In attention to urban system and distribution pattern of urban cores and centers in land area on one hand, and rapid urbanization growth on the other hand, will lead to disruption and disorder in spatial organization. In such condition, many development policies have been inefficient at national and regional levels and it has not followed expectable results. In This article has been examined urban system analysis in east AZERBAIJAN PROVINCE and it has used current models and techniques in the context of urban system such as numerical taxonomic, rank- size rule, entropic coefficient, and primate city indicators. Research methodology in this study is descriptive- analytical. At first, Statistical data have been analyzed and then research results designed with GIS, EXEL, and SAS. Research results have shown which spatial distribution of cities and urban populations is in an imbalance situation in east AZERBAIJAN PROVINCE. Tabriz city always has prominent position in national and regional levels with the consist of varied functions and strong hinterland, and it has been causes urban system imbalances in this PROVINCE with attracting surrounding populations like a primate city.

Introduction: Environmental sustainability assessment is one of the most important tools in the process of sustainable development planning and therefore attention to it in policy-making and planning is inevitable. For this purpose, the present study was conducted to assess and evaluate the degree of environmental sustainability among the cities of East AZERBAIJAN PROVINCE. Material and Methods: The research method is descriptive-analytical with an applied purpose. The statistical population of the study is 20 cities of East AZERBAIJAN PROVINCEs. In order to evaluate and rank the environmental sustainability, 13 indicators of environmental components of the cities of the PROVINCE were selected from the statistical yearbook of 2012. These variables were weighed using Shannon entropy method was used. Findings: Findings indicate differences in environmental sustainability among cities in the PROVINCE. So that out of 20 cities, 4 sustainable cities (Ajabshir, Bonab, Varzeqan and Marand with scores of 0. 0271, 0. 1510, 0. 1810 and 0. 2144, respectively), 2 relatively stable cities (Bostanabad and Jolfa respectively) With a score of 0. 2795 and 0. 3846), 6 semi-sustainable cities (Tabriz, Maragheh, Malekan, Schister, Khodaafarin and Miyaneh with a score of 0. 4755, 0. 5145, 0. 59393, 0. 5832, 0. 5933 and respectively 0. 6459), 5 relatively semi-unstable cities (Charavimaq, Harris, Kalibar, Sarab and Azarshahr with scores of 0. 6879, 0. 7244, 0. 796, 0. 760 and 0. 8125, respectively) and 3 cities (Osko, Ahar) And Hashtrood with a score of 0. 836, 0. 9001 and 0. 9999, respectively) are among the deprived cities of the PROVINCE in terms of environmental conditions that have less environmental sustainability. Results and Discussion: The results of the research indicate that the cities of East Azarbaijan are in a semi-stable position in terms of environmental sustainability. In general, it can be seen that most of the cities in the process of environmental sustainability are in a semi-stable and relatively unstable state and need more priority to implement sustainable development plans.

IntroductionIncreasing concentration of population and activity in some regions, regional balance is disrupting. Such features can be disabled policies considered growing polarization that results in a major part of the country’s resources in one or more focus area and other regions such as the open development process. To create balance and order, spatial location, regional science planning and raised its target and eliminate regional inequalities is the area. In this regard, this paper analyzes the regional inequalities at the regional level (West AZERBAIJAN PROVINCE) in terms of facilities and services in various fields. Research seeking to answer this question, which is different from development and regional inequalities in the cities of West AZERBAIJAN PROVINCE, is to what extent? And whether the relationship between development and urbanization rates in the country there?

Climatology is one of the main human sciences. Climatic elements are one of the most essential structures of the earth, and no doubt nature, humans, and all natural forms of life are affected by climatic conditions. AZERBAIJAN PROVINCE has located on North West Iran with an area of 120,000 Km2, and enjoys a variety of climatic conditions. In this research we have studied different climatic elements (32 elements) and zoned the climatic atlas of the area with over 150 climatic maps and the applications of GIS software. Results indicate that factors such as topography and the trend of relief have tremendous effects on the variation of climatic elements such as temperature, precipitation, and relative humidity. There is a negative correlation between height and temperature. The presence of Caspian Sea on the east and Urmia Lake on the western parts of this area affect the precipitation, but increases the relative humidity of the region.

Purpose: The present study aims to identify and explain the futures of Iranian PROVINCEs in the competition for the development of NBIC technological convergence (synergy between nanotechnology, biotechnology, information technology and cognitive sciences) with a focus on Yazd PROVINCE. Method: This research, which has been conducted with a qualitative and descriptive approach, is classified as an exploratory futures-study. In this way, the relevant research records were first reviewed to compile a list of drivers in the development of convergent technologies. The list was then refined and prioritized to identify two key drivers, with the Delphi process attended by fourteen experts. By intersecting the uncertainties of these two drivers, four scenarios of the PROVINCE's future in technological convergence competition emerged. Findings: The two key drivers affecting the success of the PROVINCE in the competition for convergent technologies are: the rate of development of the innovation ecosystem and the amount of financial resources allocated to this process. Based on this, four scenarios of the future situation of the PROVINCE in this field were identified, which have been named as "Vanguard", "Buyer", "Remnant" and "Hired". Conclusion: In order for the PROVINCEs to be able to succeed in the forthcoming competitions in the production and operation of convergent technologies, it is necessary to plan for strengthening the ecosystem infrastructure from now; at the same time, it is necessary to make efficient efforts to provide sufficient financial resources for the research and commercialization of these technologies.

Background: Euthanasia is one of the important challenges in the field of end of life care. There are few studies investigated the attitude of Shiite Muslim nurses about different aspects of euthanasia.Objectives: The aim of present study was to investigate the attitude of Iranian Shiite nurses about different aspects of euthanasia in East AZERBAIJAN Provence, Iran, 2012.Patients and Methods: In this descriptive study, 209 nurses (census sampling method) from 6 educational hospitals in East AZERBAIJAN PROVINCE were participated. The attitude of nurses was investigated with Euthanasia Attitude Questionnaire, which is a 31-item scale. This scale investigate the attitude of nurses in 5 domains, including general attitude (3 items), legal and religious issues (5 items), end of life care (8 items), euthanasia decision making (8 items), and attitude toward different types of euthanasia (7 items). Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis using SPSS software (ver. 13).Results: Participants had a negative attitude towards all aspects of euthanasia. They reported that they would not participate in euthanasia procedure even this procedure was accepted by religious leaders and legal authorities. They believed that caring of end of life patients is a burden but this is not a reason for euthanasia and also they did not consider patients or their relative as decision makers for euthanasia. In addition, participants rejected all types of euthanasia.Conclusions: Iranian nurses in East AZERBAIJAN Provence have negative attitudes toward different aspects of euthanasia and this negative attitude is not related to religious or legal issues. So, searching for the reasons for such an attitude needs more investigation.

Background & Aims: Genetic disorders are responsible for a major proportion of mortality, morbidity, and handicap in the world varying by racial, ethnicity and cultural differences. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of genetic disorders in East AZERBAIJAN.Materials & Methods: In this descriptive cross sectional study, 2968 cases (53% males and 47% females) with confirmed genetic disorders or carriers of the traits diagnosed by molecular methods were investigated. Sex, area/place of residence of patients, and reporting year were identified. The prevalence rate, descriptive statistics, and a 95% confidence interval were used for data analysis.Results: The study subjects were: patients (n=1312), carriers (n=1474), suspected cases (n=157), and unknown cases (n=25). The most prevalent (in five years) disorders were identified as familial Mediterranean fever (20.58 in 100000), inherited deafness (11.37 in 100000), spinal-muscular atrophy (11.12 in 100000), cystic fibrosis (7.98 in 100000), Duchenne muscular dystrophy (7.84 in 100000), and down syndrome (5.09 in 100000).Conclusion: Estimating the true prevalence of the genetic disorders helps in planning health care and screening programs. The prevalence of these diseases in the region indicates the necessity to establish a population-based center for genetic disorders. More population-based investigations are however needed to develop effective preventive strategies to control genetic disorders in the region.

Background & Aims: Fascioliasis caused by Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica has medical and economic importance in the world. Traditional approaches are not accurate and reliable in identification of agent parasites. Thus the present study was designed to identify the Fasciola sppby molecular methods in West AZERBAIJAN PROVINCE.Materials & Methods: In current study Fasciola isolates were collected from slaughterhouses in five districts in West AZERBAIJAN PROVINCE, Northwestern Iran. Parasite species were identified using morphological and molecular tools, ribosomal DNA ITS1, 5.8s and ITS2 sequences. A number of 580 adult Fasciola worms were isolated from 90 infected livers (50 liver of cattle, 40 liver of sheep). Out of 110 DNA extracted specimens, 50 specimens were subject to direct sequencing.Results: Sequence analysis showed 100% similarity in ITS1 (428 bp), 5.8s (158 bp) and ITS2 (366 bp) regions of all sequences. The degree of identity between F. hepatica and F. gigantica sequences was 98% with 11 nucleotide mismatches. Based on rDNA-ITS1 and ITS2 sequences, only F. hepatica flukes are scattered among cattle and sheep population in West AZERBAIJAN PROVINCE. Finally, 150 sequence of F. hepatica (50 sequences of each region of ITS) from West AZERBAIJAN PROVINCE were recorded to GenBank.Conclusion: The results of this study showed no evidence of F. giganticain cattle and sheep in West AZERBAIJAN PROVINCE. More studies are essential to design new molecular markers will be helpful in correct species identification and therefore, for control and prevention of this parasitic disease.

Background and Aim: Despite its rich natural and human capacities, the border regions of the Islamic Republic of Iran are not considered developed in many ways. Territorial training as an interdisciplinary science strives to contribute to sustainable development by linking and matching human, space, and activity components. This study attempts to examine the strategies of sustainable border development in West AZERBAIJAN PROVINCE from a security perspective. Method: After identifying the weaknesses, strengths, threats and security opportunities of the border regions of West AZERBAIJAN PROVINCE, using Delphi method and with the help of 20 law enforcement experts, SWOT and AHP identified development strategies. Findings and Results: The study showed that the most appropriate development strategies in West AZERBAIJAN are: conservative strategies, defensive strategies, competitive strategies and offensive strategies, respectively.

Background & Aims: Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is one of the most common preventable causes of mental retardation throughout the world. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of CH among newborns of East AZERBAIJAN PROVINCE in 2009-2010.Methods: This descriptive analytic study was performed by using census cross- sectional method on 62459 neonates in East AZERBAIJAN PROVINCE from 21st March 2009 to 20th March 2010. Blood samples were taken within the 3rd -5th days of life by lancet sticking of neonatal heel and transferred to filter papers for measuring TSH level. In the case of TSH ≥ 5mu/l, additional confirmation tests were done and confirmed cases based on serum confirmation test (TSH>10 mu/l or T4<6.5mg/dl) underwent treatment according to the national guidelines. Data were analyzed by SPSS software.Results: The recall rate was 2.5%. Total number of patients was 94, including 55 males (58.5%) and 39 females (41.5%). Prevalence in males, females and overall was respectively 1:588, 1:769 and 1:666, with no significant difference. Seasonal prevalence was respectively 1:833, 1:943, 1:492 and 1:588 that shows no significant difference among four seasons. The highest prevalence was in Tabriz (27.7%) and the lowest in Azarshahr (0%) and Kaleibar (0%). Mean maternal age of affected neonates was 26.22 ± 6.2 years. Mean neonate's weight was 3500 ± 652 grams. In 76% of neonates time of sampling was in the 3rd -5th days of life and in 89% of them test result was announced before 13th day. Mean treatment onset based on neonate's age was 2.7±1 day. In 97.5% of screened neonates TSH level was less than 5 mu/l. Conclusion: The prevalence of CH in East AZERBAIJAN PROVINCE is significantly higher than national and worldwide levels that requires continuation and reinforcement of neonatal screening programs. On the other hand, comprehensive and complementary studies for recognizing relevant factors are among priorities of health system research in this PROVINCE.