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While cross-cultural student voice has led to transformations in education, research is scarce about the interplay between student voice, culture, and power. For this reason, student voice informs this study to investigate the benefits and constraints of curriculum co-design with respect to teacher power and higher education culture in Iran. The researcher-teacher deployed qualitative methods for data collection: field notes, students' journals, class recordings, and open-ended questionnaires. The study presents varied findings in implementing student voice: some students took on roles as teachers, while others displayed resistance. This highlights that the way students are repositioned in education is culture-sensitive.

Student voice across various contexts attempts to propose a deeper appreciation of the dynamics of curriculum making. However, little is known about how student voice interacts with culture, power relations, and student knowledge, particularly in assessment planning. Informed by democratic assessment, the current study investigated how student voice within higher education is either expressed or oppressed during assessment and what attitudes Iranian university students hold towards the concept of voice. To this aim, the data was accrued from 43 TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) students by means of interviews and open-ended questionnaires. The results indicated that students' autonomy was suppressed, and students' agency was restricted in the decision-making phase. Moreover, it was evidenced that students held superficial views towards student voice constructs within democratic assessment, which could have been because of their previous experiences. The implications are to raise awareness towards student voice complexities and how creating democratic spaces for students is culture-embedded.

This study explores the corrosion resistance and antibacterial properties of a PTFE + TiO2/Ag coating applied to 316 L stainless steel. To enhance adhesion, a polydopamine interlayer was chemically deposited onto the steel surface. The PTFE + TiO2 coating was subsequently applied through immersion, followed by the deposition of silver nanoparticles using a chemical method. Optimization of the polydopamine interlayer involved varying temperature, time, stirring speed, and drying parameters. The optimal conditions for the polydopamine interlayer were determined to be 60 °C for 1 h, 300 rpm stirring, and 24-h drying in a freeze dryer. Analytical results demonstrated that both the PTFE + TiO2 and PTFE/PTFE + TiO2/Ag coatings exhibited exceptional corrosion resistance, with corrosion currents of 3.3 × 10−5 and 3.2 × 10−4 μA/cm2, respectively. Antibacterial assessments showcased the remarkable ability of the PTFE/PTFE + TiO2/Ag coating, containing 5% silver content, to effectively inhibit bacterial penetration within a 6.5 mm radius. Furthermore, this coating displayed a water contact angle of 143°, classifying it as a hydrophobic coating. The photocatalytic efficiency (Rs) was determined to be 3.18 × 10−3 A/W, a performance level comparable to that of a standard UV sensor. These findings underscore the substantial enhancements in corrosion resistance, antibacterial performance, and hydrophobic characteristics achieved with the PTFE + TiO2/Ag coating, particularly through the novel optimization of the polydopamine interlayer. This coating exhibits great promise for multifunctional protective applications in diverse fields, particularly demonstrating its suitability for implants and bio-coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continuous growth of production and the development of new video games have influenced many aspects of human lives, particularly the young generation. While video games may tap on the entertainment side, primarily aiming to entertain players, they may profoundly impact multi-literacy development. This qualitative study utilizes narrative inquiry, which involves collecting the data from the experiences of a teenager―a native video gamer―who has spent a significant amount of time since childhood playing video games. The data were collected from diverse sources across time, namely individual interviews, phone calls, verbal protocols, diaries, and WhatsApp texting. In this study, the teenager reveals how the pleasure of video games resulted in developing multi-literacy and learning the English language subconsciously. An analysis of the narrative provides insights into how playing video games results in multi-literacy development and impacts the native video gamer's cognition, affection, language learning, and cultural knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxoplasmosis ranks among the most prevalent parasitic diseases globally. It seems that chronic toxoplasmosis is associated with several neuropsychiatric and other harmful effects in infected people, therefore, there is a need to investigate the prevalence of toxoplasmosis across various world regions. In this study, we conducted a meticulous meta-analysis to estimate the seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies within the general population in Iran (GPI). International and national scientific databases for studies published between January 1, 2000, and September 30, 2023, were searched. Observational studies reporting anti-T. gondii IgG seroprevalence in the GPI was selected/included. The data were synthesized using a random-effects model to calculate with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI) the national and regional anti-T. gondii IgG seroprevalence rates in Iran. Additionally, subgroup analyses were conducted to investigate the frequency of exposition to T. gondii in different socio-demographic, climatic, and geographical scenarios. From 18661 identified studies, 327 were included in the present meta-analysis, encompassing 122,882 individuals across the 31 Iranian provinces. The pooled nationwide anti-T. gondii IgG seroprevalence among the GPI was determined to be 32.9% (95% CI: 30.9–35.1%). The highest anti-T. gondii IgG seroprevalence was observed in Mazandaran province (North of Iran) (61%), whereas the lowest was in Semnan province (12.5%).Anti-T. gondii IgG seroprevalence demonstrated a higher occurrence in provinces characterized by moderate temperatures of 16–21°C, high relative humidity, and annual precipitation. Additionally, a higher anti-T. gondii IgG seroprevalence was identified among individuals with a habit of consumption of undercooked meat, raw fruits or vegetables, and untreated water. Moreover, those reporting direct contact with cats, possessing a lower level of education, residing in rural areas, being engaged in farming occupations, or playing the role of housewives exhibited higher anti-T. gondii IgG seroprevalence figures.The anti-T. gondii IgG seroprevalence within GPI closely aligns with the estimated worldwide average exposition rates. This underscores the imperative for public health policymakers to prioritize educational efforts regarding toxoplasmosis transmission pathways and its link to harmful effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The radio frequency (RF) data generated from a single-chip millimeter-wave (mmWave) ground-based multi-input multi-output (GB-MIMO) radar can provide a highly robust, precise measurement for deformation in harsh environments, overcoming challenges such as different lighting and weather conditions. Monitoring deformation is significant for safety factors in different applications, such as detecting and monitoring the ground stability of underground mines. However, radar images can experience different types of clutter and artifacts besides the spreading effects caused by the side lobes, resulting in the foremost challenge of suppressing clutter and monitoring deformation.In the state of the art, the introduced frameworks usually include many filters proposed for different types of noise, with commercial systems typically using an amplitude threshold. This paper proposes a framework for monitoring the deformation, where the essential process is to apply a data-driven threshold to the amplitude heatmap, detect the deformation, and eliminate noise. The proposed threshold is an iterative approach based on radar imagery statistics, and it performs well for the collected dataset. The principal advantage of our proposed framework is simplicity, reducing the burden of using different filters. We can consider the dynamic threshold based on data statistics as a data-driven machine learning tool. The results show promising performance for our method in monitoring the deformation and removing clutter compared to the benchmark method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Helicobacters are gastric and enterohepatic and live in the gut. The role of enterohepatic Helicobacters as intestinal pathogens is uncertain, while stomach Helicobacters are well-known. The prevalence of Helicobacter species in cat feces helps us understand their impact on cat health and human disease transmission. This study used PCR to identify Helicobacter spp. in feces samples from healthy and diarrhoeic cats, independent of the reason. The study also compared intestinal and stomach Helicobacter species. Materials and Methods: PCR analysis was performed on fecal samples from 40 cats, with 20 cats having diarrhea and 20 cats showing no symptoms. The PCR analysis aimed to detect Helicobacter's presence using a method that identifies the bacteria through the 16S rRNA gene. Results: The diarrhoeic group had a greater prevalence of infection (17:9 ratio), with an overall 65% infection rate detected. Cats that were older than 2 years showed a higher incidence of disease. H. canis had the highest occurrence rate (69.2%), followed by H. bilis, H. bizzozeronii, and H. salomonis. Significantly, H. pylori, H. felis, and H. heilmannii were not reported. Conclusion: H. canis was the predominant species found in both healthy and diarrheic cats, indicating the need for more investigation. The detection of the gastric species H. salomonis and H. bizzozeronii further complicates the classification. This highlights the complex nature of Helicobacter infections in cats, emphasizing the need for further investigation to guide the development of preventative measures and treatment techniques for both veterinary and public health purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schools adopt student voice as a means of identifying educational problems and weaknesses for improvement. In recent decades, student voice work has gained momentum, and, more importantly, dwelling on hearing students has been noticed as a way of facilitating educational decisions for school reforms. To this end, the study, drawing upon a qualitative research method, investigated the student voice in schools within the context of Iran in an effort to determine what obstacles they face in education. Data was collected through an open‐ended questionnaire. Employing thematic content analysis, the major themes and patterns were extracted for codifications. The findings illustrated that students specified four major problems, including resources (books), processes (rules), relationships (teachers, parents, staff) and environment (school). To conclude, student voice needs to be embedded in the educational system of Iran if stakeholders seek improvement and reform in schools in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Behavioral activation has gained increasing attention as an effective treatment for depression. However, the effectiveness of Behavioral Activation Group Therapy (BAGT) in controlled conditions compared to its self-help programs requires more investigation. The present study aimed to compare their effectiveness on depressive symptoms, repetitive negative thinking (RNT), and performance in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 40 patients diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) were recruited based on a structured clinical interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5). Participants were allocated to BAGT (n = 20) and self-help behavioral activation (SBA; n = 20) groups. BAGT received ten weekly sessions (90 min), while the SBA group followed the same protocol as the self-help intervention. Participants were evaluated at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and the 2-month follow-up using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), repetitive thinking questionnaire (RTQ-31), and work and social adjustment scale (WSAS). Results: The results of a Mixed ANOVA analysis revealed that participants who underwent BAGT showed significant improvement in depression, rumination, work, and social functioning post-treatment and at the 2-month follow-up. However, the SBA group did not show significant changes in any outcome. The study also found that, based on clinical significance, 68% of the BAGT participants were responsive to treatment, and 31% achieved a high final performance status at the 2-month follow-up. Discussion: BAGT was more effective than SBA in MDD patients. Participants' engagement with self-help treatment is discussed. Trial registration: The present trial has been registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials Center (IRCT ID: IRCT20181128041782N1|| http://www.irct.ir/) (Registration Date: 04/03/2019). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of training volume on depression-related behaviors and serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and testosterone in mice. Male NMRI mice, approximately 80 days old and weighing 20 to 23 grams, were used in this study. Methods and Materials: They were kept under a 12-hour light/12-hour dark cycle at a temperature of 23±1°C, with adequate food and water provided. The male NMRI mice, approximately 80 days old and weighing 20 to 23 grams, were kept under a 12-hour light/12-hour dark cycle at a temperature of 23±1°C, with adequate food and water provided. From 90 days old to 118 days old, the animals underwent swimming exercise for 4 weeks. They were divided into two groups: long-term training volume and short-term training volume. The short-term swimming group included one session of short-term training, while the long-term group included three sessions of long-term training with 10-minute swimming periods and 15-minute rest intervals between each session. The water depth and swimming duration gradually increased from 5 to 15 centimeters (second to fourth week) and from 20 (second to third week) to 30 (fourth week) minutes per day. The non-exercised animals were placed in a round tank without water for a duration similar to that of the exercised animals. Results: The results showed a significant difference in immobility duration between the control group and the two training groups, as well as between the two training groups (P ≤ 0.05). There was also a significant difference in depression levels between the two training groups and between the long-term training group and the control group (P ≤ 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the short-term training group and the control group (P ≥ 0.05). Post hoc test results indicated a significant difference in BDNF levels between the control group and the long-term training group (P ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, there was a significant difference in testosterone levels between the control group and both the short-term and long-term training groups (P ≤ 0.05), but no difference between the two training groups (P ≥ 0.05). Conclusion: Based on the overall results of the study, different training volumes have varying effects on depression and BDNF levels, with long-term training producing greater effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Geophysical modeling is divided into one-dimensional (1D), two-dimensional (2D) and threedimensional (3D) types in terms of dimensions. In some cases, especially in areas with inherent complications, performing 1D or even 2D modeling is not enough to achieve exploration goals, whereas 3D modeling is needed. One of the advantages of 3D modeling compared to the other two types is the more realistic responses and higher accuracy of the results. However, 3D modeling requires 3D data collection, while in many cases, geophysical surveys are done in 2D along a series of profiles, therefore, the related modeling will also be 2D. In such cases, in order to achieve a more realistic 3D model, it should be resort to a series of logical mathematical-computational tricks while based on physical principles. Magnetometric and geoelectrical methods, including resistivity and induced polarization, are the most suitable geophysical methods for discovery of copper deposits. In the present research, the processing, comparison and analysis of geophysical data of magnetometry, resistivity and induced polarization have been carried out along the profiles surveyed in the Yazd, Aliabad copper deposit and their relationship with mineralization has been determined. Then, 3D modeling of 2D geophysical data containing resistivity and induced polarization surveyed at the deposit has been done through geostatistical processes and employing RockWorks16 software. Aliabad copper deposit is located in the Taft city in Yazd province in the middle part of Urmia-Dokhtar zone between eastern longitude of 768000 to 771000 and northern latitude of 3503000 to 3507000. According to the report of copper deposits in Iran, the lithological diversity in this region is very high and the ancient rocks of the region are the Shirkoh mountain range with granite and granodiorite rocks. The oldest rock outcrops in the Ali-Abad area are conglomerate and sandstone (Sangestan Formation) from the late Jurassic and early Cretaceous. Copper mineralization in Ali-Abad deposit mainly occurred into granitoid intrusive stock and with less extent in conglomerates and metamorphosed sandstones around it. Materials and Methods In Aliabad copper deposit, 1666 magnetic data-points with 20-meter interspacing as well as resistivity and induced polarization have been surveyed through rectangular configuration along four profiles called DD-1 (with dipole-dipole array), PD-2, PD-3 and PD-4 by pole-dipole array with the length of 1320, 1240, 600 and 640 meter, respectively. In this study, first, 2-D smooth inverse modeling of resistivity and chargeability data for four profiles was carried out by the least squares error method using Res2dinv software. Afterward, the operations of processing, comparison and analysis of magnetic, resistivity and chargeability data from the geophysical profiles was performed and their relationship with mineralization was determined. To achieve the goal, magnetic surveyed corresponding to four inverted resistivity and induced polarization sections from geoelectrical profiles, were drawn and analyzed. Results and Discussion The results of the research show that in general, there is a good accordance between magnetic and geoelectrical data whereas the anomalies in the area are often related to metallic mineralization. Afterward, the primary statistical analysis was performed for the inverted data in the common range of four geophysical profiles and rectangular array. Based on these studies, the distribution of induced polarization and resistivity data are normal and log-normal, respectively which was transformed into a normal distribution with a two-parametric logarithmic transformation. Then, to achieve the spatial structure governing on resistivity and chargeability data of the region, strike variograms were drawn in two horizontal directions of north-south and east-west as well as vertical (depth) direction. The results revealed that all theoretical variogram models according to experimental variograms are spherical type and the region has geometric anisotropy. In the next step, based on the results of variography operation, 3-D models of resistivity and chargeability data were produced using Rockworks software through interpolation algorithm of advanced inverse distance weighted. At the end, on the basis of 3-D performed modeling the position of the most promising and appropriate mineralization area was determined as well as proposing a vertical borehole with the length of 80 m in this location. Conclusion On the basis of the findings, drilling a borehole in the proposed location, carefully drawing of the borehole strip-log, comparing the results of drilling cores assay, lithology and alteration with the results of 3D geophysical modeling in this place are necessary. Drilling of the proposed borehole will lead to more recognition of the deposit, possibility of evaluating the effectiveness of the carried out geophysical operation and 3D modeling in the Aliabad copper deposit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective/Background: Oncorhynchus mykiss is the most popular type of freshwater fish consumed by Iranians. It has delicious taste and high nutritional value. The purpose of processing and preserving fish is to get it to the end consumer in a good, usable condition. Methods: This study is a descriptive study that compares and determines the analysis results of proximate, protein, and fat between fresh and processed fish using the standard method of AOAC and compares the analysis of this study with that of other studies. The effect of the processing methods' nutritional composition is determined. In addition to fresh fish, 5 treatments are used for the 5 different methods of fish processing. Results: The fresh fish and the different processed samples were analyzed by standard AOAC methods, and their pH was measured. After analyzing the macronutrient compounds of different samples, the energy values were then calculated in kcal. The moisture content ranged from 72.50% for fresh fish to 19.50% for frozen fish, while the fat content ranged from 8.09% for fresh fish to 64.47% for frozen fish. The ash contents were found to range from 4.82% to 5.82%, while the protein contents were found to range from 10.47% to 13.59%. The results showed that quick freezing of fish preserved nutrients with a high percentage of energy. This sample was recommended for consumption, followed by samples thawed in oven and in hot water. The fried and boiled samples were in the next stages of quality and energy values. Conclusions: Because the fat content of this type of fresh fish is high, and if fish feed and its nutrition are protein materials with high biological value, it will be useful to increase the percentage of meat protein for it to grow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury on relative acceleration of the tibia and femur during a number of tests/activities, in order to assess the feasibility of acceleration-based diagnosis of ACL injury using inertial sensors. First, a detailed finite element model of the knee joint was developed to simulate the target tests/activities, and identify those in which a large difference between the maximum acceleration peaks (MAPs) of the healthy and ACL injured knees is likely to be observed. The promising tests/activities were entered in an experimental study, where the relative accelerations of the tibiae and femurs of 20 individuals with unilateral ACL injury, allocated randomly to two groups of conscious and unconscious test conditions, were recorded. Model predictions indicated MAP ratios>1.5 for the ACL-injured to healthy knees, during the anterior drawer, Lachman, and pivot-shift tests, as well as the lunge activity. The experimental MAP results indicated acceptable test–retest reliabilities for all tests (coefficient of variation<0.25), and significant MAP differences (p < 0.05) in the anterior drawer and pivot-shift tests, in both coconscious and unconscious conditions. The individualized MAP results indicated side-to-side differences>2 m/s2 for all subjects during unconscious pivot shift tests, and >0.5 m/s2 for eight cases out of ten during conscious anterior drawer tests. It was concluded that the pivot shift test had a great repeatability and discriminative ability for acceleration-based diagnosis of ACL injury in unconscious condition. For the conscious condition, however, the anterior drawer test was appeared to be most promising. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study used the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) model to (i) predict factors influencing HE faculty members' acceptance of hybrid instruction and (ii) identify factors influencing the faculty members' behavioural intention to use hybrid instruction. Data were analysed using SPSS 22 and AMOS 23 software. Structural equation modelling techniques were used to analyse 114 data responses gathered online from faculty members. Results show that performance expectancy, social influence, hedonic motivation, regulators' support and project team capability affected the behavioural intention of faculty members to use online teaching, whereas effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, price value and facilitating leadership did not. The results confirmed the direct impact of behavioural intention of faculty members on the use of online teaching. This research further extends the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology by introducing and validating three new constructs: facilitative leadership, regulatory support, and project team capability. The findings of the study add significant value to the acceptance of hybrid teaching among teachers, and informs how faculty members might be trained and supported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Perceived social support (PSS) plays a considerable role in mental health. The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) is one of the most widely used scales, leading to much research evidence. The present study investigated its measurement model, equivalence across gender (male and female) and age groups (older patients= above 60 and non-older patients= below 60), and concurrent validity. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between March and October 2020, on patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 in Tehran, Iran. The scales were administered to 328 COVID-19 patients (54.6% male, aged 21 to 92) from two general hospitals; participants completed MSPSS (including friends, family, and significant others subscales), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI, include sleep latency, subjective sleep quality, habitual sleep efficiency, sleep duration, use of sleep medication, daytime dysfunction, and sleep disturbances subscales), and the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10, to assess patients' appraisal of stressful conditions). Results: The MSPSS three-factor structure was confirmed among COVID-19 patients by Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). The results support the MSPSS internal consistency and configural, metric, and scalar invariance across gender and age groups. Nevertheless, small but significant differences were found across ages based on the latent factor mean of the MSPSS from friends, with a lower mean level in older patients. The coefficients of Cronbach's alpha (ranging from.92 to.96), the ordinal theta (ranging from.95 to.98), and Omega (ranging from.93 to.97) suggested high internal consistency of MSPSS. The concurrent validity of MSPSS was evidenced by its significant negative correlation with PSS-10 (Γb = -.13, p <.01) and also subjective sleep quality (Γb = -.22, p <.01), sleep disturbances (Γb = -.26, p <.001), and daytime dysfunction (Γb = -.26, p <.001). Conclusions: The MSPSS was valid and reliable for measuring individuals' perception of social support between males and females and older and non-older COVID-19 patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last decades, attempts at empowering student voice have captured, cross-culturally, the attention of educators as a means for improving educational landscapes. Hence, students have been repositioned as invaluable resources in schooling, research, and reform movements. To this aim, this study is to capture how the Iranian MA TEFL students' voice is realized regarding syllabus development. The data was collected through an open-ended questionnaire responded by 47 students majoring at eight state universities. The results of running a thematic content analysis showed that the constructs of student voice, i.e., students' interests, background knowledge, culture, styles, and gender, have become tokenistic and simplistic in practice. Students were treated as marginalized agents with no determining role in syllabus designing, while the instructors' voice acted as the sole leading factor. This study suggests that it is possible to envisage a situation wherein "student voice" is projected into syllabus development. It underscores that Iranian instructors should set the ongoing process of syllabus development open to modifications inspired by students' voice. In view of the findings, it is also discussed that student voice constructs refer to a more wide range of practices including "needs analysis," "students as decision makers," and "reciprocal humanistic appreciation." Finally, the study provides the educators as well as TEFL instructors with some implications both on how to be more cognizant of the challenges of student voice and how to project that awareness into syllabus development so as to reform the educational structures and build new spaces for exercising educational democracy.

Background: Since human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is known as one of the main causes of cervical cancer, medical researchers pay significant attention to this issue2. The current study applies the bibliometric method to identify the trends and advancements of research on HPV worldwide. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted using a bibliometric approach. All HPV-related scientific publications in the Web of Science database until 2022, August 30 were included in the statistical population. The Bibliometrix package of the R programming language was used to analyze the data. Results: In the field of HPV, a total of 45,657 scientific publications were retrieved, the majority of which were articles. The countries with the highest publications were the USA (45,954 document), China (9977), and UK (6652). The words "Infection," "Cancer," and "Women" are the most important keywords of scientific publications on HPV. "Cancer," "infection," and "women" are the more developed and essential in HPV subject area. "Protein," "gene-expression," and "human-keratinocytes" are in this quadrant. "DNA," "squamous-cell carcinoma," and "head" keywords are basic themes in the HPV subject area. "Human-papillomavirus vaccination," "knowledge," and "attitude" are in this quadrant. Conclusion: The study suggests the need to enhance the focus on global and public health aspects within HPV research to encourage greater participation from various countries in international research endeavors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

California Utility Firm Implements Innovative Model, Reducing Costs by 4% A California utility firm has successfully implemented a pioneering model to balance electricity demand and supply while minimizing costs. By utilizing direct load control contracts (DLCCs), the firm can reduce energy consumption during peak hours. Researchers developed an integer stochastic dynamic optimization problem that considers monthly and annual constraints, allowing for effective execution of DLCCs. Incorporating a "reduce-to-threshold" policy to flatten energy-consumption curves during high demand, the model was verified using real data from the California Independent System Operator. When implemented, the utility firm achieved an impressive cost reduction of approximately 4%. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to enhance customer experience and improve DLCC contract features. The success of this innovative model highlights the potential of DLCCs and advanced optimization techniques in the energy sector, offering a blueprint for other utility companies seeking to optimize grid stability and reduce costs. Balancing electricity demand and supply is one of the most critical tasks that utility firms perform to maintain grid stability and reduce system cost. Demand-response programs are among the strategies that utilities use to reduce electricity consumption during peak hours and flatten the energy-consumption curve. Direct load control contracts (DLCCs) are a class of incentive-based demand-response programs that allow utilities to assign "calls" to customer groups to reduce their energy usage by a prespecified amount for a given length of time. Given the rapid expansion of such contracts, in this paper, we develop an integer stochastic dynamic optimization problem for executing DLCCs that minimizes total system cost subject to monthly and annual constraints on the number of times and hours customers can be called. We develop a hierarchical approximation approach, which consists of an annual problem and monthly problems, to solve the DLCC implementation problem effectively and in a reasonable amount of time. Motivated by the practice in a large utility firm in California, we incorporate a reduce-to-threshold policy that attempts to flatten energy-consumption curves whenever demand exceeds a given threshold. We verified the quality of our proposed approach on real data from the California Independent System Operator, which is the umbrella organization of the utility firms in California, and measured the quality of our solution against a lower bound. A large utility firm in California implemented our model and informed us that the additional reduction in cost was approximately 4%. Our sensitivity analysis reports the impact of managerial concerns on some policies to enhance customer experience and provides insights for improving the features of DLCC contracts. Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/opre.2021.0638. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]