per Marine Medicine Research Center Journal of Marine Medicine 9 2676-6051 2024-11 6 3 165 171 article Mahdieh Farzanehpour farzanehpourmahdieh1399@gmail.com 1 Fatemeh Rahmati fatemeh_rahmaty@yahoo.com 2 Hamideh Molaei hamidehmolaei@yahoo.com 3 Applied Virology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Health Research Center, Life Style Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Department of Skin and Hair Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Naval forces face a heightened risk of contracting human monkeypox due to the confined spaces of ships and inadequate sanitation, which facilitate the spread of the disease. Human monkeypox is transmitted through direct contact with waste, body fluids, and respiratory droplets from infected individuals. The potential for the pathogen to enter the maritime environment from land or through vectors such as animals or insects further complicates the situation at sea. Consequently, clinical diagnosis, treatment, and prevention are critical concerns for naval and military facilities. This article explores the epidemiology, modes of transmission, and control measures related to human monkeypox, followed by a discussion of preventive strategies for naval forces. It concludes with recommendations for maintaining meat hygiene, adhering to protocols for animal entry onto ships, implementing immediate quarantine procedures for suspected cases, and administering vaccinations. http://jmarmed.ir/article-1-476-en.pdf Orthopoxvirus Human Monkeypox Marine Biology Military Personnel per Marine Medicine Research Center Journal of Marine Medicine 9 2676-6051 2024-11 6 3 172 184 article Amirnezam Barati nezambarati@gmail.com 1 Imam Khomeini University of Marine Sciences, Nowshahr, Iran The initial moments following an incident are critical for providing appropriate care to prevent the worsening of complications. Rapid emergency response can save lives and significantly enhance recovery, particularly in cases of heart failure, drowning, trauma, and respiratory issues. Advances in rescue technologies, such as automated external defibrillators (AEDs), enable the development of smaller and more compact medical devices that can be delivered by drones. This study examines the application of drone technologies within the field of health law, considering both national and international legal frameworks through a descriptive analytical method. The findings indicate that drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), have significant potential beyond their military and mapping applications. They can play a vital role in medical emergencies and rescue operations while helping to institutionalize the right to health as a fundamental human right. Drones can be utilized to transport essential supplies, deliver blood in remote or earthquake-affected areas, assist in drowning rescues, assess damage, conduct exploratory activities during rescue missions, and quickly provide AEDs to resuscitate cardiac patients in densely populated urban environments. While many of these applications represent innovative interdisciplinary ideas that have yet to be fully implemented, they highlight the transformative potential of drone technology in healthcare. To maximize the benefits of drone usage, it is crucial to raise awareness of existing regulations and develop new ones governing the operation of these aircraft, particularly in medical emergencies and rescue situations. This is an essential aspect of public law that can save lives. Additionally, the lack of familiarity among drone operators worldwide with national and international regulations specific to these aircraft poses significant risks. Operating drones without adhering to legal requirements or entering restricted airspace can jeopardize safety within the aviation system and lead to unforeseen consequences.   http://jmarmed.ir/article-1-428-en.pdf Drone technologies Health rights National law International law per Marine Medicine Research Center Journal of Marine Medicine 9 2676-6051 2024-11 6 3 185 193 article Esmaeil Zakeri Minabi ezakerimnabi@gmail.com 1 Morteza Zarei Mzarai@hormozgan.ac.ir 2 Abbas Derakhshan abbas.derakhshan62@gmail.com 3 Minab Higher Education Complex, University of Hormozgan, Bandar Abbas, Iran The increasing marginalization in coastal cities, coupled with excessive population density and the resulting rise in socio-economic activities, has led to significant environmental challenges in sensitive coastal areas. This situation necessitates the identification and assessment of threat factors, considering both their contribution and location within these vulnerable ecosystems. This study aims to identify and evaluate the pollution threats to the coastal environment along the eastern coast of the Strait of Hormuz, specifically in Sirik County. The research employs a field-based approach, including surveys and interviews with experts, while also utilizing a documentary method for its theoretical framework. Data collected indicate that five primary factors contribute to pollution threats in the study area: tourism, shrimp farming, marine transportation of fuel, wastewater and household waste, and river discharges. Following the identification of these critical pollution threat factors, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) tool used in management and planning, was applied to analyze and prioritize these factors. Subsequently, Geographic Information System (GIS) capabilities were leveraged to create a final map depicting the pollution threat levels across the studied area. The findings reveal that a substantial portion of the coastal area in Sirik County is under threat from pollution. Specifically, out of a total study area of 514 square kilometers, 342 square kilometers -equivalent to 66.5 percent- are classified as facing medium to very high pollution threat levels. Additionally, the generated map indicates that the pollution threat is particularly severe along the northern coasts, with intensity diminishing toward the central and southern areas.   http://jmarmed.ir/article-1-405-en.pdf Pollution threat coastal areas Geographic Information System shrimp farming multi-criteria decision making. per Marine Medicine Research Center Journal of Marine Medicine 9 2676-6051 2024-11 6 3 194 200 article Ameneh Marzban amenemarzban@yahoo.com 1 Department of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Background and Aim: Soldiers often face feelings of hopelessness and stress due to physical and psychological pressures, separation from family, and the inherent dangers of military activities. Resilience is a crucial skill that can help mitigate these challenges. This study aims to investigate the relationship between hope and resilience among soldiers. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 1402 among training soldiers from one of the country’s military training units, comprising a total population of 650 individuals. The sample size was calculated to be 300 participants, who were selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected using three questionnaires: a demographic questionnaire, Miller's Hope Scale, and Connor's Resilience Scale. Following data collection, the information was analyzed using SPSS24 software, employing descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, independent t-tests, and Pearson correlation coefficients. Results: The mean and standard deviation for hope and resilience were 138.51±7.24 and 56.09±5.66, respectively. The results indicated a statistically significant relationship between the mean score of resilience and the level of education among married individuals (P<0.05). Additionally, the Pearson correlation coefficient revealed a statistically significant correlation between hope and resilience among soldiers (P<0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this study underscore the importance of fostering hope as a vital factor in enhancing soldiers' resilience. These results can inform researchers and military officials in developing effective educational and support programs aimed at increasing hope and resilience within military forces.   http://jmarmed.ir/article-1-383-en.pdf Hope Resilience Soldiers per Marine Medicine Research Center Journal of Marine Medicine 9 2676-6051 2024-11 6 3 201 209 article Mitra Arman m_arman@pnu.ac.ir 1 Soheila Mortazavi Parsa mitraarman2003@yahoo.com 2 Atosa Vaziri a_vaziri@yahoo.com 3 Hossein Jaferi jafarih55@yahoo.com 4 Saeid Tamadoni Jahromi stamadoni@gmail.com 5 , Payame Noor University, Tehran , Payame Noor University, Tehran , Payame Noor University, Tehran Baghe Allah Univerity, Persian Gulf and Oman Sea Ecology Research Center, Iranian Fisheries Sciences Research Institute, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Bandar Abbas, Iran Background and Aim: Mangrove forests are unique ecosystems situated at the interface between land and sea, playing a crucial role in environmental protection and sustainability. This study aims to educate researchers and coastal residents about the ecological benefits -conservation, environmental, and habitat- of mangrove forests. The goal is to develop suitable strategies and management practices to preserve these invaluable habitats from further degradation. Methods: In this study, ten samples were randomly selected. The latitude and longitude of each sample were recorded using GPS, and relevant meteorological data were collected. Field operations commenced with the identification of each sample location, followed by the sampling and recording of vegetative characteristics, including tree height, trunk diameter, diameter of the thickest branch, health status, number of companion plants, and measurements of the number, average height, and color of aerial roots within each one-square-meter sample. Additionally, soil and water samples were collected from each site and sent to a laboratory for analysis of their physical and chemical properties. Results: The total area of mangrove forests in the Khamir region is 2,046 hectares, with an average density of 1,106 trees per hectare. The average diameter of the thickest branch is 26.8 centimeters, the average trunk diameter at the base is 15.61 centimeters, the average tree height is 2.63 meters, and the average crown diameter is 3.08 centimeters. The average height of aerial roots is 10 centimeters, with an average of 234.95 aerial roots per tree. The average electrical conductivity of water was measured at 40,670 µmhos/cm, while the average pH level was 8.62. Conclusion: Analysis of variance regarding tree height based on vigor status revealed no significant relationship between tree height, branch diameter, trunk diameter, and vigor. However, a positive correlation was observed between tree vigor and crown diameter growth. Additionally, comparisons of crown diameter, thickest branch diameter, and height based on trunk form indicated that trunk form does not influence crown diameter. The findings also highlight that sodium content and salinity among the soil's chemical and physical properties are particularly significant.   http://jmarmed.ir/article-1-471-en.pdf Electrical conductivity Ecology Tidal Coasts Avicennia marina per Marine Medicine Research Center Journal of Marine Medicine 9 2676-6051 2024-11 6 3 210 218 article Zohrah Barkhordari Ahmadi zohre.barkhordari2@gmail.com 1 Mohammad Reza Taherizadeh taheri.1965@gmail.com 2 University of Hormozgan Department of Marine Biology, Faculty of Marine Science and Technology, University of Hormozgan, Hormozgan, Iran Background and Aim: The concentration of heavy metals in aquatic ecosystems is assessed in water, sediments, and living organisms. Typically, heavy metals are found in the lowest concentrations in water, with significant accumulation occurring in sediments, followed by increased levels of bioaccumulation in living organisms. This study aims to measure the concentrations of heavy metals -chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), arsenic (As), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd)- in the sediments of Khor Jask and Yek Shabah Hormozgan Province. Methods: To identify environmental pollution caused by heavy metals, sample locations were first determined using GPS. Surface sediment samples were collected using a grab sampler, with 30 samples taken from Jask (both intertidal and subtidal zones) and 30 samples from the Yek Shabah. After drying and acid digestion, a flame atomic absorption spectrometer was employed to determine the concentration of heavy metals, followed by the calculation of the enrichment index. Results: The results indicated significant differences in the average concentrations of the studied elements across different stations (P<0.05). In the sediments of the Jask estuary, the highest average concentration was found for chromium at 59±45.73 µg/g, while the lowest was for cadmium at 0.14±0.04 µg/g. In contrast, the Yek Shabah estuary sediments exhibited an average concentration of 101.33±5.03 µg/g for nickel and 0.16±0.01 µg/g for cadmium. According to the Mueller geochemical index, the sediments in the studied areas were classified as unpolluted to slightly polluted. Conclusion: Overall, the findings suggest that the sediments of the Yek Shabah estuary fall within the category of low to moderate pollution, while the Jask estuary is either free from pollution or exhibits low levels of metal pollution in Hormozgan Province. In terms of enrichment factors, all studied elements -except arsenic- showed minimal enrichment. The Yek Shabah estuary displayed very high enrichment for arsenic, whereas the Jask estuary demonstrated minimal enrichment.   http://jmarmed.ir/article-1-473-en.pdf Pollution Persian Gulf Trace Elements Coastal Sediments Intertidal Zone per Marine Medicine Research Center Journal of Marine Medicine 9 2676-6051 2024-11 6 3 219 226 article Nader Akbari n.akbari123@gmail.com 1 Najme Motamed motamed62@yahoo.com 2 Fereshte Ansari Fereshtehansari66@gmail.com 3 Mohamad Hosein Falah Mehrabadi mhf2480@yahoo.com 4 Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Tehran, Iran Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute Background and Aim: The direct and indirect costs of diseases significantly impact national economies. Additionally, concerns surrounding security issues, such as bioterrorism and passive defense, have elevated vaccine production technology to a strategic priority in the 21st century. This strategic importance justifies investment in vaccine production capabilities, despite the industry’s low profit margins, as it serves as a catalyst for biotechnology development. The emphasis on "prevention" over "treatment" within healthcare systems has further underscored the necessity for indigenous vaccine production aimed at achieving industrial self-reliance. However, this focus has also introduced serious challenges. The present study aims to conduct a comparative analysis with neighboring countries, examining the challenges related to vaccine supply and production within the country and proposing potential solutions. Methods: The challenges and obstacles to vaccine production and innovation were categorized into five main themes: political challenges, cultural and social challenges, economic challenges, legislative challenges, and logistical challenges. A total of 31 subcategories were identified. Among these, the legislative category received the highest score, averaging 44.61 with a standard deviation of 14.3. Economic challenges followed with an average score of 132.61 and a standard deviation of 9.4, while political challenges scored 08.61 with a standard deviation of 94.5. Cultural challenges averaged 98.60 with a standard deviation of 40.4, and logistical challenges had the lowest average score of 01.58 with a standard deviation of 4.14. Results: The study surveyed 54 participants (30 men and 24 women) with at least 19 years of work experience, including 45 individuals holding PhDs and 9 with master’s degrees. These participants were professionals in production and quality assurance, as well as experienced specialists in vaccine supply and production from two major institutions: Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute and Actoveerco Pharmaceutical Complex. The overall reliability coefficient for the questionnaire was calculated using Cronbach's alpha, yielding a score of 84.7 percent. The reliability for each thematic scale was as follows: political challenges at 65 percent, cultural and social challenges at 87 percent, economic challenges at 66 percent, legislative challenges at 45 percent, and logistical challenges at 33 percent. Conclusion: Analysis of the questionnaire results indicated that cultural and social challenges in vaccine production received the highest overall score. Key factors included the technical knowledge and skills of personnel, the rate of scientific updating, cultural communication practices, wealth distribution, intra-organizational communication (among staff), extra-organizational communication (between management and staff), and direct engagement with international organizations and NGOs involved in vaccine production.   http://jmarmed.ir/article-1-410-en.pdf Challenges Vaccine Production Government Private sector Economic factors Scientific development per Marine Medicine Research Center Journal of Marine Medicine 9 2676-6051 2024-11 6 3 227 236 article Manda Abdolrazzaghi ma.razzaghi@gmail.com 1 Arash Shakouri shakouricmu@gmail.com 2 Teymour Aminrad gcs.cfz@chmail.ir 3 Chabahar free Zone Faculty of Marine Sciences, Chabahar Maritime University and Marine Sciences, Chabahar, Iran IFRO Sea cucumbers have long been regarded as both a tonic food and a medicinal resource in traditional medicine across various Asian countries. Over 1,700 species of sea cucumbers have been identified worldwide, with several possessing significant commercial value. Scientific research has demonstrated that these aquatic animals are rich in bioactive compounds with confirmed medicinal and therapeutic properties, including triterpene glycosides, carotenoids, bioactive peptides, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, collagens, gelatins, chondroitin sulfates, and amino acids. The beneficial effects of bioactive compounds isolated from sea cucumbers -validated through scientific studies- encompass wound healing, skin rash treatment, nervous system protection, antitumor activity, anticoagulant properties, antimicrobial effects, and antioxidant capabilities. These functional compounds have spurred advancements in the food, pharmaceutical, and biomedical industries by facilitating the development of new functional materials. This article provides an overview of the major pharmacological and therapeutic effects of functional compounds derived from sea cucumbers in the Asian region. It also discusses the structural significance and potential applications of these compounds, as well as their nutritional value. The investigation focuses on three species of sea cucumbers from the Stichopodidae family: Stichopus hermanni, Thelenota ananas, and Thelenota anax.   http://jmarmed.ir/article-1-424-en.pdf Sea cucumber Stichopodidae Stichopus hermanni Thelenota ananas Thelenota anax Bioactive compounds