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.

To determine the incidence and prevalence of clinical keratoconus (KCN) in Yazd Province.In this population-based survey, a surveillance program was established in Yazd Province (population=990, 818).All new clinically diagnosed cases of KCN were registered and referred for topographic imaging during one year (2008 - 2009) by all local ophthalmologists and optometrists. Whom residing less than six months in the province and those with known KCN before the beginning of the study were excluded. Diagnosis was based on topographic pattern (TMS-4a, Tomey, Japan) and indices including KPI, KCI and KSI and re-examination by an anterior segment sub-specialist. Finally, referred patients were classified into five groups, including: clinical KCN, early KCN, KCN suspect PMD (pellucid marginal degeneration), and non-KCN corneal diseases. Incidence rate was calculated as the number of new cases divided by the province population and the prevalence was based on the Iranian life-expectancy (73 years).During the study period, 685 patients were referred. Of these, 149 were excluded and 28 patients did not attend topographic imaging (95% response rate). Topographic images showed suspect or definite patterns for KCN in 47.76% of participants (256/536 subjects).After re-examination the number of subjects with clinical and early KCN, PMD, and suspect KCN was 108, 72, 9, and 20, respectively; 8 patients had other corneal disorders. Among the 39 patients not participating in the re-examination and based on topographic images, 32, 6, and one person were classified as KCN, suspect and non-KCN, respectively. Consequently, the annual incidence rates of KCN in Yazd Province were calculated as 22.3 (excluding suspects) and 24.9 (including suspects) in 100, 000 and the prevalence was 1.4% and 1.55% excluding and including suspects, respectively.The incidence of KCN in Yazd Province is noticeable and consistent with other studies on Asian ethnic groups. It is much higher than the incidence in European Caucasians and warrants further genetic and environmental studies.

Recognition of the autecology of plants and understanding their importance in soil protection, as well as forage production for livestock, is a proper strategy for management, conservation, and development of renewable natural resources, specially vegetation. This investigation was carried out on autecology of Stipagrostis pennata in Yazd province. For this plant, ecological characteristics such as geographic distribution, climatic properties, topography, and soil were studied. Also phenology and root system of the plant were examined. For this purpose, three study sites of Mansoorieh (in Tabas area), Masjed-e-shokr (beside Yazd-Tabas high way), and Bafgh were determined. The results showed that Stipagrostis pennata is a psammophyte plant with standing stems and branches. This plant grows in low-height sand dunes and sandy hills. Elevation range for areas in which this plant grows is 700-1600 meters above sea level. Measure of soil acidity (pH) is 8.25-8.53 and electrical conductivity (EC) is 0.48 to 1.2 ds. This species starts its vegetative growth at the end of February and flowers in early May. Its seeds ripen in mid June. During summer and autumn, the plant is in dormancy stage. Due to high aerial organs, Stipagrostis pennata has a good resistance against sandy storms and winds. So it is highly recommended for mobile sand dune stabilization and control of soil erosion in desert areas.  It also produces a fairly good amount of forage for livestock and wildlife.

Water is an essential goods for household and also an important input or intermediate product for firms. The value of water in production can be attributed to its ability to create goods and services. Yazd province is one of the industrial provinces as well as one of the low water provinces of the country. Therefore, the present study investigates water consumption in Yazd province industries during the period 1995-2015. While the value added of industry has grown on average about 9 percent annually, water consumption is increased approximately 29 percent that reflecting inadequate water consumption and management. Production function estimated using panel data regression. The findings show that the value of marginal product of water in Yazd province industries is much higher than the price paid. First the industry sector receives a rent from the low price of water, and second, the problem of water-intensive industry development and the improper management of water resources can be explained.

The central issue of the present paper is the study of the causes of the mother tongue decline in the Sahne city in Kermanshah province. The issue of language is beyond the dialect of people and is refer to the form of life and the matter of macroeconomic and political relations. From this perspective, the form of life and the language associated with it explain the praxis of the members of the society. The appropriate method of examining the problem should be able to analyze the justification of agents to their situation, that is why Grounded Theory is chosen as the method of this research and data analysis is taken from abduction reasoning. The results of the analysis introduced the categories of globalizing, modernizing, de-use of language, economic necessity and the government as the most important factors of local language fading. In this essay the meaning of globalization is the globalizing of special type of economic relation that explain other categories role in the process of fading of languages.

Introduction: Family Physicians project aims to promote healthy families and reduce treatment costs began in rural area and operating in most of rural area of country. The goal of this plan is to organize health insurance for well defined population in rural area.Method: In this descriptive-analytical study 80 family physicians working in rural health centers in Yazd province were questioned about training needs.Result: The most important educational needs of family physicians are environmental hazards in the workplace and identify and manage patients with mental and physical disabilities. Also 54.3% of physicians reported that the gap between theory training in student period and expectation from them in family physicians project is high or very high.Conclusion: The gap between theory and practical training in the GP training is high with the expectation from family physicians and this needs to revised the curriculum of GP training which approved by the ministry of health.

Frost is one of the most damaging natural incident which influences on various aspects of human life, i.e. economic issues, social issues, transportation, buildings infrastructures, and agriculture. Assisting to frost seems to be a necessary issue especially in agricultural issues. The aim of this research is the zoning of frost intensity in Yazd province. According to the point that frost in Iran and Yazd province causes numerous damages to the agriculture section, in this research it has been tried to examine the frost intensity and passage zero temperature and below. To do so, we have used daily Min Temperature data of 14 Yazd weather stations from, 1371 to 1386. Transition dates of zero and below zero temperatures also show that normally and by stations separation, zero transition date is from Aban outset to Azar middling, -2 transition dates is from Aban ending to Dey outset and for -5, from Azar middling to Dey middling.