Impact of corruption and crime on smuggling: evidence from Iran

The main purpose of this research is to investigate the size and the relationship between smuggling and crime indexes such as returned checks, corruption and drinking alcohol in Iran during the period 1984–2015 by using Multiple Indicators Multiple Causes (MIMIC) model and Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) method. The results showed that among the crime indexes, divorce, drinking alcohol and corruption were positively correlated with smuggling, while another crime index, returned checks had a negative relationship with smuggling. Besides, all socio-economic cause variables on smuggling, including tariffs, misery index, illiteracy, gap of exchange rate, economic openness index and the size of government were found to increase smuggling. Furthermore, the findings showed that the cause variables on smuggling, including liquidity and energy consumption were positively correlated with smuggling

ESTIMATE OF POVERTY LINE AND ANALYZE OF POVERTY INDICES IN IRAN (1982-2007)

ABSTRACT The purpose of this paper is to answer this question that if poverty status regarding various indices follow similar trends during the war between Iran and Iraq and developmental plans for urban and rural areas in Contribution/ Originality This study is one of very few studies which have computed and compared all available indices related to poverty in Iran. Furthermore, this study contributes to the existing literature with examining the correlations between all estimated poverty indices. The Granger causality of similar indices between rural and urban areas is also computed

Survey of suicide attempts in sari.

Objective: Studying suicide can be of assistance to prepare the ground for the adoption of effective preventative measures. In the present study, our aim was an in-depth review of suicide epidemiology in the city of Sari, in the northern part of Iran. Our focus was on geo-demographic and other risk factors affecting the frequency of suicide in order to demonstrate populations with greater risk of suicide for future preventive and protective measures. Method: In a prospective study, during a one year period, a descriptive semi-structured questionnaire was used to conduct interviews with subjects who attempted suicide and referred to one of the four major trauma and emergency centers in the city of Sari, or with the relatives of those who completed their attempt. Convenience sampling method was used. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS-20 software. Multivariate tests were based on χ2 values. Logistic regression was performed estimating the effect of risk -factors. Results: In this study, 228 suicide a tempters were enrolled; of whom, 78.5% were female; 28.5% of all the attempts resulted in death. The odds of suicide completion were significantly increased in the following cases: married status (OR: 3.49; 95% CI 2.82,4.53), illiteracy (OR:2.71;95%CI 2.10,3.64), presence of comorbid physical illness (OR:2.22;95%CI 1.64,3.21), history of previous suicide attempt (OR:2.03; 95%CI 1.56,2.81), and age over 50 (OR: 2.01, 95% CI 1.14,3.05). Suicide outcome estimated worst in the married illiterate atte mpters. The leading method of use was suicide by burn (SBB). Conclusion: The variety observed in the regional distribution of suicide risk factors calls for more non-discriminatory attention and adoption of precautionary, preventative and protective measures for each section of the society accordingly

A Case Report on Somatoform Disorder: Colorful Visual Hallucinations

Objectives: To report a case of somatoform disorder (not otherwise specified-NOS). Methods: The patient was an eight-year-old boy who complained of anxiety and seeing visual hallucinations of colorful shapes. He was administered ant migraine and antiepileptic drugs. However, no changes were observed. Psychotherapy was started, as well as fluoxetine (20 mg per day). Initial assessments included a behavioral interview, charting of daily activities, and recording visual hallucinations with a description of the patient’s emotional and situational condition during the hallucinations. Results: The patient’s visual hallucinations disappeared completely after two months of treatment. Discussion: Somatoform disorders may respond well to a combination of behavioral therapy and antidepressant medication

The Impact of Coping Strategies on Burden of Care in Chronic Schizophrenic Patients and Caregivers of Chronic Bipolar Patients

Objectives: One of the principle of mental health programs is burden and coping of caregivers of chronically mental disorders patients. In this regard, the aim of present study was to measure the amount of burden and relationship between burden and their coping strategies of caregivers. Methods: One hundred of main caregivers of patients (50 schizophrenic patients, 50 bipolar patients) from both Razi psychiatric hospital and clinic were enrolled to the study. The instruments were FBIS (Family Burden Interview Schedule) as well as Weintraub coping strategies check list (COPE). Chisquare, Pearson correlation coefficient and t-test were used for data analysis. Results: The study showed that the mean of burden in caregivers of chronic schizophrenic patients was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that of bipolar patients (35.5 vs. 28.9). There was inverse correlation (but not statistically meaningful) between burden and problem focused coping strategy. Discussion: There was also a direct correlation between burden and emotional-oriented and less benefit and not effective coping strategies, but was not meaningful. Regarding the higher burden in caregivers of chronic schizophrenic patients, social support and offering health services to them seems to be necessary. Training of caregivers for problem-focused copings can also reduce the burden

Self-Injury Due to Methamphetamine Psychosis: A Case Report

Objectives: Rapid and fast growth of Methamphetamine in Iran has posed a new challenge for Iranian health sector. The objective of this study was to report a case of Methamphetamine psychosis (not otherwise specified-NOS). Methods: The patient was an 48-year-old married male who complained of suspiciousness and delusion of control, he started using Methamphetamine 5 years ago, Two days after hospitalization and before drugs taking effect, he took a spoon during a meal, broke it in half and stabbed into his right temple, in an attempt to take out the imaginary device implanted in his head controlling him. Results: It was revealed that the patient is weak at social interactions and is under peer pressure and that he cannot withstand the pressure. Therefore, strategies of improving social skills for establishment of social relationships and interactions as well as assertive training were considered for him. The patient underwent an emergency surgery and during which the object entered his brain was removed. Discussion: Methamphetamine psychosis may respond well to combination behavior therapy and rehabilitation programs and pharmacotherapy medications

A Study in Depression Levels among Mothers of Disabled Children

Objectives: The global prevalence of lifetime depression is very high among women in the world&ndash;approximately 12-25 percent. The global prevalence of disability is also very high and the estimated figure for the end of 2000 was put at around 300 million. The child&rsquo;s disability stresses the mother the most, and this stress shows itself in the form of depression, and causes the mother&rsquo;s performance or function to drop, and thus has a negative effect on the child&rsquo;s treatment. Methods: The research is of the analytical kind (cross sectional), and as well as depression other demographic items are reviewed. The sample study volume is one hundred mothers of disabled children who went to one of the rehabilitation centers of the provincial town of Karaj between 2002 and 2006. The tools for this study is the standardised beck depression scale, and the test data was broken down and analysed by (chi square) and the SPSS software. Results: The results of this study indicated that 73% of mothers, had degrees of depression, and approximately 21% of them suffered from severe depression, and out of all the variables, there was a significant relationship only between the mothers&rsquo; depression and the children&rsquo;s type of disability. Discussion: The results of this study indicated that the depression levels among mothers of disabled children were equal to 3-5 of the global range, and in view of the negative effects that the mothers&rsquo; depression have on the recuperation process of the children, the necessity to support parents with disabled children &ndash;which would to a large extent reduce the stress levels&ndash; is felt more than before

Elections and Allocation of Public Expenditures

  Political processes are of the most efficient methods for individuals to reveal their preferences publicly. Election is one of the most significant political processes. Nowadays, the role of effective factors, particularly governments, on elections is a major issue among scholars and experts. The purpose of this paper is to examine changes in public spending as means of governmental policy in elections. This paper investigates the effects of elections on allocations of public expenditure over the period of 1980-2010 for D8 countries using panel data approach. Experimental results show that in the years approaching to elections, a considerable increase in current expenditures and a decrease in capital expenditures occur and also the existence of high incomes from natural resources lead to larger political cycles. On the other hand, greater ratios for informed voters lead to decrease of distortions in allocation of public spending toward current expenditures.