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Learning could not be thought of as unrelated to cognitive processes and cognitive processes are not unrelated to affective ones; thus, the current study tried to empirically examine the influence of Emotion Based Language Instruction (EBLI) in fostering teaching oral skills to EFL learners. An IELTS test was utilized to measure the progress of both control and experimental groups at the beginning of the research and also at the end. The content of the material chosen to be taught for experimental group was selectively written based on the Metric of Emotioncy designed by Pishghadam (2016). The differences in scores of pre and posttest of IELTS were statistically calculated to observe the effect of EBLI. The results revealed a significant change in speaking skill in experimental group and a change in listening skill, though it was not statistically significant. The results of the current investigation can increase the knowledge on applying EBLI in teaching foreign/second languages.

The current study was conducted to investigate whether test scores of Iranian English as Foreign Language (EFL) learners were equivalent across CBT and PBT modes, with 58 intermediate learners studying at a private language academy located in Behshahr city in northern Iran. Moreover, test takers' computer familiarity, attitudes, aversion, and testing mode preference were regarded as the potential issues to influence CBT test scores. Data were collected using CBT and PBT versions of Nelson Proficiency Multiple-Choice Tests and Computer Aversion, Attitudes, and Familiarity Index (CAAFI) questionnaire as well as a simple testing administration mode preference question. The participants produced similar scores across modes, although they insignificantly outperformed on the CBT version. Additionally, analysis of the overall scores on the CAAFI and mode preference question obtained from CBT testing session indicated no statistically significant correlation between computer familiarity, attitude, aversion, and mode preference variables and test takers' CBT scores. The qualitative findings of this study obtained by semi-structured interview revealed that most of the participants showed high preference and more advantages for CBT over PBT to rationalize why they preferred this mode of testing.

Affective factors play a role in learning in general and language learning in particular. The current study tried to empirically examine the influence of one of these factors namely 'Emotional Intelligence' to check its influence on Speaking Skill. Participants were Intermediate level students who took the IELTS test (International English Language Testing System), so that the researchers could evaluate their proficiency in speaking skill at the beginning of the project. Next, the Emotional Intelligence of them was calculated and afterwards Emotional Intelligence (EI) was taught. After a one-educational-year course of simultaneously teaching EI and Speaking skill, the same IELTS along with the Emotional Quotient (EQ) questionnaire was administered in experimental and control group. To observe the development in each category, the difference in scores of both EQ and IELTS test (pre-test and post-test) were calculated. Ultimately, it was found that both EQ and speaking skill of the learners in treatment group were developed in a significant way whereas only speaking skill of control group progressed but it was not significant. The findings of the study can contribute in the promotion of the knowledge on the effect of EI in language learning.

English language is an important international language and a considerable part of time and expenses is devoted to learning it. Since many academicians and common people invest a lot of time on learning it, an increase in learning speed is certainly an urgent need. The current study tried to empirically examine the influence of an affective factor namely Emotional Intelligence on Reading Skill as affective factors play a role in learning in general and language learning in particular. Intermediate EFL learners in Iran were given an IELTS test for evaluating their reading proficiency. Next, the Emotional Quotient of the subjects were calculated and after that teaching Emotional Intelligence was started. The subjects received instructions for one year on both Emotional Intelligence and Reading Skill. The difference in scores of both Emotional Intelligence and IELTS tests were then statistically calculated to observe the progress in each issue. The findings of the study showed a significant progress both in Emotional Intelligence and Reading Skill of the subjects in the experimental group, but no significance was observed in the control group. The results of the present research could help develop the knowledge on Emotional Intelligence enhancement and its possible effect(s) on language learning.

The current study tried to empirically examine the influence of enhancing Emotional Intelligence on writing skill. The method of doing the study was giving an "Interchange Placement Test" to the university students who majored in English (EFL learners) in Iran. After selecting intermediate level students for participating in the study, an IELTS test was administered to evaluate the proficiency of the participants at the beginning of the project. Next, the Emotional Quotient (EQ) of the subjects was measured and afterwards, teaching Emotional Intelligence (EI) was started. At the end of a one-educational-year course of simultaneously teaching EI and writing skill, the same EQ and IELTS test was given to the learners. The difference in scores of both EQ and IELTS test were statistically calculated to observe the progress in each issue. The results revealed a significant change both in EQ and in writing skill. The findings of the study could help further the knowledge in the related field.

The current study investigated the association between multiple intelligences and language learning efficacy expectations among TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) university students. To fulfill the aim of the study, 108 junior and senior TEFL students were asked to complete the "Multiple Intelligence Developmental Assessment Scales" (MIDAS) (Shearer, 1996) and the "Learners' Sense of Efficacy Survey" (Gahungu, 2009). Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and regression analysis were employed to analyze the data. The findings of correlation analysis indicated that, among the different types of intelligences, Linguistic and Intrapersonal intelligences had strong positive correlations with learners' self-efficacy beliefs. The results of regression analysis showed that Linguistic and Intrapersonal intelligences were positive predictors of learners' efficacy beliefs, whereas Mathematical intelligence was the negative predictor of students' self-efficacy beliefs. All in all, the findings of the present study contribute to the understanding of the interplay between students' multiple intelligences and their language learning self-efficacy beliefs; furthermore, they convey some implications for university teachers, material and curriculum developers and language testers.

Many urban planners have used Lefebvre's concept of the right to the city as a dominant approach in urban studies. In this research, we try to draw a framework for the urban development of Bandar Abbas through the application of urban development components based on the right-to-the-city approach. Interpretive structural modeling is used in drawing urban development based on the right-to-the-city approach. The centrality of citizens in decision-making, self-management of space, the right to planning and designing the space, the right to transparency, and access to information at the first class are considered the key variables of Bandar Abbas urban development. The right to manage and organize the space, the right to accountability, democratic (institutional) capacity building, and social priorities in the decision-making process are the subcomponents of Bandar Abbas urban development. The presented model is the realization of people in space, where people take over the space and enjoy the benefits of urban life, if needed, they can freely express their opinions and limitations in the space and organize the city according to their needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Oligocene Nasrand intrusive rocks (NIRs), located in the central part of the Urumieh–Dokhtar magmatic arc, are mainly composed of granite and subordinate diorite and gabbro. These rocks are characterized by the enrichment of light rare earth elements (LREEs), Nb‐Ta negative anomalies, and high LILE/HFSE, suggesting a subduction‐related origin. The felsic rocks with granite compositions have high SiO2 content (69.77–77.88 wt.%), low Mg# (0.02–0.43), low Nb/Ta, and Zr/Hf (Avg: 12.53, and 33.08, respectively). The initial 87Sr/86Sr ratio and εNd(t) values in felsic rocks range from 0.70577 to 0.70576 and 0.4 to −0.3, respectively. These data suggest that these felsic rocks originated from juvenile crust by heat rising from basaltic magmas in an orogenic setting. The mafic‐intermediate rocks and dikes are gabbro, gabbroic diorite, and monzodiorite, with low SiO2 content (48.08–56.11 wt.%) and high Mg# (0.37–0.68), with average ratios of Nb/Ta and Zr/Hf are 27.88 and 39.84, respectively. The initial 87Sr/86Sr ratio and εNd(t) values for mafic‐intermediate rocks and dikes are 0.70583 to 0.70476 and −0.1 to +2.6, respectively. These characteristics indicate magma from a mantle source that had undergone minor mixing with juvenile crust. It seems mantle‐derived juvenile magma underplating played an important role in the crustal growth in the Urumieh–Dokhtar magmatic belt during the Ediacaran to Early Cambrian, relative to other time frames. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effect of circadian rhythm stability and amplitude on musculoskeletal disorder prevalence and work–family conflict among nurses. Design: This cross‐sectional study was conducted on 386 nurses working in three hospitals, in Shahroud, Iran. Method: The data were collected using the Circadian Rhythm Inventory, Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorders, and Carlson Work‐Family Conflict questionnaires. Results: The highest prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was reported in the lower back (68.4%), upper back (65.5%) and shoulders (53.6%), respectively. No significant relation was found between circadian rhythm stability and amplitude, and musculoskeletal disorders prevalence. The nurses who could not overcome drowsiness reported more Work Interference with Family (WIF), Family Interference with Work (FIW) (time‐based) and FIW (strain‐based) compared to the nurses who overcame drowsiness. In addition, the appropriate nurses for shift work experienced less WIF, FIW (behavioural‐based) and WIF (strain‐based) compared to the nurses who could not work overtime or at night. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater level observations due to the lack of synoptic water-level measurements are often available with irregular time intervals. The results lead to an inaccurate understanding of the parameters affecting groundwater level changes and their time delays. This paper presents a simple and low-cost approach to interpolate the irregular, periodic intervals of recorded groundwater level data for the Najafabad aquifer located in central Iran. Forty-six monitoring wells with an average of 20 years of data were used for this study. Piecewise cubic Hermite interpolating polynomial (PCHIP), cubic spline, linear, and nearest neighbor are the selected interpolation methods. Cross-validation with leave-one-out technique was also applied to evaluate the accuracy of the methods under three conditions, including low, average, and high groundwater level decline. The analysis proved that (1) PCHIP interpolation showed a high performance in all of the groundwater level decline conditions (0.22 < RMSE < 0.59 and 0.72 < R2 < 0.98). (2) Under slight and without abrupt fluctuations of groundwater level conditions, cubic spline showed a better performance than the linear interpolation (R2 = 0.98, RMSE = 0.49 for cubic spline and R2 = 0.98, RMSE = 0.51 for linear). The selected approach reduces the uncertainty in the study of issues such as changes in groundwater recharge and storage, groundwater flow directions, surface–groundwater interaction, and groundwater modeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dental healthcare is the costliest and single most source of the financial barrier to seeking and use of needed healthcare. Hence, this study aims to analyses impact of out-of-pocket (OOP) payments for dental services on prevalence catastrophic healthcare expenditure (CHE) among Iranian households during 2018.Methods: We performed a cross-sectional analysis to determine the prevalence rate of CHE due to use of dental healthcare services among 38,858 Iranian households using the 2018 Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) survey data of Iran. The WHO approach was used to determine the CHE due to use of dental care services at the 40% of household capacity to pay (CTP). Multiple logistic regression models were used to obtain the odds of facing with CHE among households that paid for any dental healthcare services over the last month while adjusting for covariates included in the model. These findings were reported for urban, rural areas and also for low, middle and high human development index HDI across provinces.Results: The study indicated that the prevalence of CHE among households that used and did not used dental services over the last month was 16.5% (95% CI: 14.9 to 18.3) and 4.3% (95% CI: 4.1 to 4.6), respectively. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) for the covariates revealed that the prevalence of CHE for the overall households that used dental healthcare service was 6.2 times (95% CI: 5.4 to 7.1) than those that did not use dental healthcare services. The urban households that used dental healthcare had 7.8 times (95%CI: 6.4-9.4) while the rural ones had 4.7 times (95% CI: 3.7-5.7) higher odds of facing CHE than the corresponding households that did not use dental healthcare services.Conclusions: The study indicates that out-of-pocket costs for dental care services impose a substantial financial burden on household's budgets at the national and subnational levels. Alternative health care financing strategies and policies targeted to the reduction in CHE in general and CHE due to dental services in particular are urgently required in low and middle income countries such as Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achieving sustainable development is one of the most important agricultural resources. Therefore, the overall purpose of this study is to investigate the factors affecting farmers' desire to change the cultivation pattern to cultivation of medicinal plants. The research method is allowed as a field-library. After determining the variables through questionnaires and software SPSS. The statistical population of this study is rural producers in Targabah district in Khorasan Razavi Province in Iran. The statistical sample for this study was 204 rural households. The sample was calculated using random sampling based on Cochran formula. The results show that the farmers' desire to change the cultivation pattern to cultivation of medicinal plants has a significant positive correlation with its level of economic, social, technical and environmental awareness. Also, it has a significant and positive relationship with his understanding of the production of medicinal plants which can enhance the protection of the environment. The results of the diagnostic analysis showed that the level of economic awareness and awareness of processing plants and product packaging can affect the farmers' desire to change the cultivation pattern to cultivation of medicinal plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present study was conducted to investigate the relationship between metabolic syndrome and the risk of respiratory and sleep disorders in professional drivers. Methods: This case-control study was conducted on professional drivers in Shahroud, Iran. The snoring, tiredness during daytime, observed apnea, high blood pressure, body mass index, age, neck circumference, gender (STOP-Bang) questionnaire was first used to assess obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Then, based on the questionnaire scores, the participants were divided into two groups: those with and those without OSA. The relationship between this disorder and metabolic syndrome was then studied. Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical tests (P<0.05). Results: Based on the STOP-Bang questionnaire, 214 drivers with a high risk of OSA and 214 drivers with low risk were recruited for the study. According to the Adult Treatment Panel III criteria, 204 drivers (47.7%) had metabolic syndrome. There was a significant relationship between driver's license class and the risk of OSA. Metabolic syndrome components including fasting blood sugar, triglycerides, and hypertension, but not high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, were able to predict OSA in the professional drivers. Conclusion: Given the high prevalence of metabolic syndrome and OSA, especially in drivers of high risk who may spend long hours transporting good and operating passenger vehicles, screening and treating these disorders are crucial in this part of the population. The researchers recommend holding regular training sessions about these disorders for professional drivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the recent years chemical control of weeds has become a dominant method of weed control. The heavy use of these chemicals has had a negative impact on the environment and human health. So this study tries to investigate the analysis paddy farmers' knowledge about integrated weed management (IWM) in Iran. The study was done by a descriptive-surveying method that including field and documentary data. The population of the study consisted of selected Dooreh - CHegeni farmers that cultivation wheat and rice together. Sample population was selected by using the Cochran formula (n=198). The main instrument used in this study was a questionnaire. The validity of research tool was obtained by the idea of experts and for reliability of questionnaires a pilot test was conducted. The Cronbach' Alpha coefficient of higher than 0.7 showed that research tool was reliable (learning style (0.818), economic characteristic (0.700) and social characteristic (0.723) respectively). The result of correlation analysis showed that the variables such as: belief in discussion with other farmers about sustainable weed management, the importance of dialogue and implement the recommendations of experts, quality and quantity of extension programs, attitude towards the impact of SWM (Sustainable Weed Management) on healthy crop production and farmers 'attitude toward the effects of this type of management on increasing production has a significant effect on farmers' awareness of integrated weed management in the field The results also showed that farmers' use of appropriate seed (weed-free) and farmers' appropriate attitude toward discussion with other farmers about integrated weed management in the field is the most important variable could be predicted the rice farmers' knowledge of IWM(Integrated Weed Management) in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Score equivalency of two Computer-Based Testing (henceforth CBT) and Paper-and-Pencil-Based Testing (henceforth PBT) versions has turned into a controversial issue during the last decade in Iran. The comparability of mean scores obtained from two CBT and PBT formats of test should be investigated to see if test takers' testing performance is influenced by the effects of testing administration mode. This research was conducted to examine score equivalency across modes as well as the relationship of gender, and testing mode preference with test takers' performance on computerized testing. The information on testing mode preference and attitudes towards CBT and its features was supported by a focus group interview. Findings indicated that the scores of test takers were not different in both modes and there was no statistically significant relationship between moderator above variables and CBT performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lower Cretaceous siliciclastic fluvial to shallow marine Shurijeh–Shatlyk formations together form one of the main reservoir successions in the Kopeh Dagh–Amu Darya Basin (NE Iran, Turkmenistan, and north of Afghanistan). Sedimentary facies and thickness changes in the Shurijeh–Shatlyk formations show complex variations throughout the basin, which highlight the importance of understanding the controlling factors on facies distribution and depositional setting for future hydrocarbon exploration. Integration of 3D seismic data, 13 boreholes, and five surface stratigraphic sections led to identification of lithofacies and facies associations. The results allow subdivision of this siliciclastic succession into four stratigraphic units (A, B, C, and D). Our study indicates that base‐level changes interacted with palaeotopography inherited from Middle Jurassic basin rifting, Upper Jurassic carbonate reefs/patch reef distributions, and reactivation of the deep basin faults, to control the Shurijeh–Shatlyk depositional setting and sedimentary facies distribution. Our findings show that the Aghdarband and Badkhyz–Maimana palaeo‐highs affected the Kopeh Dagh–Amu Darya Basin throughout deposition of the Shurijeh–Shatlyk formations. Allogeneic processes and active tectonics, related to the Valanginian Late Cimmerian Orogeny, caused a base‐level fall, exposure of Upper Jurassic carbonate sediments, and deposition of a carbonate pebbly conglomerate unit in the western part of the study area. This base‐level fall led to the deposition of thick evaporites in the western area and conglomerate in the eastern parts of the Kopeh Dagh. Due to a Hauterivian sea‐/base‐level rise, several deltas formed in the basin, which form the main reservoir zone in the Murgab Depression and Khangiran Field in Turkmenistan and Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study was conducted to investigate whether test scores of Iranian English as Foreign Language (EFL) learners were equivalent across CBT and PBT modes, with 58 intermediate learners studying at a private language academy located in Behshahr city in northern Iran. Moreover, test takers' computer familiarity, attitudes, aversion, and testing mode preference were regarded as the potential issues to influence CBT test scores. Data were collected using CBT and PBT versions of Nelson Proficiency Multiple-Choice Tests and Computer Aversion, Attitudes, and Familiarity Index (CAAFI) questionnaire as well as a simple testing administration mode preference question. The participants produced similar scores across modes, although they insignificantly outperformed on the CBT version. Additionally, analysis of the overall scores on the CAAFI and mode preference question obtained from CBT testing session indicated no statistically significant correlation between computer familiarity, attitude, aversion, and mode preference variables and test takers' CBT scores. The qualitative findings of this study obtained by semi-structured interview revealed that most of the participants showed high preference and more advantages for CBT over PBT to rationalize why they preferred this mode of testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most important dimensions of cooperative systems, which have existed in Iran since 1974, is cooperative rural production enterprises. In this study, the performance of rural production cooperatives in Iran is examined in relation to the social capital components of the members. This study's statistical population consisted of 16,870 members from 41 cooperatives. 217 samples of cooperative members and 98 samples of the cooperative's management and board of directors were selected using the Cochran formula, and questionnaires were filled out for each group. The results showed that from the viewpoint of the members of rural cooperatives, the most important factor in improving the performance of cooperatives was the use of effective extension training (model-extension sites). The results also showed that members' satisfaction and training members of cooperatives can play an important role in improving the performance of cooperatives. The results of this research, while emphasizing the role of education (especially extension activities), can help rural development planners in improving the performance of rural cooperatives in their regions. [Display omitted] • The study identified the impacts of social capitals on the performance of rural production cooperatives. • The most important factor in improving the performance was the use the extension trainings. • Members' satisfaction and training play an important role in improving the performance. • The level of education in production cooperatives has a direct relationship with trust and satisfaction. • Cooperatives do not perform well in the fields of sales, marketing and insurance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Working at height has always been considered as one of the most dangerous industrial activities. Workers' fitness including their physical and psychological ability plays a key role in prevention of occupational accidents. This research was conducted to investigate the physical and mental fitness of telecommunication tower climbers as well as their job stress. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among employees of a contracting company which worked in the field of telecommunication tower installation in Iran during 2016. Sixty out of 93 workers voluntarily participated in this study. Data collection tools were the Persian version of the Work Ability Index (WAI), the Persian version of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Stress Indicator Tool and an author-developed measure to assess socio-demographic characteristics. Data was analyzed through statistical tests such as independent t-test, univariate analyses of variance (ANOVAs), Pearson's correlation coefficient, and multivariate linear regression; using SPSS 1 9 software. Results: Workers' mean ± SD WAI score was 29.17± 10.33 and for work-related stress was 3.08 ± 1.80. There was a significant relation between WAI and educational level, job tenure, hours of sleep per day, regular exercise, and second job. The repression modeling explained 67.4% of the total variance (adjusted R2) 0f the WAI score. Among the dimensions of work related stress, control (β = 0.21) and changes (β = -0. 40) were significant predictors of the WAI score. Conclusions: To improve the worker's work ability, intervention programs should focus on promoting level of job control, sleep quality and exercise. Additionally, implementing a comprehensive macroergonomics and participatory program for increase involvement the workers in organization changes should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Work-related stress and its causes are among the most important issues which can seriously challenge organizational efficiency and employees' health. Different occupational environments and groups have different levels of job stress. The present study aimed to investigate relationships between job stress and its dimensions with three occupational groups (administrative, administrative-operational, and operational) among a subsidiary company workers of Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company. Methods The present study had descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional type and was conducted among 468 out of 503 employees (with entry condition of a year of work experience as well as an official and contractual membership) volunteered to participate in research. Data collection tools included demographic questions and job stress questionnaire as well as human resource department information to determine occupational group of employees. Descriptive statistics, statistical tests, Independent test, and oneway ANOVA in addition to SPSS 21 software were used for data analysis. Results There were significant relationships between age, education levels, work experience and smoking with mean score of job stress (P-value <0.05). Mean score of employees' job stress in operational occupation group was significantly higher than other two occupational groups (P-value=0.004), and there were significant relationships between employees' occupational group variables with five dimensions of job stress (demand, relationships and role, managerial support, and peer support) (P-value<0.05). There were not any significant relationships between other variables and job stress (Pvalue> 0.05). Conclusions Exposure to different occupational harmful agents, facing with different safety risks, being far from family, heavy workload, and uncertain employee roles have significantly increased job stress in both operational and executive occupation groups compared to other two occupational groups; hence, there is a positive correlation between high job stress and operational jobs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study tried to empirically examine the influence of enhancing Emotional Intelligence on writing skill. The method of doing the study was giving an "Interchange Placement Test" to the university students who majored in English (EFL learners) in Iran. After selecting intermediate level students for participating in the study, an IELTS test was administered to evaluate the proficiency of the participants at the beginning of the project. Next, the Emotional Quotient (EQ) of the subjects was measured and afterwards, teaching Emotional Intelligence (EI) was started. At the end of a one-educational-year course of simultaneously teaching EI and writing skill, the same EQ and IELTS test was given to the learners. The difference in scores of both EQ and IELTS test were statistically calculated to observe the progress in each issue. The results revealed a significant change both in EQ and in writing skill. The findings of the study could help further the knowledge in the related field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Of all work stressors, occupational stress is the leading cause of many disorders among workers. Drivers are classified as a high risk group for work related stress. This study set out to determine the relationship between risk factors of cardiovascular diseases and occupational stress among drivers.Material and Methods: Two hundred and twenty two Ilam's intercity drivers were selected for the study. For measuring work stress, the Osipow work stress questionnaire was used. After a 10-h fasting period, systolic and diastolic blood pressure was recorded. Intravenous blood samples were taken to determine cholesterol, triglyceride and blood glucose levels. The independent samples t-test and Pearson's correlation test were used to assess the relationship between variables and occupational stress.Results: Seventy-one percent of the intercity drivers suffered from average to acute stress, and 3.1% of them suffered from acute stress. There was no significant relationship between occupational stress and diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.254) among the drivers. Nevertheless, the Pearson's correlation test demonstrated a strong relationship between work stress and blood glucose (p < 0.01), while no strong correlation was found for blood triglycerides and cholesterol levels.Conclusions: Based on the results, high rates of occupational stress were observed in the Ilam's intercity drivers. Occupational stress may have effect on blood glucose levels but the results did not suggest a considerable relationship between risk factors of cardiovascular diseases and occupational stress among intercity drivers. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2016;29(6):895-901. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development is a process involving major changes in social structures, popular attitudes of the people, national institutions, accelerating economic growth, reducing inequalities and eradicating absolute poverty. Social development is one of the four dimensions of sustainable development. Direct and indirect impacts of the social development can affect the other dimensions of sustainable development. Hence, it is important to understand the factors affecting social development. The aim of this study was to investigate the social development of rural women by ICTs processes in rural areas. The statistical population of this study consisted of 5018 women that have been lived in rural areas in Shahreza Township in Iran, to be using Cochran formula, 190 rural women selected and the satisfied random sampling used for select of samples. This study was conducted to examine the validity of the questionnaire using Cronbach's Alpha Coefficients for the different sectors after a preliminary study for each of the indices greater than 0.7 were calculated separately. Regression analysis results obtained show that the three variables: rural women's economic independence, awareness about ICT services and the amount use of the ICT services that provided for rural women by rural ICT offices, entered in the regression analysis and explain 59% of the variable affect the social development of rural women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the sleep quality and sleep disorders (prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea and sleepiness) among occupational drivers in Iran and to determine which demographic factors and occupational habits are linked to road traffic accidents. Material and Methods: In this analytic cross-sectional study 556 occupational road drivers from Shahroud city (in the northeast of Iran) participated, upon a prior verbal informed consent, during 2013-2014. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) standard questionnaire that scored on 7 point scale, the 8-item Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) questionnaire and the 8-question STOP-Bang questionnaire along with demographic information and occupational data were used. To explore the independent factors associated with odds of poor sleep quality and road accident, multiple logistic regression models were used. Results: Prevalence of previous road accidents, sleepiness while driving, and obstructive sleep apnea scored ≥ 3 in the study, and drivers accounted for 23.8%, 29%, and 24.8%, respectively. The global mean score of sleep quality and excessive sleepiness score were 5.2 and 4.8, respectively. The main factors related to the odds of poor sleep quality were snoring (odds ratio (OR) = 2.34; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.15-4.77), smoking (OR = 2.12; 95% CI: 1.15-3.97), and driving times in a day (OR = 1.12; 95% CI: 1.03-1.21). The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (OR = 1.13; 95% CI: 1.07-1.23) and suffering from apnea (OR = 4.89; 95% CI: 1.07-23.83) were the best predictors for odds (increased risk) of road accidents. Conclusions: A considerable proportion of Iranian drivers had records of road accidents; poor sleep quality, sleepiness while driving, and sleep disorder breathing (obstructive sleep apnea - OSA). Snoring, smoking, driving time in a day, excessive sleepiness, and presumably apnea increase the odds of poor sleep quality and road traffic accident for Iranian occupational drivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achieving development requires the essential factor; the most important of these factors is human factors. The overall objective of this study was to investigating the factors affecting the ability of agricultural higher education graduates in Iran. The number of samples using Cochran's formula was 280 people who were chosen from the different agricultural fields. The main tool for this study is a questionnaire that the formal validity is obtained with professors and experts opinions and reliability by using Cronbach's alpha research for component were 0.891, 0.940 and 0.944 respectively. The results of research showed that the role of theory courses is the most influential variable that effect the ability of agricultural higher education graduates in Iran. The effect of these variables in three dimensions, basic, technical and organizational ability agricultural graduates was 29%, 34%, and 38% respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mandibular second premolars and maxillary central incisors usually have one root, one canal, and one apical foramen. However, some studies have revealed anatomic variations in these teeth. The aim of the present study was to investigate such variations in canal configuration, foramina, lateral and accessory canals and apical deltas in the root apex of human maxillary central incisors and mandibular second premolars, using a clearing technique and stereomicroscopy. One hundred maxillary central incisors and 137 mandibular second premolars were collected, and India ink was injected into their canals. The teeth were then demineralized with 0.5 N nitric acid, cleared with methyl salicylate, and studied at×5 and × 16 magnification. The incidence of one canal and one apical foramen was 100% for maxillary central incisors and 94.16% for mandibular second premolars. The main apical foramen was located in the center of the root apex in 21.89% and 17% of mandibular second premolars and maxillary central incisors, respectively. Lateral and accessory canals were found in 84.50% and 77.15% of maxillary central incisors and mandibular second premolars, respectively. Several foramina were found in 11% of maxillary central incisors and 24.08% of mandibular second premolars. Apical deltas were seen in 4.38% and 2% of mandibular second premolars and maxillary central incisors, respectively. The rate of anatomic variations in the apical part of the tooth, especially in posterior teeth, is thus considered to be high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Equity in the distribution of health care resources and mitigating the risk of out-of-pocket (OOP) catastrophic healthcare expenditures (CHE) are the major objectives of the health system of a country. This study aims to measure equity in OOP payments for healthcare and the incidence of CHE among Iranian households over time. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study utilized data extracted from the household income and expenditure survey (HIES) of Iran, collected by the Statistical Center of Iran. The analysis included a total of 174,341 households' five yearly data of 6 years starting from 1991 to 2017. Kakwani progressivity index (KPI) was used to measure the equity in OOP payment for each year and examine the households' incidence of CHE at 20%, 30%, and 40% of their capacities to pay (CTP). The trend series regression analysis was used to examine the trend in the KPI and the incidence of the CHE over time. Results: The findings indicated that the households' expenditure on health out of their monthly budgets for the years 1991 and 2017 were 2.1% and 10.1%, respectively. The KPI for the OOP payment was negative for all 6-year observations (1991 = − 0.680; 1996 = − 0.608; 2001 = − 0.554; 2006 = − 0.265; 2011 = − 0.225, and 2017 = − 0.207), indicating that the OOP payments for healthcare are regressive and more concentrated among the socioeconomically disadvantaged households. There was a statistically significant (p = 0.003) increase in the KPI (i.e., decline in the regressivity) over time. The incidence of the CHE (1.12, 1.93, and 3.71%) in 1991 at the CTP levels of 20%, 30%, and 40% was lower than the incidence at the corresponding levels of CTP (5.26, 10.88, and 22.16) in 2017. The findings of the time-series regression indicated a statistically significant (p < 0.05) increase in the incidence of the CHE at the 20%, 30%, and 40% levels of the households' CTP. Conclusions: The current study demonstrated that OOP payment as a source of healthcare funding in Iran is inequitable. While the use of interventions such as the prepaid and publicly funded programs may contribute to the reduction of CHE and improvement of equity in healthcare financing, further inequality analyses in the incidence of the CHE among households and its main determinants can contribute to evidence-informed planning to reduce the CHE in the context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Metabolic syndrome involves a set of metabolic risk factors that directly increases the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Physical inactivity due to driving can increase the risk of metabolic syndrome. It is also known that sleep disorders (sleep apnea) can result in MetS. Driving in Iran is considered a very popular but risky occupation, so paying attention to this profession is of special importance. Therefore, the researchers aimed to investigate the association between sleep disorders and metabolic syndrome in drivers in Shahroud city in 2018.Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 948 drivers from Shahroud city in 2018. After obtaining consent from participants, 3 questionnaires including demographic, Epworth Sleepiness Scale and STOP-BANG were completed. Clinical and anthropometric measurements were assessed, including blood pressure, waist circumference, hip circumference, weight, height, and body mass index. In addition, blood was drawn to measure High Density Lipoprotein, Low Density Lipoprotein, Triglyceride, cholesterol, and Fasting Blood Sugar levels. The relationship between metabolic syndrome and sleep disorders was then studied. In this study, statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software version 23 at a significance level of 0.05.Results: Mean age of drivers was 44.15 ± 11.66 (years). The mean waist circumference and mean hip circumference in subjects with a Class 1 Driver's License (a certificate for trucks and buses) were higher than those with a Class 2 Driver's License (a certificate for motorcars, minibuses, vans, etc. (seating< 20)) (P = 0.01 and P = 0.003, respectively). Moreover, the BMI in subjects with a Class 1 Driver's License was higher compared to subjects with a Class 2 Driver's License. The correlation between metabolic syndrome with sleep apnea based on STOP-BANG questionnaire was significant (p < 0.001) irrespective of definition (ATP and IDF).Conclusions: According to the results of this study, there was a bi-directional association between sleep disorders and Mets, so this group should pass periodic medical examinations and training courses. Moreover, their families should be informed of prevention and treatment of this syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the odds and associations of pregnancy outcomes with exposure to biopsy-confirmed celiac disease (CD) in Northeast Iran., Methods: In this regional retrospective cohort study, pregnancy records of all women with celiac disease who visited Celiac Disease Clinic of Imam-Reza Hospital from 2017 to 2023 (exposed group) and a sample of women without CD (unexposed group) were extracted using the Electronic Health Record of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences called "Sina". The unexposed group was randomly selected of the database and matched to exposed group on age, location of residence, socioeconomic factors. Our exclusion criteria included age ≥ 45, presence of concomitant disorders, history of non-obstetric uterine surgery, induction of pregnancy through assisted reproductive technology, and any concurrently ongoing pregnancy at the time of study. Pregnancy outcomes evaluated in this study included normal delivery, miscarriage, preterm labor, preeclampsia, and stillbirth. Adjusted odds ratios were calculated using logistic regression adjusted for confounders., Results: Ninety pregnancy records of women with CD and 270 pregnancies of women without CD were included in this study. Low neonatal birthweight (i.e. under 2500 g) had no significant association with CD (aOR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.92-1.06), as well as postpartum hemorrhage (aOR = 1.12, 95%CI = 0.91-1.38), fetal anomaly (aOR = 0.89, 95%CI = 0.69-1.15), miscarriage (aOR = 1.00, 95%CI = 0.91-1.10), ectopic pregnancy (aOR = 0.94, 95%CI = 0.73-1.20), preterm labor (aOR = 1.00, 95%CI = 0.92-1.10), gestational diabetes mellitus (aOR = 1.07, 95%CI = 0.98-1.16), gestational hypertension (aOR = 0.99, 95%CI = 0.89-1.11), and gestation hypothyroidism (aOR = 0.95, 95%CI = 0.82-1.11). However, we found significantly lower odds of preeclampsia in pregnancies affected by CD (aOR = 0.83, 95%CI = 0.69-0.99)., Conclusion: Celiac disease was not associated with increased odds of low neonatal birthweight, postpartum hemorrhage, fetal anomaly, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, preterm labor, gestational diabetes mellitus, gestational hypertension and gestational hypothyroidism. Preeclampsia had significantly lower odds in pregnancies affected with CD., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Air pollution in metropolises is one of the serious problems of human life. Tehran is one of the cities facing air pollution problem. Urban managers concern about choosing different management methods to control air pollution. In this study, a combination of fuzzy systems and neural networks has been used to select the most suitable scenario for controlling SO 2 pollution. According to the method presented in this paper, 8 input data categories such as wind speed, precipitation, temperature, pressure, humidity, gas oil consumption, gasoline consumption and urban green space levels have been used as independent parameters and SO 2 pollutant concentration has been considered as the dependent parameter. The contribution of each meteorological station to the meteorological data was determined by Thiessen Polygon Method. Then, using adaptive neural fuzzy inference systems, modeling was done in Sugeno Method and the least root mean square error (3.19) was determined for the model. Then, by changing each of the independent parameters, the effect of each of these independent parameters on SO 2 pollutant was measured. The results showed that the parameters of pressure, urban green space, gasoline consumption, gas oil consumption, temperature, wind speed and humidity, respectively, had the greatest effect on reducing the SO 2 concentration. Since the parameters of gasoline and gas oil consumption as well as the area of green space are changeable by different policies and by human decisions, the concentration of SO 2 pollutant can be controlled by reducing the consumption of gasoline and gas oil and increasing the green space in Tehran., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Background: Tobacco expenditure has adverse impacts on expenditure on basic needs and resource allocation of the households. Using data from a nationally representative survey, we measured socioeconomic inequality in tobacco expenditure as the share of household budget (TEHB) and explained its main determinants among Iranian households at the national and sub-national levels., Methods: This cross-sectional study used data from the Iranian Household Income and Expenditure Survey (IHIES), 2018. We included a total of 7649 households with tobacco expenditure more than zero in the analysis. Province-level data on the Human Development Index (HDI) was obtained from the Institute for Management Research at Radbound University. The concentration curve (CC) and the concentration index (C) were used to measure socioeconomic inequality in TEHB at national and sub-national levels. The C was decomposed to identify the factors explaining the observed socioeconomic inequality in TEHB., Results: At the national level, households with at least one smoker spent more than 5% of their budget for tobacco consumption in the last month. Households from the urban areas allocated less of their budgets on tobacco products compared to rural households (4.6% vs. 5.8%). Overall, TEHB was more concentrated among the poorer households (C = 0.1423, 95% CI: - 0.1552 to - 0.1301). In other words, the distribution of TEHB was pro-poor in Iran. Pro-poor inequality in TEHB was also found in urban (C = - 0.1707, 95% CI: - 0.1998 to - 0.1516) and rural (C = - 0.1314, 95% CI: - 0.1474 to - 0.1152) areas. We also found that pro-poor inequalities were higher in Iranian provinces with low HDI. The decomposition results indicate that wealth and education were the main factors contributing to the concentration of TEHB among the poorer households., Conclusion: This study found that TEHB was disproportionality concentrated among poorer households in Iran. The extent of inequality in TEHB was higher in urban areas and less developed provinces. Designing and implementing tobacco control interventions to decrease the smoking prevalence and increase smoking cessation could protect worse-off households against the financial burden of tobacco spending.

Background: Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is a clear violation of women's rights and can have adverse and irreversible health effects as well. Worldwide, more than 200 million women and girls have undergone FGM/C. Utility value of FGM/C has not been estimated yet, so we designed this study to extract the health utility value of FGM/C for the first time in the world., Methods: In a cross-sectional study in Iran, 125 girls and women who underwent FGM/C procedure were examined by the trained midwives in order to determine its type. In addition, a questionnaire was completed for identifying the socio-demographic factors and extracting the health utility of these individuals. Health utility was measured using Time Trade-off method and also to determine the effects of the socio-demographic factors on the health utility a two-limit censored regression model was applied., Results: The mean and median of the health utility of women with FGM/C were 0.971 (SE: 0.003) and 0.968 (IQR: 1-0.95), respectively. Number of non-traders was 58 (46.4%) who reported perfect health utility. However, the mean of health utility among traders was 0.946 (SE: 0.002). Only type 1 (Clitoridectomy) and type 2 (Excision) FGM/C were seen in this study. Women with Type 1 FGM/C had significantly lower health utility value (Mean: 0.968, Median: 0.957) than their type 2 counterparts (Mean: 0.987, Median: 1.00). Moreover, women in the age group of 31-45 years (Mean: 0.962, Median: 0.956), single (Mean: 0.950, Median: 0.954), divorced (Mean: 0.951, Median: 0.950), employed (Mean: 0.959, Median: 0.956), and with supplementary insurance (Mean: 0.962, Median: 0.950) had significantly lower health utility than their counterparts., Conclusion: FGM/C affects physical and psychological well-being of these individuals, resulting in a lack of personal and marital satisfaction, which ultimately leads to a 3% reduction in their health related quality of life. Therefore, preventing from this practice is very important and should be considered by health system policy makers more than before.

Brucellosis is one of the most important zoonotic diseases and is a significant cause of abortion in animals. Brucella melitensis strain Rev. 1 is recommended as the most effective vaccine for small ruminants but the application of full doses in adult animals is restricted. This study was conducted to determine a proper reduced dose of vaccine which confers protection but which is not abortifacient in Iranian fat-tailed sheep. A total of 51 non-vaccinated pregnant ewes were divided into three main groups and several subgroups. Ewes in different groups were vaccinated at different stages of pregnancy and various subgroups were subcutaneously immunised with different quantities of the micro-organism (7.5 × 10(6), 10(6), 5 × 10(5)). Ewes again became pregnant a year later and were challenged with the wild-type strain to evaluate the protection conferred. Results revealed that the proportion of vaccination-induced abortions was significantly higher in ewes immunised with 7.5 × 10(6) Rev. 1 organisms than in those which received 10(6) or 5 × 10(5) bacteria. While 80% of non-vaccinated ewes aborted after challenge, none of the vaccinated ewes aborted post-challenge. This study indicated that a reduced dose of Rev. 1 vaccine containing 10(6) or 5 × 10(5) live cells could be safely used to induce protection in Iranian fat-tailed sheep at various stages of pregnancy.