The molecular status of nine species of the genus Alburnoides from different river drainages in Iran and additionally by seven species from Europe was assessed. mtDNA COI gene sequences from freshly collected specimens and available NCBI data revealed four major phylogenetic lineages. Based on the results, a distinct taxon from the Cheshmeh Ali (Ali Spring), a Damghan River tributary in the end...

The understudied Black-tailed toad agama, Phrynocephalus maculatus maculatus, (Anderson, 1872) belongs to the Agamidae family. Iranian specimens are rare in collections and are distributed in the central and south-eastern deserts of Iran. In this research, biological studies including food habits, morphology, behaviors and habitats of these species were performed from April to September, 2013. ...

BACKGROUND Ectoparasites of mammalian hosts play an important role for transmission of diseases from the host reservoirs to human. The aim of this study was to determine the species composition and infestation parameters for parasitic arthropods associated with Rhombomys opimus. METHODS Ectoparasites of R. opimus were collected from seven endemic district of ZCL in Iran including Shirvan and ...

BACKGROUND Substance abuse is a serious global problem that is affected by multiple psychosocial and socio-demographic factors. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate the leading factors in positive attitude and tendency toward substance abuse in terms of personality, socio-economic, and socio-demographic factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS In a cross-sectional study, 200 college students (10...

There are many effective chemotherapeutic agents used in influenza disease which some of them inhibit virus replication by interfering with FluV (influenza virus) viral binding or its penetration into cell membrane. A series of polyoxometalates compounds such as POM-523 and PM-504 have been synthesized and have showed inhibitory effects on viruses. In this study we examined anti influenza activ...

Relationships between soil factors and vegetation types in playa of Damghan was investigated. Six vegetationtypes including Artemisia.sieberi, Arundo. sp, Artemisia.sieberi-Peganum.harmala, Alhagi.cammelerom,Artemisia.sieberi-petropyron.sp, Tamarix.passerinoides-Halocnemum strobilaceum. One bare land was recognized inthe study area and the research was conducted within mentioned types. Canopy p...

Researchers studying on adaptation and resilience of systems mainly seek to reduce the vulnerability of extremely complex social-ecological systems against potential changes. Since major portion of natural resources of Iran is interrelated with various users and social groups. Present study focused upon the necessity of studying structural characteristics of social capital of rangeland users in...

It is over two decades that groundwater flow models are routinely implemented for better management of groundwater resources.Modeling groundwater flow with the help of the ground water modeling system (GMS) in the Damghan plain aquifer in northern Iran,which experiences declining levels and numerous environmental hazards, has demonstrated that, (a) in the worst case scenario theaquifer will fac...

Aeolian process and subsequently soil erosion are key factors in dryland environments. Such phenomena are related not only to geoecological factors (lithology, topography, and climatology) but also to land-use and plant cover changes. Formation of new sand dunes in Damghan explains the development of human activities over the past. The aim of this study is to explain the land use changes and th...