An Evaluation of Asymmetric and Symmetric Effects of Oil Exports Shocks on Non-Tradable Sector of Iranian Economy

This study analyzes the relationship between changes in crude oil exports and nontradable and tradable sections to investigate Dutch Disease syndrome in Iran by applying a rolling linear regression and a VAR approach. We find a co-movement of oil exports with construction and service variables from the rolling regression. The non-linear model reveals that oil exports movements cause asymmetric reaction of construction, service and other variables under study. The variance decomposition shows that crude oil exports contribute to the variability of the key variables. We find a strong relationship between oil exports changes and tradable sector. Decreases in oil exports appear to play a greater role in construction variation than oil exports increases. For variable of service, positive oil shock plays a considerable role as a source of variable fluctuations. Moreover, we observe Dutch Disease through reactions of key variables to oil exports changes.non-tradable sector, Dutch Disease, oil shocks, rolling regression, VAR

Relationship between mathematical thinking, mathematics anxiety and mathematics attitudes among university students

This study investigates the relationships between mathematics anxiety, attitudes toward mathematics and mathematical thinking among university students. A 60-item questionnaire included mathematical thinking rating scale, mathematics anxiety rating scale and mathematics attitudes rating scale completed by 203 university students from the Faculty of Science, Engineering, Food Science, and Human Ecology in one of the public university in Malaysia. The correlation analysis was used to establish relationship between mathematical thinking, mathematics attitude, and mathematics anxiety and independent t-test was used to investigate differences between the two gender groups and two race groups on their mathematics anxiety, attitudes toward mathematics and mathematical thinking. The results indicated that a significant high positive correlation exists between mathematical thinking and mathematics attitude (r=.856, p<0.05). Also there was negative moderate correlation between mathematical thinking and mathematics anxiety (r=.-576, p<0.05). There was also negative correlation between mathematics anxiety and mathematics attitude (r=.509, p<0.05). In conclusion, these findings indicated that level of mathematics anxiety is related to mathematical thinking and mathematics attitude. On the other hand, students' backgrounds in terms of their majors have no effect on the three constructs

Trade Liberalization and Economic Growth in Developing and Developed Countries

The development of international trade can provide the ground for economic growth of a country. In this research we have tried to examine the impact of trade liberalization on economic growth in two groups of developed and developing countries to account for the development level as well as income level of countries using the Sachs–Warner index of trade liberalization during 1985-2014. The results of Houseman-Taylor (HT) estimation indicate that liberalization has a positive impact on the growth of per capita GDP; however the extent of this impact differs to the stage of economic development and income level of a country .The findings also indicate that developed countries are in less advantageous position due to liberalization compared to developing countries

Predicting the Performance of Gorgan Wastewater Treatment Plant Using ANN-GA, CANFIS, and ANN Models

A reliable model for any wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) is essential to predict its performance and form a basis for controlling the operation of the process. This would minimize the operation costs and assess the stability of environmental balance. This study applied artificial neural network-genetic algorithm (ANN-GA) and co-active neuro-fuzzy logic inference system (CANFIS) in comparison with ANN for predicting the performance of WWTP. The result indicated that the GA produces more accurate results than fuzzy logic technique. It was found that GA components increased the ANN ability in predicting WWTP performance. The normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) for ANN-GA in predicting chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) were 0.15, 0.19 and 0.15, respectively. The corresponding correlation coefficients were 0.891, 0.930 and 0.890, respectively. Comparing these results with other studies showed that despite the slightly lower performance of the current model, its requirement for a lower number of input parameters can save the extra cost of sampling

CRISPR/Cas9-mediated deletion of a GA-repeat in human GPM6B leads to disruption of neural cell differentiation from NT2 cells

The human neuron-specific gene, GPM6B (Glycoprotein membrane 6B), is considered a key gene in neural cell functionality. This gene contains an exceptionally long and strictly monomorphic short tandem repeat (STR) of 9-repeats, (GA)9. STRs in regulatory regions, may impact on the expression of nearby genes. We used CRISPR-based tool to delete this GA-repeat in NT2 cells, and analyzed the consequence of this deletion on GPM6B expression. Subsequently, the edited cells were induced to differentiate into neural cells, using retinoic acid (RA) treatment. Deletion of the GA-repeat significantly decreased the expression of GPM6B at the RNA (p < 0.05) and protein (40%) levels. Compared to the control cells, the edited cells showed dramatic decrease of the astrocyte and neural cell markers, including GFAP (0.77-fold), TUBB3 (0.57-fold), and MAP2 (0.2-fold). Subsequent sorting of the edited cells showed an increased number of NES (p < 0.01), but a decreased number of GFAP (p < 0.001), TUBB3 (p < 0.05), and MAP2 (p < 0.01), compared to the control cells. In conclusion, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated deletion of a GA-repeat in human GPM6B, led to decreased expression of this gene, which in turn, disrupted differentiation of NT2 cells into neural cells.Publisher PDFPeer reviewe

Designing an entrepreneurship and production curriculum model for high school students

Today, countries around the world attach special importance to "entrepreneurship" as a vital factor of stability and economic growth. Entrepreneurship is one of the main factors in creating economic value and an effective tool to reduce unemployment. Entrepreneurship education and training in developed countries is a significant part of the education programs of schools, universities, organizations and institutions. The task of secondary education is to prepare young people to choose the paths of life and to shape these paths in order to accept responsibilities in the future. Therefore, the present study has tried to collect information from various documents and sources based on the evaluation of the current curriculum from the perspective of relevant groups (specialists, teachers and students) to design the optimal model Entrepreneurship and Production curriculum (EPC) based on the main elements of the curriculum (objectives, content, learning activities and evaluation). In addition, in order to validate the designed model, it was provided to the curriculum specialists and educational staff, and finally, it presented the designed model along with suggestions and solutions. This research is applied from the perspective of purpose and is of evaluation type and the method of conducting it is field research. The statistical population of the study includes curriculum specialists in the field of entrepreneurship, all teachers working to teach entrepreneurship and production and all students studying in the second year of high school in Ahvaz city in the academic year 2020-2021. Sampling of specialists by purposive sampling method by selecting 14 people as a sample and in the group of teachers by simple random method and by selecting 89 teachers and in the group of students using Cochran's formula by stratified random sampling method, and it was done by selecting 300 people. Data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire that was redesigned using semi-structured interviews and descriptive statistics, and inferential statistics (Chi-square) were used to analyze the data. Statistically, there is a difference between the opinions of the study groups in the element of objectives, content, learning activities and evaluation of the current EPC of the second secondary school. Therefore, based on the results of evaluation and semi-structured interviews with experts and teachers, the proposed model has been designed.Hoy en día, países de todo el mundo prestan especial atención al "espíritu empresarial" como factor vital de estabilidad y crecimiento económico. Por tanto, el presente estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar el currículo actual desde la perspectiva de grupos relevantes (especialistas, docentes y estudiantes) para diseñar el modelo curricular óptimo de Emprendimiento y Producción (EPC) basado en los principales elementos del currículo (objetivos, contenidos, aprendizaje). actividades y evaluación). Además, para validar el modelo diseñado, se entregó a los especialistas curriculares y al personal docente. La población estadística del estudio incluye especialistas en currículo, maestros que enseñan espíritu empresarial y todos los estudiantes que cursan el segundo año de la escuela secundaria en la ciudad de Ahvaz en el año académico 2020-2021. El muestreo de especialistas (14 especialistas) se realizó mediante el método de muestreo intencional, los profesores (89 profesores) mediante el método aleatorio simple y los estudiantes (300 estudiantes) mediante la fórmula de Cochran y el método de muestreo aleatorio estratificado. La herramienta de recolección de datos fue un cuestionario elaborado por investigadores que fue rediseñado mediante entrevistas semiestructuradas y estadística descriptiva, y se utilizó estadística inferencial (Chi-cuadrado) para analizar los datos. Los resultados mostraron que hubo una diferencia entre los grupos de estudio en los elementos principales. Por tanto, a partir de los resultados de la evaluación y entrevistas semiestructuradas con expertos y profesores, se diseñó el modelo propuesto. Según esto, las categorías más básicas son las metas, que pueden facilitar otras acciones y pasos del plan de estudios

An evaluation of the effect of pulsed wave low-level laser therapy on the biomechanical properties of the vertebral body in two experimental osteoporosis rat models.

Osteoporosis (OP) increases vertebral fragility as a result of the biomechanical effects of diminished bone structure and composition. This study has aimed to assess the effects of pulsed wave low-level laser therapy (PW LLLT) on cancellous bone strength of an ovariectomized (OVX-d) experimental rat model and a glucocorticoid-induced OP (GIOP) experimental rat model. There were four OVX-d groups and four dexamethasone-treated groups. A group of healthy rats was used for baseline evaluations. The OVX-d rats were further subdivided into the following groups: control rats with OP, OVX-d rats that received alendronate, OVX-d rats treated with PW LLLT, and OVX-d rats treated with alendronate and PW LLLT. The remaining rats received dexamethasone and were divided into four groups: control, alendronate-treated rats, laser-treated rats, and laser-treated rats with concomitant administration of alendronate. PW LLLT (890 nm, 80 Hz, 0.972 J/cm(2)) was performed on the spinal processes of the T12, L1, L2, and L3 vertebras. We extracted the L1 vertebrae and submitted them to a mechanical compression test. Biomechanical test findings showed positive effects of the PW LLLT and alendronate administration on increasing bending stiffness and maximum force of the osteoporotic bones compared to the healthy group. However, laser treatment of OVA-d rats significantly increased stress high load compared to OVA-d control rats. PW LLLT preserved the cancellous (trabecular) bone of vertebra against the detrimental effects of OV-induced OP on bone strength in rats compared to control OV rats

Functional Outcomes of Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis Treatments: A 10-year cohort study

Introduction : Ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a disabling condition due to the fusion of joint to the base of skull and results in mouth opening limitation. Several surgical techniques have been described for treatment of this condition but no consensus has been reached. This study sought to assess the success of treatment with regard to long-term functional improvement and rate of complications in ankylosis patients during a 10-year period. Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent unilateral or bilateral condylectomy without joint reconstruction during 2001-2011 in the Maxillofacial Surgery Department of Shariati Hospital were evaluated in this historical cohort study. The patients were recalled to ensure the accuracy of information in their medical records and were clinically examined. Improvement in their joint function and rate of complications were evaluated. Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon Signed rank test, multivariate tests, Mauchly's sphericity test and McNemar’s test. Results: A total of 27 subjects (13 males and 14 females) with a mean age of 34.8 years and 6.1 years mean duration of follow-up were evaluated. The results of observation showed that trauma was the most common cause of ankylosis (63%). The most common type of ankyloses was fibrous (55.6%) and 55.6% of the patients had bilateral ankylosis. Maximum mouth opening (MMO), the amount of lateral movement and open bite significantly improved after the operation (P&lt;0.001). Frontal, zygomatic and buccal nerves had been injured in 4, 4 and 3 patients, respectively during the operation. Conclusion: Condylectomy without reconstruction significantly improves the TMJ function in patients with TMJ ankylosis with regard to MMO, the amount of lateral movement, maintenance of occlusion and the skeletal form

Study on the electrochromic properties of polypyrrole layers doped with different dye molecules

Altres ajuts: Acord transformatiu CRUE-CSICThree dye molecules (Dye) of Acid Brilliant Scarlet 3R (AR18), Amido Naphthol Red G (AR1), Indigo Carmine (IC), as well as sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as dopant agents were used for electrochemical synthesis of polypyrrole (PPy) layers onto indium doped tin oxide (ITO) coated polyethylene terephthalate (PET) electrode. The morphology, electrochemical, optical, and spectroelectrochemical properties of the layers were investigated. The study of the electrochemical behavior showed that the presence of each AR18, AR1, or IC with SDS, had shown an excellent synergistic effect on the electrochemical stability of layers. The morphological characterization of the PPy/dopant(s) using atomic force microscopy (AFM) showed that the surface roughness in the PPy/IC-SDS layer was 39% and 32% less than the PPy/AR18-SDS and PPy/AR1-SDS, respectively. The absorption spectrum of PPy/dopant(s) in the UV-Vis-NIR wavelength range showed the formation of polaron and bipolaron in PPy chains. Also, the optical bandgap energy of PPy/dopant(s) decreased, and the fully doped state in all PPy films was observed. Spectroelectrochemical properties of the films showed that the simultaneous use of each dye molecule and the surfactant as dopant in PPy layers demonstrated proper electrochemical and optical stability and satisfactory electrochromic parameters. For example, the color contrast of PPy/AR18-SDS was 50%, while this parameter in control sample (PPy doped with lithium perchlorate) was 21%. Also, the cathodic and anodic coloration efficiency showed a 6-fold increase in PPy/Dye-SDS compared to PPy/ClO . In general, according to the results it is likely that by increasing the number of anion groups in the dye molecules and decreasing their dimensions as dopant agents, the electrochemical and electrochromic properties of the resultant layer would be improved

Epidemiology, Prevention and Control Strategies of Coronavirus COVID 19 in Iran: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND: Following the announcement of the World Health Organization (WHO) on January 30, 2020, of coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 as a global and emergency state of international health emergency; posing a serious threat to the physical health and lives of individuals transmitted through respiratory droplets and close contact. The virus causes respiratory symptoms and damages to other organs, sometimes leading to death in case of exacerbation of symptoms. AIM: This study was conducted through reviewing various articles related to COVID-19 disease, with the purpose of reviewing the epidemiology, prevention and control strategies of COVID-19 coronavirus in Iran. METHODS: In the present review study, the articles indexing in the Persian and Latin databases of SID, Magiran, PubMed, Scopus, Scholar, Web of Science, Embase, MedRxiv, and WHO were examined based on MESH keywords. Finally, 38 articles, 5 protocols and reports were reviewed. RESULTS: According to the report of the WHO on July 22, 2020, 14,765,256 people worldwide have been infected and 612,054 people have died of this virus. Moreover, in Iran, according to the WHO report, 278,827 people were infected and 14,634 people died of the virus until July 22, 2020. Respiratory droplets are the main way of transmission and it can also be transmitted through close contact. According to research, 51% of patients with chronic disease show symptoms such as fever (83%), cough (82%), shortness of breath (31%), muscle pain (11%), fatigue (9%), headache (8%), sore throat (5%), had rhinorrhea (4%), chest pain (2%), diarrhea (2%), and nausea and vomiting (1%). There is currently no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, and clinical treatment for COVID-19 has so far been limited to prophylaxis and palliative care. Quarantine alone is not enough to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Basic health measurements to prevent the spread of the disease include frequent handwashing and the use of personal protective equipment such as masks. CONCLUSION: Extensive research can be the key to solve the existing challenges in the prevention, control, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease. The best ways to fight the new corona disease include educating the people, providing accurate information, providing personal protective equipment, canceling meetings and emphasizing citizens homeliving and regular handwashing, observing social distancing, and finally identifying suspicious cases and quarantine