Search Results (358)

Humor creation is presented as a modality in human communication involving “double framing”, in which a scenario, understanding, or agreed-upon reality is presented and is suddenly revealed to be something else by being recontextualized during the humorous presentation. This analysis utilizes Ba Theory, as articulated in the philosophy of Kitaro Nishida and Shimizu. Ba is a cognitive space for developing relationships, both interpersonal and in relationships to shared environments. A state of Ba arises in social interaction, requiring the need for pragmemic triggers to initiate creation and sustaining of a Ba state. The creation of humor requires that participants be in a state of Ba with each other, sharing the knowledge and understanding of the frames to which they are exposed. Examples are provided from Japanese, Chinese, German, Persian, Arabic, and English humor creation. Full article

Beach Sand Mycobiome is currently among the most important health challenges for viticulture in the world. Remarkably, the study of fungal communities in coastal beach sand and recreational waters remains underexplored despite their potential implications for human health. This research aimed to assess the prevalence of fungal species and the antifungal susceptibility profiles of fungi recovered from the beaches of the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman. Sand and seawater samples from 39 stations distributed within 13 beaches along the coastline were collected between May and July 2023. The grown isolates were identified at the species level based on morphological characteristics and DNA sequencing. Antifungal susceptibility testing was performed according to the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Of 222 recovered isolates, 206 (92.8%) filamentous fungi and 16 (7.2%) yeast strains were identified. Sand-recovered fungi comprised 82.9%, while water-originated fungi accounted for 17.1%. The DNA sequencing technique categorized 191 isolates into 13 genera and 26 species. The most recovered genus was Aspergillus (68.9%), and Aspergillus terreus sensu stricto was the commonly identified species (26.14%). Voriconazole was the most effective antifungal drug against Aspergillus species. Research on fungal contamination levels at these locations could provide a foundation for establishing regulatory frameworks to diminish fungal risks, thereby enhancing public health protection. The ecological significance of fungal communities in sandy beaches to human infections remains to be explored, and earlier reports in the literature may motivate researchers to focus on detecting this mycobiome in natural environments where further investigation is warranted. Ultimately, our discovery serves as a reminder that much remains to be learned about pathogenic fungi and underscores the need for vigilance in areas where emerging pathogens have not yet been identified. Full article

The article is aimed at building on the existing studies devoted to the last stage of the assimilation policy directed at the Muslim population in Communist Bulgaria during the second half of the 1980s. The 40th anniversary of the forced change of the given Turkish–Arabic and Persian names of this population is an occasion to revisit this dark period of the recent past. This study focuses on the short- and long-term consequences of the political measures, which became known as the ‘Revival process’ (1984/1985–1989). For the first time, the author presents new written sources, including analytical and field reports commissioned by the Central Committee of the Bulgarian Communist Party and prepared by Bulgarian scholars during the second half of the 1980s, as well as later collected biographical data related to Muslims affected by the events, derived through an (auto)ethnographic method of research among Turks, Crimean Tatars and Muslim Roma. Full article

Understanding diagenetic processes is fundamental to characterizing heterogeneous carbonate reservoirs, where variations in pore structures and mineralogy significantly influence reservoir quality and fluid flow behavior. This study presents an integrated diagenetic classification approach applied to the upper Dalan and Kangan formations in the Persian Gulf. Utilizing extensive core analyses, petrographic studies, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging, and petrophysical data, six distinct diagenetic classes were identified based on the quantification of key processes such as dolomitization, dissolution, cementation, and compaction. The results reveal that dolomitization and dissolution enhance porosity and permeability, particularly in high-energy shoal facies, while cementation and compaction tend to reduce reservoir quality. A detailed petrographic examination and rock typing, including pore type classification and hydraulic flow unit analysis using flow zone indicator methods, allowed the subdivision of the reservoir into hydraulically meaningful units with consistent petrophysical characteristics. The application of the Stratigraphic Modified Lorenz Plot facilitated large-scale reservoir zonation, revealing the complex internal architecture and significant heterogeneity controlled by depositional environments and diagenetic overprints. This diagenetic classification framework improves predictive modeling of reservoir behavior and fluid distribution, supporting the optimization of exploitation strategies in heterogeneous carbonate systems. The approach demonstrated here offers a robust template for similar carbonate reservoirs worldwide, emphasizing the importance of integrating diagenetic quantification with multi-scale petrophysical and geological data to enhance reservoir characterization and management. Full article

Anesthesia is commonly used in sturgeon aquaculture to reduce stress and pain during handling and procedures. This study compared the effects of clove oil (rich in eugenol) and propofol—an anesthetic widely used in human and veterinary medicine—on Persian sturgeon (Acipenser persicus) fingerlings. A total of 405 fish (6.88 ± 0.90 g) were exposed to varying concentrations of clove oil (25, 50, 75, 100 mg L⁻¹), propofol (10.0, 12.5, 25.0, 50 mg L⁻¹), or no anesthetic (control) in triplicate. Hematocrit and monocyte levels remained unchanged across treatments, but the highest doses of both anesthetics significantly reduced leukocyte percentages (p = 0.049 and p = 0.043, respectively). While serum enzymes were stable, cortisol levels increased significantly at the highest concentrations of both clove oil (38.92 ± 5.1 ng mL⁻¹; p = 0.001) and propofol (36.48 ± 3.4 ng mL⁻¹; p = 0.035), indicating secondary stress responses. Propofol at 25 mg L⁻¹ showed fast induction and recovery times and induced milder stress compared to clove oil. Overall, short-term anesthesia with both agents triggered physiological stress, but propofol at 25 mg L⁻¹ appeared more suitable for minimizing adverse effects in Persian sturgeon fingerlings. Full article

In Esther 3:8–9, the central conflict of the book is introduced through the antagonist, Haman the Agagite, who argues through half-truth that because the Jews are scattered and separated amongst the people and have different laws from every other people, they should not be tolerated and instead should be annihilated. Although there is disagreement about when the book was written, the Persian kingdom is featured narratively as in power; King Ahasuerus is depicted as accepting genocide as an appropriate peacekeeping method. Many discussions on the central conflict focus on Haman, as Persia and its hegemony are depicted in the book as emotional and farcical, leaving many to dismiss its impact. Too often, with emphasis on Persian power at this time as generally benevolent, gracious, and accepting toward Others in biblical texts and scholarship, much is missed involving the insidious nature of how hegemonic powers still code and reify what differences ‘we’ deem threatening. Comparing, then, the discussions and use of multiculturalism in Western empires in current social scientific studies to rhetoric and practice in the scholarship and book of Esther, this article will address the underlying issues less discussed regarding Haman’s polemic, and the cost of “being tolerated” amongst the minoritized, including Haman. Full article

L-asparaginase (L-ASNase) functions as a chemotherapeutic enzyme with antitumor properties. It facilitates the degradation of L-asparagine (L-ASN), a vital amino acid required for the proliferation of tumor cells. In this study, we have isolated 177 L-ASNase-producing strains from the aquatic environment of the Arabian–Persian Gulf. The most potent isolate, ASP-J1-4, was an endophyte recovered from the seablite Suaeda maritima and was molecularly identified as B. xiamenensis (accession number PQ593941). The enzyme purified through DEAE-Sepharose displayed a molecular weight of 37 kDa based on the SDS-PAGE profile and lacked detectable L-glutaminase (L-GTNase) activity. Optimal enzyme activity was at 40 °C and pH 9.0, with stability at pH 7–9. The maximum stimulation effect was found in the presence of Fe³⁺, Mn²⁺, and Na⁺ ions, respectively. The enzyme demonstrated a V_max of 35.71 U/mL and a K_m of 0.15 mM. Interestingly, ASP-J1-4 L-ASNase showed a dose-dependent inhibition against human colon carcinoma (HCT-116) and cervical Henrietta Lacks (HeLa) cell lines, with IC₅₀ values of 15.42 µg/mL and 12.13 µg/mL, respectively. These findings collectively suggest a biocompatible, efficient, and robust enzyme for potential applications in tumor therapy after validation of in vivo studies and clinical trials. This study introduces the first deep screening program for L-ASNase-producing bacteria harboring in the Arabian–Persian Gulf region. In addition, it launches B. xiamenensis and other species as new sources of L-ASNase. Full article

Background and Aim: This systematic scoping review examines rabies-related incidents, interventions, and post-exposure immunoprophylaxis in the Arabian Gulf region and Saudi Arabian Peninsula. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in databases including PubMed, Scopus, WoS, MedLine, and Cochrane Library up to July 2024. Studies were included discussing the reported cases of rabies that received the PEP in all countries of the Arabian Gulf, their epidemiological data, the received schedules of vaccination, and their safety. The search was done by using the following terminologies: rabies vaccine, rabies human diploid cell vaccine, vaccine, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Southwest Asia, Iran, West Asia, Western Asia, Persian Gulf, Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Ajam, Saudi Arabian Peninsula, and The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Results: The systematic scoping review included 36 studies, synthesizing findings from diverse research designs, including large-scale cross-sectional studies and case reports, spanning nearly three decades. Findings indicated that young males in urban areas are most at risk for animal bites, predominantly from domestic dogs and cats. While post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) was generally administered within recommended timeframes, vaccination completion rates varied. Conclusions: The review highlighted gaps in public awareness about rabies risks and prevention. Vaccine safety profiles were generally favorable, with mostly mild-to-moderate side effects reported. The study underscores the need for enhanced public health education, standardized PEP protocols, and a One Health approach to rabies prevention. Full article

Heritage sites are vital resources for the tourism industry due to treasures such as world heritage sites. Caravanserais are newly inscribed world heritage sites that, beyond their historical roles, are now capable to be developed as tourist attractions. This study aims to propose a framework based on a multi-criteria decision-making system to evaluate Persian caravanserais’ potential for development as tourist attractions. This study focuses on Isfahan Province in Iran, with a specific emphasis on eight caravanserais within the province that are listed as UNESCO world heritage Sites. A total of 39 relevant criteria related to network connectivity and access, tourist attractions, facilities and services, climatic conditions, geomorphological features, and hazards were utilized to assess the heritage tourism potential. The BMW-WLC multi-criteria decision-making model was applied to determine tourism development suitability and rank the studied caravanserais. The results revealed that a significant portion of the area (34%) is classified as having very high suitability, while only 6% is identified as having very low suitability. The analysis reveals varying tourism potential among caravanserais. Gaz and Gaba Abad rank high overall but require climate adaptation strategies. The results demonstrate that the proposed framework effectively assesses the heritage tourism potential of caravanserais, providing a data-driven, multi-criteria approach to sustainable development. Full article

Background/Objectives: Gender disparity is prevalent in urology and other surgical specialties, with under-representation of females in both academic and professional settings, including in the Persian Gulf region. To investigate female participation in Persian Gulf urological conferences over the past three years, focusing on abstract presenters, faculty, speakers, and moderators. Methods: Data were collected from three major conferences: the 34th Saudi Urological Conference (SUA), the Urological Asian Association and Emirates Urological Conference (UAA-EUSC), and the 11th Emirates Urological Conference and 18th Pan Arab Continence Society Conference (EUSC-PACSC). The gender of the presenters and faculty was identified using genderize.io, faculty images, and Google searches. Statistical analyses, including chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests, were conducted to assess gender disparities. Results: Out of 536 abstracts, 13.25% were presented by females, with significant variation across conferences (p = 0.018). Female representation was lowest in the basic sciences category (3.13%) and highest in the other category (35.29%) (p = 0.01). Abstract to publication rates did not differ significantly between genders. Male dominance was noted among faculty members (94.21% male), speakers (96.44% male), and moderators (98.98% male), with no significant gender distribution differences across roles (p = 0.1762). Conclusions: This study highlights significant gender disparities at Persian Gulf urological conferences, particularly in leadership roles and research presentations. Recommendations include promoting female leadership, supporting mentorship programs, and ensuring gender diversity in conference management and speaker line-ups to foster a more inclusive environment. Full article

Understanding fine-scale spatial ecology is essential for defining effective conservation priorities, particularly at the range margins of vulnerable species. Here, we investigate the spatial ecology and habitat associations of the Persian squirrel (Sciurus anomalus) on Lesvos Island, Greece, representing the species’ westernmost distribution. Using a randomized grid-based survey, we recorded 424 presence records across the island and applied a suite of spatial analyses, including Kernel Density Estimation, Getis-Ord Gi*, and Anselin Local Moran’s I, to detect hotspots, coldspots, and spatial outliers. Binomial Logistic Regression, supported by Principal Component Analysis, identified key ecological drivers of habitat use, while spatial regression models (Spatial Lag and Spatial Error Models) quantified the influence of land-use characteristics and spatial dependencies on hotspot intensity and clustering dynamics. Our results showed that hotspots were primarily associated with olive-dominated and broadleaved landscapes, while coldspots and Low–Low clusters were concentrated in fragmented or degraded habitats, often outside protected areas. Spatial outliers revealed fine-scale deviations from broader patterns, indicating local habitat disruptions and emerging conservation risks not captured by existing Natura 2000 boundaries. Spatial regression confirmed that both hotspot intensity and clustering patterns were shaped by specific land-use features and spatially structured processes. Collectively, our findings underscore the fragmented nature of suitable habitats and the absence of cohesive population cores, reinforcing the need for connectivity-focused, landscape-scale conservation. Full article

Gulf War Illness (GWI) is a multi-symptom disorder affecting 1990–1991 Persian Gulf War veterans and is characterized by post-exertional malaise, neurological symptoms, immune deregulation, and exhaustion. Causation is not understood, and effective diagnostics and therapies have not yet been developed. In this work, we analyzed stress-related, sex-specific transcriptomic shifts in GWI subjects and healthy controls through RNA sequencing of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Blood samples at baseline (T0), at maximal exertion (T1), and four hours post-exertion (T2) were analyzed. In female subjects with GWI, pathways associated with pro-inflammatory processes were found to be deregulated, and in male GWI subjects, pathways related to IL-12 signaling and lymphocytic activation were deregulated at T1 compared to T0. During recovery from stress, pathways corresponding to immune responses and microglial cell activation were altered in female GWI subjects, and apoptotic signaling changed in males with GWI. Documented sex-specific immune deregulation leads to finding better biomarkers. Targeting sex-specific transcriptomic markers of the disease could lead to new therapies for GWI. Full article

This article is a case study of an early Persian Sufi Abū Sa‘īd-i Abū l-Ḫayr (357–440H/967–1049 CE) within the wider question of the approach to the religious other in the multi-religious society of medieval Islam. In his poetry and the tales ascribed to him, Abū Sa‘īd was one of the first Muslim mystics to have conveyed empathy and even admiration towards Jews, frequently portrayed negatively in early Sufi texts. Simultaneously, he also expresses fundamental enmity towards them and a traditional missionary desire to convert them to Islam. This apparent ambivalence, revealing a complexity that straddles tolerance and intolerance, is set in a broader context of Sufi attitudes toward religious diversity, and a cursory survey is presented of conceptions of the transcendental unity of religions in Sufi writings in Arabic or Persian. The author posits that Abū Sa‘īd’s duality may mirror a personal religious journey or an intentional concealment of his convictions in order to escape reproof. Full article

An assembly of fourth-century BCE Samarian silver coins and late-fifth-century BCE Samarian cut silver sheets, Sidonian and Philistian coins from a hacksilber hoard allegedly found in the region of Samaria belonging to the David and Jemima Jeselsohn collection, were characterized by metallurgical analyses. The aims of the research were to identify the items’ composition and manufacturing processes. We affirmed that the Samarian coins were made of silver–copper alloy produced by a controlled process. The microstructural and elemental analyses revealed that the sheets were produced from various materials, including pure silver, silver–copper, and silver–copper–gold alloys, whereas the Sidonian and Philistian coins were made of silver–copper alloy. Continuity in style and production techniques was observed. This information provides a better understanding of the material culture and technological skills in the Persian-period province of Samaria. Full article

Huanglongbing disease (HLB), caused by Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), affects all commercial citrus species. Persian lime (Citrus latifolia Tanaka), a crop of global economic importance, has shown tolerance to this disease. Efforts are focused on extending the productive life of diseased trees through effective agronomic management. This study aimed to evaluate how different fertilization strategies influence the physiological and hormonal responses of Citrus latifolia on both healthy and HLB-affected plants. It compared the effects of low (Ma-1), medium (Ma-2), and high (Ma-3) doses of macronutrients, with and without the addition of micronutrients (Mi-1), using either soil (Mi-2) or foliar (Mi-3) applications. Treatments were applied every 18 days for one year. C. latifolia showed tolerance; however, HLB infection negatively affected growth parameters, photosynthetic activity, vascular bundle anatomy, reflectance at 550 and 790 nm, carbohydrate metabolism, and the concentration of salicylic acid and its biosynthetic precursors. The hormonal response showed higher levels of benzoic acid and lower levels of salicylic acid than those reported in susceptible citrus. Plants treated with low doses of macronutrients along with soil-applied micronutrients (Ma-1 + Mi-2) showed a 17.9% increase in growth, a 31.3% larger canopy volume, and an 83.3% reduction in starch accumulation compared to the treatment with high doses of macronutrients and both soil and foliar applied micronutrients (Ma-3 + Mi-3). These findings indicate that split soil fertilization with low-dose macronutrients and micronutrients might influence plant physiological responses, potentially improving disease management and decreasing fertilizer inputs. Full article