Electrocatalytic Response of Dopamine at a Carbon Paste Electrode Modified with Ferrocene

Carbon paste electrodes modified by ferrocene (Fc) were used for electrocatalytic oxidation and determination of dopamine. The modified carbon paste electrode shows excellent electrocatalytic activity toward the oxidation of dopamine (DA) in a phosphate buffer solution (pH = 6.0). A anodic oxidation of DA (in pH = 6.0) at the Fc-modified carbon paste electrode occurred at low overpotential (0.18 V vs. Ag ‌ AgCl), and treatment of the voltammetric data showed that it was a purely diffusion-controlled reaction with the involvement of one electron in the rate-determining step. The mechanism for the interaction of DA at the Fc modified CPE is proposed. The rate constant k\u27, transfer coefficient α for the catalytic reaction and the diffusion coefficient of DA in the solution, D, were found to be 6.92×10–2 cm s–1, 0.71 and 1.41×10−5 cm2 s−1, respectively. The interference of ascorbic acid was investigated and greatly reduced using sodium tetraphenylborate incorporated modified carbon paste electrodes.</p

Comparative Study of the Impact of TQM on the Banks Profitability: A Case Study of Mehr-Egtesad and Saderat Banks in Zanjan Province

Since financial service provider organizations, especially banks work in an environment with indistinct products, quality of their services is the first competitive tool. This research aimed at examining the impact of total quality management on profitability of Mehr-Egtesad Bank and Saderat Bank. For doing so, six hypotheses were tested. The research statistical population consisted of 135 individuals. The research sample size was 100 individuals chosen via Cochran formula (limited population). The data were collected by a standard questionnaire including 27 items with six scales. The questionnaires were distributed among 100 managers and employees of the mentioned banks. The research main variables factors were identified by exploratory factor analysis and then the hypotheses were evaluated by Lisrel software using structural equations modeling. The results showed a positive impact of total quality management in Mehr-Egtesad Bank and Saderat Bank confirmed by previous research results

Vulnerability Assessment of The Northern Coasts of The Persian Gulf to Oil Spills

The occurrence of oil spills in the seas and oceans causes many short-term and long-term damages to the coasts and marine ecosystems. Therefore, in order to reduce the damage, comprehensive coastal vulnerability maps can be provided to coastal management decision-makers as well as the emergency response team as a powerful tool. In the present study, by combining the mathematical model of oil slick routing and ArcGIS software, the northern coasts of the Persian Gulf were evaluated based on exposure to oil pollution. For this purpose, 20 hypothetical fall scenarios with oil type and time of random occurrence in summer and winter were designed. Then, using GNOME Lagrangian software, the path of the oil slick and its arrival time to the shores were simulated, and based on that, the matrix of exposure of each coastal area to pollution was formed. Finally, the northern shores of the Gulf were classified into five levels of vulnerability. The results showed that in summer Assaluyeh and Bushehr ports with a cumulative probability of 120 and 94%, respectively, and in winter Assaluyeh port with a cumulative probability of 119% in all scenarios were in a very high vulnerability. In addition, the ports of Bushehr and Assaluyeh had the highest potential for damage to the region. According to the results of this study, coastal vulnerability is significantly affected by seasonal changes in climatic conditions and flow conditions

The Globalization of Human Rights Policies : a comparison between France, Canada and Turkey

L'indivisibilité des droits de l'homme est mentionnée dans tous les instruments internationaux. Toute divergence, en limitant certaines dimensions des droits fondamentaux, mette en danger la réalisation de l'ensemble des droits. En présentant une base juridique et pratique de convergence entre les droits civils et politiques, cette convergence est examinée en comparant le niveau de religiosité sociale et les droits intangibles. Puis, en présentant une histoire résumée de la ratification de deux Pactes, la divergence trouve son origine dans les différences idéologique et politique. Les conditions de la divergence, et, de même, la nature positive différente des droits socio-économiques, sont examinées à partir des droits du travail.La considération d'une responsabilité nationale, selon la nature positive des droits socio-économiques, aboutit au risque de la divergence et de la réalisation inappropriée de ces droits, sous des engagements internationaux non contraignants. Donc, seul le principe de non-discrimination forge une obligation quasi contraignante par rapport aux droits en cause. L'extension du champ d'application de ce principe, au-delà des frontières nationales, peut garantir l'indivisibilité des droits fondamentaux. En revanche, la nature vague des droits socio-économiques et le principe de restrictions accentuent la nécessité d'un besoin objectif pour l'établissement d’engagements internationaux contraignants. L’objectif est souligné à propos de la crise sanitaire causée par la propagation mondiale du Coronavirus.En comparant la liberté religieuse, les droits du travail et le droit à la santé, nous pouvons constater que l'existence d’obligations contraignantes, à propos des droits négatifs, est prise en compte au niveau international. En revanche, il faut un besoin objectif pour persuader les États de prendre des mesures conjointes et établissement des obligations similaires, contraignantes, par rapport aux droits socio-économiques. De fait, le niveau d’obligations internationales des États dépend du type et du niveau de ce besoin objectif.Indivisibility and interdependence of human rights have been indicated in all international documents. Any divergence and classification can endanger their execution and globalization by limiting certain dimensions of the fundamental rights and freedoms. This convergence is tested by comparing the level of social religiosity and intangible rights using a legal and practical basis for the convergence between civil and political rights. Still, considering a brief history of the enactment of two international Covenants, it seems that divergence is an inevitable outcome of ideological and political differences. We can investigate the conditions of this divergence and the different positive nature of socio-economic rights by studying labor rights.Considering a commitment at a national level might lead to divergence and unfulfilled rights because of the non-obligatory nature of these international commitments and the positive nature of socio-economic rights. Therefore, it only brings to mind the principle of a half-binding non-discriminatory commitment regarding the socio-economic rights. Extending the scope of this principle beyond the national borders can guarantee the indivisibility of fundamental rights. However, the vague nature of socio-economic rights and restrictions, such as the reciprocity principle, emphasize on an objective need to establish the binding international commitments. This can be investigated with studying the pandemic health crisis caused by the spread of coronavirus worldwide.By comparing the religious freedom, labor and health rights, we find out that the binding commitments have been considered regarding negative rights at international levels. However, there must be an objective need to persuade the governments to consider similar measures and obligations with respect to socio-economic rights. In fact, the level of international obligations of the governments depends on the type and level of this objective need

Supporting Information

The datasets supporting the analysis and conclusions of the research "Evaluation of CO2 Hydrate Saturation in Porous Core Experiments Using Medical CT Images".</p

Condition assessment of transformer insulation using dielectric frequency response analysis by artificial bee colony algorithm

Transformers are one of the most important components of the power system. It is important to maintain and assess the condition. Transformer lifetime depends on the life of its insulation and insulation life is also strongly influenced by moisture in the insulation. Due to importance of this issue, in this paper a new method is introduced for determining the moisture content of the transformer insulation system using dielectric response analysis in the frequency domain based on artificial bee colony algorithm. First, the master curve of dielectric response is modeled. Then, using proposed method the master curve and the measured dielectric response curves are compared. By analyzing the results of the comparison, the moisture content of paper insulation, electrical conductivity of the insulating oil and dielectric model dimensions are determined. Finally, the proposed method is applied to several practical samples to demonstrate its capabilities compared with the well-known conventional method

Multi-wavelength Raman characterization of back-gated monolayer and bilayer graphene

In this work, we investigate the Raman spectrum of gated monolayer and bilayergraphene devices. We used Raman spectroscopy with three different excitationwavelengths: (488nm, 514nm and 633nm).For monolayer devices we observedthe expected behavior for doped devices. For bilayer devices, we present acomparison between the theoretical model and our experimental results

The Effect of Teachers’ Written Corrective Feedback (WCF) Types on Intermediate EFL Learners’ Writing Performance

Written Corrective Feedback (WCF) is a controversial topic among theorists and researchers in L2 studies. Ellis, Sheen, Murakami, and Takashima (2008) identify two dominant dichotomies in this regard, that is focused vs. unfocused WCF and direct vs. indirect WCF. This study considered both dichotomies in a matrix format, resulted in the recognition of four types of operationally defined WCF, and aimed at: (1) investigating the effects of four types of WCF (i.e., focused direct CF, unfocused direct CF, focused indirect CF, and unfocused indirect CF) on intermediate EFL learners’ writing performance; (2) finding out the most effective type of WCF for intermediate EFL learners’ writing performance; (3) determining learners’ attitudes toward the effectiveness of using WCF and the types which they had received. After conducting Nelson English Language Test (Test 300 D), out of 140 male and female Iranian EFL learners, 120 of them were selected as intermediate learners, aging from 14-18. The subjects were then assigned randomly to four homogeneous groups (each group including 30 participants). The pre-test and post-test both included a writing test which assessed learners’ writing performance, and then their scores were analyzed by using analytic marking scale. The results indicated that, learners outperformed in all of the four groups, validating WCF as an effective technique which can be used in EFL classes. A clear implication of the study is that WCF types (specially unfocused direct CF) should be emphasized as an essential tool for developing writing ability of intermediate EFL learners.Keywords: Written Corrective Feedback (WCF), Focused CF, Unfocused CF, Direct CF, Indirect CF, Writing Performance, Intermediate EFL Learner

The role of virtual networks in adhering to COVID-19 health protocols

Background & Aim: Social networks have become an integral part of most people's lives, exerting influence across all aspects of human existence. During the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual networks played a significant role in informing, educating and disseminating news related to the disease. Therefore, the aim of this research is to explain the role of virtual networks in adhering to COVID-19 health protocols. Methods & Materials: This is a qualitative study that was conducted using the content analysis method. Fourteen participants were included in the study by purposive sampling. Data collection was carried out via semi-structured interviews. The data analysis procedure adhered to the method outlined by Graneheim and Lundman (2004). Results: From the analysis of the interviews, three main categories and eight subcategories were identified, including "facilitating knowledge sharing", "information screening" and "behavior shaping". Conclusion: The study findings explained the role of virtual networks in adhering to health protocols. These findings can be used as a basis for designing preventive health programs