Kink-band Kinematic Analysis and its Implications for Late-stage Deformation in the Internal Parts of the Zagros Collision(Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone) in West Iran

In the internal parts of the Zagros collision zone, several deformation phases have been superimposed. The early deformation phase caused the development of a penetrative foliation. The late-stage deformation phase was preferentially accommodated within shear zones and caused the generation of shear bands, implying a non-coaxial component of deformation, the end of this stage deformation was marked by the development of kink-bands. In the vicinity of Zagros suture zone, the kink angle increased from 40° to 60°, and the kink-bands was converted to chevron folds. In this region, the external(α) and internal(β) angular ratio is α/β ≠ 1 and kink angle increased, and deformation occurred with 10% to 30% volume loss. Farther from the suture zone in the east, α/β = 1;and total volume was constant or increased by 5% to 10%. Kink-bands kinematic analysis in the study area revealed this structures were sensitive to deformation conditions and components such that, with decreasing distance to the Zagros suture zone, shearing and rotation increased, a high kinematic vorticity dominated, and volume loss occurred during deformation.

Petrologic evolution of the Gysian ophiolitic serpentinites,NW Iran

The Gysian ophiolite of NW Iran is located at the intersection of the ophiolite belts of SE Turkey,NE Iraq,and Iran,and provides the opportunity to investigate the preserved subduction and obduction history of an important tectonic site that has not previously been studied.The serpentinized peridotites of the Gysian ophiolite contain the assemblagelizardite+chrysotile+spinel/Mg-spinelwith relict clinopyroxene(diopside)and very rare relict orthopyroxene and olivine.The compositions of clinopyroxenes and spinels are more consistent with the formation of the inferred protolithharzburgitesinafore-arcorsupra-subduction zone instead of an abyssal environment.The Gysian ophiolite is a remnant of the Neo-Tethyan arc-ophiolitic system and records shallow subduction(<50 km,indicated by the absence of antigorite)in the Late Cretaceous to Paleocene beforeobductionalongthrustfaultsoverthecontinental margin.We review the spatial trends of the metamorphic grade of the Neo-Tethyan ophiolites in this region and provide detailed information about the petrology and mineral chemistry of the Gysian ophiolite.

Survival and risk analysis of patients with COVID-19 in Iran

Objective:To evaluate the risk factors of death caused by COVID-19 in Iran.Methods:This study was a retrospective cohort study from February 20,2020,to August 22,2022,in the hospitals in Isfahan,Iran.The data were collected through a researcher-made checklist.To determine the risk factors of the death,logistic regression and Cox regression models were used.For each variable,the odds ratio and 95%confidence interval were also reported.Results:1885 Patients were included.The age of deceased persons was significantly higher than that of the surviving persons.The risk of death for the age group above 60 years was about 14 times higher than that of people aged 19-35 years[95%CI:14.41(2.02-102.99),P<0.01].Hypertension[95%CI:1.92(1.47-2.5),P<0.01],diabetes[95%CI:1.62(1.23-2.13),P<0.001],and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease[95%CI:1.92(1.47-2.50),P<0.01]were also risk factors of mortality.Conclusions:This study reveals that the mortality rate due to COVID-19 is associated with old age,longer hospitalization in the ICU,increased length of stay,and comorbidities of high blood pressure,diabetes,and chronic pulmonary disease.

Spatial analysis of animal bites in Iran(2015-2020):A cross-sectional study

Objective:To investigate the distribution pattern of animal bites in Mirjaveh,Iran from 2015 to 2020.Methods:The data on animal bites were collected from the Department of Infectious Diseases,the provincial health center.Monthly climatic data on precipitation and temperature during the study period were also collected.The correlation between incidence and temperature,precipitation rate,land type,and altitude was also analyzed.Results:The results showed that men were more affected by animal bites than women(76.4%,P<0.001),and the highest incidence rate occurred in the age group of 5-19 years.The incidence rate of animal bites was found to be correlated with temperature and altitude.An increase in temperature was associated with a rise in the incidence rate of animal bites.The number of animal bites increased until 2019,possibly due to an increase in the number of dogs in the area.Conclusions:Targeted interventions should be implemented to reduce the incidence of animal bites,particularly among children,housewives,and students.Improving access to appropriate treatments,increasing public awareness of the hazards of animal bites,and increasing the number of vaccinated dogs in the area are essential strategies to be considered.

Heideggerian Thought in the Light of Iranian-Islamic Wisdom

A prominent Iranian philosopher Ahmad Fardid considered the influential German philosopher Martin Heidegger as“the only Western philosopher who understood the world and the only philosopher whose insights were congruent with the principles of the Islamic Republic”.The report aimed to present Fardid’s interpretation of Heidegger in the light of Iranian-Islamic wisdom.Iranian philosopher believes that Heidegger’s thought responds to the most important intellectual crisis of the West civilization that is nihilism and to reach the possibility of an“other beginning”of thinking that he calls“No-longer-metaphysical-thought”.Considering these two fundamental features,Fardid founds powerful religious-spiritual tendencies in Heidegger’s thinking.

Incidence rate of animal bites in southern Iran during 2015-2019 using Cochrane-Armitage trend test

Objective:To investigate the trend of animal bites in southern Iran from 2015 to 2019.Methods:This is a cross-sectional study of patients with animal bites who were referred to the Center for Disease Control in the three cities of Larestan,Evaz,and Khonj in Fars province,southern Iran from 2015 to 2019.The trend of animal bites incidence was analyzed using the Cochran-Armitage trend test.Results:In total,from 2015 to 2019,1944 cases of animal bites were reported.A total of 79.8%of the cases were men.The overall average incidence of animal bites was 142.93 per 100000 people.The incidence of animal bites was significantly increased(Ptrend<0.001).The highest incidence was in November(79.04 per 100000 people)followed by January(76.1 per 100000 people)and February(69.48 per 100000 people);also,the lowest incidence was in August(47.42 per 100000 people)and July(50.0 per 100000 people).Conclusions:The incidence of animal bites has significantly increased.Given the importance of rabies,control and management of animal bites should be emphasized and considered.

Epidemiology of animal bite injuries in North of Fars province in Iran

Objective:To investigate the epidemiological situation of animal bites in Rostam city of Fars province.Methods:This is a cross-sectional study.Cases of animal bites registered in health centers of Rostam city of Fars province from the beginning of 2014 to 2020 were analyzed using the census method.The tool for collecting information was the portal of the Ministry of Health and the registration offices of people who were referred to the rabies center.Results:A total of 628 cases of animal bites registered in health centers of Rostam city of Fars province from the beginning of 2014 to 2020.The mean age of the injured was(31.3±20.2)years.Of the total injured cases,414(65.9%)were male,and 491(78.2%)lived in villages.Most of the cases were bitten by dogs(n=420,66.8%)and the upper limb was involved in 280(55.2%)cases.In addition,an increasing trend was observed in the incidence of animal bites from 2015 to 2020.Conclusions:The incidence of animal bites in Rostam City is high,and most of the cases occur in rural areas.Considering the injuries caused by animal bites,the risk of rabies transmission,and the high costs of vaccination and serum therapy,it is necessary to hold control,educational,and vaccination programs.

Biostratigraphy,Microfacies,Sedimentary Environments and Sequence Stratigraphy of the Late Devonian-Carboniferous Deposits at the Anarak Section,Central Iran

The Late Devonian-early Carboniferous deposits of the Anarak section in northeastern Isfahan,Central Iran,evaluated based on conodont biostratigraphy,sedimentary environment and sequence stratigraphy.According to the field observations,five lithological units were identified.Investigating the conodont fauna of the Late Devonian-Carboniferous(Mississippian-Pennsylvanian)deposits of Bahram,Shishtu,and Qaleh(Sardar 1)formations in Anarak section led to the identification of 67 species of 18 conodont genera,and accordingly 22 conodont biozones were differentiated.The correlation of sea-level change curves,regarding to the conodont biofacies with the global sea-level curve,demonstrates the relative correlation in the mentioned times due to the shallow condition of the central Iran basin compared to the European and American basins.The microfacies analysis led to the identification of 12 microfacies related to the open sea,bioclastic barrier,lagoon and tidal flat sub-sedimentary environments in a homoclinal carbonate ramp environment.Based on sequence stratigraphy studies,three 3rd order sequences were identified.The first sequence,which is of the Late Devonian(upper part of the Bahram Formation,32.5 m),the second sequence(12.5 m)is the Late Devonian(uppermost part of the Bahram Formation),and the third sequence(68 m)is the early Carboniferous(the Shishtu I Formation).

Epidemiological characteristics and trends of animal bites in Neyshabur,Iran:A cross-sectional study

Objective:To investigate the trend of animal bites between 2015-2021 in Neyshabur,Iran.Methods:In this cross-sectional descriptive study,data were retrieved from the vice-chancellery of the Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences.The data included person variables,place and time variables,and animal variables.Results:There were 13190 cases of animal bites and the trend was increasing during 2015-2020.Most injuries were caused by dogs(86%),most animal bites(76.6%)occurred in males,and 28.1%of all cases were farmers.The most common bitten parts were the lower limbs(64.8%),often reported as a scratch(83.4%).Most of the biting animals(67.9%)were not strays,and 83.3%of them had bitten their owners.No rabies death was reported during the study period.Conclusions:The incidence of animal bites increases and is higher than the national statistics in Neyshabur,Iran.Serious attention and intervention should be given to control and prevent this health threat.

COVID-19 mortality trends before and after the national vaccination program in Iran: A joinpoint regression analysis

Objective:To investigate the trend of mortality by COVID-19 before and after the national vaccination program using joinpoint regression analysis from 19 February 2020 to 5 September 2022.Methods:In the present study,a joinpoint regression analysis of monthly collected data on confirmed deaths of COVID-19 in Iran from February 19,2020 to September 5,2022 was performed.Results:After national vaccination in Iran,the trend of new monthly deaths due to COVID-19 was decreasing.The percentage of monthly changes from the beginning of the pandemic to the 19th month was 6.62%(95%CI:1.1,12.4),which had an increasing trend.From the 19th month to the end of the 31st month,the mortality trend was decreasing,and the percentage of monthly changes was-20.05%(95%CI:-8.3,-30.3)(P=0.002).The average percentage of monthly changes was-5%with a 95%CI of(-10.5,0.9).Conclusions:Along with other health measures,such as quarantine,wearing a mask,hand washing,social distancing,etc.,national vaccination significantly reduces the mortality rate of COVID-19.

First Record of Sexual Dimorphism in Toxasterid Echinoid Heteraster from the Early Cretaceous Deposits of the Kopet-Dagh Basin,NE Iran

Spatangoid echinoids belonging to Heteraster found in the Lower Cretaceous limestones and calcareous deposits of the Tirgan and Sarcheshmeh formations(Barremian-Aptian)in the Bahman jan-Bala stratigraphic section on the northern flank of the Borouj syncline,situated in the eastern Kopet-Dagh Basin,northeastern Iran are assessed as a sexually dimorphic species.Sexual dimorphism is a common feature in echinoids and,in this study of Heteraster renngarteni Poretzkaja,1961,sexual dimorphism has been detected for the first time in the family Toxasteridae.

Tectonic paleostress field and its impact on the geodynamic evolution of Central Iran, case study: the Shotori Mountain

The Shotori mountain range is located along the northern terminus of the Nayband fault on the eastern and western domains of the Tabas and Lut blocks,respectively.This range with NNW-SSE trending and approximately 120 km long includes a series of thrust faults approaching the right-lateral strike-slip Nayband fault.Since the Shotori range has experienced various geological events since the Triassic,our investigations suggest that the basement of the Central Iranian subcontinent of the Shotori range contains the early Triassic deep sedimentary with normal faults which confirms Triassic tensional tectonic stress regime in the region.After the middle Triassic,the mountain range has experienced thrust and strike-slip regimes.Therefore,in this study,we reconstruct the stress regimes for different geological periods using fault-slip data.The inversion of faultslip data reveals drastic temporal changes in the maximum stress regime(σ1)over the Triassic,Jurassic,Cretaceous,Paleogene,Neogen,and Quaternary.The reconstruction of the stress field based on the age and direction of fault movement reveals that the direction of the maximum horizontal stress axis(σ1)under a tensional stress regime was approximately N129°in the Early Triassic.This stress regime is the cause of thinning and subsidence of the Shotori sedimentary basin.During the middle Triassic,theσ1 direction was about N81°and the upper Triassic,theσ1 direction was almost N115°.The middle Triassic and upper Triassic stress states exhibited two distinct strike-slip and compressive stress regimes.This stress regime led to the uplift of the Shotori sedimentary basin.During the Jurassic,the direction of the maximum horizontal stress axis(σ1)was~NW-SE under a compressive stress regime.During the Triassic,theσ1 direction was~N-S.This stress regime led to the formation of the high topography of the Shotori Mountain Range.In the Late Cretaceous,the direction of the maximum horizontal stress axis(σ1)under the extensional stress regime was~NE-SW.This stress regime led to the uplift of the Paleogen Dacite in eastern Iran.During the Neogene,theσ1 direction was~N60°.The Quaternary tectonic regime is strike-slip and theσ1 direction is~N50°,consistent with the current convergence direction of the Arabia–Eurasia plates.Our paleostress analysis reveals four recognized stress in this area,which includes compressional,transtensional,transpressional,and strike-slip regimes.Our findings indicated that the crustal diversity of the tectonic regimes was responsible for the formation of various geological structures,such as folds,faults by different mechanisms,and the present-day configuration of the Shotori sedimentary basin.

Evaluation of restoration success in arid rangelands of Iran based on the variation of ecosystem services

The plantation of non-native species is one of the most expensive ecological restoration measures in arid and semi-arid areas,while its impacts on local communities are largely ignored.This study assessed the rate of change and the dynamic degree of the economic values of ecosystem services related to local conservation(water yield,stocking rate and aesthetic value)and preserving the future(carbon sequestration,soil protection,soil stability and habitat provision)to determine the restoration success of the plantation of non-native species Haloxylon ammodendron(C.A.Mey.)Bunge ex Fenzl(15-and 30-year-old)in parts of arid rangelands of Bardsir region,Kerman Province,Iran.We investigated the impacts of the two plantations on the seven ecosystem services and ecosystem structures(horizontal and vertical structures,vegetation composition and species diversity)based on field sampling and measurements at four sampling sites(i.e.,control,degraded,and 15-and 30-year-old plantation sites)in spring and summer of 2022.The restoration success of the plantation of non-native species was then examined by assessing the rate of change and the dynamic degree of the total economic value of all ecosystem services as well as the rate of change and the dynamic degree of the economic values of ecosystem services for the two groups(local conservation and preserving the future).Although the plantation of non-native species H.ammodendron enormously improved the vertical and horizontal structures of ecosystems,it failed to increase species diversity and richness fully.Further,despite the plantation of non-native species H.ammodendron had significantly increased the economic values of all ecosystem services,it was only quite successful in restoring carbon sequestration.Path analysis showed that plantation age had a significant impact on restoration success directly and indirectly(through changing ecosystem structures and services).The dynamic degree of the economic values of ecosystem services related to local conservation and preserving the future at the 15-and 30-year-old plantation sites indicated that the two plantations successfully restored the ecosystem services related to preserving the future.The presented method can help managers select the best restoration practices and predict their ecological-social success,especially for the plantation of high-risk non-native species in arid and semi-arid areas.

Contribution of biophysical and climate variables to the spatial distribution of wildfires in Iran

This study investigated the relationship between climate and biophysical variables in burned areas in Iran.The fire burned area(FBA)product(Fire CCI 5.1.1),land surface temperature(MOD11C3C),vegetation index(MOD13A1),and climate variables such as temperature,wind speed,relative humidity,and volumetric soil moisture from the ERA5 reanalysis dataset were used.Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between biophysical and climate variables and fire occurrence.The results show that FBA increased by 1.7 hectares/decade from 2001 to 2020.The high FBA in 2010(the black summer of Iran)was due to high temperatures and significant heatwaves that led to extensive wildfires.Although anthropogenic activities are considered a significant cause of wildfires,several variables,including increased temperatures,less precipitation,relative humidity,and wind speed and direction,contribute to the extent and occurrence of wildfires.The country’s FBA hotspot is in the Arasbaran region during the summer season.Temperature and relative humidity are the most significant variables influencing the occurrence of wildfires.The results show the vulnerability of Iran s forests and their high potential for fires.Considering the frequency of fire occurrences in Iran and the limited equipment,fire prevention plans should be carried out by applying proper management in high-risk regions.

Future meteorological drought conditions in southwestern Iran based on the NEX-GDDP climate dataset

Investigation of the climate change effects on drought is required to develop management strategies for minimizing adverse social and economic impacts.Therefore,studying the future meteorological drought conditions at a local scale is vital.In this study,we assessed the efficiency of seven downscaled Global Climate Models(GCMs)provided by the NASA Earth Exchange Global Daily Downscaled Projections(NEX-GDDP),and investigated the impacts of climate change on future meteorological drought using Standard Precipitation Index(SPI)in the Karoun River Basin(KRB)of southwestern Iran under two Representative Concentration Pathway(RCP)emission scenarios,i.e.,RCP4.5 and RCP8.5.The results demonstrated that SPI estimated based on the Meteorological Research Institute Coupled Global Climate Model version 3(MRI-CGCM3)is consistent with the one estimated by synoptic stations during the historical period(1990-2005).The root mean square error(RMSE)value is less than 0.75 in 77%of the synoptic stations.GCMs have high uncertainty in most synoptic stations except those located in the plain.Using the average of a few GCMs to improve performance and reduce uncertainty is suggested by the results.The results revealed that with the areas affected by wetness decreasing in the KRB,drought frequency in the North KRB is likely to increase at the end of the 21st century under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios.At the seasonal scale,the decreasing trend for SPI in spring,summer,and winter shows a drought tendency in this region.The climate-induced drought hazard can have vast consequences,especially in agriculture and rural livelihoods.Accordingly,an increasing trend in drought during the growing seasons under RCP scenarios is vital for water managers and farmers to adopt strategies to reduce the damages.The results of this study are of great value for formulating sustainable water resources management plans affected by climate change.

Renal allograft procurement from living unrelated donors in Iran: What falls under the eclipse

Renal transplantation is the treatment of choice for end stage kidney disease.However,despite all the efforts to expand the donor pool,the shortage of donors is increasing and as a consequence,there has been a significant increase in the number of patients on transplant waiting lists globally.Societies worldwide have employed different methods to address this,each with specific ethical concerns surrounding them.Over three decades ago,a governmentally regulated program of kidney transplantation from living unrelated donors was introduced in Iran and since practiced which has been the subject of hot debate in the literature.Nevertheless,despite all these extensive discussions and publications,several key aspects of the program have still not been properly elucidated and addressed.In this article,the author aims to illuminate some dark corners related to this issue that have largely escaped the notice of ethicists.

The Malicious Uses of Artificial Intelligence(MUAI)and Psychological Security in the Case of Iran

Artificial intelligence(AI)is attracted great attention in the world,because its uses are going to be prevailed in many areas and issues.As a result,keeping the situation to use AI in the positive and optimistic manner would be meant that it is well-protected the society’s mentality.The malicious uses of AI in the case of Iran are mattered by the three issues-the huge sanctions imposed to Iran by the Western countries,the psychological dissonance there is in the Iran’s decision making process,and by ontological security perceived by the Iran’s officials.It is tried to examine them in accordance with the technical,cognitive,and the institutional levels of AI.

In memory of Dr. Azar Andami, an eminent researcher and scholar at the Pasteur Institute of Iran

This paper focuses on the remarkable contributions and achievements of Dr.Azar Andami(1926–1984),a renowned physician and specialist at the Pasteur Institute of Iran.Dr.Andami conducted extensive research on infectious diseases,particularly cholera,utilizing her knowledge in medicine,bacteriology,and laboratory sciences.She played a crucial role in the mass production of the cholera vaccine at the Pasteur Institute of Iran and in controlling the spread of communicable diseases both locally and globally.This paper aims to highlight her remarkable works and accomplishments.

Development of International Chinese Language Education in Iran:An Analysis in the Context of Iran’s Foreign Language Policy Characteristics

This paper focuses on examining the relevant policies concerning Chinese language education within Iran’s foreign language education policy framework from the perspective of its historical context.By analyzing the characteristics of Iran’s foreign language policy and the current situation of Chinese language teaching in Iran,this paper studies the future development of international Chinese language education in Iran.

伊朗与也门胡塞武装的准联盟关系探析

将伊朗与也门胡塞武装关系视为“代理人”关系的观点过于强调伊朗对胡塞武装的影响力;将两者视为战略联盟关系的观点则过于强调双方关系的约束性,低估了两者之间关系的灵活性;而将两者关系视为伊朗宣传作秀的观点,又忽视了两者所存在的战略合作现实。本文认为,伊朗与胡塞武装是基于共同的反美、反以和反对地区亲美政权意识形态,且具有阶段性共同战略利益的准联盟。灵活性的战略合作是伊朗与胡塞武装双方关系的基本特点,具体而言:一是纵观双方关系的历史,战略合作集中体现在两个时间段,其他时段双方战略合作并不突出;二是双方合作以共同的战略利益为动力,包括钳制沙特以及反美和反以等;三是双方的合作内容多为伊朗对胡塞武装提供军事和政治支持,具有很强的政治性。未来,双方仍将基于共同的战略利益开展合作,但签订正式且高约束性的合作条约的可能性较小。综合来看,伊朗与胡塞武装的联系与合作会因形势和战略利益的变化而表现出灵活性:在面对共同的地缘政治威胁和有利的战略时机之时,双方会加强合作的紧密性;而在利益分歧较大、需要改善周边安全环境等情况下,双方的联系则会淡化。