Khorasan Razavi Province Research Articles

The Compliance of Teaching Hospitals in Khorasan Razavi Province of Iran With the Criteria of Age-friendly Hospitals

The Compliance of Teaching Hospitals in Khorasan Razavi Province of Iran With the Criteria of Age-friendly Hospitals

Analysis of the impact of roughness coefficient changes due to land use changes on the hydraulics of the Kashafrood River

Abstract Mashhad's Kashafrood basin has been affected by land use changes, urbanization, and the development of agricultural water resources. This basin is located in the Razavi Khorasan province, Mashhad city. This research analyzes the impact of land use changes on river flow from a hydraulic point of view. For this purpose, the studied area was divided into five sub-basins and flood values were calculated using Deacon's method and different return periods for the sub-basins. In order to determine the intensity and extent of lateral erosion, two factors, the height of the terraces (H) and the amount of erosion activity (T), were measured, separated into different classes and evaluated. Also, the river was simulated under different hydraulic regimes. The results showed that the effects of erosion in more than 50% of the observation path and the 25-year discharge entered the bed area. The highest sensitivity to changes in the roughness coefficient is related to the flow surface and the width of the upper surface. Based on this, this research provides valuable information for land use management, understanding the impact of land use changes on river basins, and for decision-making by the executives.

Evaluation of meteorological microphysical schemas based on the WRF model for simulation of rainfall in the northeastern region of Iran

Study regionThe Khorasan Razavi Province represents a variety of climatic types in the northeastern region of Iran. It lies between 56° 19′ and 61° 16′ east longitude and 33° 52′–37° 42′ north latitude, which is one of the largest and most densely populated provinces in Iran. Study focusThe aim of this study is using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model to evaluate and simulate rainfall in the northeastern region of Iran based on the climatic conditions in order to rainfall forecasting, also warn about and control probable floods. New hydrological insights for the regionFollowing the climatic classification of the study area, the six WRF model schemas were employed to implement the model in this area: Purdue-Lin (Lin), WRF Single-Moment class 3, 5, 6 (WSM3, WSM5, WSM6), and WRF Double-Moment class 5, 6 (WDM5, WDM6). The results revealed that the Threat Score (TS) coefficients for the WDM5 and Lin schemas in the desert climate are 1 and 0.97, respectively; the TS coefficient for each one of the Lin, WSM3, and WDM6 have the value of 0.60 in the semi-desert climate. The Lin scheme performs the best in all climates of the study area. The results revealed that the WRF model accurately simulates rainfall in the climatic conditions of the region. Hydrologists and planners will be able to use this meteorological model as an input to hydrological models based on the output of the WRF model, which can provide early flood warnings within the next 24 h based on these findings.

Evaluation of CCHF Infection in Hard Ticks in Razavi Khorasan Province, Iran

Background: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a potentially fatal tick-borne viral disease. Hard ticks are both carriers and reservoirs of the CCHF virus. In this regard, the present study was done to investigate the CCHF viral infection in collected ticks from livestock in Gonabad City (Southwest of Razavi Khorasan Province) in Eastern Iran. Methods: This descriptive study was performed in rural areas of Gonabad City in 2018. The forceps sampling method collected hard ticks from livestock (goats, sheep, and cattle). The ticks were identified based on a valid taxonomic key; finally, the CCHF viral infection was evaluated using the RT-PCR technique. Results: Between April and October 2018, 100 ticks were collected from 13 rural areas of Gonabad. The frequency of ticks collected from goats, sheep, and cows was 6.4%, 3.7%, and 89.9%, respectively. Also, 90% of ticks were Hyalomma (Hyalomma anatolicum excavatum (n=9), Hyalomma lusitanicum (n=59), Hyalomma marginatum (n=4), Hyalomma anatolicuman (n=18)) and the remaining 10% were Rhipicephalus sanguine. Overally, CCHF infection was observed in 14% of the ticks (Hy. excavatum, Hy. lusitanicum, and Hy. anatolicumand Rhipicephalus sanguineus). Conclusion: Hyalomma species is the main vector of the CCHF virus. Due to the high abundance of hard ticks in nature and the livestock environment, special care is required in the villages. Also, due to the presence of more scattered ticks in the northern half of the country, comprehensive studies that cover a wide geographical area and cover a larger sample size are necessary.

The Effect of Some Auditors' Behavioral Duties On Ego Depletion According to The Moderating Role of Audit Experience: A Case Study of Auditors In Razavi Khorasan Province

The Effect of Some Auditors' Behavioral Duties On Ego Depletion According to The Moderating Role of Audit Experience: A Case Study of Auditors In Razavi Khorasan Province

Valuation of nitrate levels in tomatos collected from leading production regions of Khorasan Razavi province, Iran

Nitrate accumulation is a common problem in agriculture. To determine the factors contributing to nitrate accumulation in tomato fruits, the present study investigated the accumulated nitrogen content in tomatoes harvested in Iran’s Khorasan Razavi province (Mashhad, Neyshabur, Torbat-Jam, Fariman, and Chenaran regions) in four consecutive years. At least 30 samples were collected from each growing area and analyzed. Our findings showed that nitrate accumulation was absent in areas where fertilizer application met crop and soil needs. The highest nitrate accumulation in fresh fruits was 487 mg/kg in fields where the plants received 207 kg/ha of nitrogen fertilizer; the nitrate content of the samples was above the standard critical concentration in 71.67% of the regions studied. Nitrate accumulation in tomatoes from Khorasan Razavi province was high, which can adversely impact the quality of this crop in this region.

The Effect of product design on Service Quality with Emphasis on the Role of Intervention of Organizational Citizenship Behavior (Case Study: Postal Services in Khorasan Razavi Province)

The Effect of product design on Service Quality with Emphasis on the Role of Intervention of Organizational Citizenship Behavior (Case Study: Postal Services in Khorasan Razavi Province)

Development and life table parameters of the Phytoseius corniger Wainstein (Acari: Phytoseiidae) feeding on the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) under laboratory conditions

Phytoseiid mites are important for biological control of some pest species including phytophagous mites and small insects. The species, Phytoseius corniger Wainstein is one of the most abundant predatory mite in fruit orchards and urban green spaces in Razavi Khorasan province, Iran. Biological parameters of this predatory feeding on the two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch was studied for the first time under the laboratory conditions (25±2 ºC, 55±5 % RH and 16L: 8D photoperiod). The results indicated that the mean developmental periods for egg, larva, protonymph and deutonymph were 1.12±0.09, 0.73±0.03, 1.01±0.03, and 3.05±0.09 days for females, and 0.95±0.37, 0.67±0.39, 1.05±0.88, and 3.05±0.85 days for males, respectively. The pre-oviposition, oviposition, post-oviposition periods and adult longevity for females were 4.63±0.11, 11.63±0.16, 7.93±0.13 and 24.18±0.21 days, respectively. The females laid an average of 0.48 eggs per day, and 5.60 eggs during their life span. In addition, larvae of P. corniger may molt to the protonymph stage without feeding. Consumption rate during nymphal stage was 1.95 prey per day. The highest rate of prey consumption was recorded during the oviposition period, with an average of 3.35 prey items prey per day. Regarding life-history traits, the intrinsic rates of increase (rm) of this predatory mite 0.064±0.02 (♀♀/♀/day) and its finite rate of increase (λ), net reproduction rate (R0), generation time (T), and doubling time (DT) were 1.066±0.23 (day-1), 3±0.07 (♀♀/♀/generation), 17.14±0.11 (days), and 10.83±0.65 (days), respectively. Further laboratory and field studies regarding its diet preference and predation capacity are needed.

Metaheuristic algorithms for a sustainable saffron supply chain network considering government policies and product quality under uncertainty

Abstract Iranian saffron products hold a unique place in the global market as the most highly valued agricultural and medicinal commodities. The various uses of saffron make it clear that there is a need for special attention to the supply chain network. Unfortunately, the absence of an integrated supply chain network within the saffron industry has resulted in significant challenges related to supply management and demand fulfillment. Addressing real-world uncertainties is paramount when developing models for optimization problems. Therefore, this research proposes a multi-objective optimization model for designing a saffron supply chain network under uncertainty. The model objectives are to decrease the total cost of the supply chain, increase job opportunities and economic development in regions, and improve the quality of products. The proposed mathematical model is solved using the interactive fuzzy method to deal with multiple functions. Furthermore, possibilistic chance constrained programming is employed to effectively manage uncertain variables such as demand, cost, and social parameters within the model. To demonstrate the applicability and validity of the proposed model and solution method, a real case study was conducted in Khorasan Razavi province, Iran. Additionally, because of the complexity of the proposed model in large-scale networks, non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II and multi-objective simulated annealing algorithms are proposed. Different parameters are analyzed to determine their impact on the results so that decision-makers can choose values more accurately. The sensitivity analysis and statistical tests performed on the results support the performance of the proposed model. Overall, the results demonstrate that the exact method and metaheuristic algorithms are capable of solving the problem in different dimensions. The computational results derived from this model offer invaluable managerial insights, empowering decision-makers to align their strategies and preferences more effectively.

The influences of strict and post-strict lockdowns due to the Covid-19 pandemic on crash severity on rural roads: A case study of Khorasan Razavi, Iran

Covid-19 has influenced traffic patterns due to restrictions on travel. During COVID-19 restrictions, many people opted to travel by private cars for their mandatory trips instead of using public transportation, while many non-essential trips were cancelled. The changes in travel restrictions have influenced road safety outcomes. Utilizing decision tree modelling, the current research seeks to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the severity of road traffic crashes, considering two severity levels: fatal and non-fatal crashes in Iran's Khorasan Razavi province. The analysis considers the time period from May 2019 to October 2021 and includes three main intervals: the pre-COVID-19, strict lockdown period, and post-strict lockdown period. A spatial–temporal analysis of crash data was performed utilizing a data fusion approach with results presented using a Classification and Regression Tree (CART) model. The data fusion approach uses a variety of data sources in order to obtain a thorough overview of the phenomenon being studied. In this study, independent descriptive factors, such as geometric design, weather, temporal variables, driver behavior, crash type, and traffic attributes, were included in the analysis. A similar pattern for crash severity was observed during the pre-COVID-19 and post-strict lockdown phases, with the majority of crashes being non-fatal. However, fatal crashes were more prevalent during the strict lockdown period. Among the independent variables associated with fatalities were traffic volume. In this study we identified that higher traffic volumes resulted in a higher crash frequency, however they were also associated with lower speeds, resulting in a decline in the severity of crashes. Other variables included lack of awareness as a driver behavior and cloudiness as a weather condition.

Effects of Combined Binaural Beats on Sleep Quality, Insomnia Severity, and Sleep Hygiene Improvement in Insomniac Students

Background and Objective: In previous studies, multiple interventions to improve sleep quality were suggested in students with insomnia based on different results. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of combined binaural beat treatment on improving sleep quality in students with insomnia
 Materials and Methods: This was a randomized clinical trial, which included all students living in Neyshabur, Khorasan Razavi Province, Iran, in 2020. In terms of inclusion criteria, 34 students (12 women) were assigned randomly into two control (n = 17) and experimental groups (n = 17). A combined binaural beat treatment (α, θ, and δ) and sleep hygiene guidelines were given to the experimental group, but the control group only received the same sleep hygiene guidelines. Insomnia Severity Index, Sleep Hygiene Index, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were research instruments for this purpose. The results were analyzed with SPSS software.
 Results: The effect of the combined binaural beats on ISI (F = 31.16, P < 0.001), sleep hygiene (F = 39.15, P < 0.001), and sleep quality (F = 14.15, P < 0.001) of students with insomnia was apparent during multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA). The highest and lowest effects on the total value of sleep (effect size = 0.58) and the SHI (effect size = 0.35) were achieved by combined binaural beat treatment.
 Conclusion: The combined binaural beats (α, θ, and δ) improve total sleep quality, sleep hygiene, and ISI of students with insomnia. Besides, such a treatment can be utilized as a modern non-invasive intervention.

Association of Rahnella victoriana, Enterobacter hormaechei subsp. hoffmannii and Citrobacter braakii with walnut decline

Persian walnut (Juglans regia) has a considerable economic importance worldwide. However, the vigor and vitality of walnut trees were heavily affected by bark canker during the last few years. Irregular longitudinal cankers in the outer bark, stem tissue necrosis, and bleeding with black-colored exudates walnut trees were observed in Kermanshah, Hamedan, Markazi, Alborz, Isfahan, Qom, Semnan, and Razavi Khorasan provinces in western, central and eastern Iran during 2018 and 2019. A total of 150 symptomatic samples were collected from affected walnut trees in order to identify bacteria associated with walnut decline. Two-hundred sixty strains with a metallic green sheen were isolated on EMB-agar medium. The pathogenicity of all strains was proved by inoculating a suspension of the bacterial strains under the bark of immature walnut fruits cv. ‘Hartley’. Ninety-five strains caused necrosis and a dark-colored region in the mesocarp around the inoculation site 14 days post-inoculation. Moreover, 12 representative strains induced necrotic and black-colored tissues in the bark of young green twigs of two-year old walnut seedling cv. ‘Chandler’. The strains were classified into four categories based on conventional phenotypic characters confirmed with the 16S rRNA gene sequences. A phylogenetic tree based on the concatenated sequences of two housekeeping gene fragments, gyrB and infB, indicated that strains including I1, Q6, and S6 were grouped in a cluster with Gibbsiella quercinecans FBR97T as well as strains I2, I5, and KE6 were clustered with Rahnella victoriana FRB 225T. Moreover, strains MR1, MR3, and MR5 were grouped with the Enterobacter hormaechei subsp. hoffmannii DSM 14563T. The phylogenetic analyses based on the partial sequencing of housekeeping genes including fusA, pyrG, and leuS revealed that strains KH1, KH3, and KH7 belong to Citrobacter braakii species. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of C. braakii and E. hormaechei as plant pathogens and R. victoriana associated with walnut decline.

New records of five Verrucaria species (Verrucariacaea, Ascomycota) from Iran

AbstractThis study focused on the taxonomic evaluation of the genus Verrucaria Shrad (Ascomycota, Verrucariaceae) in northeast Iran. Lichen samples were collected from the Khorasan Razavi province and their morphological, anatomical, and ecological characteristics were investigated. According to the result, the species Verrucaria ahtii Pykälä, Launis and Myllys, Verrucaria cataleptoides (Nyl.) Nyl., Verrucaria dolosa Hepp., Verrucaria hochstetteri Fr., and Verrucaria muralis Ach., are new records from Iran.

Improvement of collapsing problematic soils on the sabzevar-mashhad railway route (northeast of Iran) using traditional additives

Collapsing soils are among the problematic soils in geotechnical engineering. These soils have a relatively good resistance in their natural state with low humidity, but in case of saturation without change in the incoming load or subjected to vibration force, they settle a lot and in many cases, it will cause cracking or destruction of foundations, roads, railway lines, dams, pipelines and other existing structures. Collapsing soils are scattered in many regions of the world, in Iran these soils are mostly observed in the central and eastern regions. In this research, according to the samples taken from Khorasan-Razavi province in the area of Sabzevar-Mashhad, these samples have been shown to be in the category of collapsing soils based on the tests performed according to ASTM standards. In order to improve this soil, cement and lime additives with percentages of 5 and 10 percent have been used, which has improved the shear properties of the soil due to the addition of lime and cement, so that it causes an increase in the friction angle in the soil, which indicates an improvement in the soil parameters. The results obtained with regard to the addition of cement and lime to the compacted soil show that the index of compaction in the addition of lime is better than that of cement and the results show that with the increase of lime, the soil has a 68% and 78% decrease in the soil compaction index, respectively, but when cement is added to the soil, it causes the percentage of raking index to improve by 34 and 37%.

Prevalence of Parasitic Intestinal Infections in livestock in Kalat, Iran

Introduction: Rodents are the largest group of mammals and act as a reservoir for many common human diseases, leading to societal health and economic problems. Due to the different prevalence rates of rodent-borne parasitic infections in various regions, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in wild and domestic rodents in Kalat County, located in the north of Khorasan Razavi Province, Iran, in 2016. Materials and methods: The study was performed using a descriptive method on 86 mountainous and domestic rodents randomly caught using live traps. After anesthesia and species identification, the gastrointestinal tract was dissected, and the digestive system worms were separated and preserved in 10% formalin until identification. The nematodes were clarified with lactophenol and stained with carmine acid. All worms were identified using diagnostic keys, and the results were presented using descriptive statistics. Results: The prevalence of gastrointestinal worm infections in rodents in the study area was 75.5%. The captured rodents in this area included Microtus 46 (53.4%), Mus musculus 15 (17.4%), Pikas 13 (15.1%), Apodemus agrarius 11 (12.7%), and Allactaga elater 1 (1.1%). Six species of nematodes and one cestode species were identified in this study. The prevalence of parasitic infections shared between humans and rodents included Syphacia obvelata (83%), Aspicularis tetraptera (18.5%), Trichuris fossor (16.9%), Hymenolepis nana (6.1%), Heligmosomoides polygyrus (10.7%), and Nipostrongylus braziliensis (1.5%). Capillaria spp were found in 1.5% of rodents. Conclusion: The results revealed a high prevalence of gastrointestinal worm infections in rodents, with an overall prevalence rate of 75.5% in Kalat, Iran. These findings highlight the potential health risks associated with rodent-borne parasitic infections in the study area and emphasize the importance of implementing effective control and prevention measures to mitigate the impact on human health and the local economy.

Predictors of sexual and reproductive health self-care based on demographic factors in adolescent girls.

Global access to sexual and reproductive health is an essential human right, especially to adolescent girls. For improvement sexual and reproductive self-care needs to determine the related factors on utilization and acceptance by adolescents. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the SRH self-care and its predictors among adolescent girls in Neyshabur city at Northeast of Iran. The present study was a cross-sectional correlational study performed on 265 girl students from 15 girls' high schools in Neyshabour, in Razavi Khorasan province, Northeastern Iran. The sampling method was multistage probability sampling. Data were collected using demographic information and female adolescents' sexual reproductive self-care scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive, frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficient, and multiple linear regression model. The significant level was p<0.05 using SPSS16. The results of the present study showed that the mean score of the sexual reproductive health self-care was 61.23 of 100±10.5, it had a significantly relationship with fathers education high school [B=-7.241 CI: (-11.088 to-3.393)], diploma [B=-7.221 CI:-10.707 to-3.735] than academic. The rank of children birth in the family first [B=6.012 CI: (0.931-11.092)] second [B=4.436 CI: (1.437-8.309)] than third and above. Economic status of household Excellent [B=3.159 CI: (2.193-8.511)], Favorable [B=5.866 CI: (1.355-10.378)], relatively favorable [B=2.705 CI: (1.802-7.213)] than poor level economic. sexual and reproductive health is associated to father's education, the rank of children birth in the family, and economic status. So these variables will help to strategies and progress educational programs.

Efficacy of Hepatitis B Vaccination Procedures in Infants and Children Born from HBsAg-positive Mothers in Iran: A Case Study of Khorasan Razavi Province, Iran

Background: Viral infections have been a major public health concern in recent years. Viral hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the serious healthcare system issues in Iran. Family transmission of HBV in pregnant women is a major cause of the high prevalence of HBV infection in neonates and related persons. The expanded program on immunization (EPI) was the main way to prevent this infection. Objectives: This study aimed to estimate the effectiveness of the hepatitis B vaccine in infants born to HBsAg-positive mothers in Khorasan Razavi province. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 53 HBsAg-positive women between March 2017 and April 2019 in Khorasan Razavi province, Iran. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to conduct screenings for HBsAg in children. Risk factors for HBV infection were investigated using medical records and structured questionnaires. Results: The prevalence of HBsAg positivity was 1.2% (1/83) among children aged 1-3 years old. All children received three doses of HBV vaccine according to the HBV immunization program. The positive hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) test among children under study was 80.7% (n=67). Conclusion: The results indicated a low prevalence of hepatitis B infection among infants and children born to HBsAg-positive mothers (1.2); however, protective anti-HBs levels were reported in 80.7% (&lt;95%) of the children. It appears that the efficiency level of the hepatitis B vaccination procedure was not sufficient in this study. Overall, revaccination is recommended for children who are anti-HBs-negative or not protected.

Light interception and radiation use efficiency in quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.)

AbstractQuinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is an annual plant belonging to the Amaranthaceae family. The total accumulated incident photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) in a plant is a function of the site, year, sowing date, and phenology, whereas the amount of PAR intercepted by the plant is dependent on its leaf area index (LAI) and light extinction coefficient (KPAR). This study investigated changes in KPAR and radiation use efficiency (RUE) levels in quinoa before and after inflorescence (fruit set) color change under various temperature and light conditions through the sowing date. This study was conducted in the Jihad Keshavarzi allocated field of Khalilabad city in Khorasan Razavi province, Iran, using a randomized complete block design with three replications over two seasons, 2017–2018 and 2018–2019. Treatments included eight and seven sowing dates in the first and second season years, respectively. The results showed that the mean of KPAR was 0.66 and 0.31 in the first and second years, respectively. Also RUE in vegetative stages of development was higher than during the grain‐filling period. The mean of RUE was 2.60 ± 0.06 and 0.78 ± 0.17g/MJ in the first year before and after changing the color of the inflorescence (fruit set), respectively; these values were 2.12 ± 0.04 and 1.01 ± 0.61 g/MJ in the second year. The results indicated the base (TBRUE), lower optimum (TP1RUE), upper optimum, and ceiling temperatures of quinoa for RUE were determined to be 3, 18.8, 25.5, and 35°C, respectively.

Clinical Manifestations and Associated Mortality Factors of COVID-19: A Large Population-Based Study in the Northeast of Iran During 2020-2021

Background and aims: The emergence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become one of the greatest health problems of the 21st century. The current study was conducted to investigate COVID-19’s clinical manifestation, mortality factors, and their association with each other during the three devastating waves of the pandemic in Razavi-Khorasan province, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional epidemiological population-based study was performed in Razavi-Khorasan province, Iran from January 21, 2020, to March 20, 2021. The data, including demographic characteristics and clinical presentations of the patients, were extracted from the Medical Care Monitoring System (MCMS), disease management portal in the Deputy of Health and hospital information system (HIS) of the medical universities/faculties of the province. Results: Overall, 80499 patients were admitted to all hospitals of Khorasan-Razavi with the laboratory/ clinical COVID-19 confirmed disease. The male-to-female ratio and the mean age of our COVID-19 individuals were 1.10:1 and 55.67±23.27, respectively. The most frequently reported presenting symptoms in histories provided at the admission time were respiratory distress (58.2%), fever (36.7%), and cough (34.9%), while the less common ones were abdominal pain (2.7%) and alternation in smell/ taste (0.9%). Male gender (odds ratio [OR]=1.32, P&lt;0.001), age over 60 (OR=2.59, P&lt;0.001), and presence of at least one comorbidity (OR=1.32, P&lt;0.001) were significantly associated with higher mortality rates. Conclusion: Healthcare providers and public health managers can benefit from the findings of this study to detect and emphasize patients with poor prognoses.

Petrography, mineralogy and geochemistry of volcanic rocks in Gorazi area, southwest Khaf, Razavi Khorasan Province

Petrography, mineralogy and geochemistry of volcanic rocks in Gorazi area, southwest Khaf, Razavi Khorasan Province