habit, no significant differences were observed between the number of MPs found in omnivorous and carnivorous fish species (P > 0.05). Moreover, no significant relationship was detected between the MPs abundance in fish tissues and body size (P > 0.05). MPs were mainly fibers, mostly transparent, and in a range size of 70-5000 µm. The dominant MPs type was nylon in all samples. This study will help increase our knowledge about MPs pollution in inland freshwater systems and suggests that management policies take essential steps to reduce this insidious problem in freshwater ecosystems.

The Impact of Group- and Single-Tree-Selection Cuttings on Runoff and Sediment Yield in Mixed Broadleaved Forests, Northern Iran

Silvicultural treatment and the forest harvesting operations using different methods can lead to an increase in the production of runoff and sediment by changing the canopy and soil surface where they are conducted. In order to investigate this issue, sampling plots were established in the Namkhaneh district of the Kheyrud forest with three replications for every treatment: control stand and tree harvesting systems using single-selection cuttings and group-selection cuttings. The amount of runoff and sediment was collected and estimated from precipitation over a period of one year. Also, some soil physical properties such as bulk density, penetration resistance, sand, silt, and clay content, soil moisture, and soil organic matter were measured. The results showed that tree harvesting systems has a significant effect on runoff, the runoff coefficient, and sediment but the season (growing season and fall) and the combined effect of tree harvesting systems and the season have no significant effect on the runoff coefficient and sediment. The mean runoffs of each rainfall event for the control, single-tree, and group-selection treatments were 5.67, 8.42, and 10.28 mm, respectively, and the sediment amounts were 3.42, 6.70, and 11.82 gr/m2, respectively. Furthermore, the total annual erosion amounts of the control, selection, and grouping treatments were 0.427, 0.838, and 2.178 t/ha, respectively. The bulk density, penetration resistance, and percentage of sand and silt were positively related and the percentages of clay and organic matter were negatively related with the amount of runoff and sediment. In the method of individual selection cuttings, the damage to the forest in terms of the amount of runoff and soil erosion was less than for the group-selection cuttings. Forest harvesting by the selection method (single-selection and group-selection) has caused different changes in the vegetation canopy. The final summary of our results could be the advice to predominantly use the single-selection method in high-slope stands.

Soil health reduction following the conversion of primary vegetation covers in a semi-arid environment

A degraded forest is the outcome of a degradation process that has adverse effects on ecosystem functions and services. This phenomenon results in alterations of soil physicochemical and biological properties, which serve as valuable indicators for assessing soil health that has been recognized as a crucial component of soil quality. For several decades, the conversion of forested areas into rangeland has been documented in specific regions of the world. There is a widespread lack of global understanding regarding the lasting consequences of land degradation on soil health indicators. The present study aims to investigate the impact of forest degradation on soil health indicators in a mountainous semi-arid region located in northern Iran. The study area was predominantly forested, but due to human activities over the past 30 years, it has been transformed into three distinct land uses: forest, forest-rangeland ecotones and rangeland. In each of these land covers, a total of 20 litter (O-horizon) and 20 soil (from two depths of 0–15 and 15–30 cm) samples were collected in the summer (August 2022) season. According to our results, the highest litter thickness, P and Mg were in forest ecosystem, the lowest in rangeland ecosystem. The findings indicated that following the conversion of forest to rangeland, there was a decrease in soil aggregate stability, porosity, soil organic matter, POC, PON, NH4+, NO3− and nutrient levels, while soil bulk density increased. The forest ecosystem showed notably higher C and N stocks (45 and 5.21 Mg ha−1) in comparison to the rangeland (38 and 3.32 Mg ha−1) ecosystem. In addition, P, K, Ca, and Mg exhibited elevated levels within the total root of the forest ecosystem (2.12, 1.23, 0.71, and 0.38 %, respectively), whereas the lower values (1.29, 1.01, 0.43, and 0.23 %, respectively) were found in the rangeland ecosystem. Following the shift of land cover from forest to rangeland, soil fauna, microflora populations, soil enzymes and microbial activities decreased (about 1–2 times higher in the forestland). This research emphasizes the urgent need to advance sustainable management practices to prevent further degradation and promote the implementation of restoration or rehabilitation techniques in degraded forests. Despite being conducted in a semi-arid region situated in northern Iran, the findings of this study have considerable value for the sustainable management of soil and land conservation in various other semi-arid regions around the world.

Reliable and specific detection and identification of Brenneria goodwinii, the causal agent of oak and oriental beech decline

Chestnut-leaved oak (Quercus castaneifolia) and oriental beech (Fagus orientalis) are among the major tree species in the Hyrcanian forests. Brenneria goodwinii was identified as the causal agent of necrotic lesions and stem bleeding on affected oak trees in different countries. Oak and oriental beech trees with bleeding symptoms were observed in a few forest sites in northern Iran. The objectives of the present study were to identify and characterize the causal agents of bark canker in oak and oriental beech trees and develop a primer set for specific detection, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), of Brenneria goodwinii strains. A total of 31 and 20 samples from oak and oriental beech trees, respectively, with stem bleeding and bark canker symptoms were collected from Golestan and Mazandaran forests in northern Iran in 2020–2021. Bacterial strains displaying a green metallic sheen on EMB-agar medium were isolated from symptomatic oak (105 strains) and oriental beech samples (32 strains), while 31 and 20 strains were also isolated from healthy oak and oriental beech, respectively. Pathogenicity tests indicated that 51 and 25 strains isolated from oak and oriental beech, respectively were able to induce a necrotic area on oak acorns 15 days following inoculation. Moreover, four and two representative strains inoculated on oak and oriental beech twigs, respectively induced necrosis on all inoculated green twigs 1 month after inoculation. The sequences of the 16S rRNA and gyrB genes of representative strains isolated from and proved pathogenic on oak and oriental beech trees were 100% and over 99% similar to B. goodwinii LMG 26270T, respectively, which revealed the strains belong to B. goodwinii species. The primer pair BgF3/R2, which was designed to target the hrpN gene, was proven to be specific in the detection of B. goodwinii strains. The primer pair amplified a 618-bp DNA fragment from strains of B. goodwinii only and not from strains belonging to Rahnella, Gibbsiella, Lonsdalea, and the other Brenneria species among several other pathogenic bacteria tested. No fragment was amplified from DNA extracted from healthy trees or seedlings in PCR using this primer pair.

Determining the potential targets of silybin by molecular docking and its antibacterial functions on efflux pumps and porins in uropathogenic E. coli.

One of the causes of antibiotic resistance is the reduced accumulation of antibiotics in bacterial cells through pumping out the drugs. Silybin, a key component of the Silybum marianum plant, exhibits various beneficial properties, including anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective effects. Clinical isolates of E. coli were procured from 17 Shahrivar Children's Hospital in Rasht, Guilan, located in northern Iran. Their susceptibility to six antibiotics was assessed using disc diffusion and broth dilution (MIC) methods. The antibacterial effects of silybin-loaded polymersome nanoparticles (SPNs) were investigated with broth dilution (MIC) and biofilm assays. Molecular docking was utilized to evaluate silybin's (the antibacterial component) binding affinity to efflux pumps, porins, and their regulatory elements. Additionally, qRT-PCR analysis explored the expression patterns of acrA, acrB, tolC, ompC, and ompF genes in both SPNs (sub-MIC) and ciprofloxacin (sub-MIC)-treated and untreated E. coli isolates. The combined use of SPNs and ciprofloxacin exhibited a notable reduction in bacterial growth and biofilm formation, in ciprofloxacin-resistant isolates. The study identified eight overlapping binding sites of the AcrABZ-TolC efflux pump in association with silybin, demonstrating a binding affinity ranging from -7.688 to -10.33 Kcal/mol. Furthermore, the qRT-PCR analysis showed that silybin upregulated AcrAB-TolC efflux pump genes and downregulated ompC and ompF porin genes in combination with ciprofloxacin in transcriptional level in uropathogenic E. coli. Silybin, a safe herbal compound, exhibits potential in inhibiting antibiotic resistance within bacterial isolates, potentially through the regulation of gene expression and plausible binding to target proteins.

Assessment of the phenotypic and genotypic diversity of endophytic strains of Bacillus and closely related genera from Carpinus betulus in the Hyrcanian forests of Iran.

Identification and characterization of the endophytic microorganism, is gaining their underestimated significance in influencing health, performance, and other biological attributions of plants in general and forest tree species in particular. Because of the scarcity of information on the endophytic microbiome of the Hyrcanian forests species, including hornbeam (Carpinus betulus L.) trees, as a major constituent thereof, the present study aimed at the identification and partial characterization of the endophytic Bacillus species of Carpinus betulus as the first step in this context. Shoot samples were collected from the Hyrcanian forest locations of Mazandaran and Golestan provinces in Iran. Bacterial strains were isolated from the surface-disinfected shoot segments and subjected to phenotypic characterization. Following assessment of the genetic diversity of the isolates by BOX-PCR fingerprinting, the representative isolates of each of the 15 groups were used for further characterization. Analysis of the nucleotide sequences of the 16S rDNA and HSP60 gene of the isolates led to the identification of 10 species. The predominant species was B. cereus followed by B. subtilis. The other species encountered were B. thuringiensis, Priestia filamentosa, B. velezensis, B. mojavensis, B. amyloliquefaciens, B. safensis, P. aryabhattai, and Gottfriedia acidiceleris. Most isolates possessed characteristics which could contribute to the biocontrol potential of the isolates, including formation of biofilm, production of hydrogen cyanide, tolerant to relatively high concentration of sodium chloride, and antibacterial activity. Ten Bacillus species were identified as the prevailing endophytic species of C. betulus in the Hyrcanian forest of northern Iran, most turned up to possess biological activities involved in biocontrol capability of the isolates against some plant pathogens. These potentially capable bacteria could be implemented in the promotion of plant growth as well as in the biological control of pathogens. This is the first report on the characterization and elucidation of the diversity of the potentially beneficial endophytic species of Bacillus and the closely related genera living in the internal tissues of hornbeam trees.

Stratigraphy and taphonomy of tubular macrofossils in Terreneuvian rocks of the Soltanieh Formation, Soltanieh Mountains, Northern Iran

Unmineralized tubular remains with variable morphology and preservability are common in Ediacaran and Cambrian rocks, providing important records of early animal evolution. Here we report a new occurrence of such fossils in the Soltanieh Mountains of northwestern Iran. A large, densely packed tube population is present in the lowermost part of low-energy, outer shelf mudrocks of the Fortunian Upper Shale Member (USM) of the Soltanieh Formation in the Jashn Sara section. Morphologically, these tubes are unbranched and straight to sinuously curved, with uniform diameters of 0.8–1.1 mm and lengths up to 34 mm. The fossils are preserved as orangish to cream-colored structures with low positive relief. X-ray diffraction and SEM-EDS reveal that Soltanieh tubes were largely infilled by variable mixes of pyrite framboids (and their oxidation products), silica, and clay minerals. In contrast, the sediment matrix is dominated by K-Al-silicate with lesser amounts of an Al-oxide/(oxy)hydroxide phase. The abundance of pyrite in the tubes indicates a prominent role for sulfate-reducing bacteria in the post-mortem decay of organic materials within the tubes, and abundant chert along the tube's inner margins further indicates the propensity of silica to precipitate on relatively recalcitrant organic structures. While the newly discovered population shares features in common with Sabellidites cambriensis, known from Terreneuvian strata in northern Europe and Avalonia, the Iranian fossils do not preserve the transverse annulations characteristic of Sabellidites walls. With this in mind, we leave our new population in open nomenclature. Nonetheless, the occurrence of abundant organic-walled tubes in the USM of the Soltanieh Formation adds to both the diversity of animal fossils found regionally in Terreneuvian rocks and the broader paleogeographic distribution of tubular metazoans in early Cambrian oceans.

Land leveling and cover cropping impacts on chemical and biological properties of paddy soil

Aim of study: To examine the impact of solitary land leveling and its combination with cover cropping on the chemical and biological characteristics of paddy soil. Area of study: This research focused on paddy fields located in Guilan Province, situated in northern Iran. Specifically, two sites were chosen for investigation, where land leveling had been conducted 5 years and 2 years prior to this study, respectively. Furthermore, cover cropping was implemented during the second year after the latter area's land leveling. Material and methods: A total of 80 composite soil samples were collected, with 20 samples gathered from both leveled and unleveled plots at the designated study sites. Various soil chemical and biological properties such as organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable potassium, microbial respiration, and biomass carbon were quantified. Subsequently, a paired t-test was employed to analyze the impact of land leveling and the combined effects of land leveling with cover cropping on soil attributes. Main results: The study revealed that five years after land leveling, there was a significant decrease in organic carbon, total nitrogen, microbial respiration, and biomass carbon. In contrast, the area leveled and cover cropped for two years exhibited higher levels of these attributes compared to adjacent unleveled parcels. Research highlights: This study highlights the distinct effects that solitary land leveling and land leveling combined with sustainable practices like cover cropping have on soil attributes.

Evaluation of meteorological drought effects on underground water level fluctuations using data mining methods (case study: semi-deep wells of Golestan province).

In most arid and semi-arid environments, groundwater is one of the precious resources threatened by water table decline and desiccation, thus it must be constantly monitored. Identifying the causes influencing the variations of the subsurface water level, such as meteorological drought, is one approach for monitoring these fluctuations. In the present study, the effect of two meteorological drought indices SPI and SPEI on the fluctuations of the underground water level was evaluated, as was their relationship with the drought index of the subsurface water level (SWI) using multivariate linear regression and M5 decision tree regression. After calculating climatic and hydrological drought indices in a 6-month time window for a long-term statistical period (1989-2018), the semi-deep aquifers of Golestan province, which is located in northern Iran, were considered as a research location for this purpose. The results demonstrated that the effect of meteorological drought does not immediately manifest in the changes of the subsurface water table and the hydrological drought index. By adding the meteorological drought index with a 6-month lag step, the average air temperature, and the total rainfall from the previous 6months as new variables, the correlation with the SWI index increases, so that in the best-case scenario, the M5 decision tree model provides the best result in predicting the SWI index. The second half of the year yielded a coefficient of determination of 0.92 and an error value of RMSE = 0.27 for the SPEI index. Among the meteorological drought indices, the SPEI index, which is based on precipitation and evapotranspiration, created a stronger link with the SWI index, which highlights the significance of potential evapotranspiration. It is a warning that, as a result of global warming, subsurface water tables in this region may fall in the future.

Using satellite-derived land surface temperatures to clarify the spatiotemporal warming trends of the Alborz Mountains in northern Iran

The Alborz Mountains are some of the highest in Iran, and they play an important role in controlling the climate of the country’s northern regions. The land surface temperature (LST) is an important variable that affects the ecosystem of this area. This study investigated the spatiotemporal changes and trends of the nighttime LST in the western region of the Central Alborz Mountains at elevations of 1500–4000 m above sea level. MODIS data were extracted for the period of 2000–2021, and the Mann–Kendall nonparametric test was applied to evaluating the changes in the LST. The results indicated a significant increasing trend for the monthly average LST in May–August along the southern aspect. Both the northern and southern aspects showed decreasing trends for the monthly average LST in October, November, and March and an increasing trend in other months. At all elevations, the average decadal change in the monthly average LST was more severe along the southern aspect (0.60°C) than along the northern aspect (0.37°C). The LST difference between the northern and southern aspects decreased in the cold months but increased in the hot months. At the same elevation, the difference in the lapse rate between the northern and southern aspects was greater in the hot months than in the cold months. With increasing elevation, the lapse rate between the northern and southern aspects disappeared. Climate change was concluded to greatly decrease the difference in LST at different elevations for April–July.

Assessment of UV radiation effects on airborne mucormycetes and bacterial populations in a hospital environment

Infections, such as mucormycosis, often result from inhaling sporangiospore present in the environment. Surprisingly, the extent of airborne Mucormycetes sporangiospore concentrations remains inadequately explored. This study aimed to assess the influence of UV radiation on microbial populations and Mucormycetes spore levels within a hospital environment in northern Iran. A comprehensive dataset comprising 298 air samples collected from both indoor and outdoor settings was compiled. The culture was conducted using Blood Agar and Dichloran Rose Bengal Chloramphenicol (DRBC) culture media, with Chloramphenicol included for fungal agents and Blood Agar for bacterial. Before UV treatment, the average count of Mucormycetes ranged from 0 to 26.4 ± 25.28 CFU m−3, fungal agents from 2.24 ± 3.22 to 117.24 ± 27.6 CFU m−3, and bacterial agents from 29.03 ± 9.9 to 359.37 ± 68.50 CFU m−3. Following UV irradiation, the averages were as follows: Mucormycetes ranged from 0 to 7.85 ± 6.8 CFU m−3, fungal agents from 16.58 ± 4.79 to 154.98 ± 28.35 CFU m−3, and bacterial agents from 0.38 ± 0.65 to 43.92 ± 6.50 CFU m−3. This study, notably marks the pioneering use of UV light to mitigate Mucormycetes spore counts and bacterial agents in northeastern Iran, contributing to the advancement of environmental health and safety practices in hospital settings.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Associated with Blastocystis hominis or Without Relationship to It? A Case-Control Study and Minireview.

Blastocystis hominis (B. hominis) is a protozoan parasite that has a worldwide distribution. Some studies have suggested a link between B. hominis and the development of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of B. hominis in patients with IBS compared to healthy individuals. A total of 65 stool samples from patients with IBS and 65 samples from healthy individuals in northern Iran were examined. The samples were tested using various methods including direct smear, formalin ether sedimentation and culture to detect the presence of B. hominis. Additionally, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed on all culture-positive isolates to confirm the results and identify the genotype. B. hominis was detected in 15.38% of IBS patients and 9.2% of the healthy group. The culture in RPMI1640 was found to be better than the formalin ether and direct smear methods. Positive samples were confirmed using the molecular method. No significant difference was observed in the order of B. hominis infection between the two groups. The results of our study indicate that no significant difference was observed in the order of B. hominis infection between IBS patients and healthy groups. Therefore, further study is necessary to determine the potential pathogenic effects of this parasite and its role in causing IBS.

Pesticide residues in drinking water treatment plants and human health risk assessment: a case study from Northern Iran.

These days, the presence of pesticide residues in drinking water sources is a serious concern. In drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs), various methods have been proposed to remove pesticide residues. This study was designed with the objectives of monitoring the occurrence and seasonal variations of pesticides in the output of drinking water treatment plants in two Northern provinces of Iran, Gilan and Golestan, and identifying their human health risks. Seventeen pesticide residues from different chemical structures were determined by using a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC-MS). The results showed that only Alachlor, Diazinon, Fenitrothion, Malathion, and Chlorpyrifos were detected. The pesticide concentrations ranged from ND to 405.3ng/L and were higher in the first half-year period. The total non-carcinogenic human health risks was in safe range for infants, children, and adults (HI < 1). The carcinogenic human health risks of Alachlor for infants, children, and adults were in the range of 4.3 × 10-7 to 1.3 × 10-6, 2.0 × 10-7 to 9.6 × 10-7, and 1.1 × 10-7 to 5.5 × 10-7, respectively. These values do not pose health risks for adults and children, but may present a possible cancer risk for infants in two DWTPs of Golestan. In conclusion, considering the possibility of exposure to these pesticides through other routes, simultaneously, it is suggested to carry out a study that examines the level of risk by considering all exposure routes. We also propose stricter regulations for the sale and use of pesticides in Iran.

Evaluation of Spatio -Temporal Changes in Leaf Area Index and Land Surface Temperature in the Bioclimatic Regions of Northern Iran

Evaluation of Spatio -Temporal Changes in Leaf Area Index and Land Surface Temperature in the Bioclimatic Regions of Northern Iran

Middle Miocene (Chokrakian, Karaganian) depositional environments of the Eastern Paratethys Sea in the southern Caspian Basin (Mazandaran Province, northern Iran)

Middle Miocene (Chokrakian, Karaganian) depositional environments of the Eastern Paratethys Sea in the southern Caspian Basin (Mazandaran Province, northern Iran)

Dynamic optimization of blood collection strategies from different potential donors using rolling horizon planning approach under uncertainty

Dynamic blood collection planning is crucial for adjusting strategies in response to varied donors' behavior within the dynamic urban environment, which can be utilized to mitigate wastage and scarcity due to the uncertain supply chain parameters. In this study, we address the challenge of adapting collection planning to dynamic fluctuations in potential blood donors’ behavior by introducing an innovative updatable approach based on the rolling horizon planning approach, which considers uncertain conditions in daily urban life. Taking into account one-day planning and diverse urban areas contexts, we propose an approach that operationally updates relocation and collection strategies throughout the daily fluctuation in urban conditions. We present a robust optimization approach to mitigate uncertainty across various parameters such as donors' behavior, demand, transportation time, and operational cost. Given the impact of dynamic and diverse conditions, we implement our updatable approach within the Tehran blood supply chain, which possesses the largest blood network in northern Iran, providing support to 108 hospitals and numerous laboratories. Deriving insights from our results, we prove a noteworthy 9.65% enhancement in blood collection across the entire network resulting from the implementation of the rolling horizon planning approach. Moreover, adjusting the dynamic conditions, in contrast to non-dynamic conditions, has led to an additional 24.14% increase in blood collection through temporary collection facilities as a main focus in this investigation.

Effect of deforestation on soil organic carbon fate and pool, a case study in Mazandaran, Iran

Deforestation and agricultural operations greatly impact soil organic carbon (SOC) and its fractions. In order to decrease carbon dioxide emissions, prevent threats to ecosystem stability, and apply efficient land use planning for sustainable soil management, it is essential to have a deep understanding of variations in soil organic carbon pools and their fractions. Soil samples were collected from six land uses of the undisturbed forest, pasture, orchard, and agricultural lands (cultivated with Oat, Maize, and three-carbon plants including wheat and soybean, which are indicated by the plant names of Oat, Maize + C3, and Maize + C3 (R) (R = rotationally)) with three replications at 0–30, 30–60, and 60–100 cm depths. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of land use on SOC, active carbon (AC), passive carbon (PC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC) content and pools, its fractions, carbon management index (CMI), soil respiration (SR), soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC), invertase (INV), and cellulase (CEL) enzymes activities in Dasht-e Naz region of northern Iran. Results illustrated that the different forms of organic carbon and enzyme activities were sensitive to land use change. The highest values of SOC (167.197, 39.179, 33.211 Mg ha−1), AC (24.596, 1.955, 1.637 Mg ha−1), and PC (142.6, 37.224, 31.575 Mg ha−1) pools were observed in the pasture land at all three depths. the highest value of DOC was seen in the pasture land at 0–30 and 60–100 depths and in the orchard at 30–60 cm depth. The values of SR (1.001 mg CO2 g dry soil−1 week−1), MBC (1367.7 µg organic carbon g soil−1), and CEL enzyme activity (648.04 µg glucose g dry soil−1 24 h−1) in the undisturbed forest were significantly greater relative to other land uses in 0–30 cm depth, along with significantly higher INV enzyme activity in the pasture and the orchard lands. The largest amount of SOC in 2–4.75 and 0.053–0.25 mm aggregates in all depths was related to the pasture and Maize + C3 land use, respectively. The concept of physical protection confirms the importance of aggregation in the stabilization processes of soil organic carbon, as a physical shield against microorganism attacks. The results of CMI demonstrated that the carbon storage capacity decreased due to the agricultural and orchard lands establishment in the region. Also, the change of land use towards pasture land increased the amount of organic carbon, preventing soil degradation.