Semnan Province Research Articles

Ethnobotanical study of wild edible plants in the mountainous regions of Semnan Province, Iran

In mountainous areas, wild edible plants are an important part of the local diet. Climate change and anthropogenic activities have profound effects on wild edible plants in these areas. Ethnobotanical studies are important for understanding the use patterns and harvest impacts on these plants. In this regard, the Shahrood region, with its diverse historical/ethnic background, is an appropriate starting point to investigate exploitation patterns and impacts of harvest of wild edible plants. During 2021–2022, ethnobotanical surveys were conducted in 12 villages in the region using semi-structured interviews and participatory observations. Data collection included assessing wild edible plant species diversity, their habitats, collection time and quantities, plant parts used and methods of consumption and preparation. The data were analyzed using use report indicators, relative frequency of citations, and use value (UV). A total of 1086 use reports were documented from a total of 44 interviews. A total of 67 wild species (66 plants and 1 fungus) belonging to 54 genera and 24 families were used as edible in the study area. Rosaceae (9 species), Apiaceae (8), Lamiaceae (8), Asteraceae (7), and Amaryllidaceae (5) were the families with the most reported species. Allium (5 species) was the most diverse genus in terms of species diversity. Herbs were the most commonly used life form (79.1%), followed by shrubs (13.4%) and trees (6%). The most consumed plant parts were young leaves (25%) and young aerial parts (21.4%). There were 13 use categories identified. The majority of edible plants were collected in April–May, mainly from areas nearby villages (37.7%) and rangelands (33.7%). The most important edible plants in the study area were Allium iranicum (Wendelbo) Wendelbo (UV = 1.7), Mentha longifolia (L.) Huds. (1.5), Allium umbilicatum Boiss. (1.47), Tragopogon graminifolius DC. (1.38), Lepidium draba L. (1.27), Urtica dioica L. (1.18), Falcaria vulgaris Bernh. (1.13), Malva neglecta Wallr. (1.11) and Eremurus sp. (1.09). Our results showed diverse and valuable knowledge for wild edible plants in this region, which should be considered in the conservation and management plans in the region.

Analyses of water dependency of Haloxylon ammodendron in arid regions of Iran using stable isotope technique.

The complex relationships within desert ecosystems and their environmental conditions are reflected in patterns of plant water use. Thus, understanding the sources of water used by plants in these areas is crucial for effective resource management. In this study, we investigated the water use pattern of Haloxylon ammodendron in Semnan province, in the central plateau of Iran, using the stable isotope analysis. We employed a simple, homemade cryogenic vacuum distillation (CVD) system to directly extract water from soil samples and different plant components for subsequent analysis by mass spectrometer. The contribution of each possible water source to the plant xylem water was estimated using the IsoSource mixing model. The pattern of 18O values in the xylem water of H. ammodendron indicated its reliance on groundwater as a primary water resource during the wet season. Additionally, the correlation of sand particles with both δ2H and δ18O was found to be 0.32. Moreover, the 18O values of H. ammodendron xylem water were mainly similar to those of groundwater, suggesting the species' dominant use of groundwater. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for strategically planting H. ammodendron to mitigate impacts on groundwater resources and ensure long-term sustainability in arid and semi-arid regions.

Identification of dust sources inside and outside of Iran affecting air quality in the Tehran region

Introduction: Recent climate changes and droughts have exacerbated the impact of dust sources globally, necessitating a thorough understanding of their influence on air quality. In Tehran, the interaction between internal dust sources from Iran and external sources from neighboring countries significantly affects air quality. Materials and methods: This study spans a 20-year period (2003-2022), utilizing satellite data and advanced algorithms to analyze dust event trends and patterns. The material and methods section outlines the use of Aqua satellite MODIS sensor data alongside two algorithms to identify dust sources, focusing on Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) data during peak dust event seasons. Statistical analysis of dust events in 2022 supplements the investigation. Results: The analysis reveals distinct patterns in dust particle origin and transport, highlighting the predominant contribution of internal dust sources from Iran's southern Semnan province and significant input from external sources in Iraq and northern Saudi Arabia. Examining meteorological conditions during severe dust events highlights the role of synoptic conditions, particularly the presence of a tropospheric trough, in facilitating dust transport. Increased convective motions and downburst occurrences in specific regions further exacerbate the spread of dust particles, particularly those originating from external countries and provinces. Conclusion: The conclusion emphasizes the complex interplay between internal and external dust sources and the necessity of understanding dust emission dynamics for effective mitigation strategies. It calls for proactive measures involving local and regional cooperation to mitigate dust pollution's adverse effects on air quality in Tehran and similar urban centers.

Biochemical profile of Dunaliella isolates from different regions of Iran with a focus on pharmaceutical and nutraceutical potential applications.

This study was conducted to evaluate three species of Dunaliella microalgae (Dunaliella salina, Dunaliella viridis, and Dunaliella sp.) indigenous to Iran as new sources of natural chemical and bioactive compounds for exploring pharmaceutical and nutraceutical potential applications. The results showed that the fat, carbohydrate (mono- and di-saccharide), dietary fiber, and protein content of Dunaliella were in the range of 13.19-25.02, 7.59-12.37, 42.10-48.82, and 17.68-22.50 (%), respectively. Dunaliella salina contained a pigment fraction of 11.50%, which was largely composed of carotenoid (7.41%) and chlorophyll (4.09%). Antioxidant capacity and inhibition of 2,2-diphenyl-1-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) of Dunaliella salina were 34.54 mg/1000 g and 55.63%, respectively. The lipid profile also revealed that three isolated Dunaliella are remarkable sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids (25.42%-40.13%). Further, the ratios of ∑n-3/∑n-6 (2.79%), docosahexaenoic acid (6.15%), and eicosapentaenoic acid (11.26%) were the highest in Dunaliella salina. The results, thus, proved that Dunaliella spp., especially Dunaliella salina (IBRC-M 50030), which originates from a lake in Semnan province, Iran, has potential applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries due to its appropriate biopigment, protein, lipid, antioxidant activity, long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid.

A Long-term Interpretation of the Effect of COVID-19 on Food Security: A Lesson for the Future Pandemic Diseases

Background: The global spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) could trigger a food security crisis affecting not only impoverished individuals but also urban residents in low- and middle-income countries. Objectives: Given that various strains of COVID-19 impact food security differently, we assessed the food security status of households in Semnan province, Iran, during and after the containment of the omicron variant. Methods: Data from 231 households were gathered using a standard questionnaire that evaluated socioeconomic characteristics, food security based on the U.S. Household Food Security Survey Module, and vulnerability to food insecurity. A quantitative model was utilized to identify factors associated with food insecurity during and post-pandemic. Results: The findings indicated an improvement in household food security following the management of COVID-19, with significant differences observed in food security levels, especially concerning severe food insecurity, during versus after the COVID-19 period. The quantitative model analysis revealed that, with the exception of the head of household's occupation status, personal savings, and the number of educated and employed members within a household, all variables significantly correlated with food security (P < 0.05). Conclusions: These outcomes highlight how the relationship between socioeconomic factors and food security levels may vary depending on the pandemic's timing, environmental conditions, and household resilience, underlining the importance of adaptive policymaking that responds to current circumstances and the evolving links between socioeconomic determinants and food security.

Evidence of Pleistocene hominin landscapes in Eyvanekey, Iran, and implications for the Northern Dispersal Corridor

AbstractPrior to this work, no Palaeolithic field survey had been conducted in the central region of the northern Iranian Central Desert. This article is the first account of the presence of Pleistocene hominins in Eyvanekey, Semnan Province, and reports the recovery of lithics that date to at least the Middle Palaeolithic.

Investigating the Epidemiology of Trauma in Children Under the Age of 15 Years in Semnan Province, Iran, From 2014 to 2018

Investigating the Epidemiology of Trauma in Children Under the Age of 15 Years in Semnan Province, Iran, From 2014 to 2018

Floristic composition, life forms and phytogeography of the mountains between Damghan and Shahrud, Eastern Alborz (Iran)

Floristic study of the southern parts of Eastern Alborz in Iranian country was conducted. Encompassing an area of approximately 700 km², this region is located about 50 km north of Damghan and Shahrud (Semnan province), with a high difference in elevations ranging from 1400 to 3813 meters above sea level. According to 2400 collected herbarium specimens, a total of 674 taxa belonging to 332 genera and 71 families were identified. The most abundant families were Asteraceae (46 genera, 97 species), Brassicaceae (35 genera, 59 species), and Poaceae (33 genera, 65 species), respectively. The genus Astragalus, with 34 species, stands as the largest genus in the study area, followed by Cousinia (14 species), Bromus (13 species), Silene, Acantholimon, and Allium (each with 9 species), as well as Alyssum, Gagea, and Poa (each with 8 species). The flora of the study area has a significant influence of Irano-Turanian elements (369 taxa), followed by combinations of Irano-Turanian/Europe-Siberian (127 taxa), Irano-Turanian/Europe-Siberian/Mediterranean (47 taxa), Pluriregional (24 taxa), and Irano-Turanian/Saharo-Arabian elements (22 taxa), among others. Hemicryptophytes (43.62%) emerged as the most prevalent life forms in this region, followed by the others. Overall, 78 species were identified as Irano-Turanian endemics, with many facing threats due to overgrazing and the ongoing effects of climate change.

Anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG seroprevalence in the general population in Iran: A systematic review and meta-analysis, 2000-2023.

Toxoplasmosis ranks among the most prevalent parasitic diseases globally. It seems that chronic toxoplasmosis is associated with several neuropsychiatric and other harmful effects in infected people, therefore, there is a need to investigate the prevalence of toxoplasmosis across various world regions. In this study, we conducted a meticulous meta-analysis to estimate the seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies within the general population in Iran (GPI). International and national scientific databases for studies published between January 1, 2000, and September 30, 2023, were searched. Observational studies reporting anti-T. gondii IgG seroprevalence in the GPI was selected/included. The data were synthesized using a random-effects model to calculate with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI) the national and regional anti-T. gondii IgG seroprevalence rates in Iran. Additionally, subgroup analyses were conducted to investigate the frequency of exposition to T. gondii in different socio-demographic, climatic, and geographical scenarios. From 18661 identified studies, 327 were included in the present meta-analysis, encompassing 122,882 individuals across the 31 Iranian provinces. The pooled nationwide anti-T. gondii IgG seroprevalence among the GPI was determined to be 32.9% (95% CI: 30.9-35.1%). The highest anti-T. gondii IgG seroprevalence was observed in Mazandaran province (North of Iran) (61%), whereas the lowest was in Semnan province (12.5%).Anti-T. gondii IgG seroprevalence demonstrated a higher occurrence in provinces characterized by moderate temperatures of 16-21°C, high relative humidity, and annual precipitation. Additionally, a higher anti-T. gondii IgG seroprevalence was identified among individuals with a habit of consumption of undercooked meat, raw fruits or vegetables, and untreated water. Moreover, those reporting direct contact with cats, possessing a lower level of education, residing in rural areas, being engaged in farming occupations, or playing the role of housewives exhibited higher anti-T. gondii IgG seroprevalence figures.The anti-T. gondii IgG seroprevalence within GPI closely aligns with the estimated worldwide average exposition rates. This underscores the imperative for public health policymakers to prioritize educational efforts regarding toxoplasmosis transmission pathways and its link to harmful effects.

Designing the Framework of Specialization in the Recruitment of Non-Teaching Staff in Iran's Ministry of Education

Purpose: The present study aimed to design a framework for recruiting non-teaching educational staff in Iran’s Ministry of Education. Method: The present study pursues a qualitative approach. The statistical population of the research included experts and professors in the field of specialization and the senior managers of the General Department of Education of Semnan province in the academic year of 2023-2024, among which 15 were chosen as the samples using theoretical saturation sampling and targeted sampling. The research instruments were a semi-structured interview and a review of the existing documents on this subject. The collected data were validated using member checking. The data validity was evaluated and confirmed using the quality criterion (reliability). The research data analysis method was thematic analysis in three levels: basic themes, organizing themes and Global Themes. Findings: The data analysis led to the identification of 393 basic themes, 33 number-one organizing themes, and 13 number-2 organizing themes in the field of specialization in recruiting non-teaching educational staff in the Ministry of Education. These themes were categorized under 4 global themes including expertise management with two organizing themes (expertise management and performance management), resource management with four organizing themes (human, time, material, and information), change management with three organizing themes (change in organizational structure, change in competitive atmosphere, and change in attitude), and management of organizational development with four organizing themes (managerial capabilities, human resource planning, creation of specialization culture, and organizational interactions). Conclusion: The use of elite and expert employees in the nonteaching sector of the educational system, as a leading institution in providing extensive services to the general public, depends on the presence of a specialization pattern in the recruitment of non-teaching staff. Identification of specialization criteria in the non-teaching sector, which has been done in this research, helps with the formulation of an appropriate specialization model to employ skilled and specialist staff in this sector.

Estimation of Vegetation Changes Concerning Annual Rainfall and Temperature in Semnan Province

Estimation of Vegetation Changes Concerning Annual Rainfall and Temperature in Semnan Province

Isolation and characterization of a bisphenol A-degrading strain, Pseudomonas aeruginosa DU2, from soil containing decaying plants.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a toxic compound with broad applications in the plastics industry. BPA has harmful effects on various organisms and its efficient removal is necessary. The microbial degradation of BPA is a safe and economical approach. In this research, soil samples containing decaying plants were screened to isolate a BPA-degradable bacterial strain. Soil samples were collected from different locations in Damghan, Semnan province, Iran. To enrich BPA-degrading bacteria, the samples were cultured in a stepwise manner in a mineral medium containing increasing BPA concentrations (5 to 40 mg/L). The ability of isolated bacteria in degrading BPA was assayed by Folin-Ciocalteu and high-performance liquid chromatography methods. The biodegradation efficiency of the most efficient isolate was assayed under distinct conditions and it was identified through the sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Among the isolated bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa DU2 (GenBank accession number: OP919484) showed the most BPA biodegradation ability. The highest BPA degradation (52.98%) was observed in the mineral medium containing 5 mg/L BPA and the inoculum size of 6 × 107 CFU/mL at pH 9 and in the presence of 0.05% (w/v) NaCl during 10 days. These results offer soil containing decaying plants as a promising source for finding BPA-degrading bacteria. P. aeruginosa DU2 has basal BPA removal ability, which could be improved by optimization of medium components and growth conditions.

Experimental investigation of a novel design of cavity receiver for a parabolic dish collector humidification-dehumidification desalination system

In this study, a desalination cycle using a humidification-dehumidification method equipped with a parabolic dish collector has been experimentally designed and tested under the climatic conditions of Semnan City. A novel geometry of cylindrical-conical for parabolic dish collector’s cavity receiver was selected and used in this desalination system. For the experimental tests, four water samples were selected from the non-conventional brackish water sources in Semnan province. The performance of the desalination cycle was investigated for four days in the maximum period from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. According to the results obtained from the tests, the maximum thermal efficiency of the collector with the cylindrical-conical cavity receiver for the test with water sample with electrical conductivity of 21,500 µS/cm was obtained as 45.49%. The highest water production rate was 0.966 l/day for a water sample with an electrical conductivity of 13,810 µS/cm. The average hourly water production rate for the saltiest water has reached the highest value, equivalent to 147.67 cm3/h. It was also found that there is an increasing trend of water production with an increase in the salinity of brackish water. The maximum hourly exergy efficiency of the system was 14.04% for a water sample with an electrical conductivity of 21,500 µS/cm. An increase in hourly exergy efficiency was observed with the increase in water salinity.

Urbanized Rural Women: A Study in Rural Areas of Gilan, Isfahan, and Semnan Provinces

: Considering the changing circumstances of Iranian rural women’s lives, do they still fulfill traditional roles? Have their lifestyles and expectations of themselves changed? To answer these questions, this long-term anthropological research was conducted in seven villages in three different and diverse provinces: Gilan, Isfahan, and Semnan. Our findings showed that some female roles in the villages have been eliminated or shifted to men due to developmental interventions. Women do not consider themselves in charge of the family’s economic activities. Instead, they tend to share the values of middle-class urban homemakers. They have pushed to abandon some of their traditional economic production roles, and consequently, they have lost access to financial resources and the public arena of the village. In a sense, they might have lost their bargaining power after some developmental interventions.

Polycentric governance systems: addressing the power gap centered on climate entrepreneurs in Semnan Province of Iran

ABSTRACT Polycentric governance systems seek to solve environmental challenges through the involvement of diverse actors at different decision-making levels. However, previous studies did not confirm the positive performance of polycentric governance in social interactions with certainty. Therefore, the aim of the study was to identify the capacity and performance of current actors and units to understand their impact on the performance of polycentric governance systems perspective as a whole. For this purpose, this study investigated the theory of polycentric governance systems on a large scale in Semnan province of Iran. The social network analysis (SNA) and its 12 indices were used as a methodology of research, including 352 heterogeneous actors with different capacities, were interviewed and studied. The results showed that the power and leadership of key actors play an effective role in the stability and development of polycentric governance systems. The power sharing between decision-making centers is implemented through the interlevel communication of climate entrepreneurs. The comparison of performances showed that public management could not meet the leadership criteria as well as private actors. The final results showed that the total performance of the polycentric governance system of environment was positive and influenced by the performance of pioneer NGOs and climate entrepreneurs.

Contribution to systematics of the Bdelloidea (Acari: Trombidiformes: Prostigmata) from Semnan Province, Iran, with description a new species of Scirula

A new species of Scirula, S. artemisae sp. nov. (Acari: Cunaxidae), is described and illustrated based on females collected from Semnan Province, Iran. In addition, we report for the second time Cyta kreiteri Barbar & Ueckermann, 2017 and Armascirus hastus Shiba, 1986, as well as update an identification key for known species of Scirula.

A new genus and species of springsnails (Gastropoda: Hydrobiidae) from Northeastern Iran with some new records of freshwater gastropods

We presented findings of six freshwater snails collected in northeastern Iran. A new monotypic genus of hydrobiid springsnails from Semnan Province was described. Khayajehia dianae n. gen. et n. sp. is differentiated by the unique morphology of the penis with a wide and rectangular proximal part and an elongated and slender distal part.

Usability Evaluation of a National Mobile-Based Automation System for Pre-Hospital Emergency Care (ASAYAR)

Introduction: Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is one of the vital links in the care chain, and its services need to be improved. These services can be available through mobile-based automation system, in which low usability level of these systems lead to decrease the acceptance, satisfaction, and confidence of users especially the emergency care team. The purpose of this study was the usability evaluation of a national mobile- based automation system among the pre-hospital emergency care team.Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on pre-hospital emergency care team members in Semnan and Shahroud Universities of Medical Sciences in 2022. The usability evaluation of the mobile- based EMS automation system was done using the Software Usability Measurement Inventory (SUMI) questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression models were used to analyze data.Results: One hundred eighty-eight EMS team members from the 31 EMS centers in Semnan province participated in present study. The mean total usability score was 61.93±15.37, the highest mean score was related to the efficiency feature (67.19±19.85) and the lowest mean score was related to the learnability feature (48.21±29.29). There was a reverse and significant relationship between being a manager and the agreement with the usability (p=0.04, OR= -3.383, CI 95%=0.389-29549).Conclusion: This study showed that although an automation system may be widely used in a country, its usability could be at a low level. In order to improve the different function of these systems, it is suggested to participate various clinical experts include prehospital emergency care team in all stages of designing and developing these systems.

Modeling land susceptibility to wind erosion hazards using LASSO regression and graph convolutional networks

Predicting land susceptibility to wind erosion is necessary to mitigate the negative impacts of erosion on soil fertility, ecosystems, and human health. This study is the first attempt to model wind erosion hazards through the application of a novel approach, the graph convolutional networks (GCNs), as deep learning models with Monte Carlo dropout. This approach is applied to Semnan Province in arid central Iran, an area vulnerable to dust storms and climate change. We mapped 15 potential factors controlling wind erosion, including climatic variables, soil characteristics, lithology, vegetation cover, land use, and a digital elevation model (DEM), and then applied the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression to discriminate the most important factors. We constructed a predictive model by randomly selecting 70% and 30% of the pixels, as training and validation datasets, respectively, focusing on locations with severe wind erosion on the inventory map. The current LASSO regression identified eight out of the 15 features (four soil property categories, vegetation cover, land use, wind speed, and evaporation) as the most important factors controlling wind erosion in Semnan Province. These factors were adopted into the GCN model, which estimated that 15.5%, 19.8%, 33.2%, and 31.4% of the total area is characterized by low, moderate, high, and very high susceptibility to wind erosion, respectively. The area under curve (AUC) and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) of game theory were applied to assess the performance and interpretability of GCN output, respectively. The AUC values for training and validation datasets were estimated at 97.2% and 97.25%, respectively, indicating excellent model prediction. SHAP values ranged between −0.3 and 0.4, while SHAP analyses revealed that the coarse clastic component, vegetation cover, and land use were the most effective features of the GCN output. Our results suggest that this novel suite of methods is highly recommended for future spatial prediction of wind erosion hazards in other arid environments around the globe.

Application of statistical and geostatistical approaches in temporal and spatial estimations of rainfall

Abstract This study is the first study that worked on the temporal and spatial distributions of annual rainfall (Pyear) and maximum 24-h rainfall (Pmax24h) in the Semnan province. For this purpose, different statistical distributions were used to estimate the temporal Pyear and Pmax24h in the Semnan province. Six synoptic stations across the province were studied and all stations had complete Pyear and Pmax24h data. Different return periods were studied. The goodness fit test of statistical distributions for Pyear showed that about 67% of the stations follow the Generalized Pareto (GP) distribution. Considering the Pmax24h, 50% of the stations follow the GP distribution, and for the ratio of Pmax24h to Pyear, 50% of stations follow the Generalized Extreme Value (GEV) distribution. The spatial distribution of Pyear and Pmax24h showed that in all return periods, by moving to the southeast of the province, precipitation amounts decreased. While moving toward the Shahmirzad station, the amounts of Pyear and Pmax24h increased. Also, there was a logical relationship between the Pyear and Pmax24h. Consequently, the minimum value and the maximum value of the R2 coefficient in different return periods were equal to 0.992 and 0.980, respectively.