Joint Determination of Price and Upgrade Level for a Warranted Second-hand Product

An upgrade action is a pre-sale procedure that brings the second-hand item to an improved functional state and effectively reduces its age. This action is usually costly and adds directly to the sale price of the second-hand product, but it improves the product reliability and can reduce the warranty servicing cost. In the present paper, we propose a decision model to determine the optimal price and upgrade strategy of a warranted second-hand product to maximize the dealer's expected profit. The objective function includes both demand and cost functions, where purchase price from an end user, upgrade cost, and warranty cost are involved. We illustrate our finding using real data on second-hand electric device. Also, a sensitivity analysis is conducted to evaluate the effect of model parameters on the optimal solution

Warranty and Sustainable Improvement of Used Products through Remanufacturing

Currently, a large number of used/second-hand products are being sold with remanufacturing. Remanufacturing is a process of bringing used products to a better functional state and can be applied as a way for (1) controlling the deterioration process, (2) reducing the likelihood of a failure over the warranty period and (3) making the used item effectively younger. Remanufacturing is relatively a new concept and has received very limited attention. In this paper, we develop an important sustainable improvement approach for used items sold with failure free warranty to determine the optimal improvement level. Our model makes a useful contribution to the reliability growth literature, as it captures the uncertainty and suggests improvement in the remanufacturing process. By using this model, the dealers can decide whether and how much to invest in remanufacturing projects

Association of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 protein and oxidative stress indicators in women with preeclampsia: A case-control study

Background: Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) protein is one of the factors associated with oxidative stress and dyslipidemia disorders. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the lipid profile, PCSK9 levels, and oxidative stress in preeclampsia. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was conducted at Sina hospital in Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran from August 2020-May 2021. The average maternal age of included participants was 30 yr with 30 preeclampsia and 30 healthy pregnant women. After clinical examination, the fasting blood samples were collected, and the serum PCSK9 protein concentration, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase activities, and glutathione levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Total antioxidant capacity, total oxidant status, and malondialdehyde levels were determined manually. Results: The average maternal age of participants were 29.97 ± 4.75 and 31.23 ± 5.85 yr, respectively. The concentrations of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), PCSK9, total antioxidant capacity, and malondialdehyde levels were higher in the preeclampsia group compared with control (p < 0.02). Total oxidant status, glutathione levels, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase activities were lower in the cases group compared with the control group (p < 0.01). The PCSK9 variable had a significant negative association with antioxidant parameters; however, a significant positive association was observed between PCSK9 level and parameters of LDL-C. Conclusion: PCSK9 is associated with increased serum levels of LDL-C and oxidative factors in pregnant women that increase the risk of endothelial damage and hypertension in preeclampsia. Key words: PCSK9, Hypercholesterolemia, Oxidative stress, Preeclampsia

The relationship between attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder and trauma in adolescents

Objective: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by persistent and impairing levels of inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. Evidence shows that adolescents with ADHD are more exposed to trauma. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between ADHD symptom severity and trauma severity. Methods: In this descriptive correlational study, the study population included traumatic adolescents aged 12-18 years referred to Shohada hospital in Tabriz, Iran in 2016. Among this population, 91 subjects were selected. In order to exclude subjects with other psychiatric disorders, a psychiatrist performed clinical interviews with them. In this regard, the short form of Conner’s Comprehensive Behavior Rating Scales Revised Edition (CBRS-R) and Pediatric Trauma Scale were used. For data analysis, Pearson correlation coefficient and independent t test were applied. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22. Results: There was a significant positive relationship between trauma severity and ADHD score, hyperactivity, and oppositional/Impulsivity (P<0.01). Conversely, no statistical significance was observed between attention deficiency and trauma severity. The severity of trauma was higher among ADHD group than normal individuals. There were also correlations between socioeconomic status (SES) and oppositional/impulsive patients. In this regard, higher scores of oppositional/impulsivity were observed among patients with lower SES. Conclusion: Traumas have significant effects on economic and humanistic aspects of life in modern era. Our findings showed that there was a statistically significant relationship between hyperactivity-inattention and trauma intensity in adolescents. Therefore, to prevent traumatic events, ADHD screening at schools is suggested. By the same token, informing parents through mass media can help reduce the consequences of inattention/ hyperactivity disorder in the society. Keywords: Hyperactivity, Trauma severity, Attention deficit, Impulsivity, ADH

Evaluation of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase and s-adenosyl-methionine level in male infertility: A case-control study

Background: Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase enzyme (MTHFR) plays a key role in regulating folate balance, converting homocysteine to methionine, and producing s-adenosylmethionine (SAM) that plays a role in the methylation process. Objective: This study aimed to determine MTHFR activity and SAM level in men with normozoospermia and oligozoospermia. Materials and Methods: 30 oligozoospermic and 30 normozoospermic men as controls were enrolled in this case-control study. Semen analysis was conducted according to the world health organization criteria. All semen samples were collected after 3-5 days of sexual abstinence. The sperms were evaluated by sperm test video software. All subjects SAM level was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit, and MTHFR were measured manually. Results: 2 groups had a significant difference in sperm morphology (p = 0.02), concentration (p = 0.02) and motility (p = 0.03). The MTHFR activity in normozoospermic and oligozoospermic groups had significantly differences (p = 0.01). The level of SAM in the semen of oligozoospermic men was statistically lower than normozoospermic men (p = 0.03). Also, there was a positive association between MTHFR enzyme activity and SAM level in the normozoospermia group (p = 0.02, β = 0.67) and oligozoospermia group (p = 0.03, β = 0.54). Conclusion: MTHFR activity and SAM concentration were statistically lower in oligozoospermia men. It seems they can affect sperm concentration, morphology, and motility. Key words: Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, s-adenosylmethionine, Normozoospermia, Oligozoospermia, Folic acid

An Observational Cohort of First Episode Psychosis in Iran:The Azeri Recent Onset Acute Phase Psychosis Survey (ARAS Cohort) Study Protocol

Background: Most of our knowledge about the etiology, course, treatment, and outcome of schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders stems from Western countries. Data from populations living in other geographical areas and low- and middle-income countries, with different genomes (ethnicity) and exposomes (e.g., culture and social support, drugs of abuse, religion), will add to our knowledge of this complex disorder. Methods: The Azeri Acute phase/Recent onset psychosis Survey (ARAS) has been initiated to study the course of the disorder in patients with recent-onset psychosis using validated diagnostic tools and a comprehensive outcome monitoring system, aiming to reveal indicators for understanding the risk and resilience factors and for choosing the best-personalized treatment strategy. All participants will be evaluated for clinical signs and symptoms as well as risk and resilience factors and will be followed up for 1, 3, and 5 years for outcomes in several domains. A hierarchical cluster method will be applied to identify the number of clusters for each outcome. Defined models will be applied to assess the predictive value of cognition on symptomatic and functional outcomes at follow-up. Discussion: The ARAS cohort will yield significant academic- (research and education) and care-related achievements. ARAS data and experience will have value both in being a useful model for other parts of this region and in an expansion of the currently available knowledge

The relationship between attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder and trauma in adolescents

Objective: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by persistent and impairing levels of inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. Evidence shows that adolescents with ADHD are more exposed to trauma. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between ADHD symptom severity and trauma severity. Methods: In this descriptive correlational study, the study population included traumatic adolescents aged 12-18 years referred to Shohada hospital in Tabriz, Iran in 2016. Among this population, 91 subjects were selected. In order to exclude subjects with other psychiatric disorders, a psychiatrist performed clinical interviews with them. In this regard, the short form of Conner’s Comprehensive Behavior Rating Scales Revised Edition (CBRS-R) and Pediatric Trauma Scale were used. For data analysis, Pearson correlation coefficient and independent t test were applied. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22. Results: There was a significant positive relationship between trauma severity and ADHD score, hyperactivity, and oppositional/Impulsivity (P < 0.01). Conversely, no statistical significance was observed between attention deficiency and trauma severity. The severity of trauma was higher among ADHD group than normal individuals. There were also correlations between socioeconomic status (SES) and oppositional/impulsive patients. In this regard, higher scores of oppositional/impulsivity were observed among patients with lower SES. Conclusion: Traumas have significant effects on economic and humanistic aspects of life in modern era. Our findings showed that there was a statistically significant relationship between hyperactivity-inattention and trauma intensity in adolescents. Therefore, to prevent traumatic events, ADHD screening at schools is suggested. By the same token, informing parents through mass media can help reduce the consequences of inattention/ hyperactivity disorder in the society

Bushehr Elderly Health (BEH) Programme, phase I (cardiovascular system)

Purpose: The main objective of the Bushehr Elderly Health Programme, in its first phase, is to investigate the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and their association with major adverse cardiovascular events. Participants: Between March 2013 and October 2014, a total of 3000 men and women aged ≥60 years, residing in Bushehr, Iran, participated in this prospective cohort study ( participation rate=90.2%). Findings to date: Baseline data on risk factors, including demographic and socioeconomic status, smoking and medical history, were collected through a modified WHO MONICA questionnaire. Vital signs and anthropometric measures, including systolic and diastolic blood pressure, weight, height, and waist and hip circumference, were also measured. 12-lead electrocardiography and echocardiography were conducted on all participants, and total of 10 cc venous blood was taken, and sera was separated and stored at –80°C for possible future use. Preliminary data analyses showed a noticeably higher prevalence of risk factors among older women compared to that in men. Future plans: Risk factor assessments will be repeated every 5 years, and the participants will be followed during the study to measure the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events. Moreover, the second phase, which includes investigation of bone health and cognition in the elderly, was started in September 2015. Data are available at the Persian Gulf Biomedical Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran, for any collaboration

The association of cardio-metabolic risk factors and history of falling in men with osteosarcopenia: a cross-sectional analysis of Bushehr Elderly Health (BEH) program

Osteosarcopenia, defined as sarcopenia plus osteopenia/osteoporosis, may increase the risk of fractures and affects morbidity and mortality in the older population. Falling is also common in the elderly and increases the risk of fractures and mortality. We examined the association of cardio-metabolic risk factors with a history of falling in osteosarcopenic men. Methods We used the baseline data of the Bushehr Elderly Health (BEH) program. Osteosarcopenia was defined as having both sarcopenia (reduced skeletal muscle mass plus low physical performance and/or low muscle strength) and osteopenia/osteoporosis (T-score ≤ − 1.0). Falling was defined as a self-reported history of an unintentional down on the ground during the previous year before the study. We used logistic regression analysis to estimate the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI) to quantify the associations. Results All elderly men diagnosed with osteosarcopenia (n = 341), with a mean age of 73.3(±7.4) years, were included. Almost 50(14.7%) participants reported falling. Age showed a positive association with falling (AOR: 1.09, 95%CI: 1.04–1.14). An increase of 10 mmHg in systolic blood pressure(SBP), reduces the odds of falling by 26%(AOR:0.74, 95%CI:0.62–0.89), while a positive association was detected for fasting plasma glucose (FPG), as 10 mg/dl increase in the FPG, raises the chance of falling by 14%(AOR = 1.14, 95%CI:1.06,1.23). Hypertriglyceridemia was inversely associated with falling (AOR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.89). Conclusions Falling is a major public health problem in rapidly aging countries, especially in individuals with a higher risk of fragility fractures. Older age-raised fasting plasma glucose and low SBP are associated with falling in osteosarcopenic patients. Considering the higher risk of fracture in osteosarcopenic men, comprehensive strategies are needed to prevent fall-related injuries in this high-risk population

Bushehr Elderly Health (BEH) Programme, phase I (cardiovascular system)

Purpose: The main objective of the Bushehr Elderly Health Programme, in its first phase, is to investigate the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and their association with major adverse cardiovascular events. Participants: Between March 2013 and October 2014, a total of 3000 men and women aged ≥60 years, residing in Bushehr, Iran, participated in this prospective cohort study ( participation rate=90.2%). Findings to date: Baseline data on risk factors, including demographic and socioeconomic status, smoking and medical history, were collected through a modified WHO MONICA questionnaire. Vital signs and anthropometric measures, including systolic and diastolic blood pressure, weight, height, and waist and hip circumference, were also measured. 12-lead electrocardiography and echocardiography were conducted on all participants, and total of 10 cc venous blood was taken, and sera was separated and stored at –80°C for possible future use. Preliminary data analyses showed a noticeably higher prevalence of risk factors among older women compared to that in men. Future plans: Risk factor assessments will be repeated every 5 years, and the participantswill be followed during the study to measure the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events. Moreover, the second phase, which includes investigation of bone health and cognition in the elderly, was started in September 2015. Data are available at the Persian Gulf Biomedical Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran, for any collaboratio