Molecular detection of bovine leukemia virus in peripheral blood of Iranian cattle, camel and sheep

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is a deltaretrovirus which infects and induces proliferation of B-lymphocytes in the peripheral blood circulation and in lymphoid organs primarily of cattle, leading to leukemia/lymphoma. This study was carried out to investigate the presence of BLV in cattle, sheep and camels from the Chaharmahal va Bakhtiary and Isfahan provinces in Iran. A total of 874 blood samples collected from cattle, sheep and camels were used in this study to detect BLV using a nested- PCR. The results from this study indicated that 17.2% (n=874) of all blood samples collected were positive for BLV. The percentages of blood samples positive for BLV from cattle, sheep and camels were 22.1 (n=657), 5.3 (n=95) and 0 (n=122) respectively. The results from this study showed that BLV infected cattle and sheep. Camels seemed to be resistant to BLV infection. This study contributes to the nationwide effort to obtain baseline information on the prevalence of BLV, which will assist in planning the control strategy for the disease in Iran

The use of uncertain scenarios in disaster risk reduction: a systematic review

Purpose: In recent years, futures study methods, especially scenario analysis, are used to plan for disaster and emergency management. Scenario method is suitable for public level policy making. Scenarios generated alternative descriptive futures in all of the development field such as disaster studies. This paper aims to systematically review the articles that generated scenarios in disaster management to attain gaps, challenges and opportunities related to use of scenario analysis in disasters. Design/methodology/approach: This is a systematic review that was conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The keywords that searched included �disaster,� �emergency,� �crisis,� �disruptive event,� �futures study,� �foresight,� �scenario,� �community-based scenario planning,� �participatory scenario planning,� �scenario planning� and �scenario analysis.� The Google Scholar, ISI Web of Science, Science Direct, PubMed and Scopus databases were searched. Findings: A total of 981 article gathered after initial search between electronic databases. At final step, only ten articles included in the study. The selected articles compared according to many aspects. Most of the scenarios that developed in disaster management and planning concentrated on climate change and flooding related hazards. Many of studies developed three or four scenarios that it seems the number is suitable for disaster planning. Originality/value: The paper serves as an original guideline for disaster planning. © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited

Review of school fires in Iran: The causes, consequences and lessons learned Feux d�écoles en Iran: Causes, conséquences et leçons retenues

Fire in Iranian schools has led to death, serious injury and disability for dozens of students and teachers. The aim of this study was to explore the causes, consequences and lessons learned from school fires in Iran. The available literature, including scientific texts, previous research and media reports, was searched using English and Persian keywords. The keywords were: �students, school, Iran, fire, burn and incidents�. No time limitation was imposed. Results showed that 62 school and student dormitory fires have been reported in Iran, of which 14 school fires and 2 student dormitory fires led to human injuries or casualties (25.8). In these incidents, thirty students (19 girls and 11 boys) and one teacher died. More than 60 students, 8 teachers, and 2 staff suffered burn injuries or disabilities. The main causes of the fire incidents were use of non-standard kerosene heaters (38.7) and faulty electrical wiring (35.4). Lack of knowledge about dealing with accidents, inappropriate physical conditions of the school building, lack of fire extinguishers in the building, and carelessness were the main reasons for the deaths and injuries. In conclusion, it is essential to reduce the incidence of fire and prevent its casualties with proper management and standardization of school buildings. © 2020, Mediterranean Club for Burns and Fire Disasters. All rights reserved