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Kurdish folk dance is popular among Kurds living in north-eastern Iran and is performed in a circle. In this study, we investigate the formal structure and symbolic meaning of these dances through fieldwork and library research. After identifying, observing, and recording the formal structure of the performance form and movements of dancers in each dance, we refer to the oral information of local people, veteran dancers, and local researchers to discover the symbolic meanings hidden within these movements. The information gathered and the analysis conducted indicate that Kurdish groups and circle dances in north-eastern Iran—in terms of structure, the form of performance, and meaning—are influenced by the purpose of migration of these people from their homeland during the Safavid period to defend and protect Iran's north-eastern borders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The important role of technological learning in the success of enterprises, especially in developing countries, is undeniable. Besides that, the complex nature of learning requires a comprehensive framework. So, developing countries need to have a learning strategy that can help them to increase learning through collaboration. In this research, a mixed method study, after reviewing the literature and previous research, the theoretical framework of the research was extracted and the protocol for the interview was formed. Then the dimensions and factors of technological learning were derived from interviews with managers and experts who were in the Iranian oil agreement writing and document reviewing teams. To form the framework presented in this study, it is necessary for developing countries to implement a transition from the control and prescription phase to the incentive and technology support phase. Motivational regulation can also lead to better results in industry. The results of this paper show that the realization of technological learning in the oil industry of developing countries depends on increasing the absorptive capacity of domestic enterprises as well as governments creating the necessary infrastructure. The results also show the dependency of technological learning on the cultural, social, and international relations of country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wellbore stability is an important issue in the drilling operation. Wellbore instability can interrupt the drilling and waste lots of time and money. The drilling mud is used to keep up the stability of the wellbore. Therefore, selecting the proper mud weight is an important issue in the drilling industry. The goal of this research is presenting an efficient mud weight estimator using deep learning techniques. To obtain this goal, a relatively big dataset (contained more than half-million samples) has been compiled from 116 wells of two fields in the United Kingdom and Norway. Our main contributions are assembling this large dataset, and applying the deep learning techniques to obtain efficient mud weight estimators. Our estimator is an artificial neural network with five hidden layers and 256 nodes in each layer that is able to estimate the mud weight for new wells and depths with the mean absolute error (MAE) of less than ±0.04 pound per gallon (ppg). In various experiments, the presented model has been challenged and the real-world conditions have been simulated. The results have shown that our model can be reliable and efficient in the real world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemoglobin H (Hb H) disease is a subtype of α-thalassemia caused by deletional and/or non-deletional mutations in three alpha-globin genes in which the various genotypes determine the disease severity. This study was aimed to investigate the frequency of alpha gene mutations and genotypes and their correlation with hematological and clinical characteristics in Iran. Among 202 patients diagnosed with Hb H disease through a national study in Iran according to standard methods, we had access to the hematologic and clinical findings and genetic data of 101 patients in whom genetic study was performed. Genomic DNA from peripheral blood was extracted and analyzed for identification of α-globin gene mutations using Multiplex Gap Polymerase Chain Reaction, Reverse Hybridization Assay, and finally Direct DNA Sequencing method. Twenty-one different mutations and thirty genotypes were detected in 101 patients with Hb H disease. In total, 39 patients (38.6%) were deletional and 62 patients (61.4%) were non-deletional type of the disease. The --MED mutation was highly prevalent in almost half of the patients (56.4%). Among various genotypes, –MED/-a3.7 (29.7%) and -α20.5/-α5NT (6.9%) were the most prevalent genotypes found in the studied group. Patients with non-deletional type presented with more severe hematological and clinical findings. Hb H percentage and serum ferritin levels were significantly higher in non-deletional patients in comparison to the deletional group (p < 0.05). 12 (11.9%) and 40 (39.6%) out of 101 patients were on regular and occasional transfusions, respectively. 83% of those with regular transfusion belonged to the non-deletional group. Among transfusion-dependent patients, –MED/αCSα and α20.5/-α5NT were the most common genotypes. In this study, two patients with -α20.5/αCSα and –MED/α−5NT genotypes experienced thrombotic events. This study indicated that although non-deletional genotypes of Hb H disease were responsible for more clinical severity of the disease, due to the presence of severe phenotypes even in deletional types, no definite correlation was found between genotype and phenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skin lesions are either caused by COVID-19 disease or they can be due to other driving forces related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Considering the fact that the reported data in different articles for the type and prevalence of skin manifestations related to the COVID-19 pandemic are inconsistent, we have described the mechanism and type of skin lesions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. In this review article, we have searched the Medline database (PubMed) for the combination of the following key terms "Dermatological Manifestation", "cutaneous Manifestation", "Skin Manifestation", "COVID-19", "SARS-CoV-2". The prevalence of skin manifestations related to COVID-19 ranged from 0.2% to 20%. The majority of these skin lesions are maculopapular eruptions. The skin presentations related to the COVID-19 pandemic are described below. Traumatic skin conditions such as dermatitis in individuals, especially those with allergies, might initiate secondary to over-washing or rinsing with inappropriate detergents. Also, inappropriate use of personal protective equipment (mask-gloves-shield) can trigger skin lesions on the face and hands or aggravate the lesions of acne, seborrhoeic dermatitis, eczema, etc. Furthermore, cutaneous adverse drug reactions may occur during hospitalization or outpatient treatment of COVID-19 patients. Also, psychocutaneous disorders due to acute stress can trigger or deteriorate several skin manifestations. Moreover, COVID-19 prevalence and course may be changed in patients with autoimmune or chronic inflammatory underlying skin disorders such as psoriasis, lupus erythematosus, pemphigus, scleroderma who are on immunosuppressive or biological medications to control their disorders. Due to the various dimensions of skin organ involvement and the large population affected, long-term skin conditions following this pandemic can be a lot more problematic than it appears. Serious preventive measures and medical supports are necessary to avoid skin disorders from becoming permanent or even chronic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The NTBFs have attracted growing interest from most of the transitional economies as they are seen as an important source of greater value added creation while being characterised with higher rate of return on capital. Shedding light on the growth determinants of new technology-based firms not only helps managers to accomplish organisational goals but also assists policymakers in devising effective strategies. The role of individual, organisational as well as environmental factors in the development of the new technology-based firms has been separately addressed by many researchers. The simultaneity of these factors leads to diverse configurations, each of which envisaging different growth paths for the firm. The aim of this paper is to identify the growth paths for the new technology-based firms. To this end, Some interviews were conducted with the managers of the developed new technology-based firms in Iran (as a transitional economy) and the key themes governing the growth pattern of this group of firms have been identified using the thematic analysis, while possible growth paths for these firms were established by means of qualitative comparative analysis. The designed questionnaires were distributed among 22 developed firms and 8 underdeveloped firms for the period 2013–2015 and the obtained data were analysed using the FSQCA software, which led us to the development of dominant growth path for new technology-based firms. Based on the findings of this paper and factors affecting the growth of firms, two growth paths are suggested for the new technology-based firms, of which the one with greater role for government is more likely to take place. Communication with government officials and lobbying groups in the field of science and technology as the key customer in transitional economies is critical to the corporate growth, which has been identified as a sufficient condition for this research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper, applies the concept of KM-fuzzy metric spaces and introduces a novel concept of KM-fuzzy metric hypergraphs based on KM-fuzzy metric spaces. In special cases, we add some conditions to axioms of KM-fuzzy metric hypergraphs(to obtain of elementary hypergraphs, C-accessible hypergraphs, Cor-able hypergraphs, fuzzy hypergraphs) and so obtain locally strong KM-fuzzy metric hypergraphs and strong KM-fuzzy metric hypergraphs. This study, investigates on the finite KM-fuzzy metric spaces with respect to metrics, KM-fuzzy metrics and constructs KM-fuzzy metric spaces on any given non-empty sets. It tries to extend the concept of KM-fuzzy metric spaces to union of KM-fuzzy metric spaces and product of KM-fuzzy metric spaces and in this regard investigates on union and product of KM-fuzzy metric hypergraphs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Professional quality of life (ProQOL) comprises two aspects: compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue. Although intensive care unit (ICU) nurses obtain professional satisfaction from their work, their repeated exposure to the aftermath of critical illness puts them at high risk for compassion fatigue. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the impact of chromotherapy-based interventions on the ProQOL in ICU nurses. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 80 ICU nurses were assigned into 2 groups (experiment and control). A demographic form and ProQOL questionnaire were used for data collection. The interventions included three parts; (A) changing color of decoration in experimental ICU, such as the installation of color panels in ICU ward, (B) providing a mobile cover and a pencil case in yellow, orange, and green colors based on the principles of chromotherapy, for each of experimental group nurses, and (C) in addition, three educational sessions on chromotherapy were held and then participants received individualized consulting sessions weekly on chromotherapy applying in their personal life for 3 months. Results: Applying chromotherapy increased ProQOL score in all of its dimensions (satisfaction of compassion, fatigue due to compassion, and secondary post-traumatic stress) in the experimental group (p <.05). Conclusion: Chromotherapy may enhance ProQOL in ICU nurses. Interventions such as chromotherapy can be implemented easily to combat compassion fatigue and secondary post-traumatic stress in ICU nurses. Trial registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials identifier: IRCT2017101431588N3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Staphylococcus aureus is an important infectious agent in hemodialysis patients. This study was conducted to determine the frequency of S. aureus nasal carriage in hemodialysis patients (HD) and health-care workers (HCW) at the main dialysis center of Bam city, located in southeast of Iran. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 52 nasal swabs were obtained from health-care workers and hemodialysis patients to detect methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) isolates. The resistance to different antibacterial agents was determined by disk diffusion method. Also, Panton-Valentine Leukocidin (PVL) – encoding gene as well as Staphylococcal protein A (spa) type were determined. The nasal carriage rate of S. aureus was found to be 24.4% and 18.8% in patients on hemodialysis and health-care workers, respectively. Among identified isolates, no methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) was found. Only two MSSA isolates (16.7%) were resistant to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. One isolate (8.6%) was positive for pvl gene. Moreover, 8 spa types were found. According to BURP analysis, six out of the 12 S. aureus isolates (50%) belonged to the same clone, indicating a prevalence of a major clone among MSSA in carriage, including patients and HCW. Mupirocin is still the appropriate drug for reducing nasal colonization in our setting. Accumulation of isolates from patients and staff in one spa clonal complex is alarming for the necessity of more serious infection control in this center. Therefore, it is necessary to screen patients and health-care workers as a health priority, in order to prevent cross transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural tannin, synthetic tanning agent (syntan), and syntan/cationic agent were applied on wool fabric dyed with different acid and direct dyes to improve the wash fastness of dyes. In this study, a method for quantitative and exact assessment of dye removal after washing from dyed samples was used. Firstly, the optimum operating parameters for application of full backtan and syntan were determined. Then the dyed wool samples were aftertreated, using natural tannin, syntan, and syntan/cationic agent. It was found that all aftertreatments improved the wash fastness. However, aftertreatment with natural tannin improved wash fastness to the greatest extent. In the case of syntan, sequential application of cationic agent on syntaned fabric obtained further improvement in wash fastness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing rate of smoking cigarettes among the youths necessitates examining its contributing factors. Accordingly, we aimed to compare smoking and nonsmoking university students in their attachment styles, perceived loneliness, and psychological well-being. To this end, we recruited 100 current smokers and 100 nonsmoking students by using a convenience sampling method from Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran. All participants completed the Adult Attachment Scale, Loneliness Scale, and General Health Questionnaire. Data analysis indicated that compared to nonsmokers, smokers had a more anxious attachment style and they felt lonelier. Moreover, current results showed that smokers suffered from higher rates of psychological problems than nonsmokers. These results suggest that smoking is influenced by a set of psychological factors and therefore, prevention and treatment programs targeting these factors may be effective in reducing the rate of smoking cigarettes among university students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:Determine the presence and assess the extent of fatty infiltration of the minor salivary glands (SG) of primary SS patients (pSS) as compared to those with non-SS sicca (nSS). Methods:Minor SG biopsy samples from 134 subjects with pSS (n = 72) or nSS (n = 62) were imaged. Total area and fatty replacement area for each glandular cross-section (n = 4–6 cross-sections per subject) were measured using Image J (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD). The observer was blinded to subject classification status. The average area of fatty infiltration calculated per subject was evaluated by logistic regression and general linearized models (GLM) to assess relationships between fatty infiltration and clinical exam results, extent of fibrosis and age. Results:The average area of fatty infiltration for subjects with pSS (median% (range) 4.97 (0.05–30.2)) was not significantly different from that of those with nSS (3.75 (0.087–41.9). Infiltration severity varied widely, and subjects with fatty replacement greater than 6% were equivalently distributed between pSS and nSS participants (χ2p = .50). Age accounted for all apparent relationships between fatty infiltration and fibrosis or reduced saliva flow. The all-inclusive GLM for prediction of pSS versus non-SS classification including fibrosis, age, fatty replacement, and focus score was not significantly different from any desaturated model. In no iteration of the model did fatty replacement exert a significant effect on the capacity to predict pSS classification. Conclusions:Fatty infiltration is an age-associated phenomenon and not a selective feature of Sjögren’s syndrome. Sicca patients who do not fulfil pSS criteria have similar rates of fatty infiltration of the minor SG. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Copyright of International Journal of Clinical & Experimental Hypnosis is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this paper, we introduce the notion of sBCI/sBCK/eBCI/eBCK-algebras as a generalization of the notion of BCI/BCK-algebras. This structure is studied in detail. Also we introduce a way to make an eBCK-algebra from a BCK-algebra and vice versa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Gynecological Endocrinology is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

New onset diabetes mellitus is frequently observed following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and is associated with adverse transplantation outcomes. However, the outcomes of patients with preexisting diabetes mellitus undergoing HSCT are largely unknown. We aimed to explore the impact of preexisting diabetes on transplantation outcomes in HSCT. In a retrospective study, medical charts of 34 HSCT recipients with diabetes mellitus undergoing allogeneic or autologous transplantation were reviewed and compared with 71 HSCT recipients without diabetes. Primary outcome was overall survival. Secondary outcomes included hematopoietic recovery, length of hospital stay, febrile neutropenia, acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), primary disease recurrence, and non-relapse mortality (NRM). On univariate analysis, there was no difference in transplantation outcomes in recipients with diabetes compared with recipients without diabetes. However, after adjusting for potential covariates, multivariate analysis demonstrated that having diabetes before HSCT significantly predicted outcome and decreased overall survival (hazard ratio 0.51, 95% confidence interval: 0.27-0.97, p value: 0.04). This study suggests that patients with diabetes mellitus undergoing allogeneic or autologous HSCT may have inferior survival rates and warrant further attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]