The effect of nitrogen on seed and oil yield of seven sesame (Sesamum indicumL.) genotypes in Isfahan

Nitrogen is a major part of plant nutrition in agricultural ecosystems. It greatly affects the yield of crops, specially ''oilseed crops'' such as sesame. In order to study the effect of nitrogen and genotype on the seed and oil yield of sesame; an experiment was laid out in split plots based on randomized complete block design with three replications and 35 plants m-2 at the Lavark Research Farm, Isfahan University of Technology, in 2006. Three nitrogen levels (50, 100 and 150 Kg N ha-1) and seven sesame genotypes (Local Ardestan, Nonbracching Naz, Branching Naz, Yekta, Oltan, Darab 14 and Varamin 2822) were used in main and sub plots, respectively. With an increase in nitrogen application to at least 150 kg N ha-1, despite a decrease in oil content, the seed and oil yield increased (P 0.01) averaged over genotypes. Since Yekta and Oltan outyielded the rest of genotypes, the latter genotypes with application of at least 150 kg N ha-1 could be recommended for sesame production in Isfahan

Some fixed point results in dislocated probability

In this work,  we shall give some new results about generalized common fixed point theorems for  two mappings $f :  X\rightarrow X$ and $T :  X^{k}\rightarrow X$ ,  where $X$ is dislocated probability quasi Menger metric space (briefly   $DP_{q}$M-Space) or dislocated probability Menger metric space (briefly, $DPM$-Space).  Our result extends and generalizes many well known results

History of primary health care in Iran

Background: The history of the primary healthcare system in Iran portrays a journey of strategic development and implementation that has resulted in significant advancements in healthcare access and overall population well-being. Starting in the early 1980s, Iran embarked on a comprehensive approach to health care delivery prioritizing universal access, equity, and community participation. Introduction: The foundation of this system was established during the Alma-Ata Conference in 1978, which placed a strong emphasis on the role of primary health care in attaining health for all. Iran's unwavering commitment to this approach led to the creation of an extensive network of rural and urban health centers designed to offer essential health services and preventive care to all citizens. Discussion: Over the years, the expansion of Iran's primary healthcare system has yielded noteworthy accomplishments. Maternal and child mortality rates have seen substantial declines, attributed to improved access to maternal care and immunization services. The effectiveness of the system in reaching diverse populations has been enhanced through community engagement and the integration of traditional medicine. Furthermore, Iran's focus on health education and disease prevention has resulted in heightened public awareness and the adoption of healthier lifestyles. Despite these achievements, challenges continue to persist. Disparities in the quality and accessibility of services between urban and rural areas remain a concern. Moreover, the ongoing necessity for infrastructure development, training of the health workforce, and efficient resource allocation underscore the continuous efforts required to strengthen the primary healthcare system. Conclusion: The history of Iran's primary health care system is marked by progress and achievements, underscored by an unwavering commitment to providing comprehensive, community-based care. Iran's journey serves as an exemplary model, highlighting the positive impact of prioritizing primary health care in achieving better health outcomes for its population. As Iran continues to evolve its health system, addressing challenges and building upon successes, the history of its primary health care system serves as a valuable lesson in the pursuit of accessible and equitable health care for all

Genotypic variation in safflower (Carthamus spp) cadmium accumulation and tolerance affected by temperature and cadmium levels

This is the postprint version of the article published in Environmental and Experimental Botany. The published article can be located at the journal's webpageSoil pollution is a world-wide problem, with heavy metals being a major part of the concern. To investigate the effect of temperature on cadmium (Cd) uptake and translocation, as well as Cd tolerance in wild and cultivated species of safflower, a hydroponic experiment was conducted under controlled conditions. The responses of four wild genotypes (Isfahan, Arak, Azari, and Shiraz) and four cultivated genotypes (AC-Sterling, 2811, Saffire, and C111) of safflower to nine levels of CdCl2 (0, 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 500 μM) in solution were examined under two temperatures (18 and 23 °C). Cadmium sensitivity was determined using the Weibull model on the total dry weight of the plants. Cadmium uptake and translocation were analyzed on 1 μM Cd treated plants. Results revealed that safflower genotypes differed in terms of uptake, translocation, and tolerance to Cd, with AC-Sterling and Arak indicating the most and the least tolerance to Cd, respectively. Relative Cd uptake and Cd concentration in roots and shoots increased with an increase in temperature in all genotypes, with the exception of AC-Sterling. Net accumulation of Cd via root increased with an increase in temperature for the wild Azari and the cultivated 2811, Saffire, and C111, though it decreased for the rest of genotypes. Cadmium translocation to shoots significantly increased with increased temperature in all genotypes. Cadmium translocation from roots to shoots in cultivated genotypes was significantly greater than in wild genotypes. Root Cd concentration in wild genotypes was significantly greater than in cultivated genotypes. It seems that wild and cultivated species of safflower differ in their response to Cd. Furthermore, temperature may affect the plant's tolerance to Cd, probably through accompanying changes in Cd uptake and translocation from root to shoot

The effects of clinical decision support system for prescribing medication on patient outcomes and physician practice performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSSs) for Prescribing are one of the innovations designed to improve physician practice performance and patient outcomes by reducing prescription errors. This study was therefore conducted to examine the effects of various CDSSs on physician practice performance and patient outcomes. Methods: This systematic review was carried out by searching PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library from 2005 to 2019. The studies were independently reviewed by two researchers. Any discrepancies in the eligibility of the studies between the two researchers were then resolved by consulting the third researcher. In the next step, we performed a meta-analysis based on medication subgroups, CDSS-type subgroups, and outcome categories. Also, we provided the narrative style of the findings. In the meantime, we used a random-effects model to estimate the effects of CDSS on patient outcomes and physician practice performance with a 95 confidence interval. Q statistics and I2 were then used to calculate heterogeneity. Results: On the basis of the inclusion criteria, 45 studies were qualified for analysis in this study. CDSS for prescription drugs/COPE has been used for various diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, diabetes, gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases, AIDS, appendicitis, kidney disease, malaria, high blood potassium, and mental diseases. In the meantime, other cases such as concurrent prescribing of multiple medications for patients and their effects on the above-mentioned results have been analyzed. The study shows that in some cases the use of CDSS has beneficial effects on patient outcomes and physician practice performance (std diff in means = 0.084, 95 CI 0.067 to 0.102). It was also statistically significant for outcome categories such as those demonstrating better results for physician practice performance and patient outcomes or both. However, there was no significant difference between some other cases and traditional approaches. We assume that this may be due to the disease type, the quantity, and the type of CDSS criteria that affected the comparison. Overall, the results of this study show positive effects on performance for all forms of CDSSs. Conclusions: Our results indicate that the positive effects of the CDSS can be due to factors such as user-friendliness, compliance with clinical guidelines, patient and physician cooperation, integration of electronic health records, CDSS, and pharmaceutical systems, consideration of the views of physicians in assessing the importance of CDSS alerts, and the real-time alerts in the prescription. © 2021, The Author(s)

Analysis and evolution of health policies in Iran through policy triangle framework during the last thirty years: a systematic review of the historical period from 1994 to 2021

Background: Health policy analysis as a multi-disciplinary approach to public policy illustrates the need for interventions that highlight and address important policy issues, improve the policy formulation and implementation process and lead to better health outcomes. Various theories and frameworks have been contributed as the foundation for the analysis of policy in various studies. This study aimed to analyze health policies during the historical period of the almost last 30 years in Iran using policy triangle framework. Method: To conduct the systematic review international databases (PubMed / Medline, Scopus, Web of Sciences, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Embase, The Cochran Library) and Iranian databases from January 1994 to January 2021 using relevant keywords. A thematic qualitative analysis approach was used for the synthesis and analysis of data. Results: Out of 731 articles, 25 articles were selected and analyzed. Studies used health policy triangle framework to analyze policies in the Iranian health sector has been published since 2014. All the included studies were retrospective. The main focus of most of studies for the analysis was on the context and process of polices as the elements of the policy triangle. Conclusion: The main focus of health policy analysis studies in Iran over the last thirty years was on the context and process of polices. Although range of actors within and outside the Iran government influence health policies but in many policy processes the power and the role of all actors or players involved in the policy are not recognized carefully. Also, Iran's health sector suffers from lack of a proper framework for evaluating various implemented policies

Exploring the landscape of health technology assessment in Iran: Perspectives from stakeholders on needs, demand and supply

Background: The evaluation of health technologies plays a crucial role in the allocation of resources and the promotion of equitable healthcare access, known as health technology assessment (HTA). This study focuses on Iran’s efforts to integrate HTA and aims to gain insights into stakeholder perspectives regarding capacity needs, demand and implementation. Methods: In this study, we employed the HTA introduction status analysis questionnaire developed by the International Decision Support Initiative (iDSI), which has been utilized in various countries. The questionnaire consisted of 12 questions divided into three sections: HTA need, demand and supply. To identify key informants, we conducted a literature review and consulted with the Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MOHME), as well we experts in policy-making, health service provision and HTA. We selected stakeholders who held decision-making positions in the healthcare domain. A modified Persian version of the questionnaire was administered online from September 2022 to January 2023 and was pretested for clarity. The analysis of the collected data involved quantitative methods for descriptive analysis and qualitative methods for thematic analysis. Results: In this study, a total of 103 questionnaires were distributed, resulting in a favourable response rate of 61% from 63 participants, of whom 68% identified as male. The participants, when assessing the needs of HTA, rated allocative efficiency as the highest priority, with a mean rating of 8.53, thereby highlighting its crucial role in optimizing resource allocation. Furthermore, healthcare quality, with a mean rating of 8.17, and transparent decision-making, with a mean rating of 7.92, were highly valued for their impact on treatment outcomes and accountability. The importance of budget control (mean rating 7.58) and equity (mean rating 7.25) were also acknowledged, as they contribute to maintaining sustainability and promoting social justice. In terms of HTA demand, safety concerns were identified as the top priority, closely followed by effectiveness and cost-effectiveness, with an expanded perspective on the economy. However, limited access to local data was reported, which arose from various factors including data collection practices, system fragmentation and privacy concerns. The priorities of HTA users encompassed coverage, payment reform, benefits design, guidelines, service delivery and technology registration. Evidence generation involved the participation of medical universities, research centres and government bodies, albeit with ongoing challenges in research quality, data access and funding. The study highlights government support and medical education as notable strengths in this context. Conclusions: This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of Iran’s HTA landscape, considering its capacity, demand and implementation aspects. It underlines the vital role of HTA in optimizing resources, improving healthcare quality and promoting equity. The study also sheds light on the strengths of evidence generation in the country, while simultaneously identifying challenges related to data access and system fragmentation. In terms of policy priorities, evidence-based decision-making emerges as crucial for enhancing healthcare access and integrating technology. The study stresses the need for evidence-based practices, a robust HTA infrastructure and collaboration among stakeholders to achieve better healthcare outcomes in Iran

Assessing L2 vocabulary depth with word associates format tests: issues, findings, and suggestions

Word Associates Format (WAF) tests are often used to measure second language learners’ vocabulary depth with a focus on their network knowledge. Yet, there were often many variations in the specific forms of the tests and the ways they were used, which tended to have an impact on learners’ response behaviors and, more importantly, the psychometric properties of the tests. This paper reviews the general practices, key issues, and research findings that pertain to WAF tests in four major areas, including the design features of WAF tests, conditions for test administration, scoring methods, and test-taker characteristics. In each area, a set of variables is identified and described with relevant research findings also presented and discussed. Around eight topics, the General Discussion section provides some suggestions and directions for the development of WAF tests and the use of them as research tools in the future. This paper is hoped to help researchers become better aware that the results generated by a WAF test may vary depending on what specific design the test has, how it is administered and scored, and who the learners are, and consequently, make better decisions in their research that involves a WAF test