Northern Part Of Iran Research Articles

Population genetic structure and phylogenetic analysis of Anopheles hyrcanus (Diptera: Culicidae) inferred from DNA sequences of nuclear ITS2 and the mitochondrial COI gene in the northern part of Iran

BackgroundThe Anopheles hyrcanus group is distributed throughout the Oriental and Palaearctic regions and can transmit diseases such as malaria, Japanese encephalitis virus, and filariasis. This investigation marks the inaugural comprehensive study to undertake a phylogenetic analysis of the constituents of this malaria vector group in the northeastern region of Iran, juxtaposed with documented occurrences from different areas within Iran and worldwide.MethodsMosquitoes were collected using various methods from nine different locations in Golestan province from April to December 2023. The collected mosquitoes were identified morphologically using valid taxonomic keys. DNA was isolated using the Sambio™ Kit. COI and ITS2 primers were designed using Oligo7 and GeneRunner. PCR and purification were performed with the Qiagen kit. Subsequently, sequencing was carried out at the Mehr Mam GENE Center using an Applied Biosystems 3730XL sequencer. The nucleotide sequences were then analyzed and aligned with GenBank data using BioEdit. Kimura 2-parameter was Utilized for base substitutions. DNA models were selected based on AIC and BIC criteria. Bayesian and Maximum Likelihood trees were constructed, along with a haplotype network. Molecular diversity statistics computed using DnaSP software.ResultsIn this study, a total of 819 adult mosquitoes were collected. An. hyrcanus was the second most abundant species, predominantly found in Kalaleh and Turkman counties. The sequenced and edited COI and ITS2 sequences were deposited in GenBank under specific accession numbers. Phylogenetic analyses using ML, BI, and NJ methods confirmed a monophyletic lineage for An. hyrcanus with strong support. Molecular analysis of Iranian An. hyrcanus found 11 diverse haplotypes, with the COI gene displaying low diversity. The ITS2 gene revealed two clades - one associating with Iran, Europe, and Asia; the other originating from southwestern Iran. The haplotype network showed two main groups - one from southwest Iran and the other from north Iran. Iran exhibited six distinct haplotypes, while Turkey showcased the highest diversity.ConclusionsAn. hyrcanus in southwestern Iran exhibits a distinct haplogroup, suggesting possible subspecies differentiation. Additional studies are required to validate this phenomenon.

Sea Barley (Hordeum Marinum) Seed Germination Ecology and Seedling Emergence

Sea barley is weedy grass in agricultural landscapes and infrastructure habitats (roads, railroads, etc.) in Golestan province (the northern part of Iran). This study investigated the germination of sea barley in response to temperature, water potentials, salinity, pH levels, waterlogging, heat stress and also seedling emergence in response to burial depth. Results showed that sea barley seeds germinated over a wide range of temperatures from 5 to 35 °C, with the highest germination at 25 °C. Seed germination was rapidly reduced with increasing osmotic potential so that germination declined by 36% at –0.2 MPa. This was also the case for the salinity stress, and germination declined by 30% at 40 mM NaCl. Seed germination was the highest (> 65%) in 6 to 7 pHs and no germination was observed at alkali levels. Heat stress completely inhibited the germination of seeds at all tested temperatures and durations. Sea barley seed germination was higher than 50% after being waterlogged for 45 days, and some germination (12%) still occurred 60 days after waterlogging. The highest seedling growth occurred at 1–2 cm soil depth and was negligible at ≥5 cm soil depths. The results of this study indicate that deep tillage or flamethrower may be good options to mitigate the negative impacts of this weed.

An assessment of flash flood susceptibility in Golestan province, Iran, using multiple computational approaches

Purpose Golestan province in the northern part of Iran has been affected by devastating floods. There has been a significant change in the pattern of rainfall in Golestan province based on an analysis of the seven heaviest rainfall events in recent decades. Climate change appears to be a significant contributing factor to destructive floods. Thus, this paper aims to assess the susceptibility of this area to flash floods in case of heavy downpours. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses a variety of computational approaches. Following the collection of data, spatial analyses have been conducted and validated. The layers of information are then weighted, and a final risk map is created. Fuzzy analytical hierarchy process, geographic information system and frequency ratio have been used for data analysis. In the final step, a flood risk map is prepared and discussed. Findings Due to the complex interaction between thermal fluctuations and precipitation, the situation in the area is further complicated by climate change and the variations in its patterns and intensities. According to the study results, coastal areas of the Caspian Sea, the Gorganrood Basin and the southern regions of the province are predicted to experience flash floods in the future. The research criteria are generalizable and can be used for decision-making in areas exposed to flash flood risk. Originality/value The unique feature of this paper is that it evaluates flash flood risks and predicts flood-prone areas in the northern part of Iran. Furthermore, some interventions (e.g. remapping land use and urban zoning) are provided based on the socioeconomic characteristics of the region to reduce flood risk. Based on the generated risk map, a practical suggestion would be to install and operate an integrated rapid flood warning system in high-risk zones.

Prevalence of alcohol consumption among clients of opioid agonist treatment (OAT) centers in Golestan province, Iran.

Opioid agonist treatments (OATs) with methadone and buprenorphine are known to be effective treatments for people with opioid use disorder (OUD). However, concomitant use of other substances such as alcohol can negatively affect OAT outcomes. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of alcohol use among clients of OAT centers in the Golestan province in the northern part of Iran. This is a secondary analysis of a sample of 706 clients who were receiving OATs from certified OAT centers in Golestan province in 2015. They had been on OATs for at least 1 month and were randomly selected for the study. Data were collected via interviews with selected OAT clients. The main indicators studied in the present study were lifetime history of alcohol consumption, alcohol consumption during last month, lifetime history of excessive alcohol use on one occasion, and years of regular alcohol consumption. The prevalence of lifetime history of alcohol consumption was estimated at 39.2%. Prevalence of alcohol consumption during last month and lifetime history of excessive alcohol use on one occasion was 6.9 and 18.8%, respectively. Despite a total ban on alcohol consumption in Iran, a sub-sample of participants admitted past-month alcohol use concurrent with their OATs. The estimated past-month prevalence of alcohol use was lower than the reported prevalence in countries where the production, distribution, and consumption of alcohol are legal.

The effect of wood species on chainsaw vibrations during bucking operations

ABSTRACT This paper investigates the role of wood species on the levels and characteristics of vibrations transmitted to a chainsaw operator. Three different wood species were chosen from the forests located in the Northern part of Iran, and a “no-cutting” regime was also used as a control treatment to test the sole influence of cutting on the induced vibrations. After collecting the vibration data, the frequency-unweighted and frequency-weighted accelerations of different tests were calculated and compared to find the influential factors in determining the vibration characteristics. The effect of wood species on the vibration acceleration was found to be significant, while no significant influence of this factor on the vibration total value was detected. Instead, the cutting process amplified the vibration total value due to an increase in the vibration acceleration at lower frequencies. The results of this study showed the influence of the cutting process on the levels and characteristics of the vibrations induced by a chainsaw.

Investigation of Some Possible Risk Factors for Esophageal Cancer in North Khorasan Province

Introduction: Northern part of Iran is located on the esophagus cancer belt worldwide, and North Khorasan province is considered a part of this region. This study was conducted to investigate some possible risk factors for esophageal cancer in North Khorasan province. Method: This cross-sectional study was based on esophageal endoscopy findings and histopathology reports. A total of 100 patients underwent endoscopy of whom 38 cases (19 male and 19 female) were diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Data consisted of age, gender, occupation, residential location, smoking, addiction history, education, food habits, hot tea consumption, lesion area, type of tissue, and alcohol consumption. The content and face validity of the questionnaire were investigated, followed by the evaluation of the reliability using Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software (version 26). Results: The mean content validity index was 0.91, and Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient was obtained at 0.84. In this study, the highest incidence rates of esophageal cancer were in Bojnourd, Raz and Jargalan, Esfarayen, Maneh and Samolghan, Jajarm, and Shirvan in descending order. The mean age of patients with esophageal cancer was 66.36 years. The most common histological types of this cancer were related to squamous cell carcinoma (68.42%) and adenocarcinoma (28.94%), respectively. The distribution of esophageal carcinoma by anatomical location was 10.52% for the upper third, 26.31% for the middle third, and 63.15% for the distal third. Conclusion: It is necessary to monitor esophageal cancer continuously in North Khorasan province. This study suggests investigating how the recent pandemic of COVID-19 affects the epidemiology of esophageal cancer in the future

Expression Assessment of the Helicobacter pyloribabA and sabA Genes in Patients with Peptic Ulcer, Duodenal Ulcer and Gastric Cancer.

Helicobacter pylori as a common gastrointestinal (GI) pathogen must possess certain virulence characteristics to colonize the stomach, evade host immune responses, and subsequently induce GI diseases. This research aimed to investigate the expression level of two important genes, the sialic acid-binding adherence (SabA) and the blood group antigen-binding adhesion (BabA) in H. pylori strains isolated from adult patients living in the northern part of Iran, and their association with peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and gastric cancer (GC). This cross-sectional study was carried out on adult patients referring to the GI clinic of the hospitals affiliated to Babol University of Medical Sciences, Iran. New cases diagnosed with gastritis, peptic ulcer or gastric cancer were included. Endoscopic-guided gastric biopsies were examined and H. pylori positive colonies were analyzed to determine the expression of babA and sabA genes, utilizing specific primers and the SYBR Green dye. Among 175 patients with mean age of 51.6±15.6 years, 101 (57.7%) of the individuals tested positive for H. pylori infection. Statistical analysis revealed a significant correlation between sabA (P=0.003) and babA (P=0.002) gene expression and development of PUD and GC. Smoking (P=0.052), gender (P=0.004) and positive babA gene expression (P=0.009) had the greatest association with occurrence of PUD or GC in H. pylori positive patients. In summary, the presence of the sabA gene in people infected with H. pylori increased the risk of GC compared to gastritis, while, the presence of the babA gene was significantly increased in gastric ulcer patients. Considering the diversity of H. pylori isolates and the varying results observed in different geographical regions, further comprehensive studies are required to evaluate the function of these genes in H. pylori pathogenesis and their relationship with clinical outcomes.

Adaptation Practices of Persian Migrants in the North Caucasus (the Second Half of the XIX - the Beginning of the Twentieth Century)

The study of the processes of adaptation of labor migrants in the modern world is actualized by the impact of active cross-border movements on the economy, culture, politics and interstate interaction. The study of the historical experience of the legal and economic aspects of the adaptation of Iranian migrants in the North Caucasus in the second half of the X1X - early XX century undertaken in this article significantly complements and corrects the known, but rather contradictory information about Iranian immigrants, and also makes a certain contribution to the theory of the life structure of the diaspora. The analysis of Russian laws regulating the life of foreigners in Russia and the peculiarities of their application in the North Caucasus, identified from archival sources, made it possible to study the adaptation practices of Persian migrants. Among Persian migrants, the vast majority crossed the border illegally, as the adjacent territory between the northern part of Iran and the southern borders of Russia, in particular, the Azerbaijani lands, for a long time remained accessible to residents of both countries. In this regard, the first adaptive practices of migrants were associated with shelter from Russian legislation. However, over time, the rules were tightened, and their non-implementation undermined the life of the migrant. The official registration of a residence permit, a “Russian ticket”, Russian citizenship, a voluntary change of the family name to the Russian manner, with the addition of the suffix “ov”, the election of intermediaries to interact with local authorities and other individual practices identified from archival sources, strengthened the social prestige of the migrant, necessary for the successful organization of entrepreneurial activity. The organization of ethnic entrepreneurship, the creation of jobs for compatriots, were the basis and guarantor of the success of the life of the Persian community. The status of a migrant was also enhanced by a noticeable participation in charitable activities aimed both at solving common problems and at helping the Persian community: the foundation of mosques, Persian schools and charitable societies, which together ensured both the preservation of identity and integration into the host society.

Toxoplasmosis and symptoms severity in patients with COVID-19 in referral centers in Northern Iran.

Toxoplasmosis has been categorized as one of the long-lasting protozoan parasitic infections. It affects almost one-third of the world's population. In recent years, several documented studies have elucidated that infected individuals have a remarkably higher incidence of distinct health problems and show various adverse effects. In the PCR-positive COVID-19 patients in Gonbad-e-Kavus, Kalaleh, and Minoodasht counties in the northern part of Iran from June 2021 to December 2021, we sought to investigate any potential relationships between the severity of COVID-19 symptoms and acute and latent toxoplasmosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). Whole blood samples of 161 COVID-19 patients with positive PCR. The samples were centrifuged to separate serum and screened for two important antibodies against T. gondii (IgM and IgG) by using ELISA kits for human anti-T. gondii IgM and IgG. Anti-T. gondii IgM and IgG antibodies were detected in 8/161 (5.0%) and 42/161 (26.1%) COVID-19 patients, respectively. No significant relationships were found between Toxoplasma IgM and IgG results with clinical signs, age, sex, contact with animals, comorbidities, and also the mortality rate of people with COVID-19. These findings showed that acute and latent toxoplasmosis infections are common among patients with COVID-19; however, no significant associations were found between toxoplasma infections and the symptoms of COVID-19. Therefore, toxoplasmosis is not considered a risk factor for COVID-19.

Serum Selenium, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E Levels of Healthy Individuals in High- and Low-Risk Areas of Esophageal Cancer.

Background: Esophageal cancer is one of the main causes of cancer mortality in the world. Golestan province, in the northern part of Iran, has the highest esophageal cancer rate in the world. The north and south districts of Golestan province can be classified as low and high-risk areas for esophageal cancer. One of the potential risk factors for esophageal cancer in this population is a nutrient-deficient diet. Dietary antioxidant compounds such as selenium, vitamin E, vitamin A, and β-carotene are reactive oxygen species (ROC) scavengers that play a key role in cellular responses to oxidative stress and preventing DNA damage. This study aims to compare the serum levels of selenium, vitamin E, and vitamin A in healthy individuals in high and low-risk areas of esophageal cancer. Methods: This study is a population of 242 healthy individuals. Serum selenium levels were assessed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Vitamin E and A were assessed by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Results: Vitamin E levels of healthy individuals in high-risk areas were significantly lower than in low-risk areas, while there was no significant difference between the selenium and vitamin A levels of healthy individuals in high-risk areas and low-risk areas. Also, there was no significant difference between selenium, vitamin E, and vitamin A levels in urban and rural areas and men and women in Golestan province. Conclusion: High levels of selenium with lower levels of vitamin E, along with other risk factors, may be associated with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in high-risk areas of Golestan province.

Seroepidemiological Study of Visceral Leishmaniasis (Kala-Azar) in Children under 12 Years Old in North of Iran: An Observational Study in 2019-2020.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) caused by the Leishmania donovani complex that is transmitted by the bites of female sandflies. Mediterranean type of VL caused by L. infantum. While, Roudbar County of Guilan Province has been introduced as a suspected cutaneous leishmaniasis focus; there are no published data on the seroprevalence of VL in Guilan Province. We aimed to investigate the sero-prevalence of this disease in Roudbar County. This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in 2019-2020 among children less than 12 years of age to determine the seroprevalence of VL by direct agglutination test (DAT). Blood samples were randomly collected from 918 children under 12 years of age refers to the public health center in the clusters. Out of 918 children, 14 (1.52%) showed anti-Leishmania antibodies, with 4 (0.43%), 2 (0.21%), 8 (0.87%) anti-L. infantum antibodies at titers 1:800, 1:1600 and ≥1: 3200 respectively. All children with anti-Leishmania antibody titers of ≥1:800 were evaluated by a physician. Clinical manifestation of VL including fever, anemia and hepatosplenomegaly observed in a 6-year-old boy from Defraz village with anti-Leishmania antibody of titers ≥102400.This patient was admitted to the pediatric hospital in Rasht, capital of Guilan province, Iran and was successfully treated. VL is being circulated with low prevalence in children up to 12 years old in Roudbar, northern part of Iran. Accordingly, it is critical to improve the awareness of physicians and public health supervisors about the importance of this fatal disease in Guilan province and especially in Roudbar area.

Comparison of Lipid Profile Components in Different Degrees of Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Northern Part of Iran

Background: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of blindness in the elderly. Objectives: Due to the increasing rate of aging and the possible role of impaired lipid metabolism as a critical pathogenic factor in AMD, this study investigated the association between serum lipid profile and AMD in the elderly of the north of Iran. Methods: This nested case-control study (as a part of the comparative cohort of “The Amirkola Health and Ageing Project”) was performed on 77 patients with AMD and 231 healthy individuals over 60 years of age. During the ophthalmic examination, tropicamide 1% eye drops were used to dilate the pupil. Fluorescein angiography was used to diagnose AMD. Serum lipid profile components, such as triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), were measured in blood samples through standard laboratory methods. All statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 24). Results: The triglycerides mean values in AMD patients and controls were 123.32 ± 56.27 and 138.32 ± 69.58 mg/dL, respectively (P = 0.075). The cholesterol mean values were 184.75 ± 43.87 and 189.59 ± 43.52 mg/dL in AMD patients and controls, respectively (P = 0.402). The LDL mean values in AMD patients and controls were 101.42 ± 32.08 and 103.45 ± 30.83 mg/dL, respectively (P = 0.621). The HDL mean values were 48.94 ± 11.93 and 50.37 ± 12.18 mg/dL in the AMD patients and controls, respectively (P = 0.365). Additionally, there was no significant difference between the different degrees of AMD in terms of mean triglycerides, cholesterol, LDL, and HDL. Conclusions: In the present study, no significant association was observed between the levels of serum lipid profile components and AMD. In addition, no significant difference was observed between different degrees of AMD in terms of serum lipid profile components.

Spatiotemporal Analysis of NO2 Production Using TROPOMI Time-Series Images and Google Earth Engine in a Middle Eastern Country

Like many developing countries, Iran faces air pollution, especially in its metropolises and industrial cities. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is one of the significant air pollutants; therefore, this study aims to investigate the spatiotemporal variability of NO2 using Tropospheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) sensor mounted on the Sentinel-5P (S5P) satellite and the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform over Iran. In addition, we used ground truth data to assess the correlation between data acquired by this sensor and ground stations. The results show that there is a strong correlation between products of the TROPOMI sensor and data provided by the Air Quality Monitoring Organization of Iran. The results also display that the correlation coefficient (R) of NO2 between ground truth data and the TROPOMI sensor varies in the range of 0.4 to 0.92, over three years. Over an annual period (2018 to 2021) and wide area, these data can become valuable points of reference for NO2 monitoring. In addition, this study proved that the tropospheric NO2 concentrations are generally located over the northern part of Iran. According to the time and season, the concentration of the tropospheric NO2 column shows higher values during winter than in the summertime. The results show that a higher concentration of the tropospheric NO2 column is in winter while in some southern and central parts of the country more NO2 concentration can be seen in the summertime. This study indicates that these urban areas are highly polluted, which proves the impact of pollutants such as NO2 on the people living there. In other words, small parts of Iran are classified as high and very highly polluted areas, but these areas are the primary location of air pollution in Iran. We provide a code repository that allows spatiotemporal analysis of NO2 estimation using TROPOMI time-series images within GEE. This method can be applied to other regions of interest for NO2 mapping.

Evaluating responses of Caucasian apple (Malus orientalis) from Hyrcanian forests to fire blight (Erwinia amylovora) using an in vitro assay

ABSTRACT Fire blight, caused by the necrogenic gram-negative Erwinia amylovora, is one the most destructive bacterial diseases of apple. The wild Caucasian apple (Malus orientalis) is grown throughout Turkey, Armenia, Georgia, Russia and the Hyrcanian forest in the northern part of Iran. So far, no studies on resistance to fire blight in M. orientalis from the Hyrcanian forest have been conducted. We therefore evaluated the response of four different populations of M. orientalis (two individual trees per population) eight individuals of M. orientalis from four different populations in this region for fire blight resistance, using an in vitro shoot-inoculation assay. The fire blight susceptible MM.106 and partly resistant MM.111 rootstocks were included as references. Two one-year old trees were selected from each population, which were then micropropagated and inoculated with the fire blight bacterial strain ‘Ea273ʹ. Necrosis growth along the shoots was measured every 24 h for 10 consecutive days. Selected individuals from Soordar, Asalem and Siahbil populations did not differ in the final necrosis growth from susceptible MM.106. However, the MM.111 and Afratakhteh individuals showed the lowest necrosis growth. The largest final necrosis growth was observed in the Siahbil individuals. The capacity of main scavenging enzymes and antioxidant activity were monitored in the Siahbil and the Afratakhteh individuals. The largest difference in the 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) activity was observed at 72 hours post-inoculation (hpi) between resistant Afratakhteh and susceptible Siahbil individuals. The highest activity of catalase (CAT) enzyme occurred in the Afratakhteh individuals after 168 hpi. The peroxidase (POD) activity increased in both Afratakhteh and Siahbil individuals. The two Afratakhteh individuals were more resistant to fire blight compared to Asalem, Siahbil and Soordar individuals. Our results suggested that large differences in fire blight resistance existed in natural populations of M. orientalis. Potential fire blight-resistant individuals should be of interest for future apple-breeding programs.

Genome-based identification of beet curly top Iran virus infecting sugar beet in Turkey and investigation of its pathogenicity by agroinfection

Beet curly top disease (BCTD) is a yield-limiting viral infection of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) throughout the arid and semi-arid regions of the world. Two virus species, belonging to two different genera of the family Geminiviridae (Curtovirus and Becurtovirus) had been described as the disease’s causative agents on sugar beet. Despite the detection of the BCTD in some sugar beet fields of Turkey sixty years ago, the genome based characterization of BCTD-associated viruses have not been studied previously. In this study, 628 sugar beet plants exhibiting BCTD symptoms were collected from fourteen cities in central Anatolia, the major sugar beet production areas in Turkey. PCR assays of these samples using the respective Curtovirus and Becurtovirus genus-specific primers indicated that the Turkish sugar beet samples' viral sequences belong only to the genus Becurtovirus. The results of sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the partial genome of the virus obtained from fourteen cities confirmed that BCTD-associated virus in Turkish sugar beet fields is beet curly top Iran virus (BCTIV-Becurtovirus) species. The whole genome of the collected viruses from fourteen cities were amplified by the rolling circle amplification (RCA) and the five most phylogenetically diverse viruses obtained from Afyon, Ankara, Adapazarı, Yozgat and Aksaray were sequenced. The results of whole genome sequence analysis indicated >98 % sequence identities with that of a BCTIV variants reported from Urmia province (bordering Turkey) of Iran. A virus genome from Yozgat city had a genomic sequence identity of >97 % with those of BCTIV isolated from cowpea, tomato, pepper and sugar beet in the northern part of Iran. These results suggested that the spread of BCTIV through the region could create a significant threat to the production of sugar beet as well as other agricultural crops. A tandem dimer of a BCTIV-Turkish variant isolated from Ankara city was cloned into Agrobacterium plasmid to be used for agro-infection studies. Agroinoculation of this construct on sugar beet leaves generated severe BCTD symptoms (84 %) which were also confirmed by RCA and qPCR analysis. These results constituted the first genome based characterization of BCTIV Turkish variants and the first report of BCTIV spreading out of Iran.

Contamination and ecological risk assessment of trace elements in sediments of the Anzali Wetland, Northern Iran.

In this paper, concentrations of some heavy metals in surficial sediments of the International Anzali Wetland were measured, this wetland is located in the northern part of Iran. Sediment pollution levels were examined and analyzed using reliable pollution indices including Pollution Load Index (PLI), Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo) and Enrichment Factor (CF), and finally it was revealed that heavy metal pollution ranged from low to moderate loads in the wetland. According to Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs) and Ecological Risk Index (ERI), it was concluded that As and Ni may have significant toxic impacts on aquatic organisms and also according to Effect Range Median (ERM), the toxicity probability of sediments in the Anzali wetland was estimated at 21%.

Growth Rate Prediction of Ornamental Trees using Regression Functions in Urban Landscapes

Abstract The present study aimed to predict the growth rate of the common urban trees using mathematical equations for the right plantation location in the landscape. Ginkgo biloba, Liquidambar styraciflua L., Parrotia persica, Zelkova carpinifolia, Acer negundo, and Fraxinus rotundifolia Mill. were selected from city of Rasht, Guilan province, in the northern part of Iran. The study used age as the independent variables and height, trunk height, and crown diameter as the dependent variables. The correlation among the variables were analyzed by different regressions (linear, logarithmic, exponential, power, and polynomial). The results showed that polynomial regression functions provided the best determination coefficient to predict the growth parameters with respect to age in the urban green spaces for aesthetic purposes and also, to reduce costs, tackle interference with transit, urban equipment, and finally developing ecosystems sustainably. Polynomial regression functions can be used to predict tree growth in new urban green spaces in terms of environmental factors and age. Keywords: Ecosystems sustainably, Green space, Growth rate, Urban landscape, Ornamental trees

A photovoltaic thermal system with a complete contact between water and PV modules suitable for district heating and electric power generation

We studied the dynamic performance of a photovoltaic thermal system with a complete contact between water and PV module at zero reduced temperature (as defined by ASHRAE standard 93–2010). The system gives suitable electric-thermal performances and can be used in district heating and electric power generation systems. All experiments were done in Semnan city (northern part of Iran). The main part of the system involves a mono-crystal photovoltaic module (used also as the heat absorbing plate) attached to a simple water box. Water is used as the coolant fluid with complete contact with the PV module and causes lower temperatures at the module surface. In most cases, the thermal efficiency increases with time while the collector’s heat loss decreases. The maximum and daily averaged reported thermal efficiencies of the PV/T system are 58% and 49%, respectively. The minimum electrical efficiency occurs at noon when the maximum solar radiation occurs, at the same time, it has the highest electrical power output of PV/T system and photovoltaic module. At noon, the electrical efficiencies of the proposed system are 15 to 21.5% more than the conventional photovoltaic modules. The maximum increment of 21.5% is obtained for the water flow of 0.0161 kg/s.

Evaluation of Microsimulation Models for Roadway Segments with Different Functional Classifications in Northern Iran

Industrialization, urban development, and population growth in the last decades caused a significant increase in congestion of transportation networks across the world. Increasing congestion of transportation networks and limitations of the traditional methods in analyzing and evaluating the congestion mitigation strategies led many transportation professionals to the use of traffic simulation techniques. Nowadays, traffic simulation is heavily used in a variety of applications, including the design of transportation facilities, traffic flow management, and intelligent transportation systems. The literature review, conducted as a part of this study, shows that many different traffic simulation packages with various features have been developed to date. The present study specifically focuses on a comprehensive comparative analysis of the advanced interactive microscopic simulator for urban and non-urban networks (AIMSUN) and SimTraffic microsimulation models, which have been widely used in the literature and practice. The evaluation of microsimulation models is performed for the four roadway sections with different functional classifications, which are located in the northern part of Iran. The SimTraffic and AIMSUN microsimulation models are compared in terms of the major transportation network performance indicators. The results from the conducted analysis indicate that AIMSUN returned smaller errors for the vehicle flow, travel speed, and total travel distance. On the other hand, SimTraffic provided more accurate values of the travel time. Both microsimulation models were able to effectively identify traffic bottlenecks. Findings from this study will be useful for the researchers and practitioners, who heavily rely on microsimulation models in transportation planning.

Study of The Effect of Light on The Length-Frequency and Catch Rate of Caspian Sea Sprat Conical Lift Net in Amirabad Fishing Ports

The Caspian Sea, which is known as the largest lake in the world, is located in the northern part of Iran. Caspian Sea Sprat or Clupeidae are pelagic fish and play an important role in the food chain. In Iran, clupeid fish are caught by a conical lift net with artificial light and at night. The color of artificial light used in the conical lift net is white or sunny. In a study conducted from May 2018 to January 2019 in the fishing port of Amirabad, the effect of two types of artificial light (blue and red light) was investigated. For this purpose, two lamps with a color of blue and red with the same Volt and Ampere of white light were used in the depth of 40 – 50 meters. The results show a significant difference in the average length of sprat fish caught in each of the lights used (p <0.05). In blue light, the fish caught had a longer length and a heavier weight, while the fish caught in red light had a shorter length and a lighter weight.