Semnan Province Research Articles

Contamination of Stored Pistachios to Aspergillus Section Flavi and Aflatoxins

Background: Contamination of stored pistachio nuts to Aspergillus section Flavi and aflatoxins (AFs) as well as effective parameters on fungal growth and AF production during storage was assayed.
 Methods: Twenty one pistachio nut samples were taken from some warehouse of Damghan county. Different parameters of storage, including temperature, relative humidity, and pest infestation were recorded. Contamination to aflatoxigenic fungi was investigated by serial dilution method and aspergillus flavus and parasiticus agar (AFPA) medium with three repetitions. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method were used to measure quality and quantity of the produced AFs, respectively.
 Results: There was a significant difference in contamination to Aspergillus section Flavi between different samples on the basis of statistical analysis. There was no significant difference between samples contamination to Aspergillus section Flavi and storage parameters. The ability of AF production of isolates was variable. More than 88% of isolates were able to produce one or several types of AFs and less than 12% of isolates produced no AF. HPLC assay showed that out of 21 pistachio nut samples, 3 samples were contaminated with various types of AFs, but were below the allowable levels (P ≤ 0.05).
 Conclusion: Despite the population of aflatoxigenic strains in the mycoflora of warehouse, AF contamination of pistachios was estimated to be about 14%, which was also less than the allowable level. The results showed that the environmental parameters required for the production of AF in the warehouse of Semnan province do not exist and the storage conditions in this province are suitable.

Strategies for social participation of universities in the local community; perspectives of internal and external beneficiaries

PurposeSocial participation of university refers to the creation of knowledge and participatory processes with local communities in solving community problems in order to achieve sustainable development. Identifying the university's social participation strategies was the main purpose of the present study.Design/methodology/approachIn order to achieve this aim, the qualitative method was used. The study area is Semnan province and Semnan University. The statistical sample included two groups of internal beneficiaries of the university (including staff, deputies and faculty members of the university) and external beneficiaries of the university (including managers and experts of local organizations, education, province and municipality). The sampling was purposefully performed based on the theoretical saturation criterion, holding an interview with 29 participants. Data analysis was performed in three stages of open, axial and selective coding.FindingsThe results of the research showed that the university can participate with its local community in developing the university vision according to the needs of the local community, holding workshops and scientific conferences, concluding joint research contracts, expert and researcher exchange, environmental leadership training, participatory management and teamwork, indigenous manpower, institutionalizing regional participation, solving community issues and problems, creating associations and non-governmental companies in the community, mission orientation, directing education and research towards solving problems and meeting the real needs of the province according to land management, supervising research activities, conducting comprehensive studies in the field of mineral potentials, organizing workshops for farmers' awareness, monitoring the employment of graduates, creating and developing new fields according to the needs of the province and region, educating citizens and cultural zing to reduce production and segregate household waste, opening the university's social space for the growth and supply of youth, educating the province's handicrafts to housewives, especially in the deprived areas, sensitizing programs in the field of environmental protection, and reviewing educational content based on the community needs.Originality/valueBiosocial and economic policy of universities was another result of the present study. The university intends to make citizens aware of social and environmental problems and to provide the necessary education in the fields of air pollution, soil salinity, drinking water supply, cultivation pattern refinement, agricultural mechanization, and waste and waste management. The university should also promote entrepreneurship among students and faculty members and attract economic resources to the university through innovation and commercialization circles, and develop the province's economic infrastructure in various fields of tourism, agriculture, industry and mining.

Prediction of topsoil organic carbon based on vegetation indices derived from Landsat-8 OLI images in semiarid rangelands of Semnan province, Iran

Prediction of topsoil organic carbon based on vegetation indices derived from Landsat-8 OLI images in semiarid rangelands of Semnan province, Iran

New data on the spider fauna of Iran (Arachnida: Araneae), Part IX

New faunistic and taxonomic data are provided for 15 families of Iranian spiders. Two lycosid species, Alopecosa murphyorum sp. n. (♂, Semnan Province) and Alopecosa robertsi sp. n. (♂, Zanjan Province), are described as new to science. Nine species are recorded from Iran for the first time, and 182 new provincial records are provided for 53 species. Among new distributional data, the first confirmed record of the family Leptonetidae in Iran, representing its easternmost record in the West Palaearctic, is provided, as well as a redescription of the recently described Evippa amitaii Armiach Steinpress, Alderweireldt, Cohen, Chipman & Gavish-Regev, 2021 (Lycosidae), and illustrations for the examined type material of Evippa luteipalpis Roewer, 1955 (Lycosidae). Two species, Aulonia albimana (Walckenaer, 1805) (Lycosidae) and Tetragnatha javana (Thorell, 1890) (Tetragnathidae) are removed from the list of Iranian spiders, while Piratula insularis (Emerton, 1885) (Lycosidae) is removed from the list of Turkish spiders. Furthermore, Steatoda paykulliana (Walckenaer, 1806) (Theridiidae) is recorded from India for the first time. The newly described and some other species representing new country or provincial records are illustrated.

Determination the Effects of Land Use Change and Soil Type on Some Quality Properties of Soil Along a North - South Transect ( Case Study Miami County of Semnan Province )

سابقه و هدف: تحقیقات در کشورهای در حال توسعه نشان داده، ارزیابی کیفیت خاک جهت نیل به موفقیت‌های اقتصادی در تولیدات کشاورزی و پایداری محیط زیست بسیار ضروری است. برای این منظور، ارزیابی عوامل موثر بر ویژگی‌های کیفیت خاک می‌تواند نقش مهمی در ارزیابی نحوه مدیریت اراضی در تولید و پایداری سیستم های کشاورزی داشته باشد. ویژگی های کیفی خاک معمولا توسط عوامل ذاتی مثل اقلیم، سنگ مادر و زمان و همچنین ویژگی‌های پویا که تابعی از عوامل مدیریتی(انسانی) است، کنترل می‌گردد. تحقیق حاضر با هدف شناخت میزان حساسیت ویژگی‌های کیفی خاک در اثر تغییرات نوع خاک (4 راسته خاک انتی‌سولز، اینسپتی‌سولز، اریدی‌سولز و مالی‌سولز) و کاربری اراضی (سه نوع کاربری شامل مرتع ، جنگل و کشاورزی) در امتداد ترانسکت شمالی- جنوبی در اراضی زراعی و غیر زراعی شهرستان میامی استان سمنان انجام شد.مواد و روش‌ها: در مجموع 215 نمونه خاک در اراضی دست نخورده (جنگل و مرتع) و نزدیک‌ترین اراضی زراعی اطراف آن در سه منطقه با رژیم‌های رطوبتی و حرارتی متفاوت در امتداد ترانسکت شمال به جنوب از عمق 30-0 سانتی متری برداشت شده و در مجموع 13 ویژگی شیمیایی، فیزیکی و بیولوژیک(شوری، pH، کربن آلی، ظرفیت تبادل کاتیونی، کربنات کلسیم معادل، فسفر قابل جذب، پتاسیم قابل جذب، آنزیم‌های اوره‌آز، بتاگلوکوزیداز، فسفاتاز قلیایی، کربن زیست توده میکروبی، میانگین وزنی قطر خاکدانه و وزن مخصوص ظاهری) در این نمونه ها تعیین شد. سپس با استفاده از روشهای آماری تجزیه مولفه های اصلی (PCA)، تجزیه عاملی (FA) و رگرسیون اثر دو عامل تغییر کاربری و نوع خاک (راسته خاک) بر ویژگی‌های کیفی شیمیایی، فیزیکی و بیولوژیکی خاک بررسی شد.نتایج و بحث: نتایج نشان داد اکثر ویژگی های کیفی خاک در اراضی شمالی نسبت به جنوبی منطقه بدلیل تغییر رژیم‌های رطوبتی و حرارتی (افزایش بارندگی و کاهش دما) وضعیت بهتری داشتند. بررسی روند ضریب تغییرات اکثر ویژگی‌های کیفی خاک در طول ترانسکت فوق نشان داد ضریب تغییرات اکثر ویژگی‌های بررسی شده تحت تاثیر عامل اقلیم بوده و ضریب تغییرات اکثر ویژگی‌ها از مناطقی جنوبی به شمالی کاهش یافته که احتمالا کاهش دامنه تغییرات بدلیل اثر افزایش اثرات تامپونی کربن آلی در مناطق شمالی بوده است. همچنین نتایج بدست آمده با استفاده از روشهای آماری PCA و FA نشان داد ویژگی‌های کربن‌آلی، آنزیم بتاگلوکوزیداز، کربن زیست توده میکروبی و میانگین وزنی قطر خاکدانه بطور مشترک در همه مناطق از اهمیت بیشتری نسبت به سایر ویژگی‌ها کیفی خاک برخوردار بوده‌اند. نتایج بدست‌آمده از روش آماری تحلیل رگرسیونی نیز نشان داد، دو عامل تغییر کاربری اراضی و نوع خاک می توانند بیش از 55 درصد تغییرات ویژگی‌های کیفی خاک را پیش بینی کنند و از 13 ویژگی بررسی شده‌ 9 ویژگی‌فسفر قابل جذب، کربن زیست توده میکروبی، آنزیم‌های اوره‌آز، بتاگلوکوزیداز، فسفاتاز قلیایی، میانگین وزنی قطر خاکدانه، وزن مخصوص ظاهری، بطور نسبی توسط تغییر کاربری و 5 ویژگی هدایت الکتریکی، pH، ظرفیت تبادل کاتیونی، کربنات کلسیم معادل و پتاسیم قابل جذب توسط نوع خاک کنترل گردید. نتیجه گیری: بطور کلی نتایج این تحقیق نشان داد دو عامل تغییر کاربری و راسته خاک به استثناء ویژگی‌های هدایت الکتریکی، pH، پتاسیم قابل جذب، ظرفیت تبادل کاتیونی، و کربنات کلسیم معادل بیشترین تاثیر را بر تغییرات ویژگی‌های کیفی خاک بررسی شده در همه مناطق مورد مطالعه داشته‌اند. از سوی دیگر ، ویژگی‌های فیزیکی و بیولوژیکی خاک بیشتر تحت تأثیر تغییر کاربری اراضی و ویژگی‌های شیمیایی بیشتر تحت تأثیر راسته خاک بوده، بنابراین به منظور بررسی اثرات تغییرات مدیریتی خصوصا کوتاه مدت بر ویژگی های کیفیت خاک ، ویژگی های بیولوژیکی و فیزیکی مناسب تر هستند.

Sero-Epidemiological Study of Human Hydatidosis in Semnan and Sorkheh, Semnan Province, Iran.

To determine the seroprevalence of human cystic echinococcosis/hydatidosis which is one of the most important zoonotic diseases by ELISA using native antigen B in Semnan and Sorkheh, Semnan province, Iran, where no significant information about human infection exists. Overall, 957 human serum samples were randomly prepared from Semnan, Sorkheh, and its 13 surrounding villages in different seasons from 2017 to 2018. Antigen B was prepared from native hydatid cyst fluid of domestic sheep. All serum samples were evaluated by ELISA while the suspected cases were rechecked. The cut-off was calculated as the X ¯ ±2SD. Overall, 48(5%) out of 957 (422 males and 535 females) were positive for hydatidosis. The seropositivity based on sex showed 20(2.1%) out of 422 in males and 28(2.9%) out of 535 in females. The distribution of seropositive samples based on residence area showed 41 (4.3) out of 882 in urban and 7 (0.7) out of 75 in rural areas. The highest seroprevalence cases was among housewives (2.1%) followed by employers (1.5%). Based on education, source of drinking water, and age groups the highest seropositivity was observed in high school and less, in the plumping water consumers, and 50 to 59 yr old age group, respectively. There was a significant difference between seropositivity with occupation, literacy, and age group (P<0.05). Semnan with 4% seropositivity had the highest prevalence followed by Sorkheh, county. High prevalence of the disease in this area emphasizes the importance of increasing people's awareness about hydatidosis.

Identify and Prioritize Variables Affecting Credit Risk Case Study: Knowledge-based Companies Located in Science and Technology Parks of Semnan Province

Identify and Prioritize Variables Affecting Credit Risk Case Study: Knowledge-based Companies Located in Science and Technology Parks of Semnan Province

Impact of formations geology factors on groundwater quality

Garmsar plain is one of the central desert sub-basins in Semnan province with a warm and dry desert climate. After the HablehRood River, which is the main source of surface water of the area, the groundwater resources of Garmsar plain have a vital role in supplying agricultural and industrial demands; hence, the quality assessment of the groundwater is very important since it has a very great impact on the environment. This study aims to analyze the water quality of the area and determine the effects of geological formations on the hydrochemical deterioration of the groundwater quality in the area. To this aim, the hydrochemical environment of the region was simulated using Qa.Aq, Rockwors16, and GIS10.1 using the upstream of the basin chemical water and groundwater hydrochemistry data, the Garmsar study area was simulated. Besides, mineral saturation indices, hydrochemical water facies, and the total amount of soluble materials were determined, and the diagram of one or more effective hydrochemical variables was drawn. The results show that the most important factor in groundwater quality is the interaction between water and geological facies.

Type 2 Diabetes Trends in Semnan Province of Iran and Forecasting until 2025: A Time Series Modeling Study in 2015 - 2020

Background: To decrease diabetes prevalence, society will have to make efficient policies. Objectives: This study was done to raise public awareness by estimating the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Semnan province from 2015 to 2020 and predicting its incidence until 2025. Methods: A Box-Jenkins time series analysis was used in this longitudinal study. The number of referrals with diabetes was estimated month by month from 2015 to 2020. The autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model parameters were determined using the Time Autocorrelation Function and Partial Autocorrelation Function graphs after using appropriate data transformation methods to create a stationary time series. Dickey-Fuller test was used to perform an accurate examination of the static assumption. ARIMA (3,1,4) was selected as the best fit for the data after analyzing the Akaike statistics of the proposed models. Finally, until 2025, the ARIMA (3,1,4) model projected the number of diabetic patients in Semnan province. Results: The total incidence of T2DM ranged by year was 75203 in 2015 and 165143 in 2020. The time series has an increasing trend, but there is no seasonal variation or periodic pattern. The data about the T2DM incidence indicated an upward trend. Furthermore, the number of T2DM patients is expected to reach 14546.35 (95% CI: 13667.88 - 15374.72) in 2021 and will reach 16956.45 (95% CI: 13499.26 - 19819.49) by the end of 2025. Conclusions: This study reported an increasing trend in T2DM incidence, which necessitates a national commitment to proactive remedies, including public policies and economic incentives for localities to begin diabetes preventive initiatives.

Determining the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy interventions based on the transdiagnostic approach in the treatment of common mental health problems: Presenting an experience from the Islamic Republic of Iran.

IntroductionThere is growing support to develop transdiagnostic approaches that provide new insights into mental health problems and cut across the existing traditional diagnostic boundaries all over the world. The present study was conducted to test the transdiagnostic cognitive behavioral therapy (TCBT) approach in treating patients with common mental health problems and evaluate its effectiveness compared to the current treatment settings of the healthcare system.MethodsA randomized controlled trial was conducted in Semnan Province, north of Iran. The study took pace in urban health centers. A sample of 520 Iranian adults, tested as positive on the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, were enrolled. Participants who received a score above the cut‐off point in any of the three mental health disorders (depression, anxiety, or obsessive compulsive disorder [OCD]) based on the locally validated study instrument were randomly allocated to the study. The intervention group received TCBT during eight sessions provided by trained general health service providers without previous mental health training; the standby control group received Mental Health Services as Usual (MHSU). The post‐test interviews were conducted using the study instrument after the completion of both group treatments.ResultsA total of 459 individuals (87.8% female) ultimately entered the study. The withdrawal rate was 24% (53 participants in the TCBT and 56 in the MHSU). Reduction in depression, anxiety, and OCD symptoms was significant within each group and when comparing TCBT and MHSU (mean difference).ConclusionThis trial recommends that the transdiagnostic CBT approach can be effective in improving common mental health problems and functions among individuals by trained general healthcare providers in the primary healthcare system. The results can be more useful in decision making when defining the process of providing mental healthcare in the National Primary Healthcare System.

Numerical study on the effect of solar radiation intensity on the fresh water productivity of solar still equipped with Thermoelectric Cooling System (TEC) for hot and dry areas of Semnan

The fresh water crisis is one of the most important issues in the world and as a solution one of the most important methods of freshwater production is the evaporation of saline water by using of solar stills. Semnan province is one of the largest provinces in Iran. The province covers an area of 97,491 km 2 , which is 5.9% of the total area of the country. This province is the seventh largest province in Iran and is located almost in the central desert region of Iran. Due to its location on the solar belt, the desert areas of Semnan province are prone to the installation of solar cells, and according to the statistics of the General Meteorological Department of Semnan, this province has 325 sunny days in 365 days of the year. Therefore, this area is a great location for using clean solar energy. In this research, using the numerical method, the effect of the presence of the Thermoelectric Cooling System (TEC) on the performance of solar still, intensity and direction of solar radiation has been investigated to check their effect on the rate of freshwater production. The simulations were performed for Semnan city condition with the method of humid air in a three-dimensional, steady and laminar regime by solving the equations of continuity, Navier-Stokes, and water vapor concentration. The results show that there is a direct relationship between radiation intensity and water production rate and increasing radiation intensity increases the amount of produced freshwater. It was also observed that applying a TEC on a part of the glass can increase water production from 15% to 62%. The reason for this increase can be the increase in free convection due to the increase in the flow temperature gradient in designed solar still.

Measuring the ambient air pollutants in Garmsar industrial district

Introduction: Nowadays, air pollution is one of the main health and environmental problems in developing cities, which is a result of the increasing use of fossil fuels, heat generators and the activities of industrial districts and industries.&#x0D; Materials and methods: In order to conduct this descriptive cross-sectional study, the sampling site of Garmsar industrial district in Semnan province was selected. For air sampling, a large sample sampling pump, a cyclone holder filter and a fiberglass filter were used. The air sampling operation lasted from June to September, 2021. Sampling was performed in three days a week at a speed of 0.5 m/s. Therefore, 15 samples were taken per month and 60 samples were taken in each study period to measure each group of particles.&#x0D; Results: Based on the results of the evaluation of air pollutants, among the measured pollutants, only the amount of suspended particles and sulfur dioxide in some sampling days is higher than the maximum allowable concentration of the standard ambient air. The Air Quality Index (AQI) for Particulate Matter less than 10 µm (PM10) in August exceeded the allowable level (100), and for Sulfur dioxide (SO2) in September.&#x0D; Conclusion: Since the concentration of particulate matter and sulfur dioxide and consequently the amount of AQI in some sampling days is higher than the maximum allowable concentration of ambient air standard, continuous monitoring of emission sources, determination and control of emission sources, and creating local and industrial guidelines in this area is essential.&#x0D;

Zoning and Identifying the Affecting Factors in Premature Death Registration

Zoning and Identifying the Affecting Factors in Premature Death Registration

Assessment of Comparative Advantage of Agricultural Crops in Semnan Province Based on Water Productivity

Assessment of Comparative Advantage of Agricultural Crops in Semnan Province Based on Water Productivity

Path analysis of the effect of irrational beliefs on the structures of the planned behavior model in the field of physical activity

The aim of the present study was to path analysis of the hypothesized model of the irrational beliefs on the constructs of the planned behavior model, in particular the physical activity intention, and also the prediction of the physical activity intention based on the constructs of irrational beliefs. 320 male and female students of Semnan Province were randomly selected and completed Planned Behavior and Irrational Beliefs (Ahwaz) questionnaires. A path analysis model was used to analyse the relationships between variables and calculate the direct and indirect structural effects. Also, multiple regression analysis was used to predict theoretical constructs of planned behavior using irrational beliefs dimensions. The results indicated that the hypothesized model is not in accordance with the data of this study and direct effect of irrational beliefs on subjective norms is not meaningful. By eliminating the effect of irrational beliefs on subjective norms and adding the effect of subjective norms on perceived behavioral control, a new model was obtained that was fitted with the data. Also, the results show that two variables of Demand for approval and problem avoidance were significant predictors of physical activity intention. The results of this study showed that irrational beliefs, both directly and indirectly (through attitudes and perceived behavioral control), have an effect on the physical activity intention. Therefore, it is important to reduce the irrational beliefs in order to develop the intentions of physical activity and the physical activity itself.

Care Management Challenges for Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Qualitative Study

Background: Diabetes mellitus, if is not well taken care and treated, may exacerbate complications such as ulcers, infections, and amputations. Accordingly, preventive measures and timely treatment are of paramount importance. Objectives: This study sought to collect profound experiences about diabetic ulcer care management with an emphasis on community-based care. Methods: The study was carried out using the qualitative content analysis method during 2017 - 2018 in Semnan Province, Iran. The study encompassed 14 participants, including six caregivers, two family members, one nurse, one nursing supervisor, one manager of counseling and nursing care service centers (CNCSCs), one head nurse, and two physicians, who were selected using the purposive sampling method. The analysis process was performed based on Graneheim and Lundma’s approach. Results: Two main categories were as follows: (1) "Dispersion in preventive measures," with subcategories of ‘vague perception of disease symptoms’, ‘inability in self-management’ and ‘low-efficient preventive care’, and (2) "Gradual access to outpatient services" with subcategories of ‘gradual expansion of outpatient ulcer care’, ‘complexity of financial transactions’, ‘improving inter-sectoral cooperation’ and ‘ambiguous professional boundaries’. Conclusions: Care facilities offering services to diabetic foot ulcers, especially community-based nursing care centers, are gradually expanding, and new wound care methods are being adopted. However, lack of self-care management, insufficient support, treatment-oriented approaches, and all clients’ insufficient access to these services are some of the problems that still exist in the care management of diabetic ulcers.

Geochemical and Hydrothermal Alteration Patterns of the Abrisham-Rud Porphyry Copper District, Semnan Province, Iran

In this study, the zonality method has been used to separate geochemical anomalies and to calculate erosional levels in the regional scale for porphyry-Cu deposit, Abrisham-Rud (Semnan province, East of Iran). In geochemical maps of multiplicative haloes, the co-existence of both the supra-ore elements and sub-ore elements local maxima implied blind mineralization in the northwest of the study area. Moreover, considering the calculated zonality indices and two previously presented geochemical models, E and NW of the study have been introduced as ZDM and BM, respectively. For comparison, the geological layer has been created by combining rock units, faults, and alterations utilizing the K-nearest neighbor (KNN) algorithm. The rock units and faults have been identified from the geological map; moreover, alterations have been detected by using remote sensing and ASTER images. In the geological layer map related to E of the study area, many parts have been detected as high potential areas; in addition, both geochemical and geological layer maps only confirmed each other at the south of this area and suggested this part as high potential mineralization. Therefore, high potential areas in the geological layer map could be related to the mineralization or not. Due to the incapability of the geological layer in identifying erosional levels, mineralogy investigation could be used to recognize this level; however, because of the high cost, mineralogy is not recommended for application on a regional scale. The findings demonstrated that the zonality method has successfully distinguished geochemical anomalies including BM and ZDM without dependent on alteration and was able to predict erosional levels. Therefore, this method is more powerful than the geological layer.

Developing pedotransfer functions using Sentinel-2 satellite spectral indices and Machine learning for estimating the surface soil moisture

To estimate the surface soil moisture (SM) using a combination of new spectral indices and methods of Random Forrest (RF) and Multiple Linear Regression (MLR), 11 pedotransfer functions (PTF1-11) were developed by combining basic soil properties (clay, silt/sand, and bulk density) and spectral indices of Sentinel-2 satellite. In this study, 124 surface soil samples were randomly taken from three regions including Telo in Tehran province, Ivaneki in Semnan province, and Borujerd in Lorestan province, Iran. The results showed that the accuracy of the RF method was considerably higher compared to the MLR method. The SM was better estimated using water spectral indices (such as Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) and Surface Water Capacity Index (SWCI)), along with the basic properties of soil as inputs of PTF7. In the training and testing steps, the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) decreased from 0.041 and 0.05 (cm3 cm−3) in PTF1 to 0.028 and 0.039 in PTF7, respectively. The average values of RMSE, Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), coefficient of determination (R2) and Relative Improvement (RI) of the RF method were 0.028 (cm3 cm−3), −559, 0.79 and 0.001, and 0.038 (cm3 cm−3), −279, 0.73 and −0.006 for the training and testing steps of all PTFs, respectively. While, these values for the MLR method were 0.032 (cm3 cm−3), −542, 0.69 and 0.0003, and 0.043 (cm3 cm−3), −269, 0.63 and 0.002 for the training and testing steps, respectively. Due to the low values of MBE, it was possible to disregard the overestimation of the results. The evaluation of results for predictor importance indicated that among the basic properties, clay percent has a significant effect on estimation of SM. These results show that spectral indices alone are not suitable estimators for SM estimation. It suggests using basic soil properties and spectral indices to estimate the SM.

Epidemiological study of suicidal patients referred to Kowsar Hospital in Semnan

ABSTRACTIntroduction:Suicide is one of the public health challenges which affect the individual, family, and even society. Because of the fact that accurate data collection on suicide attempts in different population areas is necessary, this study was conducted to determine the epidemiological and demographic characteristics of suicidal patients in Semnan, Iran.Materials and Methods:The present descriptive-retrospective study was performed on the clinical files of 809 suicidal patients referred to Kowsar Hospital in Semnan during 2015–2018. Using a checklist, biographical information, and marital status, suicide methods, physical diseases, previous psychiatric diseases, causes of suicide, and outcomes of suicide were collected, and then, the data were analyzed using EXCEL software.Results:Out of 809 subjects, 27% had a history of chronic psychiatric diseases, 1% of the statistical population (12 people) died, and 99% of the people (797 people) survived. The prevalence of suicide attempts was higher among women, single people, housewives, and people in the age group of 18–24 years. Family issues have been cited as the cause of 495 cases (61%) of suicide attempts in our study.Conclusion:Since suicide attempts are more common among young single women because of family issues, this important issue should be given more attention by health policy makers in Semnan province.

Medical Plant of Aloe Vera in Desert Regions of Iran: Greenhouses, Economic Importance, Development, Extension, Processing and Marketing

Medical plants are the best source for getting treatment from various diseases. Using of natural substances with therapeutic properties has been used since ancient times. More than 500 species of Aloe Vera are known. This plant is native to tropical areas, including the north of Africa, Europe and the southern part of the Mediterranean region. Aloe Vera grows widely in the south of Iran and is cultured for the pharmaceutical uses. Aloe Vera is a plant with structural and physiological adaptations that allow it to survive in arid or semiarid regions with erratic rainfall. Aloe Vera is a medicinal plant cultivated for various applications in medical, food and health products. Aloe Vera has been used for centuries for its health, beauty, medicinal and skin care properties. Aloe Vera is a plant that can produce sap and gel. The gel is extracted from the leaves, and this is the most widely used substance as a treatment. Different from traditional treatment modalities, Aloe Vera will great reduce medical cost intended as complementary therapy. Aloe Vera is much more effective and less costly in the prevention and healing the ulcers compared to current treatments. Also, since the revival of traditional medicine is important and the side effects of this drug has been proven to be trivial over the years, it seems Aloe Vera is a good substitute to replace the current methods or to be used as a complementary method for prevention of pressure ulcers and improving community health. In this article, introducing various aspects of cultivating Aloe Vera greenhouses in desert regions of Iran and their economic importance plus approaches for their development, extension, processing and marketing. Main locations of study were greenhouses of Aloe Vera in two provinces in Iran, namely South Khorasan and Semnan provinces in the east and north of the country. For doing this study utilized qualitative approach with its main tools for gathering information such as participatory observation, maps, scientific articles, pictures, documents etc.. In the end present appropriate approaches for improving its economic importance, development, extension, processing and marketing in Iran.