Yerevan City Research Articles

The Prospect of Introduction of Tourism Tax as a Source of Increase of Own Income of Yerevan City

In order to get a general idea about the financial sector of the city of Yerevan, one should study the financial opportunities of Yerevan. By concentrating people, resources and investment in one place, big cities have the opportunity to influence economic development, stimulate innovation and deepen social relations. This circumstance is the basis for the need to study the features of financial management of large cities and identify the problems, because they are one of the main driving forces of the country's development program. One of the main problems of the city of Yerevan is the effective management of limited resources, ensuring the realization of not only the right, but also the ability to provide efficient public services to the population of the community. In this regard, we emphasize the provision of a stable and flexible base of financial resources equivalent to the implementation of the powers assigned to the Yerevan community by law, the use of opportunities for the formation of own financial resources and the implementation of independent financial policy. Using the resources of the city of Yerevan, we can pay attention to the flow of tourists, which is a possible way to increase Yerevan's own income. Tourism taxes are small fees, usually levied indirectly by accommodation or leisure establishments, and usually go towards the city's maintenance and development projects, as well as providing favorable conditions for the tourism industry.

Assessing radon hazard in drinking water: A comprehensive approach integrating deterministic and probabilistic methods with water consumption routines

The research aimed to determine the spatiotemporal distribution patterns of radon activity concentrations in tap water of Yerevan city and assess radon-associated hazards using both deterministic and probabilistic approaches. This was accomplished by integrating one-year monitoring data of radon in water with water consumption habits among adult population clusters, which were identified through food frequency questionnaire in Yerevan.The study findings indicated variations in radon activity levels across administrative districts. The highest average activity concentrations were detected in Davtashen (7.07 Bq/L), while the lowest average was observed in Kanaker-Zeytun (1.57 Bq/L). The overall pattern of spatiotemporal variation during monitoring period revealed higher prevalence of radon in water in the northern and western parts of the city compared to the east and south, indicating different sources of drinking water. The radon-associated hazard assessment from water, using a deterministic approach (e.g., inhalation, ingestion, radon dissolution in blood, total effective dose), revealed values below the individual dose criterion (IDC) of 0.1 mSv/y. Monte Carlo simulation revealed a probability of exceeding IDC in specific water consumption-based groups. Residents of Yerevan who drink more than 3 L water daily with the highest observed activity concentration of 11.4 Bq/L, have an 86.26 % chance of exceeding IDC. Residents consuming 2.1 L water daily have a 7.02 % chance of exceeding IDC.The study highlights the importance of applied principles and methodologies for radon monitoring, particularly considering actual water consumption data and different risk assessment approaches. Considering the worst-case scenario results, it is recommended to keep tap water consumption up to 3 L per day, keeping the tap open longer to reduce radon levels. It also emphasizes the need for continued monitoring, given the variations in radon activity. The study provides valuable insights into radon exposure assessment, mitigation, and action plans in terms of water safety and public health.

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF FATTY ACIDS FORMATION IN NATURAL AND GENETICALLY MODIFIED BLACKBERRY SEEDS

The work is devoted to a comparative study of fatty acids formation in natural and genetically modified blackberry seeds (collected in the foothill landscapes of Alaverdi Town, Republic of Armenia, and those of genetically modified blackberries (Rubus caesius L.), grown in greenhouse conditions in Yerevan City, harvest of 2023) capable of accumulating them in large quantities in order to justify the choice of the most valuable oilseed raw material for the production of natural oils that are in high demand in the food industry and cosmetology. It has been shown that the oil content of the studied genetically modified blackberry seeds is about two times higher than that of natural blackberry seeds. These seeds are the most promising oilseed raw material for the production of natural oils by the method of cold pressing that are in high demand in cosmetology, for example, for the production of moisturizing cream for hands and feet based on chemically pure glycerin.

Improvement in the Adaptation and Resilience of the Green Areas of Yerevan City to Climate–Ecological Challenges

The services provided by green infrastructures may lead to a decrease in climate-related ecological, social, and health risks, especially in the urban environment. Consequently, the best guarantee to make this environment as safe as possible is to increase the extent of green areas, taking into consideration the functional importance, and climatic–ecological peculiarities of the area. These are also issues for the Republic of Armenia’s (RA) capital Yerevan. There the current conditions of the green areas of Yerevan city do not meet the expected requirements of the climatic–ecological development of urban areas. The green area per capita is 8 m2, which is unevenly distributed within 12 different administrative districts of Yerevan city. The aim of this research was to study the natural climatic and ecological conditions of Yerevan city and the status of the green areas of the city. The eco-biological indicators of the trees and shrubs growing in Yerevan green areas have been assessed, and the more resilient plant species have been singled out. All 12 administrative districts of Yerevan have been mapped and the green area per capita for each administrative district has been calculated. The received data have been combined with health indicators and suggestions have been made to add green areas in Yerevan according to the functional significance and sustainability of shrubby species and to their decorative and phyto-filtration properties. The city has unfavorable climatic conditions. It is located in the northern section of the subtropical climatic zone and has a distinct dry continental climate. Temperatures above +40 °C are typical, while winter is rather cold and sometimes temperatures may drop below −20 °C (in January 2008, it dropped to −27.6 °C). The amount of atmospheric precipitation has reduced by 9%. The city is counted as one of the driest urban areas of the South Caucasus. The other unfavorable ecological conditions are heavy traffic, the city’s open landfill, the concentration of industrial enterprises, large-scale construction works, etc. The atmospheric concentrations of particulate matter (PM), gases and heavy metals have been detected to exceed the permitted limits. In terms of health care, the death cases due to various diseases (acute respiratory, vascular, and cancer) have increased, which requires complex activities to reduce environmental pollution and to improve the microclimate.

Women’s Rights Protection Social Movement in the Modern Armenian Society

Current research article is devoted to the exploration of women’s rights protection movement in modern Armenian society. The exploration of the current situation of the women’s rights protection movement in modern Armenian society includes two components. Firstly, through an analysis of documents (the Soviet state’s first codes of different years), the study examines the evolution of the women's rights protection social movement from the Soviet Union. This investigation illustrates how the Soviet Union’s political system had formed and shaped the women’s movement, which also affected the further development of the movement in modern Armenian society. Secondly, this research paper is based on an analysis of 34 in-depth interviews performed in Yerevan city from 2020-2023, with informants engaged in different types of women’s rights protection activism during the last 20 years in Armenian society. Information gathered from interviews allowed us to split the history of the development of the movement into two time-lapses in modern Armenian society. Triangulation of qualitative document analysis and in-depth interviews, equally contributed to the understanding of the main features of the women’s rights protection social movement as a whole social phenomenon in Armenian modern society. One of the key findings of the research is that despite the existence of diverse groups of women’s rights protection activists and just individuals coping with social system gender inequalities, there is difficulties in establishing social movement in modern Armenian society. The most prevailing definitions of social movements assume non-institutionalized collective actions with a clear set of goals. Instead, what currently exists in modern Armenian society is a form of street activism organized by efforts of different institutionalized organizations, where people engage in sporadic protests to raise awareness about gender issues and gender inequality. The paper also sheds light on social obstacles that prevent the initiative from becoming an institutionalized social movement for women’s rights protection in Armenia. The main social-cultural obstacles can be seen as a combination of factors including the absence of a general feminist agenda, lack of structural strain pushing for mobilization and social conservatism, etc.

Machine Learning-Based Modeling of Air Temperature in the Complex Environment of Yerevan City, Armenia

Machine learning (ML) was used to assess and predict urban air temperature (Tair) considering the complexity of the terrain features in Yerevan (Armenia). The estimation was performed based on the Partial Least-Squares Regression (PLSR) model with a high number (30) of input variables. The relevant parameters include a newly purposed modification of spectral index IBI-SAVI, which turned out to strongly impact Tair prediction together with land surface temperature (LST). Cross-validation analysis on temperature predictions across a station-centered 1000 m circular area revealed quite a high correlation (R2Val = 0.77, RMSEVal = 1.58) between the predicted and measured Tair from the test set. It was concluded the remote sensing is an effective tool to estimate Tair distribution where a dense network of weather stations is not available. However, further developments will include incorporation of additional weather parameters from the weather stations, such as precipitation and wind speed, as well as the use of non-parametric ML techniques.

Testing of biological and chemical preparations against Obolodiplosis Robiniae and Euura tibialis in the conditions of Yerevan city

Chemical and bacterial preparations have been tested in order to fight against Robinia pseudoacacia pests Obolodiplosis robiniae and Euura tibialis, some of the most widely spread fragrant tree species in Yerevan gardens. Among the preparations used against E. Tibialis, the highest biological efficiency was registered by the chemical preparation of antion (94,0 %) with a consumption rate of 1.7 l/ha, and Bacillus thuringiensis strain (91,0 %) with a concentration of 3 l/ha among the bacterial preparations. In the case of O. robiniae, high result (94,0 %) was registered by acpeline at the rate of consumption of 1 l/ha, and again the Bt 26-70 (85,4 %) strain at a rate of 3 l/ha among the bacterial preparations. Երևանի այգիներում տարածված բուրումնավետ ծառատեսակներից՝ կեղծ ակացիայի վնասատուներ սպիտակ ակացիայի գալամլակի (Obolodiplosis robiniae) և ակացիայի սղոցողի (Euura tibialis) դեմ պայքարի նպատակով փորձարկվել են քիմիական և բակտերիական պատրաստուկներ: E. tibialis -ի դեմ կիրառվող միջոցներից առավել բարձր կենսաբանական արդյունավետություն գրանցել է 1,7 լ/հա ծախսի նորմայով անթիո (94,0 %) քիմիական պատրաստուկը, իսկ բակտերիական պատրաստուկներից 3լ/հա խտանյութ չափաքանակով Bacillus thuringiensis 26-70-ը (91,0%) շտամը: O. robiniae -ի դեպքում բարձր արդյունք (94,0 %) դրսևորել է ակպելինը՝ 1լ/հա ծախսի նորմայով, իսկ բակտերիական պատրաստուկներից կրկին 3 լ/հա խտանյութ չափաքանակով Bt 26-70-ը (85,4 %) շտամը: Для борьбы вредителей (E. tibialis и O. robiniae) ложной акации, одного из наиболее широко используемых душистых деревьев в ереванских садах были испытаны химико-бак-териальные препараты. Среди средств, применяемых против вредителя E. tibialis, наиболь-шую биологическую эффективность зарегистрировал химический препарат антио (94,0 %) при норме расхода 1,7 л/га и штамм Bt 26-70 при концентрации 3 л/га. (91,0 %). В случае Obolodiplosis robiniae результат был высоким (94,0 %) при норме 1 л/га акпелина, а также при норме 3 л/га концентрата из бактериологических препаратов Bt 26-70 (85,4 %).

Possibilities for increasing energy and hydraulic efficiency in water supply systems

The article touches upon modern approaches to increasing the efficiency of water supply systems intended for drinking and economic needs. In particular, the problem of the possibility of converting the available hydraulic energy into electrical energy on the drinking water gravity aqueducts without disturbing the hydraulic regime of the system is observed. The presented example of the proposal introduction entailed the energy-economic indicators in the water supply systems of Yerevan, the Republic of Armenia. According to calculations, the amount of electricity produced by the proposed small hydropower plants (SHPP) on the aqueducts feeding Yerevan City can be at least 105 million kW per year, which exceeds the amount of electricity currently consumed in the water supply system for more than 3 times. In order to increase the energy and hydraulic efficiency of water supply systems, it has also been proposed to establish an appropriate performance indicator, the application of which will create an obligation for water supply organizations to make investments in the indicated area. The energy efficiency and loss reduction alternatives analyzed in the work can serve as an opportunity for decreasing the dependence of water supply systems on external energy sources and reducing operating costs.

Hydraulic Pressure Management of Yerevan City’s Water Supply Systems

The system’s excessive pressure management after zoning is essential for improving the existing water supply operation efficiency. Our original research proves that pressure control reduces the leaks in the water supply network, increasing the reliability level of the internal and external networks and saving energy consumed in pumping systems. In recent years, 243 pressure regulating valves (PRV) have been installed in the 97 zones of the expanded water supply network in the Yerevan city (the difference between the levels in the city reaches up to 500 meters) for pressure control in complex terrain conditions.

Challenges to Residential Quarter Reconstruction: The Case of the Center of Yerevan City

This paper examines the key challenges to the reconstruction of residential development in urban areas. It aims to conduct a comparative analysis of the reconstruction processes of residential quarters in Yerevan and in international practices and to identify certain principles that are appropriate for the further development of the process in Yerevan. The paper presents the features of the reconstruction processes that took place in the sphere of a residential development of the city of Yerevan. The study has been conducted on the reconstruction processes of various nature and content of residential quarters in past decades in a number of cities around the world, focusing on the analysis of topics that remain unexplored in the practice of Yerevan city. A comparative analysis of the findings and conclusions made in the framework of this paper allows us to reveal the strengths and weaknesses in the research and design works for the reconstruction of residential quarters in Yerevan already developed, as well as to develop principles for the choice of study directions, analysis methods, systematization and classification objects, which can be applied to local and international research on the given topic and in the design processes.

Assessment of possible risks on human health by estimation of annual effective doses associated with radon in drinking water

Radon is the main source of radiation that people receive naturally. Twenty-four samples of drinking water were collected and analyzed from all communities of Yerevan city, Armenia, in order to assess Radon associated radiological risk on population health through the drinking water. The measurements were performed by Alfarad Plus - ARP radon meter. The obtained values were compared with the national and international recommended values and they were within the Maximum contaminant level recommended by the US Environmental Protection Agency, WHO and EU commission, also the national norms. As a consequence of direct consumption of drinking water annual effective doses due to the ingestion and inhalation of Radon were calculated. Annual committed effective dose received from drinking water consumption are within the recommended limit of WHO and EU Council (100 μSv y−1) and UNSCEAR [United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation] (1000 μSv y−1).

Risk Characterization of the Armenian Population to Nickel: Application of Deterministic and Probabilistic Approaches to a Total Diet Study in Yerevan City.

Nickel (Ni) is a widespread metal that occurs in food and drinking water from both natural and anthropogenic sources. Oral exposure to Ni can induce a variety of adverse effects; the European Food Safety Authority established a tolerable daily intake (TDI) of 13μg/kg bw and a lowest-observed-adverse-effect level (LOAEL) of 4.3μg/kg bw to assess the risk of allergic reactions upon acute exposure. This study, the first conducted in Armenia, aimed to assess the dietary exposure of the adult Yerevan population (1272 subjects of both sexes) to Ni in a total diet study (TDS). Detection of Ni was carried out using atomic absorption spectrometry. To determine food consumption values, a 24-h recall survey was used. Following the K-means clustering test, two clusters were determined for food product intake. For the risk characterization of acute oral exposure, the margin of exposure (MOE) was calculated using both deterministic and probabilistic (Monte Carlo method) approaches. The average total exposure was 4.396μg/kg bw, with limited influence by age and gender. The main contributors were "fruits and vegetables" followed by "bread and flour-based products": the total intake would be 5.11μg/kg bw for a woman with high consumption of fruits and vegetables. Hence, the estimated chronic dietary exposure was below the TDI, irrespective of age and gender groups, and including high consumers. However, acute oral exposure estimates led to MOE values of less than 30 for most food products, indicating potential health concerns for Ni-sensitized individuals. The Monte Carlo approach indicated that the probability of occurrence of MOE lower than 30 was very high in the case of beef/veal, pork and chicken meat, eggs, and fish, alongside vegetable sources such as buckwheat, tomato, watermelon/melon, and potatoes. The findings prompt an investigation of Ni sources in the target foods in the Caucasus area.

Converting Hydraulic Resistance Energy of the System into Electricity

Introduction. A gravity conduit with a control valve and a pressure regulator in the gravity water-supply pipe is considered under conditions when the hydraulic regime of the water-supply system is not disturbed. In relation to such a system, the problems of converting the energy of local artificial hydraulic resistance into electricity are investigated.Materials and Methods. Literature that highlights the possibility of using microturbines for power generation in water systems was studied. The actual values noted by the continuous pressure recorder (logger) for 12 hours were presented, as well as the water consumption by the turbine at a given unit section (the average for a year), and the pressure differential. It was noted that the use of small hydroelectric power plants in water supply systems significantly reduced the cost of their operation. The indicators of water consumption in the hydroturbine unit during the year, broken down by months, were given. The maximum power at the turbine inlet was calculated. The principles of selecting the type of hydraulic turbine were described. The average efficiency values for different elements of the hydroturbine plant, the average parameters of the power of the small hydro and the corresponding indicators of the average monthly electricity generation were indicated.Results. Equipping the units under study with specially designed turbines can enable to obtain electrical energy through converting artificially created by local resistance and extinguished mechanical energy. It is possible to apply the approaches described in this article when replacing many of the pressure control units of the Yerevan City Network system. The productivity of a small hydro power plant was predicted, as well as the terms of its construction and operation — for 2 years and 30 years, respectively. The construction and maintenance costs were calculated in advance. The expected data on income, expenses, and net profit are given. It is indicated that it will potentially be close to 6 million drams per year. The analysis of the data allowed us to conclude that the internal rate of return will be at the level of 10.4%, and the payback period is 9 years.Discussion and Conclusions. We recommend replacing the regulator with a hydroturbine having the same hydraulic resistance and automatic flow control in the system. The conclusions were confirmed by the energy and economic indicators of the hydroturbine plant located on the section of the Arzakan — Yerevan main water pipeline.

BROWN MARMORATED STINK BUG <i>HALYOMORPHA HALYS</i> (STÅL, 1855) (HETEROPTERA: PENTATOMIDAE) PENETRATED INTO ARMENIA

Data on the first registrations of invasive insect species - marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys (Stål, 1855) in Central (Yerevan city) and Northern Armenia (Lori region) are presented. It is presumed that the species penetrated to the north of the country as a result of independent expansion from Georgia, and to its central part due to unintentional delivery with cargo or fruit and vegetable products. The role of citizen scientists in revealing of the species is shown.

Pest species composition of fragrant trees in the parks and gardens of Yerevan City, Armenia

Several fragrant tree species, i.e., Aesculus hippocastanum, Magnolia brooklynensis „Yellow Bird,‟ Catalpa bignonioides, and Prunus serrulata were previously registered in the database. A. hippocastanum, Ailanthus altíssima, C. bignonioides, and Robinia pseudoacacia were found to be the most common and important species in the parks and gardens of Yerevan, Armenia. These species were found in almost all of the studied gardens. The present study aimed to investigate the species composition of the pests of fragrant trees in different landscaped areas of Yerevan, Armenia, during 2020–2021. This study found 48 species of pests of fragrant trees in various parks and gardens. The species belonged to three taxonomic classes, 11 orders, and 33 families. These pest species significantly suppressed the growth and development of fragrant trees, and in some cases, even caused the trees to dry out. In the early spring, the pest species Parthenolecanium corni Bouche., Euproctis chrysorrhoea, Aphis laburni Kalt., Myzus cerasi, Panonychus ulmi, Tetranychus urticae, and Schizotetranychus pruni were observed on fragrant plants. Notably, this study revealed six species of fragrant tree pests, of which four, i.e., Dasineura gleditchiae, Halyomorpha halys, Trioza neglecta, and Calophya rhois, were found for the first time in the fauna of Armenia, and two, i.e., Obolodiplosis robiniae and Euura tibialis, were found previously in Tavush Region, Dilijan, Armenia.

The History, Culture and Architecture as a Potential of Urban Tourism Development: Evidence from Armenia

The article presents a brief history of the founding of the capital Yerevan, some examples of the history and architecture of Armenia, which has a tourist attraction. Yerevan is rich in historical, cultural and scientific monuments, which together with hotels, restaurants, clubs, and various places of entertainment are tourist resources․ The paper is dedicated to urban tourism development issues. The main purpose of the research is to explore urban tourism development opportunities and main challenges in Yerevan, the capital of Republic of Armenia. Investigation of the topic is carried out in the following logical sequence: presentation of historical-cultural monuments, museums of scientific, and cultural interest visited by tourists, the main touristic assets, the main social-economic indicators and tourism infrastructures of Yerevan are discussed, then the main obstacles are analyzed. Yerevan is 2803 years old; it is rich with cultural-historical monuments. Yerevan has all the opportunities for historical, cultural, religious, gastronomic, entertainment, adventure, educational, medical, festival, and MICE tourism development. The methodological tools of the research methods are historical description, historical analysis, statistical methods, also SWOT analysis. The object of the research is Yerevan city and the subject of the research is tourism development issues in Yerevan. The results of the analysis shows that correlation coefficient is high in Yerevan between volume of tourism services and GDP, volume of tourism services and GDP per capita, volume of tourism services and employment. Also, SWOT analysis reveals the main strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of tourism development in Yerevan. The research theoretically proves and empirically confirms that tourism has a significance role for sustainable development of the city. Based on the main analysis, some recommendations are carried out towards creating sustainable tourism development plans, improving marketing, statistical recording, increasing touristic information in the city, developing infrastructures, investing in more sustainable and smart solutions in city development. The main sustainable solutions should be connected with the transport system, water and waste recycling mechanisms, energy efficiency, construction, increasing green areas, and-so-on. The results of the research can be useful for municipalities for elaborating urban tourism development plans which will lead to sustainable development.

PATRIOTIC EDUCATION IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOL ACCORDING TO PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHER

The aim of the research is to investigate physical education teachers’ opinion on how to shape scholars’ personality during the classes and figure out solutions to issues concerning patriotic education. The research methods and organization comprise study and analysis of literary sources, sociological survey and mathematical statistics. The survey involved 53 physical education teachers from Yerevan city. The analysis of survey results made it possible to identify mechanisms for implementation of educational activities in the school. It has been established that at the present stage, the secondary school should take purposeful, comprehensive measures to promote the character qualities of students, the harmonious development of personality and the education of patriotism.

Տեղական ինքնակառավարման մոդելների համեմատական վերլուծությունը և Երևան քաղաքի մոդելը/Comparative Analysis of Local Self-Government Models and Yerevan City Model 3

One of the most important factors determining the efficiency of local self-government in any community is the relationship between local self-government and the state, so it is necessary to pay attention to the model of local self-government functioning in a given community and, if necessary, to change the model or make improvements to this model. Accordingly, in the present paper, a comparative analysis of existing models of local self-government has been carried out, the positive and negative sides of each model have been highlighted, the model of local self-government of Yerevan City has been studied, and as a result it has been found out that one of the reasons of incomplete and inefficient implementation of the powers delegated to local self-government bodies of Yerevan City is related to the existing model of local self-government. As a result, it is proposed to make improvements to the model of local self-government of Yerevan city.

ON THE FAUNA OF PHYTONEMATODES OF ANTHROPOGENICALLY TRANSFORMED BIOCOENOSES IN ARMENIA

We have examined the fauna and structure of soil nematode communities in anthropogenically transformed biocoenoses of Armenia by example of two biotopes in Yerevan city – fruit and berry gardens, and woodland park area. Ecotrophic characteristics of the identified nematode groups was given, and population density for the most pathogenic groups was determined. Research was conducted in 2019 in the Dalma fruit and berry gardens, and woodland park area of the Hrazdan gorge of Yerevan. 167 soil samples were collected during the research in rhizosphere of 35 plant species. Soil samples were collected by standard methods for nematology. During the research, we identified 22 genera of Nematoda including 8 parasitic ones, belonging to 16 families and 6 orders. Ecotrophic structure of nematode communities in the mentioned biotopes was represented by 5 ecotrophic groups: bacteriotrophs – Rhabditis, Plectus, Cephalobus, Eucephalobus, Panagrolaimus, mycotrophs – Aphelenchoides, Aphelenchus, predators – Discolaimus,Mononchus, Mylonchulus, Clarcus, polytrophs – Dorylaimus, Eudorylaimus, Mesodorylaimus, phytotrophs: obligate and facultative parasites of plants – Helicotylenchus, Rotylenchus, Criconema, Macroposthonia, Xiphinema, Paratylenchus, Pratylenchus, Tylenchus. Plant parasitic nematodes (8 genera) were represented by the most diverse generic structure. Among them Xiphinema, Helicotylenchus, and Macroposthonia were found everywhere. However, high density of these Nematoda population was found in rhizosphere of fruit and berry crops in the Dalma gardens. The highest number of Xiphinemahas was detected in rhizosphere of grape (Vitis vinifera) – (147 specimens per 100 cm3 of soil), Macroposthonia in rhizosphere of fig (Ficus carica) – (178 specimens per 100 cm3 of soil) and grape (Vitis vinifera) – (185 specimens per 100 cm3 of soil), and Helicotylenchus in rhizosphere of apricot (Prunus armeniaca) – (250 specimens per 100 cm3 of soil). Bacteriotrophs and polytrophs were the next prevalent trophic groups of nematodes. The highest density of their population was detected in rhizosphere of ornamental plants in the Hrazdan gorge.

Assessing Knowledge and Perceptions of Colorectal Cancer Screening in Armenia

BackgroundArmenia has a high incidence of and mortality from colorectal cancer (CRC). No organized screening programs for CRC exist in Armenia. This study seeks to evaluate knowledge of and attitudes toward CRC and screening programs in Armenia. MethodsAdults aged 40-64 y were administered a survey using convenience sampling throughout polyclinics in Yerevan city. Survey questions were based on the Health Belief Model and were translated and modified for local relevance. ResultsA total of 368 surveys were completed. Eighty-four percent had knowledge of CRC, 91% believed that early detection leads to improved outcomes, but only 22% had knowledge of screening. Women were more likely to have knowledge of CRC (odds ratio 2.19, P < 0.05). Although 19% have personally worried about having CRC, only 7% admitted to discussing their worries with a provider and 76% were willing to undergo screening if recommended by their doctor. Seventy-eight percent of respondents would only undergo screening if free or less than ~$20 USD. ConclusionsSelf-reported knowledge of CRC is high, whereas knowledge of screening remains low in Armenia. There is a willingness to undergo screening if recommended by a health care professional; however, this willingness is cost-sensitive. Interventions aimed at (1) increasing awareness of the disease and screening tests, (2) improving physician counseling, and (3) reducing financial barriers to screening should be considered along with the implementation of a national screening program in Armenia.