Evaluation of Operation of Irrigation Systems, Learning Resources and Educational Needs Assessment of Greenhouse Owners with Water Scarcity Adaptation Approach (Case Study: Qazvin Province)

Emphasis on water resources based on adaptation to water scarcity makes production adaptable to climate conditions. In this study, after identifying the educational resources, the educational needs of greenhouse owners were determined prioritized with reference to water scarcity conditions. For the educational needs assessment, three-dimensional model and Delphi method were applied. Data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation indices and Kolmogorov and Smirnov, one-sample t, one-sample Sign, Kruskal-Wallis, and Yumen-Whitney tests. The findings of this study showed that the operating status of irrigation systems from the three perspectives of "greenhouse owners", "experts" and "trainers" were 4.34±0.95, 2.83±1.04 and 2.86±0.64 (out of 5 points), respectively. The status of exploitation of educational resources from the three points of view were 2.26±1.23, 2.46±0.99 and 2.56±1.10 (out of 5 points), respectively. Moreover, the knowledge and skills of greenhouse owners regarding educational needs from the three perspectives were 3.61±0.9, 2.50±1.09 and 2.48±0.9 (out of 5 points), respectively. Evaluations showed that greenhouse owners are not aware of the principles of proper operation of irrigation systems and do not have sufficient knowledge and skills regarding educational needs. It is necessary to change the content and use of educational resources according to the greenhouse owner's conditions and interests. In addition, the most important educational needs of greenhouses owners based on the three views were "time management of different stages of irrigation", "how to use irrigation systems" and "introduction of different irrigation systems and their disadvantages and benefits"

A system dynamics approach for water resources management with focusing on domestic water demand

Background: Due to the complexity and interdependence of water resources, the evaluation of the efficiency of water resources management is difficult. So, it is necessary to use effective modeling methods to study and recognize the feedback loops available in water resources systems. Regarding the importance of domestic water for the human health, the aim of this study was to develop a dynamic model with focusing on domestic water management. Methods: This study was performed using a system dynamics approach. The strategies used in this study include population scenarios (ps), water use education scenarios (wu education), and agricultural water management scenarios (Agriwm). Results: There was a significant relationship between education on water saving in domestic sector and water use per capita. In various scenarios of population growth, domestic water use was declined rapidly with education. According to the obtained results, under “ps3-wu education” scenario, lower population growth, and higher water use education, domestic water use will reach the minimum level, by 2041. The results showed that the proposed scenarios can lead to 60% reduction in domestic water use. Conclusion: With education strategy, water use per capita up to 2024 can reach the optimum level of 100 liters per person per day. However, without education even by 2041, this goal is unattainable. So, sustainable goals can be achieved by adopting education strategy. The developed systematic model can be applied in various conditions. In each study area, the regional water and population data should be provided

Effect of Irrigation Management on Water Productivity Indicators of Alfalfa

Introduction Over the last years, long-term average rainfall has experienced a meaningful decrease (from 250 to 206 mm per year) leading to continuous drought in Iran. In addition, population growth and increasing demand for food put more pressure on the limited available water resources. Thus, the quantitative and qualitative improvement of agricultural products become a necessity. There is 640,000 hectares of alfalfa cultivated land, standing for 5.4% of the total cultivated area. One of the most basic obstacles in these farms is the unsuitable model of water consumption management. Previous studies were conducted with the aim of evaluating the mutual effects of different treatments in controlled plots. Nonetheless, there is a need for large-scale investigations to monitor and improve water productivity in agricultural systems. In this research, the focus was on irrigation management and optimizing irrigation timing as a potential solution to enhance water productivity, considering the fixed irrigation cycles and traditional use of available water resources. The study began by assessing the current water productivity in 11 alfalfa farms located across four regions in Zanjan province, ensuring a suitable spatial distribution. Subsequently, the impact of irrigation management, particularly the adjustment of irrigation timing, was evaluated to determine its effectiveness in improving water productivity in these farms. Materials and Methods Eleven alfalfa farms, covering a total area of 28 hectares, were initially selected in the agricultural lands of Zanjan province. The majority of these farms were equipped with sprinkler irrigation systems. From these 11 farms, two specific farms were chosen to implement the proposed methods aimed at improving water productivity. These selected farms served as experimental sites where the irrigation management techniques were applied and evaluated. Improvement solutions were mainly focused on irrigation management. Each farm was divided into two parts; one part with real conditions (farmers' management) and the second one with controlled conditions. In the controlled treatments, irrigation management was implemented through optimization of irrigation time. A nutritional program was also prepared according to the soil quality of the fields and applied in the controlled treatments. In each farm, basic information such as area, physical and chemical properties of soil and water quality were determined. Irrigation information (such as inflow discharge and irrigation schedule) was measured and determined at least three times during the cropping season. Soil moisture were measured before and after irrigation in order to calculate the water application efficiency. The amount of harvested product and production costs were obtained at the end of the cropping season through measurements and interviews with farmers. In this research, the indicators including the volume of irrigation water, the water use efficiency, and the physical and economic efficiency of water have been calculated to analyze the water productivity. Results and Discussion The volume of irrigation water in alfalfa farms was measured as 14250 m3/ha on average (with the lowest and highest consumption values of 9849 and 20576 m3/ha, respectively). The average of irrigation water in farms with surface irrigation systems equals to 17,806 and in farms equipped with sprinkle irrigation systems is about 13,460 m3/ha. While the net water requirement of alfalfa in study area was 7160 to 7290 m3/ha. The minimum and maximum values of water application efficiency were 38.3 and 82%, respectively, with average of 64%. The average of application efficiency in surface and sprinkle irrigation systems were obtained 50 and 67%, respectively. The measured alfalfa yield ranged from a minimum of 6.5 ton/ha to a maximum of 14.1 ton/ha, with an average yield of 10.4 ton/ha. After implementing the revised irrigation program in the controlled plots, the harvested water decreased by an average of 49.5%. It was observed that the irrigation schedule in most farms followed a traditional and estimated pattern, with the depth of irrigation water in the middle of the growing season exceeding the net irrigation requirement. The water use efficiency (WUE) values varied between 0.42 and 1.28 kg/m3, with a minimum value of 0.42 kg/m3 and a maximum value of 1.28 kg/m3. The average WUE was calculated as 0.79 kg/m3. Analyzing the correlation between water consumption and the water use efficiency index revealed a decreasing trend. As the volume of irrigation water increased, the water use efficiency index experienced a decline. Specifically, an increase of 1000 m3 in irrigation water resulted in a decrease of 0.04 kg/m3 in the water use efficiency index. The implementation of the corrected irrigation program and appropriate to the water demand led to an increase of the mentioned index by 72%. Conclusion The lack of proper irrigation programs that consider climatic conditions and the actual needs of the alfalfa plant was identified as a key factor contributing to high water consumption in the farms. Additionally, the inefficient selection and design of the irrigation system led to lower irrigation efficiency than expected. Despite the majority of farms being equipped with sprinkle irrigation systems, the harvested water did not decrease significantly due to inadequate water management practices. These factors ultimately resulted in a decline in both physical and economic productivity indicators in the alfalfa farms. However, the results of the study highlighted that implementing corrected irrigation management, particularly through modifications to the irrigation timing, can lead to a significant decrease in volume of irrigation water and an improvement in both physical and economic productivity

Cardiac Arrythmias in Acute and Chronic Renal Failure

Cardiac arrythmias are frequent complications in acute and chronic renal failure and they may well account for sudden unexplained death in these patients. Based upon our recent study, we strongly believe that among other causative factors, focal degeneration of myocardium is the commonest and the most potentially dangerous cause of cardiac arrythmias. We suggest in emergency instances, ouabain to be used instead of digitalis which appears to be quite safe with dramatic results in cardiac arrythmias of these group

The impact of climate variability on water footprint components of rainfed wheat and barley in the Qazvin province of Iran

Due to shortage of precipitation, rainfed farming in Iran is facing numerous challenges. Understanding the impact of climate variables on the production of rainfed crops in each region is of utmost importance for dry farming. Based on 11-year (2004–2015) data from synoptic stations in the Qazvin province of Iran, a comprehensive simulation analysis was conducted with AquaCrop-GIS to study the yield and the green and grey water footprint (WF) of the main rainfed crops (wheat and barley) along with the correlation of the target variables (yield and WF components) with the selected climate variables. Based on the estimated values of green and grey WFs, planting of rainfed wheat and barley at Qazvin and Moalem Kalayeh stations with lower total WF will be more beneficial than at other stations. Regression analysis showed that at most stations, reference evapotranspiration had a direct effect on wheat total WF (TWF), while precipitation has a positive effect on barley TWF at Qazvin and Moalem Kalayeh. The regression equation of barley green WF at the Qazvin station showed the highest correlation with climate variables (R = 0.98). TWF of wheat and barley at Buin Zahra had the highest correlation with climate variables (R = 0.73 and 0.85, respectively). Finally, it was concluded that in arid regions, the variability in TWF of rainfed products is greatly influenced by spatio-temporal variations of climate variables

Incidence of Renal Hypertention In Iran : (A Study Over 611 Patients)

The cause of elevated diastoic blood pressure remains elusive in the majority of instanses, however in about 3-25 per cent of all hypertensive patients an specific causative factor such as renal can be identified. Based upon our recent study, we believe that the incidence of renal hypertensions is quite high in our community with the esternate ranging from 10 to 4U per cent of all secondary hypertentions

Diuretics and Hypokalemia

We have studied hypokalemic action of different diuretics in a cooperative study on 28 patients and our results are as follows: I. 28 patients (18 male and 10 female) were the subject of our present study. 2. E. C. G. was taken systematically on all individuals. 3. Clinical signs and symptoms of hypokalemia was looked for in d lily examination of the patients. 4. Dietary K, Na, and CI could not be determined because of lack facilities. 5. Determination ed out in all patients. We strongly believe that small amount of potassium added to diuretics has no beneficial effect on delaying hypokalemia caused by these diuretics. 7. A rich diet containing adequate amount of potassium can sat, isfactorily prevent hypokalemia. 8. Furosemide and mercurial diuretics similarly cause hyponatremia rather than hypokalemia. 9. Thiazides cause hypokalemia rather than hyponatremia. 10. Addition of triamterene can delay the occurance of hypokale; mia in those patients taking thiazides

Safety Evaluation of Elderly Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Objectives: The most common indication for abdominal surgery in elderly (65 & older) is gallstone disease.The elderly are more prone to complication of such surgery due to their other co-morbidity and thus they may benefit mostly from a safer method of surgical procedure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and outcome of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in elderly compare to the conventional method. Methods & Materials: Via prospective study from June 2005 to March 2008 included all patient older than 60 years of age who underwent cholecystectomy by open (Group A) and laparoscopic (Group B) method in Milad Hospital.The demographic data (sex age), American Society of Anesthesiologists’ (ASA) score, postoperative mortality morbidity, length of stay and operative time were recorded for each patient and were compared between two methods. Data of patient’s analysis by SPSS with chi-square and t test. Results: The study included 311 elderlies (34% men and 66% women). Hundred fifty-seven patients underwent open cholecystectomy; 154 patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The mean age was 7141 years. The outcome in group B (laparoscopic) included: morality 0%, morbidity 2%, postoperative hospital stay 1 days, mean operation time was 40 minutes. In group A(open): mortality and morbidity rate were 21% and 12% respectively with postoperative hospital stay 331 days and similar operation time as group A. Conclusion: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the gold standard treatment and safe procedure in elderly patient and aging is not considered to be a contraindication laparoscopic surgery in such patients

Estimation of runoff and sediment volume in the Geraty sub-basin using the SWAT Model

Background and Objectives: Estimation of sediment values in sub-basins is an important Issue in watershed water management. Determination of the monthly and annual river flow volume and sediment from upstream are very important in the design and operation of dams. The possibility of using mathematic models has been provided by expansion of computer software technologies and knowledge about factors effecting erosion and sedimentation. The use of erosion and sedimentation models in the watershed studies has increased due to good fitness between the results of some models and the observed values. In order to evaluation of the SWAT capabilities in runoff and sediment simulation, this research was carried out in Geraty sub basin. The SWAT model is a comprehensive model that can be applied for assessment of various management strategies effect on runoff, sediment, chemical and nutrient material transport in the basin level. Materials and Methods: Different data and maps were used for preparation of required basic files for delineating the basin into sub-basins and HRUs. These basic file include: Digital Elevation Model (DEM), soil map, and Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) map. The weather input data was including maximum and minimum daily air temperature, solar radiation, wind speed and relative humidity. SWAT-CUP software was used to sensitivity analysis, calibration and validation of the model parameters. The SUFI-2 algorithm was used for parameter optimization. In this study, the SWAT model was calibrated with the monthly observed discharge and sediment rates and physical parameters. Then, the model was assessed. The model was calibrated using monthly discharge data from Bidouaz Esfaraien station for the period 1986-2001 (16 years) and GhaleSefid station for the period 2004-2009 (6 years). Also, the model was validated using monthly discharge data from Bidouaz Esfaraien station for the period 2002-2005 (4 years) and GhaleSefid station for the period 2010-2011 (2 years). The sediment load data for the years 2011-2009 (3 years) were measured in GhaleSefid station. Results: Results showed an acceptable accuracy of the model. MSE, R2 and NS parameters for monthly discharge in Bidouaz Esfaraien station was obtained 0.516, 0.87 and 0.64, respectively. In simulation of discharge in GhaleSefid station these statistic parameters were 0.55, 0.89 and 0.71, respectively. These statistic parameters in sediment simulation 0.42, 0.72 and 0.59, respectively. The results showed that the total annual runoff depth at Geraty basin is about 22.39 mm and total annual sediment is about 773 ton/year/km2. Considering the area of 747.109 km2 for this basin, the total volume of long-term annual runoff is estimated to 16.71 million cubic meters and also about 576983.31 tons of sediment will be drained out from the Geraty basin. The maximum sediment load and runoff occurs in April and May. Conclusion: Analysis of the SWAT model results in sediment simulation shows that the model capability in sediment simulation is good. Regarding to high uncertainty in sediment prediction, the model was able to simulate the maximum amount of sediment in the calibration and validation phases successfully