bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lexical Variation Used by Muslim Speech Community in Saren Jawa
Authors: Widiasmara I Komang , Putra I Nyoman Adi Jaya , Adnyani Ni Luh Putu Sri
Published: November 2023

Language variations emerge the production of new lexicons regularly. Lexical variations can be found in ethnic places since the community stands with their strong culture and tradition. Saren Jawa is a Muslim village in the middle of Hinduism majority. This village has language phenomenon where the Muslim speech community tends to use Balinese to interact each other. This study aimed to analyse the lexical variations used by Muslim speech community in Saren Jawa. This study applied sociolinguistic study with natural approach in form of qualitative research. The study focused on five language domains namely, family, neighbourhood, friendship, school, and religion. In collecting the data, participatory and non-participatory observation were used in five language domains. The lexical variations were compared by using Swadesh list and categorized into their types. The result found a number of 108 lexical differences out of 207 standard lexicons compared to Swadesh. Neighbourhood domain committed the most lexical variations, while the fewest obtained by the school and religion domains. There were four types of lexical variations categorized in this study, including semasiological, onomasiological, formal and contextual variations. Therefore, the Muslim speech community in Saren Jawa still maintains their language as how they communicate among Balinese area.
Washback Effect of TOEIC Listening And Reading as a College Exit Test in Riau, Indonesia
Authors: Masrul Masrul , Rasyidah Ummi
Published: November 2023

The utilization of the TOEIC test in some universities in Indonesia as a language exit exam highlights the phenomenon of the washback effect, revealing that this exit requirement influences the narrowing of teaching content and a less communicative teaching process. Some universities in Indonesia have employed the TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) listening and reading test as a language exit exam. This study investigated teachers’ perceptions concerning the TOEIC listening and reading test. The data were gathered by administering a questionnaire at three major Indonesian universities. The finding revealed that using TOEIC listening and reading as an exit requirement impacted the narrowing of teaching content and led to a non-communicative teaching process, yet the influence was not significant. This study found that the perceived test impact was influenced by factors differing from another research context.
Changeless Gender Roles in Changing Digital Media Age: An Analysis of the Netflix Serıes “Lucifer” in terms of Femme Fatale
Authors: ÖZKANTAR Mustafa Özer
Published: November 2023

Cinema and television series have been functioning as a sort of mirror of almost all societies since their first invention on the ground that they cover various topics concerning human beings. Cinematic thoughts, experiences, and digital and visual images in Television series accompany nearly all transformations which have taken place in any community. However, some issues such as gender roles or stereotypes related to women have not changed positively even though mass media and digital tools in media have been altering considerably and radically. In the digital media era, it is still crystal clear that women have been portrayed as inferior compared to man depiction. In this context, the main aim of this study is to accentuate this issue and emphasize the gender gap and changeless woman roles in changing the digital media age. In line with this purpose, the well-known Netflix series Lucifer has been studied in terms of the notorious character femme fatale with the help of descriptive analysis and it has been seen that woman figures have been depicted as derogatory and diabolic in Lucifer. Thence, it is possible to allege that shifting digital movie and broadcasting trends do not have a noteworthy effect on the representation of women in the cinematic universe.
Integrative bioinformatics analysis of transcriptomic data sheds light on the molecular complexity of parkinson's disease and potential therapeutic targets
Authors: Yousafi Qudsia , Asghar Sawaira , Shaukat Misbah
Published: November 2023

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of individuals worldwide, with an increasing prevalence in aging populations. In this study, we retrieved the mRNA expression dataset, GSE165082, for PD through GEOmnibus. Total of 220 downregulated and 354 upregulated genes were identified after data normalization. Functional annotation carried out by DAVID tools, revealed that these DEGs were mainly enriched in biological processes i.e., cell division and protein phosphorylation, and they were localized mostly cytoplasm and nucleus. Two molecular function protein binding and ATP binding were predominant.  Additionally KEGG pathway analysis highlighted their involvement in neurodegenerative, cancer, alzheimer's and coronavirus diseases. Armadillo-type fold and Armadillo-like helical domains were found by INTERPRO while TKc domain by SMART. Transcription factors IRF1 was predicted by FunRich tool. Upregulated genes were found expressed in 6 sites i.e., Palate, Ventral striatum, Pluripotent stem cells, Ganglia, Curtilage and Ciliary muscle. A protein-protein interaction network was constructed by using Cytoscape v 6.0. Ten hub genes EFI3A, RPL28, SMG8. UPF2, XAF1, IFITM1, IFIT3, LY63, IFI3 and LY6B were identified by Cytohubba. The expression patterns of hub genes across different organs and immune response cells using a heatmap and expression of EIF3 was found in almost all organs except liver. MicroRNA for were predicted by FunRich tool. Finally, we predicted microRNAs for RPL28, SMG8, UPF2 and EIF3a that could potentially regulate these hub genes, providing insights into post-transcriptional gene regulation. This comprehensive analysis contributes to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying Parkinson's disease and provides a foundation for future research and therapeutic development in this complex and challenging condition
Study on brain damage patterns of COVID-19 patients based on EEG signals
Authors: Yao Yang , Liu Yingnan , Chang Yu , Geng Zihan , Liu Xingting , Ma Songnan , Wang Zhiyun , Zheng Chenguang , Yang Jiajia , Ming Dong
Published: November 2023

Objective

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by the SARA-CoV-2, characterized by high infectivity and incidence. Clinical data indicates that COVID-19 significantly damages patients’ perception, motor function, and cognitive function. However, the electrophysiological mechanism by which the disease affects the patient’s nervous system is not yet clear. Our aim is to investigate the abnormal levels of brain activity and changes in brain functional connectivity network in patients with COVID-19.

Methods

We compared and analyzed electroencephalography signal sample entropy, energy spectrum, and brain network characteristic parameters in the delta (1–4 Hz), theta (4–8 Hz), alpha (8–13 Hz), and beta (13–30 Hz) bands of 15 patients with COVID-19 and 15 healthy controls at rest.

Results

At rest, energy values of the four frequency bands in the frontal and temporal lobes of COVID-19 patients were significantly reduced. At the same time, the sample entropy value of the delta band in COVID-19 patients was significantly increased, while the value of the beta band was significantly decreased. However, the average value of the directed transfer function of patients did not show any abnormalities under the four frequency bands. Furthermore, node degree in the temporal lobe of patients was significantly increased, while the input degree of the frontal and temporal lobes was significantly decreased, and the output degree of the frontal and occipital lobes was significantly increased.

Conclusion

The level of brain activity in COVID-19 patients at rest is reduced, and the brain functional network undergoes a rearrangement. These results preliminarily demonstrate that COVID-19 patients exhibit certain brain abnormalities during rest, it is feasible to explore the neurophysiological mechanism of COVID-19’s impact on the nervous system by using EEG signals, which can provide a certain technical basis for the subsequent diagnosis and evaluation of COVID-19 using artificial intelligence and the prevention of brain nervous system diseases after COVID-19 infection.
The gut mucin-microbiota interactions: a missing key to optimizing endurance performance
Authors: Clark Allison , Mach Núria
Published: November 2023

Endurance athletes offer unique physiology and metabolism compared to sedentary individuals. Athletes training at high intensities for prolonged periods are at risk for gastrointestinal disturbances. An important factor in endurance performance is the integrity and function of the gut barrier, which primarily depends on heavily O-glycosylated mucins. Emerging evidence shows a complex bidirectional dialogue between glycans on mucins and gut microorganisms. This review emphasizes the importance of the crosstalk between the gut microbiome and host mucus mucins and some of the mechanisms underlying this symbiosis. The contribution of mucin glycans to the composition and functionality of the gut microbiome is discussed, as well as the persuasive impact of the gut microbiome on mucin composition, thickness, and immune and metabolic functions. Lastly, we propose natural and synthetic glycans supplements to improve intestinal mucus production and barrier function, offering new opportunities to enhance endurance athletes’ performance and gut health.
Trends in judicial practice on the payment of medical care within compulsory medical insurance
Authors:   FSBEI HE Privolzhsky Research Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Nizhny Novgorod, Smirnova V. I. , Romanova T. E. ,   FSBEI HE Privolzhsky Research Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Nizhny Novgorod
Published: November 2023

Currently, medical organizations are increasingly faced with the inappropriate use of funds of compulsory medical insurance and, as a result, with a significant number of court precedents on this basis. Despite the fact that legal documents regulate in sufficient detail the limit for the targeted use of compulsory medical insurance funds, controversial issues, both on the part of medical organizations and relevant regulatory authorities, often arise.Within the framework of this article, we will analyze the judicial precedents of the misuse of compulsory medical insurance funds and try to identify the main predictable causes of the misuse.
There are many professions in the world that require full self-defiction — a nurse is one of them
Authors:   FSBEI HE Samara State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Sinitsyna E. M.
Published: November 2023

The article describes the career path of Olga Andronovna Kozhukhova, the chief nurse of the Samara Psychiatric Hospital, and her memories of the professional activity to which her whole life was devoted.
Assessment and current control of the quality of the activities of nursing staff
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education «Samara State Medical University» of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russia, Trunova-Feduleeva N. V.
Published: November 2023

Currently, assessment and ongoing quality control of the activities of nursing staff are of particular importance. Establishing and studying the connection between the nursing care provided, the goals and results of treatment allows us to assess the quality of the care process.
Using the potential of specialists in the process of developing new functions
Authors:   SBHI «Samara Regional Clinical Oncological Dispensary», Samara, Russia, Pyatikop V. M.
Published: November 2023

The article presents a modern approach to the use of potential in accordance with the differentiated expansion of the function of nurses. The importance of providing comprehensive care for cancer patients is emphasized.
Experience in implementing additional professional training programs in the system of continuing medical and pharmaceutical education in APEI UR «RMC MH UR»
Authors:   Autonomous Professional Educational Institution of the Udmurt Republic «Republican Medical College named after Hero of the Soviet Union F. A. Pushina of the Ministry of Health of the Udmurt Republic» (APEI UR «RMC MH UR»), Izhevsk, Vostrikova S. A. , Skurikhina E. V. ,   Autonomous Professional Educational Institution of the Udmurt Republic «Republican Medical College named after Hero of the Soviet Union F. A. Pushina of the Ministry of Health of the Udmurt Republic» (APEI UR «RMC MH UR»), Izhevsk, Makarova M. V. ,   Autonomous Professional Educational Institution of the Udmurt Republic «Republican Medical College named after Hero of the Soviet Union F. A. Pushina of the Ministry of Health of the Udmurt Republic» (APEI UR «RMC MH UR»), Izhevsk, Asulmardanova L. I. ,   Autonomous Professional Educational Institution of the Udmurt Republic «Republican Medical College named after Hero of the Soviet Union F. A. Pushina of the Ministry of Health of the Udmurt Republic» (APEI UR «RMC MH UR»), Izhevsk, Galieva R. R. ,   Autonomous Professional Educational Institution of the Udmurt Republic «Republican Medical College named after Hero of the Soviet Union F. A. Pushina of the Ministry of Health of the Udmurt Republic» (APEI UR «RMC MH UR»), Izhevsk, Bobrova S. V. ,   Autonomous Professional Educational Institution of the Udmurt Republic «Republican Medical College named after Hero of the Soviet Union F. A. Pushina of the Ministry of Health of the Udmurt Republic» (APEI UR «RMC MH UR»), Izhevsk
Published: November 2023

The article presents the four-year experience of the APEI UR «RMC MH UR» in the implementation of continuous professional training programs (hereinafter referred to as CPTP) through the Portal of Continuing Medical and Pharmaceutical Education (hereinafter referred to as CMPE). The purpose of the work: to study the experience of the APEI UR «RMC MH UR» in the implementation of the CPTP within the framework of the CMPE for the period from 2019 to 2022. Results. The dynamics of the development of the CPTP over a four-year period is presented, the main directions and forms of the programs implementation are determined, the basic technologies and teaching techniques are studied, the optimal amount of educational load for the requested educational services is determined, and the main source of funding for this type of training is identified. Conclusion. The result of the joint work of the teaching staff of the APEI UR «RMC MH UR» and practical healthcare specialists is the creation of a bank of CPTP that ensure continuous improvement of professional skills and abilities of mid-level medical and pharmaceutical workers.
Revised Passing-Bablok Regression Method for Model Comparison
Authors: ERİLLİ Necati Alp
Published: November 2023

Type-II regression models are used to compare more than one method that makes the same measurement. The Passing-Bablok regression method, which is one of them, is non-parametric and can yield more successful results than other comparison methods, particularly when there are outliers. In this study, innovations in the calculation of the slope and intercept parameters used in the traditional Passing-Bablok method are proposed. Instead of the median parameter used in the classical model, the use of the trimean parameter is suggested, and the model parameter estimates are adjusted accordingly. The proposed model and classical model predictions were compared on 15 different datasets, eight of which were simulations. It was determined that the proposed model calculations contained fewer errors than the results of the classical method.
Analise do trafico humano e suas finalidades
Authors: Feitosa Luana Machado
Published: November 2023

O presente trabalho versa sobre o tráfico de pessoas no Brasil e nos estados Unidos, sendo este um mercado ilícito que acontece desde tempos remotos e que é considerado o terceiro crime mais rentável do mundo. Tem-se como objetivo principal analisar as finalidades do tráfico de humanos nas estradas e os motivos que colaboram para essa problemática, bem como averiguar e descrever os meios que intermediam as pessoas a esse destino. Além disso, demonstra os perfis mais recorrentes das vítimas no referido crime. Ademais, relata as legislações pertinentes ao combate do tráfico humano nas estradas, assim como sugestões de medidas a serem adotadas pelo Estado como forma de prevenir tal ilícito, tal qual apresentar medidas de apoio as vítimas deste crime. Ainda, enfatiza os lugares e os motivos em que mais ocorre a prática do crime, sendo considerados aqueles em que são mais vulneráveis em virtude da questão econômica. Dessa forma, é utilizada a metodologia bibliográfica e o método dedutivo, sendo o primeiro consistente no uso de fontes de pesquisas para a presente elaboração do artigo e o segundo partindo de premissas lógicas para a conclusão das análises.
Assessment of Knowledge, Awareness, and Practice of Procedures for Protecting Operating Room Personnel From Ionizing Radiation: A Cross-sectional Investigation Using a Questionnaire
Authors: Jabbari Masoud
Published: November 2023

Background: This study aimed to look into operating room staff members’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to radiation safety. We identified the relationship between their demographic variables and knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Methods: A questionnaire was filled out by 210 employees who worked in the operating rooms of the public hospitals in Birjand between August 2022 and March 2023. Scores on knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and demographic data were gathered, and the data were analyzed using SPSS, version 22.0. Statistical analyses were completed utilizing descriptive statistics tests, including the independent t-test, the one-way ANOVA with a significant level (P<0.05), and a Chi-square test. Results: The results demonstrated no statistically significant difference (P>0.05) in the knowledge level of operating room personnel towards radiation protection for both genders, age, and type of employment, but work experience and academic degree represented significant differences (P<0.05). Conclusion: The results revealed the operating room staff’s ignorance of the dangers of radiation exposure. Most of them failed to take the appropriate safety measures to reduce their radiation exposure. The findings enable healthcare educators to design and create relevant educational programs that could support businesses in creating a safe work environment and teach healthcare personnel the value of taking personal responsibility for adhering to radiation protection regulations.
Determination of Plasma Malondialdehyde Values as a Laboratory Index of Lipid Peroxidation Reaction in Multiple Sclerosis Patients and Its Comparison With Normal People
Authors: Goli Zahra , Mashayekhi Soudabeh , Taheri Mohammad , Mazdeh Mehrdokht , Safari Mohammad Reza
Published: November 2023

Background: Lipid peroxidation reaction and plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) production are important prognoses in the formation and development of neurodegenerative diseases. The link between lipid peroxidation reaction and plasma MDA in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients is poorly understood. In this study, the plasma MDA values of people with MS and normal people were measured. Methods: In this study, 70 patients with MS and 70 thermally healthy individuals were selected. Their blood samples were poured into the buffer, and the plasma was separated. Then, plasma MDA values were measured through the thiobarbituric acid (TBA) method. Results: The results showed that the values of plasma MDA in two groups of patients with MS and healthy people are 1.49±0.46 and 0.58±0.15 μmol/L, respectively. Conclusion: The findings of this research revealed that the levels of plasma MDA in MS patients are higher than those in healthy people. Therefore, these patients exhibited elevated oxidative stress.
Medical Waste Management in Private Hospitals in Tehran
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Ali , Reshadi Mir Amir Mohammad , Nazaripour Morteza , Rezaei Masomeh
Published: November 2023

Background: Solid waste management is one of the important aspects of the hospital management. Methods: In this study, we examined the quantity and composition of medical solid waste in eight private hospitals in Tehran. For this purpose, a checklist was used through interviews with hospital waste management staff as well as collecting information on hospital waste generation. The annual average of obtained data was analyzed in this study. Results: The results indicated that the private hospitals under study generated solid waste ranging from 24 to 1091 kg/day. The average medical waste generation in the studied privative hospitals was 4 kg/bed/day equal to 5.09 kg/patient/day. Common waste accounted for 70.73% of total hospital solid waste, while infectious and sharp waste accounted for 31.04% of the hospital solid waste. Infectious wastes were disinfected using autoclave in all hospitals. Conclusion: Segregation of infectious waste from hospital waste mass reduces the environmental and health risk of hospital waste and reduces the cost of waste management in private hospitals.
Effects of Surface Water on Artificial Recharge of Coastal Aquifers by GIS Zoning Maps: A Case Study in Ghaemshahr, Iran
Authors: Moghimi Homayoun , Abbas Novinpour Esfandiar
Published: November 2023

Background: The study aimed to assess surface water resources for potential use during non-irrigation seasons to boost groundwater aquifers. This method also helps reduce aquifer depletion, mitigate land subsidence, and enhance groundwater quality. Methods: In this study, artificial feeding methods were used to determine the appropriate location for the Ghaemshahr plain. Water resources were tested in terms of quantity and quality through field and laboratory studies. Based on the findings, geographic information system (GIS) mapping was utilized to create maps and select the best location and feeding method. Results: The most important source of nutrition for recharging the aquifer in terms of quantity and quality was the Talar River. The study area’s conditions like aquifer thickness, permeability, topographic slope, and land use were analyzed using GIS and thematic maps. The results indicated that by using these methods, it is possible to store 5 million cubic meters of surface water in the aquifer for 6 months. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the feasibility of using surface waters in the area for artificial feeding, employing the pond method1. Additionally, it is recommended to dig measuring wells to monitor the water level rise at the bottom of the pond 1. It also suggests the use of simulation software like PMVIN, Mod flow, and GMS to optimize the artificial replenishment process and select the most suitable approach from the defined scenarios before taking any actions.
Life-Cycle Assessment of a Combined-Cycle Power Plant for Electricity Generation
Authors: Motahari Azam , Dana Tooraj , Kargari Nargess , Monavari Seyed Masoud , Jaafarzadeh Haghighi Fard Neamatollah
Published: November 2023

Background: Life-cycle assessment (LCA) is a comprehensive method used to evaluate the environmental effects throughout the entire lifespan (from creation to disposal) of a product or process. In this study, we conducted an analysis of the environmental impact associated with generating 1 kilowatt-hour of electricity in a combined-cycle power plant located in the southwest region of Iran. Methods: An LCA following ISO 14044 standards was conducted via the ReCiPe method evaluating 10 impact categories at the midpoint level, and covering the entire life cycle. This method was selected for its comprehensive modeling of potential impacts from numerous chemicals and its practicality at both midpoint and endpoint levels. Results: The study found that resource availability (RA) has the highest impact at 53% in endpoint categories, mainly due to natural land transformation (NLT) and fuel depletion (FD). Human health (HH) contributes 43%, while ecosystem diversity (ED) has a minor 4% role. In midpoint categories, over 99% of global warming potential (GWP) and climate change (CC) are from CO2 emissions due to fossil fuel combustion. Conclusion: Midpoint analysis identified NLT, FD, CC, freshwater ecotoxicity, terrestrial ecotoxicity, human toxicity, photochemical oxidant formation, terrestrial acidification, freshwater eutrophication, and water depletion as the most impacted categories by the power plant. However, at the endpoint level, RA, HH, and ED were the primary concerns. Fossil fuel use significantly shaped the environmental impact throughout the power plant’s life cycle.
Analysis and Evaluation of Trace Elements in Iranian Olive Samples Using ICP-OES
Authors: Aboutaleb Ehsan , Kazemi Zahra , Kazemi Zohre , Azizi Khereshki Nasibeh
Published: November 2023

Background: One of the concerns faced by many countries, especially developing countries, is the presence of heavy metals in water, air and food, which directly and indirectly cause adverse effects on human health through inhalation and ingestion. Rudbar city is suitable for growing olives due to its climatic conditions, and most of the people living in the area use this product in their meals. The purpose of this study was to determine the amount of heavy metals manganese, iron, copper, zinc (Zn), lead and cadmium in the olives of this area. Methods: For this purpose, 13 olive samples were selected and their heavy metal concentration was measured by ICP-OES device. Results: The results indicated that the concentrations of cadmium, lead, manganese, iron, Zn and copper in the samples of Guilan olives were 0.056±0.019, 0.564±0.170, 2.017±0.211, 7.577±1.312, 1.846±0.387 and 4.147±0.901, respectively. Also, in the imported samples it was 0.065±0.014, 0.494±0.153, 1.295±0.353, 3.465±1.066, 1.357. 0.412 and 4.103±1.335, respectively. Conclusion: Except for one, the amount of lead in all Iranian samples was less than the allowable level. It was also observed that except for lead, the concentration of all metals in foreign samples was lower than Iranian samples. Since olives are one of the most popular food items in the area and considered by travelers, continuous monitoring of the heavy metals in this food is essential.
The Effect of Household Water Purification Devices on the Physicochemical and Microbiological Quality of Water in Iran: A Review
Authors: Almasi Ali , Nouri Monireh
Published: November 2023

Access to clean water is one of the primary and essential needs of humans in terms of its physical, chemical, and biological properties. Every year, many people die from water-borne diseases. Household water treatment devices play a significant role on supplying water needed by different countries. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of these household water purification devices on the physical, chemical, and microbiological quality of water in different cities of Iran. This review has used different databases in Iran and Iranian studies in other international databases. Studies that did not investigate the characteristics of water were excluded, and the studies passed the quality criteria of this review as well as its data were analyzed. The studies showed that the average concentration of water parameters such as total hardness, alkalinity, dissolved oxygen, sulfate, and nitrate in the output water of these devices had decreased. Also, residual chlorine in the outlet water of all samples was lower than the standard value. To use household water purification devices, in addition to considering the benefits of using these devices, we should also pay attention to the reduction of physicochemical and microbiological quality of water.
Presentation of a Green Accounting Model in Integrated Reporting Using a Critical Approach: A Model to Replace Integrated Reporting
Authors: Abbasabadi Yaser , Tehrani Reza , Janani Mohammad Hasan
Published: November 2023

Background: One of the most important challenges in the business world is environmental performance and how to disclose it. Companies interested in disclosing environmental information try to present their information to users transparently comprehensibly. One of the most recent reports that can provide environmental information transparently and cover the criticisms of green accounting, which was presented as an independent report, is integrated reporting. Methods: In the present study, the green accounting model in integrated reporting is prepared with a critical approach. This model was developed qualitatively and the multi-grounded theory method was used. Results: Accordingly, among the selected texts and interviews with 20 experts in the field of accounting and auditing, the relevant concepts and categories were extracted and by categorizing and linking the categories, the desired model including causal conditions, contextual conditions, intervening conditions, core category or phenomenon, strategies and consequences were extracted. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, it is recommended to the Accounting Standards Development Committee to hold meetings to assess the need for integrated reporting in the country and use the experiences of other countries using this report. It is also recommended for the auditing organization to assign a case in the headings of its review in companies under the title of the presence or absence of an integrated report. It can be a stimulus for companies to follow and become familiar with integrated reporting.
Ecological and Human Health Risks Assessment of Potentially Toxic Elements Contamination of Surface Soils in Shushtar and Dezful, Iran
Authors: Payandeh Khoshnaz
Published: November 2023

Background: The potentially toxic elements (PTEs) are one of the most dangerous pollutants in the environment. In this study, the elements namely cadmium, lead, chromium, nickel, copper and zinc were investigated in the soil. Methods: In this study, 144 composite samples were randomly prepared from surface soils in a depth of 10 cm in the cities of Shushtar and Dezful. Soil sampling was performed in 12 stations in Shushtar and Dezful. The PTEs were determined by ICP Varian 710-ES device. Results: The pattern of accumulation of PTEs was as Cu>Pb>Cd>Zn>Ni>Cr in Dezful. In Shushtar, the accumulation of metals in the soil was as Cu>Pb>Cd>Ni>Zn>Cr. The concentration of Ni and Cr in the surface soils of Shushtar was higher than Dezful. The Ecological risk of Cd in the surface soils of Dezful and Shushtar was higher than other PTEs. The most important risk factor for carcinogenicity was related to Cr (3.15×10-7) in children. Hazard quotient (HQ) value of studied PTEs for adults and children were obtained by ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact absorption of less than 1. Conclusion: According to the results, the PTEs of Cd, Pb and Cu caused high pollution in the soils of Shushtar and Dezful, which is due to agricultural, industrial and urban activities in these areas. In general, the metals Cr, Zn and Ni slightly contaminated the soil. Also, the ecological risk of PTEs showed that the highest effects on soil was related to Cd and Pb metals.
Content of Some Elements in the Bestselling Brands of Green Tea on the Iranian market
Authors: Ebrahimi Roya , Rezaee Reza , Godini Kazem , Mohammadi Shadieh , Jafari Ali , Marzban Nader , Tang Van Tai
Published: November 2023

Background: Tea is one of most frequently consumed beverages in the world. Only in Iran, around 12000 tons of tea is annually used. Besides, green tea, which is made from Camellia sinensis leaves and buds, is very popular among people. Although teas have health benefits, since they may be much drunk, they may pose a threat to consumers’ health because of absorbing various ions in their leaves. Unfortunately, there are a limited number of studies on the health effects of green teas. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study performed in 2021. In this research, the concentrations of ions: fluoride (F), chloride (Cl), nitrate (NO3 ), sulfate (SO4 ), and phosphate (PO4 ) in the six bestselling green tea brands, both loose and bag, in Iran were detected by means of ion chromatography. Results: The highest amounts of F, Cl, NO3 , SO4 , and PO4 in the brands were found to be, respectively, in 0.27310, 0.62103, 0.83533, 1.28067, and 1.1037 mg/L. The concentrations of the ions in the both loose and bag tea samples were different significantly. Also, the content of F in the all samples was lower than those acceptable levels suggested by different organizations. Conclusion: It was found that the concentration of the ions was by far lower than those have been introduced as the standard levels. Nonetheless, the water used for tea infusion may contain high levels of these compounds and its volume drunk every day is also very important.
Financial Performance With Emphasis on the Role of Environmental Information Disclosure
Authors: Abgineh Maryam , Ghanbary Mehrdad , Rahmani Mahmood
Published: November 2023

Companies disclose environmental information to achieve social goals. The companies’ financial performance is an important factor regarding the information disclosure. Thus, this study identified the components of financial performance based on the environmental information disclosure. This is a systematic review study through searching either Persian and English keywords, including financial performance, environmental, social and governance, ESG, disclosure, environmental performance and environmental disclosure in databases of PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct as well as Google Scholar, SID, Magiran, and Irandoc. After reviewing and screening 388 articles based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 23 articles were carefully reviewed. The results revealed that four variables namely return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE), Tobin’s Q and profit margin were used to measure the financial performance of companies in order to disclose environmental information. The results also revealed that some variables such as those related to corporate governance, type of industry and macroeconomic variables (economic growth) can affect the relationship between financial performance and disclosure of environmental content. Companies should disclose environmental information to maintain their reputation in society. Disclosure of environmental content is a tool to create corporate image and social contracts by publishing credible information about environmental performance to reduce or enhance the company reputation. Thus, financial performance can be directly affected by disclosure of the environmental content.
Municipal Wastewater Treatment in Iran: Current Situation, Barriers and Future Policies
Authors: Akbarzadeh Abbas , Valipour Alireza , Meshkati Seyed Mohammad Hadi , Hamnabard Nazanin
Published: November 2023

With population and economy growth, water usage, wastewater generation and treatment, treatment plants capacity and innovation ability in Iran have increased dramatically in the last decades. Currently, Iran is in the grip of severe water scarcity, with renewable water availability of less than 1700 m3 /capita/y. Total municipal wastewater generated in Iran is 4.61 billion m3 /y out of which only 42% is treated. The conventional activated sludge process accounted for the largest share (>60%) in municipal wastewater treatment in Iran. The treatment plants operational costs usually amount up to 0.2 US $/m3 wastewater. About 55% of treated municipal effluent is reused in Iran, with an emphasis on the agricultural sector. The electricity consumption in municipal wastewater treatment facilities amounts for 0.1% (241 million kWh/y) of the total electricity consumption of the country. Meanwhile, the current laws and policies are sometimes inefficient or do not prompt the ideal outcomes. Thus, the present study provides an overview of municipal wastewater treatment in Iran by describing the current situation and collecting data from 68 treatment plants, and defining key barriers and future policies needs towards Iran’s sustainable municipal wastewater management (up to 2040). Here, the opinions of 50 experts from the governmental sector, industry division, and faculty members were surveyed through the meetings of the technical and steering committee. Overall, sustainable municipal wastewater management in Iran would be obtained by developing water resources, increasing the population covered by wastewater facilities (90%), improving effluent discharge standards, and lowering energy usage to 0.45 kWh/m3 wastewater.
Purification of Heavy Metals Contaminated Groundwater by Electro-coagulation Process Using Graphite Electrodes
Authors: Ismail Muhibbu-Din Eniola , Oiza Jimoh Heekmah , Pelumi Kehinde David , Agnes Tinuoye Ifeoluwa
Published: November 2023

Background: The subject of this study was the application of the electro-coagulation process to a contaminated groundwater identified in the Abala community, which is a suburb of the Ilorin metropolis in Kwara state, Nigeria. Methods: The electro-coagulation process was applied to the groundwater samples in a 2.5-L batch reactor containing 1 L of the contaminated water. Each run lasted for 1 hour, and a DC power supply was used with a voltage range of 10 to 20 V at a constant current of 5 amp, or 2amp to 6amp at a constant voltage of 10 V. Also, graphite electrodes were employed in the process. Results: The results revealed that the electro-coagulation process could reduce turbidity, total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), biological oxygen demand (BOD), total organic carbon (TOC), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and color by 97.3, 91.2, 91.1, 96, 99.7, 99.7%, 79.9%, and 82.96%, respectively. Through an atomic absorption spectroscopy analytical study, the process also showed removal efficiency of manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) of 82.96%, 70.0%, and 95.30%, respectively. The results of the electro-coagulation process met the drinking water and general industrial wastewater discharge guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO), the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), and the Water Environment Partnership in Asia (WEPA). Conclusion: The observations of this study indicated that electro-coagulation is an efficient and effective treatment method for the contaminated groundwater. Therefore, this study recommends the use of electro-coagulation for treating contaminated groundwater in Nigeria.
Inactivation of Coliforms in Sludge Through Cavitation Phenomena by Ultrasonic Waves
Authors: Golbabaei Kootenaei Farshad , Mehrdadi Nasser , Nabi Bidhendi Gholamreza , Aminirad Hasan , Mirrezaei Mohammad Amin , Saeidi Farimah
Published: November 2023

Background: One of the most challenging and critical processes in wastewater treatment is sludge treatment. This study aimed to investigate the effects of low frequency ultrasound and high level of energy on inactivation rate of total coliform of sludge and ascertain the optimal operating parameters of the ultrasound waves. Methods: In this research, the density of ultrasound (W/mL) and time (minutes) were investigated. The effect of these parameters on the inactivation of total coliform in sludge was also investigated. Results: The results revealed that the optimum operating time and ultrasound density were 30 minutes and 2.5 W/mL, respectively. Also, the frequency of 20 kHz of total coliform removal rate in these conditions was 99.44% . Conclusion: Ultrasound waves as well as micro and nano bubbles could remove total coliform and decontaminate the sludge, thereby incrementing the rate of treatment.
Assessment of Antibiotic Residues in Raw and Pasteurized Milk Produced by Different Analytical Methods
Authors: Mohammadi Ali Akbar , Naimabadi Abolfazl , Oskoei Vahide , Morgan Azghadi Naser , Taghavi Manesh Vahid , Mohammadi-Moghaddam Toktam
Published: November 2023

Background: Due to lack of attention to the required time of emulating the absorbed doses of drugs from different organs, inappropriate use of antibiotics for disease treatment in animals causes many adverse health effects in consumers. In this study, the antibiotic residues in raw and pasteurized milk were evaluated in Neyshabour city. Methods: Raw and pasteurized milk samples were collected from eight farms and milk collection units and four pasteurized milk production factories in Neyshabour city during the warm and cold seasons. 56 samples of raw milk and 24 samples of pasteurized milk were analyzed using the Copan milk test, Tri-Sensor kit and ELISA detection methods to evaluate presence of the antibiotic residue. Results: Copan milk test and Tri-Sensor kit did not detect the antibiotic residue. ELISA kit was able to detect the presence of gentamicin and streptomycin in milk. 25% of the samples contained gentamicin, while 10% of the samples contained streptomycin. The amount of antibiotic residue in the warm season was higher than cold season. 58.3% of pasteurized milk samples in the warm season had gentamicin. Conclusion: Based on our results, extensive and accurate monitoring of antibiotics in raw and pasteurized milk needs to be performed in the city, especially in warm seasons.
Determination and Classification of Qanat Water Quality Based on Groundwater Quality Indices in East of Tehran, Iran
Authors: Salarian Mohammad Bagher , Mackialeagha Mina , Behbahaninia Azita
Published: November 2023

Background: Qanat is a valuable source of groundwater, the maintenance of which requires quantitative and qualitative monitoring. Since the qanat water is currently used in some parts of Iran for drinking and agricultural purposes, its quality management is of great importance. This study aimed to evaluate the water quality of the qanat in the eastern areas of Tehran. Methods: Water sampling was performed in eight qanats in the east of Tehran in triplicate (mother well and one of the access shafts and outlet) during the summer of 2020. The measured parameters were pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), CO3 2-, HCO3 - , Na2+, Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, Cl- , NO3 , SO4 2-, total hardness (TH) and total alkalinity (TA). The quality was assessed according to the standards introduced by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Agriculture Organization. Groundwater quality index (GWQI) was used to classify the samples. Results: The lowest (56.05) and the highest (2058.58) GWQI scores corresponded to qanats 5 (Elimon) and 8 (Aminabad) with good and very poor quality, respectively. There was a decrease in the water quality of qanats 8 (Aminabad), 7 (Sulaymaniyah), 6 (Mehdiabad) and 2 (Majidieh), respectively. Conclusion: The quality of the qanats were in the range of good to very poor. The reasons for difference in water quality could be due to the direction of anthropological pollutants and geological structures. To control the water quality of the qanats in the east of Tehran, the quality monitoring network is recommended to be designed for various pollutants and optimized for long term.
Comparing the effects of lycopene and corticosteroids on oral lichen planus: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Motahari Paria , Daliraan Rana , Poorzare Solmaz
Published: November 2023

Oral lichen planus (OLP) as an inflammatory disease is autoimmune in nature and there is no definitive treatment for it. Currently, topical and systemic corticosteroids have been adopted as the gold standard in the treatment of OLP, which have significant side effects. Nowadays, the tendency towards natural medicines with antioxidant properties as an alternative treatment has increased due to their low side effects. The main purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to focus on comparing the effects of lycopene as an herbal intervention and corticosteroids on OLP in clinical trials. The search using keywords was done through provided databases from PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Scopus until March 2023. After removing duplicate articles and screening them according to eligibility criteria, 5 articles remained and were considered for systematic review and meta-analysis. According to the meta-analysis, significant difference was not observed between the lycopene and corticosteroid groups in terms of reducing pain and improving clinical symptoms after treatment. Lycopene was tolerated well and no specific adverse effects were shown. The systematic review results showed the significant effect of lycopene in the treatment of OLP. The results of this meta-analysis can be useful because no significant side effects have been specified for lycopene. Hence, it might be used instead of steroids.
Investigation on the gastrointestinal properties of ethanolic extract of Cannabis sativa through in vivo and in vitro approaches
Authors: Chda Alae , Mahou Youssef , Znata Youssra , El Fatemi Hinde , Boukir Abdellatif , Ananou Samir , El Abida Kaouakib , Bencheikh Rachid
Published: November 2023

Introduction: For thousands of years, Cannabis sativa has been used for its medical and recreational benefits. Nowadays, there is an increasing interest in the use of C. sativa and its non-psychoactive products/effects to treat certain diseases. This study was conducted to examine the gastrointestinal effects of a sequential ethanolic fraction of C. sativa threshing residues (EFCS). Methods: In vivo and in vitro approaches were used to investigate the gastrointestinal properties of EFCS. Antidiarrheal, antibacterial, spasmodic, laxative, and antiulcer effects were tested respectively against castor oil induced diarrhea, disc diffusion method, isolated tissue preparations, charcoal transit time, and ethanol induced ulcer model. Results: EFCS induced a spasmodic effect on an isolated rabbit jejunum, which was inhibited by atropine and verapamil. Moreover, under free calcium conditions, the effect of EFCS was significantly reduced. The acute toxicity assay in female and male mice showed that EFCS was a safe product. Additionally, EFCS like loperamide presented antidiarrheal effect in mice and inhibited intestinal fluid secretions. Unlike the standard drug (loperamide), EFCS increased the motility of the intestinal transit. Furthermore, EFCS showed a protective effect against gastric ulcers induced by ethanol in mice and exhibited antimicrobial properties against Bacillus cereus strains. Conclusion: The results of this study reveal that EFCS possesses anti-diarrheal, antibacterial, spasmodic, laxative, and anti-ulcer activities. EFCS has potential therapeutic use against gastrointestinal diseases. Also, our work values the non-psychoactive products of C. sativa.