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The pretest-posttest control group design is one of the most widely used quantitative experimental design models for evaluating the efficacy of programs, treatments, and interventions. Despite the prevalence and utility of this research design, best practices for data analytical procedures are not clearly defined. Invalid results decrease the chance of generalization. Given that Iranian Journals are interested in publishing pretestposttest control group design studies, it is important to denote the accuracy of them. The aim of the current study is to explore the correct procedure for using ANCOVA in pretest-posttest control group designs to mitigate the potential limitations of this approach. This study explores the use of ANCOVA in pretest-posttest control group design. It has been done by analyzing data from experimental studies published in five Iranian journals indexed in PubMed or Scopus between 2011 and 2018. The results indicate that among the 280 published experimental studies in these journals, 53 papers (18.9 percent) used ANCOVA as the statistical test in pretest-posttest studies. The power of the test represents the probability of detecting differences between the groups being compared when such differences exist. Our analysis concludes that ANCOVA, which runs a multiple linear regression, is a suitable method for comparing and examining pretest-posttest study designs. Implications of this study have potential utility for researchers employing the use of pretest-posttest control group designs in various fields in and outside of Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The main objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of Persian Scientific Papers (PSPs) on Persian Wikipedia by studying Wikipedia's citations to these papers. Design/methodology/approach: The present study is applied research, which has been performed by the web-mining method, such as downloading web pages, extracting information (references), identifying papers, detecting peer-review journals and calculating the frequency rates. The statistical population included 10,000 Persian Wikipedia Pages (PWPs) that were analyzed in two rounds with a six-month interval. Findings: The number of pages containing the Persian references section was 3,994 and 4,063 out of the 10,000 pages extracted in the first and second rounds. The ratio of pages that cited scientific sources (58 and 67 pages) to the pages extracted from the PWP was equal to 0.58 and 0.67%. The ratio of pages that cited scientific sources to pages with Persian references in each round was equal to 1.45 and 1.64%. The number of references extracted from the PWP in each round equaled 30,441 and 35,891. Eight titles from reputable Persian journals had received at least three citations from Wikipedia. Originality/value: The present study has determined the extent of interaction between science and society (knowledge flow) in the form of citations from Wikipedia articles to articles in peer-reviewed journals. The study of this issue in Persian Wikipedia in more than 2000 Persian peer-reviewed journals shows the originality of the present paper. Studying citation reliability in a collaborative and openly editable platform is another originality of the work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anopheles stephensi is a major vector of malaria in some parts of the world. A standard method for determining resistance in adult mosquito populations is the bioassay test recommended by the world health organization (WHO). The papers used in this method have an expiry date. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of outdated susceptibility test papers for use in insecticide resistance monitoring programs. Methods: Beech and Bandar Abbas strains of An. stephensi were reared in the insectary. Permethrin 0.75%, Deltamethrin 0.05%, and Bendiocarb 0.1% impregnated test papers prepared by Universiti Sains Malaysia were used. Probit analysis was used to analyze the results and prepare time-mortality regression lines of LT50 and LT90. Results: There was a difference in the mortality of both tested strains of An. stephensi was exposed to all tested insecticides. Both expired and not expired Permethrin and Deltamethrin papers induced 100% mortality at the diagnostic time (60min), but their insecticidal properties were reduced gradually in serial times. The highest efficacy of test papers was in the first trimester after the expiry date and decreased over time. Conclusion: At the diagnostic time of 60 minutes, the mortality rate of both dated and expired papers was 100% in the pyrethroid insecticides, even three years after expiry dates, if stored in the package provided by the producer, in a refrigerator. This value was reduced to less than 100% in the expired papers of Bendiocarb comparing the dated papers that induced 100% mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Correct and well-planned maintenance based on modern global methods directly affects efficiency, quality, direct production costs, reliability and profitability. The selection of an optimal policy for maintenance can be a good solution for industrial units. In fact, by managing constraints such as costs, working hours and human workforce causing sudden equipment failure, production and performance can increase. Design/methodology/approach: Therefore, in this research a model was presented to select the best maintenance strategy at Kaghaz Kar Kasra Co of Iran. In this study, it was tried to integrate the two techniques of goal programming and the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) to prioritize maintenance strategies. First, all factors affecting maintenance were identified, and based on the Best Worst Method (BWM) the degree of their importance was determined. Findings: After the evaluation, only 14 criteria in the 4 dimensions of cost, added value, safety and feasibility were selected. The highest points were given to the criteria of equipment cost and depreciation, equipment and personnel performance, equipment installation time and technical feasibility, respectively. In the next stage, using the TOPSIS method the item of maintenance strategy was ranked, and the 3 strategies of preventive maintenance (PM), predictive maintenance (PDM) and corrective maintenance (CM) were chosen. Modeling was performed utilizing a goal programming approach to select the optimal maintenance strategy for 13 devices. All the technical specifications, cost limits and the device time were extracted. After the model was finished and solved the best item for each device was specified. Originality/value: 1. Developing a goal programming model and decision-making dashboard. 2. Identifying the criteria and factors affecting the selection of the maintenance strategy for paper production Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to analyze the top papers from Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member countries covered in the Essential Science Indicators (ESI) database during 2010-2019. The findings of the study showed that 41 out of 57 OIC member states have published 7,369 highly cited papers and 249 hot papers. The leading countries based on the overall top papers produced were Saudi Arabia, followed by Iran, Turkey, Malaysia, Pakistan and Egypt. Iran was ranked first in terms of hot papers. When analysed by document type, all of the top papers were articles and published in the English language. The Lancet ranks among the top in terms of publishing OIC member countries' top papers, showing that it has a great academic influence producing highly cited papers and hot papers. The top five organizations producing top papers are all top universities in their country and they are also ranked globally. King Abdulaziz University contributed the most for both highly cited papers and hot papers. NANOFLUID was the most common keyword and core subject in highly cited papers, and the keyword MECHANICAL-PROPERTIES was the core subject identified in hot papers. Cluster 1 is the largest subject cluster of highly cited papers with the topic Nanotechnology and it is also the largest cluster of hot papers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) can play a vital role in decreasing morbidity and mortality. Due to the increasing development of electronic systems, their use can be effective in improving the quality of services and reducing costs. This study aimed to assess the satisfaction of EMTs with electronic forms. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on 99 EMTs in Rasht City, Iran. Data was collected via a questionnaire, including demographic characteristics (age, sex, work experience, type of employment, level of education, field of study, and retraining course) and 17 questions about the satisfaction of personnel in using electronic forms. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were assessed by 7 emergency medicine specialists via a pilot study. The questionnaire had a Likert scale to respond with Cronbach's alpha of 0.83. Data were analyzed using SPSS software v. 22. Results: The Mean±SD age of participants was 36.08±0.73 years. Most of them had a bachelor's degree (71.7%), contractual employment (40.4%), and Bachelor of Science (BSc) in nursing (46.5%) or emergency technician (42.4%). Their average work experience was 10.45±0.69 years. The level of satisfaction of most EMTs (65.7%) in using the electronic form was moderate, which statistically had a significant relationship with their employment status (P<05). Conclusion: According to the average satisfaction of EMTs in using electronic forms, it is necessary to increase the level of use and satisfaction of electronic forms by holding appropriate retraining programs on how to use and benefits of electronic forms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A scrapbook compiled between 1660 and 1687 by Gesina ter Borch (1631–1690), a female artist from the small town of Zwolle in the Netherlands, contains an intriguing painting on paper of a full-length portrait of a young Iranian. Although the figure wears the attributes in vogue at the Safavid court of Isfahan, certain elements seem rather incongruous and peculiar. The general composition appears static and rigid, an impression reinforced by an unusual black painted background. Stylistic differences within the painting were also observed, hinting at alterations to the original painting. To investigate the history of the painting and to reconstruct the original composition and identify the later additions, perhaps made by Gesina herself, the painting was examined with different imaging and analytic techniques available at the Conservation and Science Department of the Rijksmuseum. This allowed the research team to discriminate between pigments used for the original composition and pigments used to conceal damaged areas of the painting and added pictorial elements. After interpreting scientific results, as well as historical findings, it was possible to shed light on the use of specific pigments, namely lead white and smalt, and on the possible misinterpretation of some details, such as the cup held by the young man. The results of macro X-ray fluorescence scanning (MA-XRF) and lead isotope analysis, viewed in the light of information about the economic and cultural exchanges between Iran and the Netherlands in the seventeenth century, fed new theories about the origin and history of this painting. The painting, originally made in Iran in the style of Riza Abbasi, the head of the Emperor Shah Abbas' library, ended up in Gesina ter Borch's workshop and may have been 'restored' by the artist to improve its condition and to match her tastes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hospitals, as the most important medical institutions, must be adequately prepared before accidents to cope with emergencies and provide rapid response to disasters. This study aimed to determine the preparedness of hospitals in Ardabil Province during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: The present study is a cross-sectional study, and the study population included all hospitals in Ardabil Province, Iran (17 hospitals in total). The data collection tool was a standard checklist of 92 questions for COVID-19 Crisis Preparedness issued by the Iran Ministry of Health and Medical Education. The obtained data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (the Pearson correlation analysis) in SPSS software v. 22. Results: The mean relative score of preparation for the COVID-19 pandemic was 80.27% among the hospitals in the province. In the studied hospitals, the relative scores of preparedness were as follows: leadership and coordination, 92.64%, resource management, 94.36%; information management, 79.90%; communications, 77.94%; human resources, 77.69%; surge-capacity, 86.55%; rapid identification, 57.18%; diagnosis, 71.32%; isolation and patient management, 81.09%; and infection prevention and control, 84.05%. Conclusion: The level of hospital preparedness in most dimensions (9 out of 10 dimensions) was good, and only in the area of rapid identification was at a moderate level. However, further evaluation is needed at different stages of an epidemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prehospital emergency staff usually encounter patients in situations that can affect the mental health of the medical staff and cause symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. This study aimed to determine depression, anxiety, and stress in prehospital emergency personnel during the COVID-19 epidemic in Ardabil City, Iran, 2020. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2020 to April 2020 with the participation of 138 working staff in the prehospital emergency department of Ardabil City. The samples were selected by the census method. Necessary information was collected with a two-part questionnaire: a demographic questionnaire and the DASS-21 standard questionnaire. DASS-21 is a 21-item questionnaire that consists of three subscales of 7 questions: depression, anxiety, and stress. The obtained data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including mean and standard deviation, and inferential analysis, including analysis of variance, independent t test, and multiple regression using SPSS software v. 22 statistical software. Results: The results showed that 45.7% of the staff had moderate depression, 44.9% moderate anxiety, and 77.5% normal stress. There was a significant relationship between work experience and stress level (P=0.03). There were significant associations between age with depression (P=0.04), anxiety (P=0.00) and stress (P=0.01). There was also a significant relationship between gender and variables of stress (P=0.00) and anxiety (P=0.01). Multiple regression results showed that gender and education variables are predictors of anxiety and stress, and age and education variables are predictors of depression (P<0.05). Conclusion: More than half of the staff had moderate to severe depression and anxiety. Considering that prehospital emergency personnel has a vital role in improving and promoting people’s health in the community, eliminating the underlying factors that cause emotional reactions in them is considered a health priority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

B ackground: According to the World Health Organization, preventive measures are the o nly non-pharmacological method to combat the COVID-19 epidemic. This study aimed t o investigate the relationship between perceived social support and preventive behaviors mediated by the variables of life expectancy and mental wellbeing. Materials and Methods: This study is applied in terms of purpose and was conducted by survey method. The statistical population included women living in Tehran City, Iran, with a sample size of 428. The study data were collected using the preventive behavior scale, mental wellbeing scale, Snyder hope scale, and multidimensional perceived social support scale. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS 25 and AMOS 23 software. Results: The study results showed a positive and significant relationship between perceived social support and mental wellbeing, between perceived social support and life expectancy, and between mental wellbeing and life expectancy. Also, life expectancy and mental wellbeing variables mediate between perceived social support and preventive behaviors. Conclusion: Considering the critical role of women in family management and preventive measures during the COVID-19 epidemic, strengthening social support networks, hope, and mental wellbeing should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Iran is one of the earthquake-prone countries in the world that have experienced earthquakes with a magnitude of more than seven on the Richter scale, which has caused significant financial, human, economic, and social losses in society. In earthquakes where the vital arterial system is severely damaged, the community's life is threatened and sometimes causes significant damage. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of the earthquake on vital arteries and to design a new approach to earthquake crisis management in the classification of vital arteries. Materials and Methods: This study was descriptive applied. The study population consisted of technicians and experts in management and civil engineering in Isfahan Province, Iran. Considering that the study population is 265 people, all of them were studied with the assumption of a confidence interval of 0.95 and an error of 0.05. The study data were collected by a questionnaire. Because of the normality of the data, the data were analyzed with the Pearson correlation coefficient in SPSS software. Results: The results of data analysis and Pearson correlation coefficient test show a significant relationship between the classification of vital arteries based on new structuring with crisis management and its key role in earthquake crisis control. The passive defense was the most important component and the most relevant among effective approaches to managing vital arteries crises. Conclusion: By creating this proposed model of earthquake crisis management, a new classification was made for the system of vital arteries. Also, It provides a proper performance in different situations of before, during, and after social crises. It is also necessary to form a headquarter called the Social Crisis Management Headquarter based on efficient strategies and the necessary implementation and training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the numerous uses of honey as a food ingredient and its therapeutic properties, humans consume a lot of it. This study examines the differentiation between honey products derived from various botanical and geographic origins as well as honey products that contain various types of syrup used in honey adulteration. A colorimetric sensor array based on an electronic tongue and multivariate analysis was used to distinguish honey samples from various producing regions in Iran (Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Fars, and Bushehr provinces) and distinct botanical sources (Astragalus, Ziziphus, and Polyfloral). With the advantages of being quick, easy, and inexpensive, the colorimetric sensor array was able to discriminate the honey successfully. Using PLS-DA, the honey samples were classified according to botanical origin with 100% and 95% accuracies for training and cross-validation, respectively. Also, according to the PCA score plot, we were able to distinguish between different ratios of adulterated honey and syrup. The present work aims to use a chemometrics-based sensor array as a quick and non-destructive method for accurate honey classification and authentication. • A sensor array to distinguish pure honey from adulterated honey. • A paper microfluidic to discriminate honey samples of different botanical. • Discrimination between heated and unheated honey. • Identification of geographical origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ) is one of the most common screening tools to detect children and adolescents who are at risk of mental health problems or have psychiatric disorders. The standard mode of SDQ completion is on paper; however, some studies used phone administration and argued that this is a feasible and valid method that can substitute in-person administration. However, few studies have investigated the validity and reliability of phone administration of the SDQ. Objectives: The current study aimed to compare the telephone versus paper-and-pencil administration of the SDQ among Iranian child and adolescent outpatients. Methods: Sixty six parents with children aged 3 to 15 years completed the SDQ questionnaire using paper-and-pencil and telephone interview techniques. The study was performed in 2016, and participants were from the city of Tehran (capital of Iran). Participants were first divided into two groups. Then, one of them first completed the questionnaire using the face-to-face interviews, and 3 to 4 days later, they again completed the questionnaire using the telephone interview. And the vice versa occurred for the other group. The Pearson correlation analysis was used to calculate the correlation between the two methods in each group separately. Intra-class correlation (ICC) analysis was used to investigate the association between the two administration methods. Results: A significant positive correlation was found between the two types of administration in both groups (P < 0.05). Intra-class correlation coefficients indicated a good correlation between the scores obtained from each method of administration (all P values were < 0.001). Conclusions: Telephone administration of SDQ is a reliable method for collecting data when studying emotional and behavioral symptoms in children and adolescents attending outpatient psychiatric centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Retractions of scientific papers published by some Iran-affiliated scientists in the preceding decade have attracted much attention and publicity; however, the reasons for these retractions have not been documented. We searched the Retraction Watch Database to enumerate the retracted Iran-affiliated papers from December 2001 to December 2019 and aimed to outline the predominant reasons for retractions. The reasons included fake peer-review, authorship dispute, fabricated data, plagiarism, conflict of interest, erroneous data, and duplication. The Fisher's exact test was used to investigate the associations between retractions and their underlying reasons. We selected P < 0.05 to indicate the statistically significant differences. We found 697 retracted papers. Duplication (27%), plagiarism (26%), and fake peer-review (21%) were the most frequent reasons for retractions. Our study highlights the importance of urgent intervention to prevent the misconduct and questionable research practices that lead to retractions in Iran. Continually educating the scientists and postgraduate students about the ethics and norms of scientific publishing is an important measure to ensure publication of reliable, worthy, and impactful papers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Separating coloring compounds from Serish (Eremurus) sticky polysaccharide is possible based on their solubility differences in water and ethanol/acetone. • Ethanol/Acetone extraction proves effective in increasing pH of Serish adhesive. • Stabilizing enzyme before extracting adhesive is an effective method to prevent creating new chromophores by enzymatic molecules degradation. • Extracted adhesive by ethanol from enzymatic stabilized roots provides appropriate pH, color and tensile properties. • Extracted adhesive by ethanol from enzymatic stabilized roots leads neither to paper acidification nor to damaging polymeric structure of paper after accelerated aging. Serish (Eremurus) paste, made of Eremurus genus roots, is a strongly adherent substance which had traditionally been used for book binding and paper restoration in Iran for centuries. The proper pH of Serish and its quality of being reversible after long times has made it a good choice in restoring paper. However, it leaves yellow-brown stains on paper due to its own color, which had negatively affected conservator's desire to make use of this adhesive. Therefore the present study was intended to investigate the process of eliminating color from Serish, as a way of improving its quality for paper restoration. The study adopted solvent extraction method to eliminate color from Serish adherent polysaccharide. Extracted adhesives were coated on paper. Humid-thermal accelerated aging was carried out to investigate the effects of adhesives on pH, color change, tensile strength and cellulose structure of papers. It was found that stabilizing enzyme, using 70% boiling ethanol before extracting adhesive, is an effective method to inhibit enzyme operation and prevent creating new chromophores through enzymatic molecules degradation. This approach, on one hand, is useful in removing color and on the other hand proves effective in increasing pH of adhesives. Furthermore, it leads neither to paper acidification nor to damaging polymeric structure of paper after accelerated aging. The results confirmed that the adhesive extracted from the enzymatic stabilized roots by ethanol provides appropriate pH and color; it also improves the tensile strength of paper and yields more desirable results for conservation of paper-based documents, compared to the other examined samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent studies show that Iranians, especially women, do not have enough physical activity and if serious measures are not taken to resolve this problem, the consequences will be harmful to the society. The purpose of this advocacy paper was to determine and explain the responsibilities of all organizations and institutions responsible for promoting physical activity to root out the problem. Methods: After a thorough library search we conducted nine in-depth interviews with the relevant policymakers and government officials, managers, and practitioners in promoting physical activity. All interviews were recorded. To analyze, all of voice files were typed, saved as Word files, and exported to MAXQDA10 software by the research team. To find the main themes, all the files were read carefully several times. Then they were coded, categorized, and organized based on the main objectives of the study. In this way, themes and subthemes were emerged. Results: According to the participants in the study current state of physical activity in the country, especially among women, is not promising. The participants explained about the main obstacles for promotion of physical activity in the country and recommended practical strategies for its promotion. The strategies were suggested in three areas: Promoting culture, social protection, and adjusting current policies to overcome the existing barriers. Conclusion: Regarding the unfavorable state of physical activity in the country presentation of this advocacy document can be an effective step in promoting physical activity, thus reducing chronic diseases and improving general health in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aleuroclava jasmini (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is a major insect pest of paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera) in Iran, negatively affecting its production. Considering the importance of oils in the integrated management programs of such pests, the present study examined the possibility of whitefly control on paper mulberry plant to assess mortality rate (MR), synergistic rate (SR), resistance rate (RR), and lethal concentration for 50% of the population (LC50) of oils and common insecticide in populations from four areas of Tehran, Iran (one susceptible and three non-susceptible). The best chemical treatments against A. jasmini adults and nymphs in paper mulberry plants were neem oil (1 ml L−1) mixed with deltamethrin (0.5 ml L−1) or with buprofezin (1 ml L−1). The neem, akylarylpolyglyglycol ether and volk oils mixed with deltamethrin or buprofezin also had synergistic effects on adults and nymphs of A. jasmini, respectively, in Azadi, Shahrake Gharb, and Vanak areas (non-susceptible populations), but with higher concentrations (> LC50) and lower SR than in Garm Dareh area (susceptible population). We observed that A. jasmini adults showed the greatest resistance to deltamethrin in Vanak area and nymphs of this pest to buprofezin in Shahrake Gharb area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The present study aims at teaching the right citation models in scientific publications by top authors from Iranian universities of medical sciences in 2017, considering the relationship between moral development and self-control variables and model of "citation to multi-authored papers" in these articles. Background: Multi-authorship increases the amount of self-citation and also increases the likelihood of being cited by others. Methods: This study is of the applied scientometrics and correlation (model presentation) studies type. The research population in the first part of this study includes all the authors who had an H-index of 10 or more in the scientific databases of 2017. The sample size at this stage was 110, selected by systematic random sampling. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS 16.0. Results: The results of regression analysis based on the concurrent method indicated that the regression model is significant. The coefficient of determination is 0.096 and the F ratio is 5.650, which are significant at the level of p <0.001. In this regression model, the variables of the level of moral development (β = -5.801, p <0.001) and self-control (p < 0.001, β = -0.253) have significant predictive power and can be considered as predictors of behavioral modeling in citing "multi-authored papers". Conclusion: Based on the results, teaching how to avoid blindly citing the "multi-authored papers", which is regarded as a kind of "citation deviation", can, to some extent, lead to strengthening citation indexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally there is a shortage of organs available for transplant resulting in thousands of lives lost as a result. Recently in the United Kingdom 457 people died as a result of organ shortage in just 1 year. 1 NHS Blood and Transplant suggest national debates to test public attitudes to radical actions to increase organ donation should be considered in addressing organ shortage. The selling of organs for transplant in the United Kingdom is prohibited under the Human Tissue Act 2004. This discussion paper considers five ethical objections raised in the United Kingdom to paid donation and discusses how these objections are addressed within the only legal and regulated paid living unrelated renal donation programme in the world in Iran, where its kidney transplant list was eliminated within 2 years of its commencement. This article discusses whether paid living unrelated donation in Iran increases riskier donations and reduced altruistic donation as opponents of paid donation claim. The paper debates whether objections to paid donation based upon commodification arguments only oppose enabling financial ends, even if these ends enable beneficent acts. Discussions in relation to whether valid consent can be given by the donor will take place and will also debate the objection that donors will be coerced and exploited by a paid model. This article suggests that exploitation of the paid donor within the Iranian model exists within the legally permitted framework. However, paid living kidney donation should be discussed further and other models of paid donation considered in the United Kingdom as a radical means of increasing donation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Parkinson Disease (PD), the second most common chronic neurodegenerative disorder, is characterized by tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity, and postural instability. SHANK3 (SH3 and multiple ankyrin repeat domain 3) belongs to the extremely conserved ProSAP/Shank family of synaptic scaffolding proteins. Meanwhile, rs9616915 is a non-synonymous SNP (T>C) located in the exon 6 of the SHANK3 gene, which induces substitution of isoleucine to threonine and affects the function of the resulted protein. The present study aimed to evaluate whether rs9616915 polymorphism of SHANK3 is involved in the susceptibility to PD. Methods: The study subjects were 100 patients diagnosed with PD and 100 control volunteers. The obtained samples were evaluated by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Results: A significant association was found in genotype distribution between cases and controls. Individuals with TC genotype had increased risk of PD (P=0.035, OR=1.98, 95% CI=1.04 - 3.74). No significant difference was found in allele distribution (P=0.7). Conclusion: The findings suggest that the SHANK3 rs9616915 polymorphism is associated with an increased risk of PD in the population. Further studies are needed to confirm the role of the SHANK3 gene in PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Iran is a disaster-prone country, which in recent years has been affected by heavy rainfall and consequent flooding. In March 26, 2019, heavy rainfall in northern parts of Iran resulted in flooding. The situation became more critical when central and western provinces were affected, finally causing significant damages in 25 provinces. The most affected areas were Golestan, and Khuzestan provinces with significant damages to their infrastructure, killing 76 people. Materials and Methods: This qualitative study aims to describe the findings and results of field visits in flood-hit provinces of Lorestan, Khuzestan and Golestan. All interviews were held with experts in late April 2019. Results: Golestan province was in recovery phase and Lorestan and Khuzestan provinces were in response phase. Due to the acute conditions of these two mentioned areas, it was not possible to visit all areas. In Lorestan Province Treatment and Emergency Situations; In Golestan Province Health Status and in Khuzestan Province Pre-hospital Care and Rescue Support were visited and evaluated. The field visited results indicate the presence of government forces and people in the field and provide comprehensive assistance to the flood-affected areas. Conclusion: There are numerous hazards each year, but few documented lessons are available for researchers. Due to the importance of applying lessons for community development it is imperative that special attention be paid to the discussion of emergency and disaster research and the presence of specialized researchers to record lessons learned. Although organizations make significant efforts during disasters, the specialized research force for recording these achievements in disasters remains neglected. Therefore, it is valuable to document and apply appropriate documentation to promote interventions and responses to possible future events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Iran is an earthquake-prone country, and a considerable rural population lives in earthquake-prone areas. With many worn-out areas, incompetent houses, and relatively underdeveloped rural areas, it is necessary to pay special attention to risk reduction and subsequent measures in these areas. Materials and Methods: Among the current methods, HAZUS is one of the most common methods in estimating potential losses in an earthquake. We used it to calculate the buildings' estimated losses in the earthquake based on the instructions. Because one of the main issues in disaster management is to choose locations for emergency or temporary settlement of population affected by the distracter, this research tries to carry this out based on the derived results from the damage using fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). After reviewing the previous studies and the experts' opinions, the major and minor criteria affecting the selection of temporary settlement locations were identified. Results: Results suggested that using the damage rate of the studied buildings in the studied area and after choosing six priorities in the pilot village of Vaneshan, priority number 1 was chosen as the best option for temporary settlement in this village. Ultimately, the required items for the evacuees were determined by using the standards of supplying the essentials for the evacuees. Conclusion: Regarding the study area, the results of the damage analysis of the area show that the rate of damage with extensive and complete levels in the villages is very high, which leads to a large number of homeless people with the urgent need to provide adequate shelter. This endower requires a lot of money, and the relevant managers should already be thinking about finding financial resources for it. This issue is not only related to the study area and applies to the whole of Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: After the Kermanshah earthquake on November 12, 2017, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences dispatched a response team to the earthquake-stricken areas. This team provided the affected people with health services for 10 days. This article intends to examine the experience of this team in Kermanshah earthquake-stricken areas. Materials and Methods: After the team's return from Kermanshah, a meeting was held to examine the challenges and review the learned lessons with 60 participants, including authorities and the people who were members of the team. The discussed issues were coded using content analysis. The similar codes were merged, and then categories were extracted. Results: The analysis of discussions led to 9 categories of experiences that included delay in recalling process and its challenges, lack of preparedness, use of the virtual space capacity, lack of proper assessment of the health needs and the estimation of facilities, management experience of the team on the dispatch, shortcomings, and imperfections, managerial challenges, lack of coordination, and setting up of field hospitals without planning. Conclusion: Iran is susceptible to natural disasters, and from time to time, parts of the country are affected by these disasters. One of the priorities in these disasters is people's need for health services. Since health facilities in the area usually encounter problems in these circumstances, other medical universities should provide help and relief. The present experience shows that there are still many challenges that should be addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Brain lateralization is associated with human behavior. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating the effects of brain lateralization on the scores of paranormal beliefs. Methods: The study population included 180 students of Sanandaj universities, Sanandaj City, Iran who were selected with convenience sampling method (100 left-brained males, 6 left-brained females, 56 both left- and right-brained males and 22 both left- and right-brained females). The research tools were the paranormal belief scale developed by Blackmore (1994), as well as the brain lateralization questionnaire (1985). Results: The obtained findings suggested a significant difference between the left-brain and right-brained people in terms of paranormal beliefs. A significant difference was also found between the left-brained males and both left- and right-brained females in terms of paranormal beliefs. Conclusion: The paranormal beliefs of the left-brained cases were different from both left- and right-brained subjects, which can be seen between the left-brained males and both left- and right-brained females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Common zinnia (Zinnia elegans), canna (Canna sp.), petunia (Petunia hybrida), compacta (Dracaena Compacta), dahlia (Dahlia sp.), gazania (Gazania sp.), marigold (Tagetes sp.), rose moss (Portulaca grandiflora) and nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) are common ornamental plants in Ahwaz. The identification of fungi associated with these plants will contribute to improving the future management of their cultivation. Members of the genera Amesia and Chaetomium are widely distributed in soil, water, plants, animals and humans. In this study, 12 isolates from Chaetomium and Amesia genera, obtained from herbaceous ornamentals, were identified based on morphology and phylogenetic analysis. Materials and methods: During 2017-2018, 40 symptomatic plants, showing root rot, stem canker and leaf spot, were collected and their associated fungi were isolated. Among those, 12 chaetomiaceae-like isolates were obtained, which their morphological and molecular characterizations were surveyed. Mycelial biomass of the isolates, produced into potatodextrose- broth (PDB), was collected by passing through filter paper and freeze-dried. ITS and partial regions of the 28s-D1/D2 (for 4 isolates) and tub2 (for 9 isolates) were amplified using appropriate primers and sequenced. Results: The isolates under survey were compared with known strains using BLASTn search and phylogenetic analysis based on ITS, 28S and tub2 regions. Accordingly, the isolates under study were identified as follows: Amesia atrobrunnea, Chaetomium rectangulare, C. globosum, C. ascotrichoides and C. olivaceum. The morphological characteristics of these isolates were in accordance with the type strains of each species. Discussion and conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first record of C. ascotrichoides in Iran and the association of C. rectangulare on compacta, C. globosum on zinnia and canna, C. ascotrichoides on petunia, C. olivaceum on common zinnia, nasturtium and marigold in the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transportation systems are a basis of disability-related activity involvement in society. In Tehran, the capital of Iran, a paratransit system for disabled people has been operating since 2013, but the market share is gradually losing for reasons unknown to practitioners. Although paratransit systems for people with disabilities exist in many cities, no comprehensive study has been completed to identify attitudinal and contextual barriers to the continuance intention to use the system, particularly in a low-income developing country. Thus, due to limitations faced by qualified experts in this field, the adoption of efficient transportation policy and engineering interventions is still limited. The Technology Continuance Theory (TCT) is employed in this study as a structural equation modeling framework to analyze and quantify relationships based on the data gathered by face-to-face interviews. The mediation/moderation analyses in this paper reveal that (i) stress, (ii) self-efficacy, (ii) social isolation, (iv) mode captivity, (v) experience of usage, and (vi) type of disability are of prime importance in disabled people's intention to reuse the paratransit system. Stress is examined through serial mediation analysis. The analysis reveals that stress due to the system's uncertain attributes significantly influences satisfaction. Self-efficacy and social isolation are presented for the moderation and moderated-mediation analyses. It is found that the urban mobility performance of the system is of more importance to disabled people with lower self-efficacy (high social isolation); however, their stress is not significantly reduced even by increasing the usefulness of the system. The mode captivity is also redefined in this context and entered as a moderator. It is found that, for captive riders, satisfaction does not have a dominating role in the intention to use the paratransit system, as the users are constrained by taking what is available or nothing. The usage experience is another moderator, and our analysis shows that attitude is a determinant of behavior for long-term users, while satisfaction with a transient effect is a dominating factor for short-term ones. Finally, the users are categorized by type of disability , and the moderation analysis shows that for people with physical disabilities, the system's performance is the most influential factor in their satisfaction, while for people with sensory disabilities, other factors related to amenity, safety, and support are also prominent. This paper ultimately presents explicit and thorough policy considerations and practical implications. The article's concluding remark will comprise a disclosure of previously undisclosed insights that underlie the study's findings. • Transportation systems are a basis of activity participation of disabled people. • We try to investigate factors the operator of a paratransit system must consider to attract and retain users. • Technology Continuance Theory is employed in this study as a structural equation modeling framework. • This analysis finally suggests detailed, clear, and specific engineering measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Health policy and systems research (HPSR) can strengthen health systems and improve population health outcomes. In the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), there is limited recognition of the importance of HPSR and funding remains the main challenge. This study seeks to: (1) assess the reporting of funding in HPSR papers published between 2010 and 2022 in the EMR, (2) examine the source of funding in the published HPSR papers in the EMR and (3) explore variables influencing funding sources, including any difference in funding sources for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related articles. Methods: We conducted a rapid scoping review of HPSR papers published between 2010 and 2022 (inclusively) in the EMR, addressing the following areas: reporting of funding in HPSR papers, source of funding in the published HPSR papers, authors' affiliations and country of focus. We followed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines for conducting scoping reviews. We also conducted univariate and bivariate analyses for all variables at 0.05 significance level. Results: Of 10,797 articles screened, 3408 were included (of which 9.3% were COVID-19-related). More than half of the included articles originated from three EMR countries: Iran (n = 1018, 29.9%), the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (n = 595, 17.5%) and Pakistan (n = 360, 10.6%). Approximately 30% of the included articles did not report any details on study funding. Among articles that reported funding (n = 1346, 39.5%), analysis of funding sources across all country income groups revealed that the most prominent source was national (55.4%), followed by international (41.7%) and lastly regional sources (3%). Among the national funding sources, universities accounted for 76.8%, while governments accounted for 14.9%. Further analysis of funding sources by country income group showed that, in low-income and lower-middle-income countries, all or the majority of funding came from international sources, while in high-income and upper-middle-income countries, national funding sources, mainly universities, were the primary sources of funding. The majority of funded articles' first authors were affiliated with academia/university, while a minority were affiliated with government, healthcare organizations or intergovernmental organizations. We identified the following characteristics to be significantly associated with the funding source: country income level, the focus of HPSR articles (within the EMR only, or extending beyond the EMR as part of international research consortia), and the first author's affiliation. Similar funding patterns were observed for COVID-19-related HPSR articles, with national funding sources (78.95%), mainly universities, comprising the main source of funding. In contrast, international funding sources decreased to 15.8%. Conclusion: This is the first study to address the reporting of funding and funding sources in published HPSR articles in the EMR. Approximately 30% of HPSR articles did not report on the funding source. Study findings revealed heavy reliance on universities and international funding sources with minimal role of national governments and regional entities in funding HPSR articles in the EMR. We provide implications for policy and practice to enhance the profile of HPSR in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the dynamics between different social groups within Kuwait’s society, specifically focusing on the majority Arab population and the minority Ajam group originating from Iran. The Ajam community is distinct from the Arabs in terms of ethnicity and religious beliefs, with the majority of them identifying as Shiʿi Muslims while the majority of Kuwaitis are Sunni Muslims. Although the Ajam community has integrated into Kuwaiti society, speaking Arabic and sharing similar daily lives, their acceptance was not always the case. In the past, they were considered outsiders and faced hostility from Arab nationalists, the dominant political groups in Kuwait during the previous century. This paper conducts an analysis of the discourse employed by Arab nationalists towards the Ajam community in the 1960s, utilizing the Arab nationalist weekly newspaper, al-Taliʿa, as a case study. This analysis involves contextualizing the discourse and linking it to Kuwait’s state formation and the Ajam community’s status within the country. Through an examination of over 250 issues of the newspaper published between 1962 and 1968, the study demonstrates that Kuwaiti Ajam were framed as ‘Others’, targeted based on their country of origin and ethnicity and viewed as potential threats to the nation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Noise pollution is one of the consequences of urbanization that can cause environmental disturbances in urban areas. Urban ecosystems provide noise reduction services through Urban Green infrastructures (UGIs). Many studies have been conducted to evaluate and model traffic noise, but none have addressed the flow, supply, and demand of noise reduction ecosystem services. The main purpose of this paper is to present a new methodology for estimating flow, supply, and demand for noise reduction in Hamadan city that has not been mentioned in any paper so far. UGIs were classified into six main categories: agricultural lands, gardens, parks, abandoned lands, single trees, and street trees. A total of 57 sampling stations for sound measurement were made in August 2018. The current map of noise pollution (flow) was created using the Kriging method. The amount of supply was measured up to a distance of 50 meters from the main roads based on two approaches (the distance effect and the sound barrier effect). To quantify the demand, the current sound intensity level in the noise-sensitive land uses was compared with standards. Zonal statistics was used for spatial analysis of supply-demand in the urban neighborhood as a working unit. Results showed that at distances of 5m, 10m, 15m, and 20m, the average noise reduction was found to be 1.61, 2.83, 3.92, and 5.33 dB, respectively. Sound barriers at distances of 5m and 10m resulted in an average sound reduction of 1.61 and 2.83 dB, respectively. Individual trees, strip trees, abandoned lands, parks, and gardens led to a decrease in traffic noise by 0.3, 1, 0.1, 3.5, and 4.5 dB, respectively. The clustering analysis revealed a significant spatial clustering of noise pollution in Hamedan. The results and new methodology of this research can be used in similar areas to estimate the supply and demand of noise reduction and also for decision-makers to take management actions to increase supply and meet the demand for noise reduction service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we study the problem of estimation and prediction for a two-parameter distribution with a bathtub-shaped or increasing failure rate function based on lower records and inter-record times, and based on lower records without considering the inter-record times. The maximum likelihood and Bayesian approaches are employed to estimate the unknown parameters. As it seems that the Bayes estimates cannot be derived in a closed form, the Metropolis-Hastings within Gibbs algorithm is implemented to obtain the approximate Bayes point estimates. Bayesian prediction of a future record value is also discussed. A simulation study is conducted to evaluate the proposed point and interval estimators. A real data set consisting of COVID-19 data from Iran is analyzed to illustrate the application of the theoretical results of the paper. Moreover, a simulated data example is presented. Several concluding remarks end the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public emergencies are focal events that present possibilities for policy changes. This study aims to explain policy insights on policy change in Iran through analyzing how the Iranian government's policy toward the long‐awaited e‐authentication finally changed in the wake of the outbreak of COVID‐19. Due to the policy context of Iran, it uses the Multiple Stream Model, in which three streams were identified: problem, policy, and political dynamics. The paper contends that while the second stream existed prior to the pandemic, the first one had not yet been appropriately recognized by the government. Furthermore, it identifies the political stream as the third missing link for policy change. With the spread of coronavirus, these three streams converged, thus opening a window of opportunity for enacting this policy change. Two main reasons behind the emergence of this opening are identified: first, arising a new complex problem (COVID‐19) that necessitated new initiatives, and second, growing public anxiety about the pandemic. Iran's desperate circumstances, which included an already severely depressed economy as the result of sanctions, were further exacerbated through the socio‐economic repercussions of the pandemic. Furthermore, the growing demand from prospective traders to register for the stock exchange during the lockdown prompted officials to make a realistic decision. As a result, barriers to e‐authentication were overcome and policy change happened. The paper highlights the security perspective as a necessary condition for policy change in Iran. Finally, it discusses the likelihood of permanency of the change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hitherto, no instrumental research has been designed to measure the addiction potential for children in Iran. Therefore, the questionnaires designed to investigate addiction were examined in this systematic review article. Methods: In the present systematic review, all Iranian and foreign research on addiction potential for children were examined until March 2022. Using separate keywords and their Latin synonyms according to Mesh terms, an extensive search was conducted in databases: PubMed, Magiran, Iranmedex, Medline, Google Scholar, SID, and Irandoc. In total, 173 Farsi and English papers were included in the initial list, and after evaluation according to the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) checklist and acceptance criteria, 43 final papers were selected for systematic review. Findings: Through searching in Persian and English databases and using related keywords, 173 papers were found in the initial search and after removing duplicates and unrelated studies, 43 papers were selected for systematic review. In this research, papers related to the addiction potential between 1998 and 2019 were considered, and among these, 22 papers particularly dealt with addiction. In the conducted studies, the awareness, attitude, talent, and factors affecting addiction were mostly measured and in some papers, addiction potential was measured. Conclusion: Designing psychometrically appropriate tools is necessary to measure the addiction potential of children in Iran. Due to the unavailability of appropriate tools and the fact that the previous versions are not up to date and are not checked regularly, for better and more complete decision-making in the health policy-making process more investigation in this field is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Natural disasters are out of human control, often leading to loss of life and property, and particularly affecting public health. Natural disasters influence human lives in different ways. They may have severe, obvious, or hidden consequences. Therefore, the present study aimed at examining the environmental health condition of the cities affected by 2017 earthquake in Kermanshah Province. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. The environmental health experts gathered and analyzed the study data regarding the environment health condition of public places, food safety, solid waste management, types and number of water supplies, number of healthcare facilities and local health centers, etc. Results: According to the results, the lowest and highest number of damaged villages in Kermanshah Province were located in Sarpol-e Zahab (205 villages) and Qasr-e Shirin (29 villages), respectively. In addition, Eslamabad-e Gharb and Salas-e Babajani had the highest and lowest urban and rural populations, respectively. A total of 138564 people were affected by the earthquake. The improved water sources in the affected areas included 51 low-risk water sources, 171 moderate-risk water sources, 2 high-risk water sources, and 0 very high-risk water sources. In addition, 5059 m³ water was chlorinated by the environmental health experts and 1805 households were under the coverage of methoxymethyl chloride. Moreover, public healthcare centers (1059 intact and 605 damaged), 4564 food safety centers (3204 intact and 1360 damaged), and 20 solid waste management centers (16 intact and 4 damaged) were available in the area after the earthquake. Conclusion: Overall, the results indicate that the environmental health activities in the areas affected by the earthquake were adequate in terms of providing healthy drinking water, garbage and wastewater management, distribution of healthy foods, and so on. Thus it can be used as a good model to response the needs of the survivors from the future natural disasters and crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Driving fines are one of the tools to reduce driving violations, and consequently, injuries due to car accidents. In 2010, a new set of laws and fines were passed with the aim of deterring driving violations. Since the second half of March 2013, the new laws and fines were enforced throughout the country. To compare the number of accident victims referred to the hospitals affiliated to Mashhad University of Medical Sciences before and after the implementation of the new traffic offenses law. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive-analytic study. The study population consisted of all accident victims referred to the emergency department of hospitals of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences from March 2014 to September 2017. Sampling method was total enumerative method. For data collection, a checklist was used. After obtaining the necessary permissions, the researcher completed the checklist by referring to the hospitals and the Deputy of Treatment of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. The relevant data were extracted from the Hospital Information and MedCare Systems. In addition to comparing the average number of victims before and after the implementation of the new law, the average number of victims were compared in terms of the body part injury, the site of the accident before and after the implementation of the law. The obtained data were analyzed by using descriptive and analytical statistics including t test. Results: The average monthly number of casualties before the implementation of the new law was 3053 and after the implementation it increased to 3492 people. This difference was statistically significant (P≤0.05). Although this increase was observed in the average number of the victims in all four body parts groups, after the implementation of the law, only the difference between the average number of victims with multiple body injuries was statistically significant (P≤0.05). In addition, the average number of the accident location in all four groups of the accident locations increased after the implementation of the law. However, only the difference between the average number of the accidents occurred on suburban roads before and after the implementation was statistically significant (P≤0.05). Conclusion: On the whole, increasing driving fines does not seem to have a significant impact on reducing road traffic injuries. A more detailed investigation of this challenge is recommended to identify possible causes of the ineffectiveness of fines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Duplicate publication is publication of a paper which overlaps with another published paper in many important parts and is essentially considered unethical. So, this study was carried out to evaluate the pattern of duplicate publication as well as determining the causes of this phenomenon among the papers of researchers of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Methods: All cases of discovered duplicate publication during 2005 to 2008 referred to the committee of ethics were studied. After confirmation of duplicate publication, the cases were assessed by interviewing and reviewing the documents; then the fundamental roots was drawn. After analyzing the cases and categorizing the fundamental causes, a classification and definition of duplicate publication phenomenon was presented. Findings: Out of the nine underwent duplicate publication papers, eight were "Copy publishing" and the other was "Least publishable unit" (or Salami Slicing). From sixteen journals where papers were published, only five had impact factor and six were Iranian. Seven papers were in Persian and two in English. Conclusion: According to our findings, our country's scientific community is not familiar with the professional rules of scientific and research work, so most of the duplicate publications are uninformed and non-intentional. To prevent duplicate publishing, besides taking legal action against duplicate publication with copy right infringement, the way to interact with the trend of review of papers, correspondence with the editors of journals, and announcement of rules of committee of ethics in research should be taught to faculty members and researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Choosing the right title for a paper is essential attracting readers and receiving citations, and various studies have been done on this subject. This research sought those papers citation rate with the country name 'Iran' in their title published during 2010-2014 using Web of Science citation index. It tried to identify highly cited papers, disciplines, distribution of papers by type and geography of the paper with this feature. Moreover, it observed the relationship between Iranian and international authors in the production of such papers and their citation rate. Using scientometric method, 12,026 papers with the word 'Iran' in the titles were examined, and their Web of Science database citations were analyzed from 2010 to 2014. Citation rates of papers written by Iranian researchers and researchers from other countries were compared according to the research questions. The results showed that the majority of these papers were produced in Iran, and among foreign countries, the United States had the highest share in producing such papers. Most of these papers were in geology, occupational health, and environmental science. Moreover, it was revealed that citation rate for papers containing 'Iran' in the title has decreased over the years and the downward trend has been similar for national and international studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, an economic life cycle assessment of hydrogen-fueled gas turbine power plant is developed, where hydrogen is produced via electrolysis with electricity generated from renewable resources (green hydrogen). By this way, the continuous green electricity without fluctuation can be generated. With a great potential in solar irradiation, Iran can be a major country for producing green hydrogen. For this purpose, first, we simulate a 100 MW solar PV plant in Fars province and calculate annual electricity generation. Considering capital cost (Capex) and operations and maintenance costs (Opex) of plants including PV, electrolyzer, hydrogen storage and distribution facilities, and gas turbine, we estimate levelized cost of electricity from green H2-fueled gas turbine power plant. Because hydrogen technology has not matured yet, the analysis for both 2021 and 2040 will be conducted. Due to lower marginal production costs, the increase in renewable energy sources decreases electricity wholesale prices. In this paper, we also estimate long-term merit order effect (MOE) of electricity generated by green hydrogen on electricity wholesale price. The results show that in renewable/hydrogen-based forecast for electricity mix of 2040, electricity wholesale price is estimated around 6.38 c$/kWh, nearly 38% less than present wholesale price. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of the present research is to propose a comprehensive attitude of the salinity in groundwater resources of Iran using 116 papers in the assessment of groundwater quality in different areas of the country. The conducted study contains the measurement of the values of physicochemical parameters of which electrical conductivity (EC), as the fundamental parameter for salinity determination of groundwater, was considered mostly, and by comparing it with standards, as well as employing the Wilcox diagram, the quality of water was assessed for drinking and agricultural purposes, respectively. Study of the previous papers revealed that in only the west and northwest of the country, the groundwater quality was suitable for drinking, and in the majority of provinces, EC values exceeded the recommended limits. The highest EC level was seen in central provinces which led to the aggravation of groundwater and the largest proportion of salinity, putting the quality of water in an unsuitable class for drinking. Additionally, the assessment of groundwater quality for irrigation uses using the Wilcox diagram showed high and very high salinity rates in most areas of the study area. Northwestern provinces relatively had the lowest level putting in C3–S1 class, while central areas reached the highest with C4–S4 classification. Deficiency of rainfall, high rate of groundwater exploitation, and the intrusion of saltwater from Salt Lake were the principal reasons for groundwater deterioration in central parts of the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Great Persian Famine of 1917–1919 is one of the greatest calamities in the history of Iran. While some scholarly work has explored the causes and dynamics of the famine, less attention has been paid to its memorialisation. This paper aims to understand how the Great Persian Famine is remembered – or not – in public and personal spheres in Iran. Discussing the historical events that have been silenced, neglected or publicly recognised and commemorated before and after the Islamic Revolution, the paper focusses on the processes that hinder public and private memorialising of hunger violence. Drawing on existing literature, personal diaries, artistic representations, and interviews with persons whose parents or grandparents experienced the Great Persian Famine, we discuss why it has not figured prominently in the national historiography or commemorative practices, except during a brief period (2008–2013) when it found its way into the prevailing political discourse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulp and paper production industries are known as a renewable energy technology. In this research, exergetic analysis of pulp and paper production is presented. The system performance is evaluated based on the data of Pars paper industrial group, Iran, which is given as an illustrative example. An exergy destruction as well as exergy efficiency relation is determined for each section of the system components and the whole system to indicate the largest exergy losses and possibilities of improvement. It is found that the largest exergy losses occurred in the steam plant and soda recovery and these sections are highly exergy inefficient. Further it is observed that with decrease of excess air and preheating of inlet air the exergy efficiency of boilers is increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper evaluates the potentials of Mullā Şadrā's philosophy to explain the possibility of the Islamization of philosophy. This contributes to a more general, yet controversial, project in post-revolutionary Iran, namely the Islamization of knowledge, especially in the humanities. If there would be a mechanism through which Islamization of philosophy – as a historical example and as a field of knowledge that provides theoretical grounds of other humanities – can be plausibly explained, then one might think of Islamizing the humanities, as well. One famous explanation in Iran is based on the distinction between contexts of discovery and justification. It explains how a philosopher is permitted to use the Islamic content in the context of discovery – not justification – and how this helps to Islamize philosophy. In this article, we claim a new explanation which is based on Mullā Şadrā's transcendent philosophy. Such a philosophical explanation not only acknowledges using the Qur'an and authentic narrations in the context of discovery but also necessitates involving revelation as a philosophical criterion in the context of justification and a highly valid epistemic source in producing the new philosophical content. This provides a strong account of the Islamization of philosophy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first part of the current study highlights the importance of developing a clean hydrogen supply chain (CHSC) in Iran to enhance energy security and contribute to global efforts towards sustainable energy transition. Depending on whether the focus is on domestic consumption or export of hydrogen, the study provides valuable insights into the prioritization of CHSC development pathways via multi-criteria decision-making tools (AHP, AHOP-TOPSIS, and AHP-VIKOR). The results show that for domestic hydrogen consumption (internal scenario), the best path of the supply chain includes blue hydrogen from steam methane reforming coupled with carbon capture and storage, H 2 -carriers (ammonia and methanol), natural gas grid for transportation and distribution, and industry sector as the end user. In the external scenario, however, the best path of the CHSC consists of green hydrogen production based on solar energy, and the other parts of the path include liquid hydrogen as the storage method, ship as the distribution and transportation, and industrial sector as the end user. By identifying the most suitable methods and technologies for each stage of the supply chain, this paper offers a comprehensive analysis that can guide decision-making in CHSC development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultural heritage and transitional justice both seem to be established terms with fixed connotations: the former of universally valued and appreciated cultural objects and the latter of processes related to replacing a non-democratic regime with a democratic one. The social, political and legal realities of actual transitions and cultural objects caught in their midst, however, are much more complex. One such particular case was the Iranian Revolution of 1979 and its immediate aftermath, which, despite being a distinct transition from one non-Western regime to another, encountered similar issues with regard to the preservation of cultural heritage objects linked to the former establishment. The purpose of this paper is thus to provide a better understanding of the non-traditional processes of transitional justice, with a special focus on the place of cultural heritage objects during a transition using the example of Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meteorological variables are essential inputs for agricultural simulation models and the lack of measured data is a big challenge for the application of these models in many agricultural zones. Studies indicated that gridded meteorological datasets can be proper replacements for measured data. This paper aimed to examine a new gridded meteorological dataset namely CRU-JRA for crop modeling intents. The CRU-JRA is a 6-hourly dataset with a spatial resolution of 0.5° × 0.5° that was primarily constructed for modeling purposes. The CERES-Wheat model in the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) was used for the simulation of irrigated and rainfed wheat production systems in Iran. Results showed that the CRU-JRA maximum and minimum temperature values had a relatively fine accuracy with a normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) of 14% for the simulated grain yield. The performance of the CRU-JRA solar radiation values for the simulation of grain yield was similar with a NRMSE of 14.4%. The weakest performance was found for the CRU-JRA precipitation values with a NRMSE of 18.9%. Overall, the CRU-JRA dataset performed comparatively acceptable and similar to existing gridded meteorological datasets for crop modeling purposes in the study area, however further calibrations can improve the accuracy of the next versions of this dataset. More research is necessary for the investigation of the CRU-JRA dataset for agricultural modeling purposes across diverse climates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are histories describing in detail the development of early childhood education (ECE) around the world, yet not enough is known about this in the Middle East and the information on the origins of ECE in Iran is scarce and fragmentary. This article is the first of its kind to present an overview of the main developments rendering possible the establishment of the first kindergartens in Iran. In our account, we connect this genealogy of early childhood education in Iran to various trajectories: 1) the work of intellectual reformers; 2) the Iranian feminist movement; 3) the Constitutional Revolution in Iran (1906–1911); 4) religious reformist beliefs in Shia; 5) the missionaries' schools; 6) the Armenians' schools and 7) the age of girls' marriage. As we demonstrate, early childhood education in Iran emerged before the industrial revolution. It was mainly provided for intellectual and influential families, focused on physical education accompanied by music, while religious education was marginal. Our genealogical explorations indicate that compared to kindergartens in Britain and Europe, Iranian early childhood education has been an instrument for intellectual societal reform. It was the fruits of a transplanted tree nourished by various local cultural-socio-political trends and religious beliefs. The paper concludes with an assessment of the importance of local and international influences on the emergence of early childhood education and the need to explore this history with an intersectional approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gas conditioning towers (GCTs) or cooling towers have broad industrial applicability, especially in the cement industry. Most cement factories deal with the same problems faced by other factories. However, the solutions to these problems are barely internationally published and have not received much attention, meaning a lot of time and money is spent on researching previous solutions. Iran is among the top ten cement manufacturing countries in the world. Therefore, many of these problems have occurred in Iranian cement factories. The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of studies in this field over the last couple of decades, with a particular focus on advances in Iran. The most important findings in the literature are summarised in order to suggest the best possible solutions for improving the performance and lifetime of GCTs and decreasing common problems such as dust build-up and wet bottom. Numerical methods for modelling different aspects of GCTs are reviewed. The results can be used to reduce water and energy consumption, air pollution and the repair and maintenance costs of cement factories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern communication technologies make information more easily and quickly accessible, leading to more transparent and competitive markets. Based on a theoretical model, this paper provides new empirical evidence on the potential impact of online search intensity on asymmetric cost pass‐through. Prices often move as 'rockets and feathers': they rise quickly in response to cost increases and they fall slowly in response to cost reductions. A panel threshold error correction model is applied to weekly producer and retail prices of chicken and mutton in Iran. The results suggest that the volume of online searches is associated with a more complete and less asymmetric cost pass‐through from farmgate to retail prices. Thus, online platforms and search engines have the potential to increase competition by bringing prices closer together and reducing profit margins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The use of economic sanctions has grown dramatically in recent decades. Nevertheless, many arguments are presented in the public policy space regarding their effects on target populations. The author presents the first systematic analysis of the effects of sanctions on living conditions in target countries. Design/methodology/approach: This paper provides a comprehensive survey and assessment of the literature on the effects of economic sanctions on living standards in target countries. The author identifies 31 studies that apply quantitative econometric or calibration methods to cross-country and national data to assess the impact of economic sanctions on indicators of human and economic development. The author provides in-depth discussions of three sanctions episodes—Iran, Afghanistan and Venezuela—that illustrate the channels through which sanctions affect living conditions in target countries. Findings: Of the 31 studies, 30 find that sanctions have negative effects on outcomes ranging from per capita income to poverty, inequality, mortality and human rights. The author provides new results showing that 54 countries—27% of all countries and 29% of the world economy— are sanctioned today, up from only 4% of countries in the 1960s. In the three cases discussed, sanctions that restricted the access of governments to foreign exchange limited the ability of states to provide essential public goods and services and generated substantial negative spillovers on private sector and nongovernmental actors. Originality/value: This is the first literature survey that systematically assesses the quantitative evidence on the effect of sanctions on living conditions in target countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Islamic government of Iran recently passed and announced a new law titled "Rejuvenation of the Population and Protection of the Family." This legislation is a noteworthy example of biopolitics-influenced biolaw. In terms of abortion, contraception, prenatal screening, and population control, this law clearly contrasts with women's fundamental rights and freedoms and has significant health-related consequences for different sectors of the population. A historical review of the population policies of the Islamic Republic of Iran shows the occurrence of multiple abrupt and radical changes in such policies over the past four decades. This new law, promoted by religious biopolitics, is the most recent example, and places stringent limits on abortion. According to it, all decisions concerning abortion must be made in courts rather than in health clinics. Such courts are typically presided over by male religious scholars. This law also limits prenatal screening to the degree that will increase the rate of genetic defects, especially in the population's lower socioeconomic strata. By strictly limiting access to contraception, this law will increase the rate of unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. This paper argues that such an influence of biopolitics on biolaw contrasts with the principles of bioethics. Still, Iran's current institution of bioethics cannot address it effectively. Therefore, a new model of interaction between bioethics, biopolitics, and biolaw is needed to prevent the detrimental consequences of such pieces of legislation. Such a paradigm shift is demanded by the current "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement of the Iranian people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]