The nature and movement of thrusts in the eastern Iranian orogen:Sechengi Area on the northern border of Lut and Sistan

The eastern Iranian range,known as the Sistan suture zone in the past,has recently been identified as the Sistan orogen.This Paleogene orogeny is located between the Lut and Afghan microcontinents.The structural analysis shows that most of the thrusts dip towards the NW so that the Permo-Triassic sediments and Jurassic micro-diorites of the Lut Block overthrusted over the younger rocks.Structural studies show that the tectonic vergence was from the NW to the SE of the Sechengi area in the NW part of Sistan orogen.We recognized three deformation phases in eastern Iran.The first N-S deformation event(D1)resulted in the formation of tight E-W folds(F1)and associated cleavages(S1).The second E-W deformation event(D2),which occurred in the late Paleogene led to the bending of older structures,including the axial plane of the first-generation folds giving them a new northwest direction(F2).Additionally,the ramp of the first-phase thrusts(striking E-W)was reactivated,acquiring a new NNW orientation and exhibiting SSE tectonic vergence.The third deformation event(D3)resulted in the formation of NNE and WNW conjugate faults in eastern Iran.Such consecutive deformation events perpendicular to each other are inconsistent with the models of simple linear orogen presented for eastern Iran(i.e.rifting of eastern Iran continental crust and subsequence linear collision)and seem more consistent with the buckling orogeny(Orocline).

Growth of Chinese Medicine in Iran: Past, Present, and Prospects

The international recognition of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)has continuously increased,and that medical practice has gradually become incorporated into the medical systems of many nations.As an important country in the Belt and Road Initiative,Iran has enormous potential for cooperation with China in medical and health care.High-level officials of the two countries attach great importance to cooperation in both areas.Despite the recent rapid development of TCM in Iran,that medical practice still faces many problems;examples here are the lack of practitioners of TCM as well as the paucity of comprehensive cooperation among herbal medicine factories,publishing houses,traditional medicine colleges,and universities in the two countries.The present study collected and analyzed materials related to the practice of TCM in Iran;it made a deep examination of the current situation,problems,and development prospects regarding TCM in Iran with the aim of providing ideas and references to promote the international development of that form of medicine.Following an analysis of the development trends of TCM in Iran in recent years,it became evident that the prospects for TCM in that country are extensive,and the practice has excellent potential.

State,Communal,and Individual Identities in Iran

Cultural identity in Iran is comprised of four primary elements,each of which have proven to be highly resonant in the country political history.The vexing issue of modernity,and where individuals and collectivities are placed in relation to it,has been one of the most prominent of these elements of Iranian identity.A second constitutive factor has been the role of the state as a deliberate crafter of cultural,in turn directly influencing the salience,interpretation,extent,and direction of modernity,or its antithesis,in Iran.Equally defining has been the role and significance of religion,which has emerged as a marker of individual and collective,as well as political,identities.Nationalism,and its compelling impulse across Iranian society especially from the early 1900s and continuing until today,has also emerged as an integral and inseparable feature of Iranian identity.Together,these four elements―modernity,a culturally intrusive state,religion and religiosity,and nationalism―constitute fluid yet constant,sometimes complementary and sometimes competing,dimensions of Iranian identity.

Analyzing the Essay Writing Patterns of Iranian Intermediate-Level Korean Language Learners: A Study Based on the TOPIK Exam

This study examines the writing abilities of Iranian intermediate Korean learners,specifically their performance in the compositional writing section of the Test of Proficiency in Korean(TOPIK).By utilizing the many FACETS-Rasch Model,we meticulously analyzed nine writing samples from the 52nd TOPIK.These samples were evaluated using a modified rubric ranging from 0 to 3 based on predefined criteria for written composition.The results underscored that the sections on“appropriateness of spacing and spelling,”“relevance of vocabulary,”and“content diversity”presented the most significant challenges for the learners.On the other hand,“the quantity of writing”emerged as the least challenging aspect.These findings reveal substantial disparities in various aspects of writing proficiency among learners.The study not only pinpoints issue areas in writing skills,but also underscores the necessity of customized teaching strategies within the TOPIK framework to address these weaknesses.Consequently,it offers valuable insights that could bolster the effectiveness of teaching writing to Korean language learners.The findings of this study are not only significant for the field of language education,but also contribute to a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by intermediate learners and provide a roadmap for improving language instruction.

The role of selected medicinal plants from Iranian traditional medicine for the treatment of fatigue in metabolic syndrome

Background:Fatigue is a symptom of metabolic disorders such as metabolic syndrome,which is currently increasing in the world.There is no specific medication for fatigue,but in many cases,such as in metabolic disorders,it can be relieved by treating the underlying causes.Oxidative stress and inflammation are associated with fatigue and metabolic syndrome.Other mechanisms in metabolic syndrome are also involved in causing fatigue.Objective:The aim of this study was to investigate the role of selected medicinal plants from Iranian traditional medicine(ITM)in improving fatigue in patients with metabolic syndrome.Methods:ITM is one of the most ancient systems of medicine.In this article,we first explained fatigue,its types,and treatment from the perspective of ITM and then introduced a list of medicinal plants used in ITM to treat fatigue.Next,we reviewed the biological effects of these plants effective in treating the manifestations of the metabolic syndrome based on a search of electronic databases.Results:They have antioxidant,anti-inflammatory,and anti-diabetic activities.Among them,Matricaria chamomilla L.,Laurus nobilis L.,Origanum majorana L.,Vitex agnus-castus L.,Lawsonia inermis L.,Anethum graveolens L.,and Pistacia terebinthus L.improve the lipid profile and reduce dyslipidemia.Also,the antihypertensive effects of Matricaria chamomilla,Laurus nobilis,and Origanum majorana have been proven.Conclusion:These plants prevent fatigue and disease progression by countering oxidative stress and inflammation and affecting the properties of the metabolic syndrome.

New Year,New Insights:Interpreting the Cultural Nuances of Nowruz and Seollal for Iranian Students Learning Korean

With proper education,students would be better equipped for life in a more diverse and globally integrated world.To foster intercultural conversation and global citizenship among students,various cultural practices should be brought to their attention,and they should be encouraged to develop respect for these traditions.This study compares the cultural significance,rites,and customs,traditional meals,social interactions,and symbolism of the Iranian New Year(Nowruz;نوروز)with those of the Korean New Year(Seollal;설날)to determine whether or not Iranian students could benefit from learning Korean in terms of language acquisition,cultural understanding,and celebratory behavior.The findings shed light on the importance of instituting policies that foster intercultural conversation and including cross-cultural studies in educational programs.Some recommendations include increasing access to multicultural education,teaching languages,sponsoring international and intercultural activities,developing an appreciation of diverse cultures,and educating instructors.

An Orthogonal Collision Dynamic Mechanism of Wave-Like Uplift Plateaus in Southern Asia

In southern Asia, there are three large-scale wave-like mountains ranging from the Tibetan Plateau westward to the Iranian Plateau and the Armenian Plateau. On the southern side between plateaus, there are the Indian Peninsula and the Arabian Peninsula. What dynamic mechanisms form the directional alignment of the three plateaus with the two peninsulas remains a mystery. In the early stages of the Earth’s geological evolution, the internal structure of the Earth was that the center was a solid core, and the outmost layer was a thin equatorial crust zone separated by two thick pristine continents in polar areas, while the middle part was a deep magma fluid layer. Within the magma fluid layer, thermal and dynamic differences triggered planetary-scale vertical magma cells and led to the core-magma angular momentum exchange. When the core loses angular momentum and the magma layer gains angular momentum, the movement of upper magma fluids to the east and the tropical convergence zone (TCZ) drives the split and drift of two thick pristine continents, eventually forming the current combination of these plateaus and peninsulas and their wave-like arrangement along the east-west direction. Among them, the horizontal orthogonal convergence (collision) of upper magma fluids from the two hemispheres excited the vertical shear stress along the magma TCZ, which is the dynamic mechanism of mountain uplifts on the north side and plate subductions on the south side. To confirm this mechanism, two examples of low-level winds are used to calculate the correspondence between cyclone/anticyclonic systems generated by the orthogonal collision of airflows along the atmospheric TCZ and satellite-observed cloud systems. Such comparison can help us revisit the geological history of continental drift and orogeny.

A review of the efficacy of traditional Iranian medicine forinflammatory bowel disease

The etiology of inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) is not yet known,but many factors such as defects in the immune system,oxidative stress,microbial content in the gastrointestinal tract,nuclear factor(NF)-κB,nitric oxide(NO),cyclooxygenase-2(Cox-2),and leukotriene B4(LB4) are thought to play a role in its pathogenesis.In traditional Iranian medicine(TIM),several medicinal plants are thought to be effective for the treatment of IBD.In this study,information on all of these remedies were derived from all available old sources such as documents or notes and books and were added to the information derived from modern medical databases covering all in vitro,in vivo and clinical trials.For some of these plants,only one or two mechanisms of action have been found such as in Cassia fistula,Lepidium sativum,and Bunium persicum.However,for some plants various mechanisms of action are known.For example,Commiphora mukul is effective in IBD due to its immunomodulatory,antioxidant,and antibacterial properties and it decreases NF-κB,NO and Cox-2.Another herb,Plantago ovata,has immunomodulatory,antioxidant,anti-inflammatory and wound healing activities and decreases NO and LB4.Considering the mechanisms of action of these plants,the combination of some of them may be useful because of their many mechanisms of action such as Pistacia lentiscus,Bunium persicum,Solanum nigrum,Plantago ovata,Boswellia,Solanum nigrum,Plantago ovata and Commiphora mukul.For some of the herbal products used in TIM such as oleogum resin from Commiphora myrrha,seeds of Ocimum basilicum,seeds of Linum usitatissimum,gum resin of Dracaena cinnabari,seeds of Plantago major,seeds of Lallementia royleana,and seeds of Allium porrum,there is no or not enough studies to confirm their benefits in IBD.It is suggested that an evaluation of the effects of these plants on different aspects of IBD should be performed.

Efficiency of Iranian forest industry based on DEA models

Data Envelopment Analysis （DEA） is a mathematical tech- nique to assess relative efficiencies of decision making units （DMUs）. The efficiency of 14 Iranian forest companies and forest management units was investigated in 2010. Efficiency of the companies was esti- mated by using a traditional DEA model and a two-stage DEA model. Traditional DEA models consider all DMU activities as a black box and ignore the intermediate products, while two-stage models address inter- mediate processes. LINGO software was used for analysis. Overall pro- duction was divided into to processes for analyses by the two-stage model, timber harvest and marketing. Wilcoxon＇s signed-rank test was used to identify the differences of average efficiency in the harvesting and marketing sub-process. Weak performance in the harvesting sub-process was the cause of low efficiency in 2010. Companies such as Neka Chob and Kelardasht proved efficient at timber harvest, and Neka Chob forest company scored highest in overall efficiency. Finally, the reference units identified according to the results of two-stage DEA analysis.

Influence of Late Springtime Surface Sensible Heat Flux Anomalies over the Tibetan and Iranian Plateaus on the Location of the South Asian High in Early Summer

Variation in the location of the South Asian High （SAH） in early boreal summer is strongly influenced by elevated surface heating from the Tibetan Plateau （TP） and the Iranian Plateau （IP）. Based on observational and ERA-Interim data, diagnostic analyses reveal that the interannual northwestward-southeastwaxd （NW-SE） shift of the SAH in June is more closely correlated with the synergistic effect of concurrent surface thermal anomalies over the TP and IP than with each single surface thermal anomaly over either plateau from the preceding May. Concurrent surface thermal anomalies over these two plateaus in May are characterized by a negative correlation between sensible heat flux over most parts of the TP （TPSH） and IP （IPSH）. This anomaly pattern can persist till June and influences the NW-SE shift of the SAH in June through the release of latent heat （LH） over northeastern India. When the IPSH is stronger （weaker） and the TPSH is weaker （stronger） than normal in May, an anomalous cyclone （anticyclone） appears over northern India at 850 hPa, which is accompanied by the ascent （descent） of air and anomalous convergence （divergence） of moisture flux in May and June. Therefore, the LH release over northeastern India is strengthened （weakened） and the vertical gradient of apparent heat source is decreased （increased） in the upper troposphere, which is responsible for the northwestward （southeastward） shift of the SAH in June.

The effect of NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) on long-term outcome of chronic hepatitis B in Iranian patients

Background: The influence of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease on the outcome of chronic hepatitis B disease, including viral, biochemical and histologic characteristics, in Iranian patients is not yet fully un- derstood. Aim: To evaluate the effect of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) on long-term histology- cal, biochemical and viral outcome of chronic he- pa-tictis B in Iranian patients. Methods: We retro- spec-tively evaluated 94 “e Ag” negative chronic hepatitis B patients (with NAFLD: 44, without NAFLD: 50). Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease was diagnosed based on liver biopsy according to Kleiner classifica-tion. Liver biopsy was done for all patients. Serologi-cal and biochemical variables were evaluated with repeated measure analysis. Results: Non-Alcoholic Fat- ty Liver Disease (NAFLD) was present in 47% of the patients (44 out of 94 patients). In the NAFLD group, increase in AST, ALT, stage (P = 0.002), grade, and total score of liver biopsy were independently related to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, while HBV-DNA viral load did not correlate with the presence of a fatty liver. Conclusion: Abnormalities of liver enzymes and liver histopathology are more prevalent in concurrent chronic hepatitis B and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD).

Promising effect of Magliasa, a traditional Iranian formula, on experimental colitis on the basis of biochemical and cellular findings

AIM: To investigate the efficacy of Magliasa, a traditional Iranian formula, on experimental colitis. METHODS: After botanical authentication of herbal ingredients, formulation of Magliasa, quantitative determination of total glucosinolates and total phenolic content, and analysis of the thin layer chromatography profile were performed. Colitis was then induced in male rats by instillation of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) in all groups, aside from the Sham group.The experimental groups consisted of: the Sham group that received only normal saline; the Mag-50, Mag-100 and Mag-200 groups, which received 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg per day of Magliasa, respectively; the control group, which received vehicle water orally; the infliximab group, which received infliximab (5 mg/kg per day, subcutaneously); and the Dexa group, which received dexamethasone (1 mg/kg per day, orally). After completing the treatment period (2 wk), the rats were sacrificed, the colon was removed, its macroscopic and microscopic changes were recorded, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1b), total antioxidant capacity, myeloperoxidase (MPO), and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were assessed in colon homogenate.RESULTS: The mean value of total glucosinolates in one gram of Magliasa was 19 ± 1 μmol. The mean value of the total phenolic content was 293.8 ± 17.6 mg gallic acid equivalents per 100 gram of Magliasa. Macroscopic scores were significantly decreased in Mag-100 (1.80 ± 0.58, P = 0.019) and Mag-200 (1.20 ± 0.20, P = 0.001) compared to the control group (3.40 ± 0.24), although some inflammation and hyperemia were evident. Treatment of rats by dexamethasone (0.33 ± 0.21, P < 0.001) and infliximab (0.83 ± 0.31, P < 0.001) remarkably attenuated scores where mild hyperemia was observed macroscopically. In comparison to the control group (4.00 ± 0.32), only Mag-200 (1.60 ± 0.40) showed a significant decrease in colonic histopathological scores (P = 0.005). Minimal mucosal inflammation was observed in the Dexa group (0.67 ± 0.21, P < 0.001). The levels of TNF-α, IL-1b and MPO were significantly lower in all groups compared to the controls (P < 0.05). A significant decrease in LPO was seen in the Mag-200 (3.27 ± 0.77, P = 0.01) and Dexa (3.44 ± 0.22, P = 0.011) groups in comparison to the control group (6.43 ± 0.61). Only dexamethasone caused a significant increase in antioxidant power in comparison to the control group (346.73 ± 9.9 vs 228.33 ± 2.75, P < 0.001). Infliximab and different doses of Magliasa did not show any remarkable increase in antioxidant capacity (P > 0.05). The effect of Magliasa in all of mentioned parameters, except antioxidant capacity, was dose dependent.CONCLUSION: The effects of Magliasa in TNBS-induced colitis are encouraging and warrant clinical trials for further confirmation.

Distribution and Environmental Suitability of the Smallscaled Rock Agama, Paralaudakia microlepis(Sauria: Agamidae) in the Iranian Plateau

Predictive potential distribution modeling is of increasing importance in modern herpetological studies and determination of environmental and conservation priorities. In this article we provided results of analysis and forecasts of the potential distribution of smallscaled rock agama Paralaudakia microlepis （Blanford, 1874） using the distribution models through Maxent （www.cs.princeton.edu/- schapire / maxent）. We made an attempt for comparison of input of bioclimatic factors and characteristics of biotope distribution for three species of genus Paralaudalda. Constructed model identified dissemination of Paralaudakia microlepis enough performance （AUC = 0.972 with dispersion 0.003）. According to the map constructed, the most suitable habitats of smallscaled rock agama Paralaudakia microlepis are located in southern and eastern Iran, the west of central Pakistan and southeastern Afghanistan.

Petrogenesis of Volcanic Rocks in the Khabr-Marvast Tectonized Ophiolite:Evidence for Subduction Processes in the South-Western Margin of Central Iranian Microcontinent

The Late Cretaceous Khabr-Marvast tectonized ophiolite is located in the middle part of the Nain-Baft ophiolite belt, at the south-western edge of the central Iranian microcontinent. Although all the volcanic rocks in the study area indicate subduction-related magmatism （e.g. high LILE （large ion lithophile elements） / HFSE （high field strenght elements） ratios and negative anomalies in Nb and Ta）, geological and geochemical data clearly distinguish two distinct groups of volcanic rocks in the tectonized association： （1） group 1 is comprised of hyaloclastic breccias, basaltic pillow lavas, and andesite sheet flows. These rocks represent the Nain-Baft oceanic crust; and （2） group 2 is alkaline lavas from the top section of the ophiolite suite. These lavas show shoshonite affinity, but do not support the propensity of ophiolite.

Goal programming approach for sustainable forest management(case study in Iranian Caspian forests)

We used a goal programming technique to determine the optimal harvest volume for the Iranian Caspian forest. We collected data including volume, growth, wood price at forest roadside, and variable harvesting costs. The allometric method was used to quantify seques- trated carbon. Regression analysis was used to derive growth models. Expected mean price was estimated using wood price and variable harvesting costs. Questionnaire was used to determine the constraints and the equation coefficients of the goal programming model. The optimal volume was determined using the goal programming method according to multipurpose forest management. LINGO software was used for analysis. Results indicated that the optimum volumes of species were 250.25 m3.ha-1 for beech, 59 m3.ha-1 for hornbeam, 73 m3.ha-1 for oak, 41 m3.ha-1 for alder, and 32 m3.ha-1 for other species. The total optimum volume is 455.25 m3.ha-1.

Distribution and variability of n-alkanes in waxes of conifers

Epicuticular waxes have vital roles in the growth and development of plants and in defense. Conifers have a considerable amount of waxes on their cones and leaves.Here we characterized the n-alkane composition of Iranian conifers, including Juniperus oblonga, J. foetidissima, J.sabina, J. communis subsp. hemisphaerica, J. excelsa,Cupressus sempervirens, Platycladus orientalis from Cupressaceae and Taxus baccata from Taxaceae for the first time using GC-FID analyses. In the waxes, 25 n-alkane homologs with chain lengths ranging from C7 to C32 were identified. Short-chain n-alkanes were dominant in almost all samples with some exceptions. Complementary studies to elucidate complete wax constituents of Iranian conifers and n-alkane distribution pattern as a function of geographical and bioclimatic variables are recommended.

Liver tonics:review of plants used in Iranian traditional medicine

Considering the fact that liver is one of the most important organs in our body,it deserves special attention and protection.Among various recommended supplements,complementary and alternative medicines particularly herbal remedies have received much attention owing to their truly healing properties.This review profits from Iranian traditional medicine and presents advantageous herbal guide directions for liver protection.According to credible Iranian medical literature such as Al Qanun Fil Tibb.Al-Havi and Makhzan-al-Aadvia.a wide spectrum of plants have been found to be useful for cleansing and protecting the liver.Some herbs such as ghafes(Agrimonia eupatoria),kasni(Cichorium intybus),anar(Punica granatum),darchin(Cinnamomum zeylanicum),za'feran(Crocus sativus),gole-sorkh(Rosa damascena) and zereshk(Berberis vulgaris) appeared to get strong consideration and were well documented as outstanding liver tonics.We conducted a comprehensive review of available Iranian medical resources such as scientific information database and medical sciences databases which cover all in vitro and in vivo studies of medicinal plants as liver tonics and hepatoprotcctive candidates.Literature survey was accomplished using multiple databases including PubMed,ISI web of knowledge,and Google Scholar.

Paleopedology and magnetic properties of Sari loess-paleosol sequence in Caspian lowland, northern Iran

The objective of this study was to characterize the morphological and magnetic properties of Sari loess-paleosol section in northern Iran for paleopedologic and paleoenvironmental interpretation.The section consisted of a modern soil(MS)and three paleosols(PS1,PS2,PS3)separated by loess layers(LS1,LS2 and LS3).Based on particle size distribution,clay mineralogy,carbonates distribution and size of secondary carbonates,pedogenic development of the soils was in order of PS3>PS2>PS1=MS.Presence of redoximorphic features in PS3 was attributed to alternate stagnic saturation due to local water or high precipitation.Dominance of smectite and vermiculite as well as large carbonated dolls in PS3 indicated suitable environment and sufficient time for pedogenic development.Magnetic properties(χlf andχfd%)were distinctly higher in MS,PS1 and PS2 when compared to loess layers.The Lowest magnetic properties values were observed in PS3 which can be the result of ferrimagnetic minerals destruction under hydromorphic conditions.The highest Fed content occurred in PS3,however,lowχlf/Fed ratio indicated that majority of the iron minerals in PS3 are not magnetic.In conclusion,the particle size distribution,clay mineralogy and carbonates features were indicative of pedogenesis intensity,whereas,magnetic properties were useful to characterize the pedogenic environment.

Soil disturbances due to machinery traffic on steep skid trail in the north mountainous forest of Iran

A study was conducted to investigate the effects of skid trail slope and traffic levels on soil disturbances at two soil depths （0--10 and 10-20 cm）. The treatments were set at four traffic levels （2, 7, 12 and 20） two slope classes （〈20% and 〉20%） and two soil depths （0-10 and 10-20 cm）. Results show that skidder traffic, longitudinal slope and soil depth have significant effect on soil bulk density in skid trail. Compari- son of average soil bulk density in different traffic levels shows that there are significant differences in average bulk density between different traffic levels and control （p〈0.05）. The average bulk densities in different slopes and soil depths are significantly increased with increase in traffic levels, maximized at 12 passes （p〈0.05）, but there are no significant differences between 12 and 20 passes. The interaction effects between traffic and soil depth are significant （F005,3=0.109, p〈0.001）. For all traffic treatments, there are significant differences in soil moisture con- tent between the two slope classes and the two depths （p〈0.001）. However, the interaction effects between traffic levels and slope classes are not significant （p 〉0.05）, although skidder traffic and slope affected soil moisture content.

Modelling the Iranian Petroleum Contract fiscal regime using bargaining game theory to guide contract negotiators

Based on Iran's sixth development plan,the country's oil and gas industry requires an investment of about$200 bn in the next five years to increase production.The Iranian government,to attract and motivate international oil company investment in their oil and gas fields,has presented a new type of risk service contract:the Iranian Petroleum Contract(IPC).This paper summarizes the features of the IPC and presents mathematical models of its fiscal regime for the benefit and guidance of both the National Iranian Oil Company(NIOC)and the contractors.Next,adopting bargaining game theory provides a mathematical model for reaching a win-win situation between the NIOC and the contractor.Finally,a numerical example is given and a sensitivity analysis performed to illustrate the implementation of the proposed models.The contractor and the NIOC may use these models when preparing their proposal and in the course of actual negotiations to calculate their internal rate of return,remuneration fee,and net present value for developing the fields at different conditions of their bargaining power,and derive a logical bargain to protect their best possible interests.