Externalities in North-South technology transfer: the case of CNG engines in Iran

This contribution focuses on illuminating the challenges and difficulties of North-South technology transfer. The central message of this paper is that North-South technology transfer is not simply a contract between two transacting firms and does not depend only on intra-firm and inter-firm factors. The process may also be influenced by a number of external factors, beyond the control or power of project managers. However, understanding of these external factors greatly influences the success of firms' technological development. These externalities could arise from North-South contexts variances, international atmosphere and even by different levels of both sides' actors involved in the process. Using an in-depth case study analysis for collaboration between Iranian and German companies, this article develops a clearer understanding of external factors which affect the cross-border technology transfer process

The dynamics of technological catching-up: the case of Iran’s gas turbine industry

Today, fostering gas-fired power plants is recognised as a significant step towards a low-carbon economy. Gas fired-power plants are favoured over other types of fossil-fuelled power plants due to their various advantages, including lower emissions, flexibility of technology, higher efficiency, short construction times and lower capital investment. The gas turbine is the main machine and the most technologically advanced part of a gas-fired power plant. There have been a limited number of companies in industrialised countries that have developed these sophisticated technologies over the last 50 years. The global market for land-based gas turbines has an oligopolistic structure. The evolution of these technologies has been greatly influenced by countries’ government policies, and in particular energy policies. In this light, one question is: to what extent have industrialising countries built their technological capabilities in gas turbines? Consequently, one focus of interest here is the way in which, and the extent to which, industrialising countries have synthesised their indigenous technology development efforts with overseas technology inflows. Countries such as Iran, India and China, which have large and growing domestic electricity markets, are appropriate candidates for research in order to understand the possible technological gaps and associated dynamics between the industrialised and industrialising worlds. To answer these questions, this thesis research deals with Iran’s gas turbine industry and, for the first time, systematically examines this industry in the context of a developing country. The study delves deeply into the dynamics of interactions between indigenous technology development and overseas technology inflows. It casts light upon the influences, challenges, and difficulties associated with technological catching-up processes. The framework of the analysis is based on an extensive literature review on technological catch-up, the substitution/complementarity debate, and the gas turbine industry. The framework was operationalized through qualitative interviews as well as supplementary documents. The thesis uses a ‘dynamic approach’, and argues that understanding the interaction processes cannot be reduced to examining only the type of relationship between the two technology sources. Instead, far more attention needs to be devoted to analysing the complexity and associated influences on this relationship. The thesis also provides empirical insights into the development of gas turbine capabilities in India and China, the two largest emerging economies. It reveals that a high level of state involvement in developing countries is a prominent feature of the industry. It also demonstrates that the evolution of the industry also in both developed and developing countries is closely interrelated with each country’s national energy policies

PCR-based assay for the rapid and precise distinction of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from other Pseudomonas species recovered from burns patients

Background. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an important lifethreatening nosocomial pathogen which plays a prominent role in wound infections in burns patients. We designed this study to identify the isolates of P. aeruginosa recovered from burns patients at the genus and species levels by means of primers targeting oprI and oprL genes. Methods. During a 5-month period, wound samples were taken from burns patients and plated on MacConkey agar. All suspected colonies were screened for P. aeruginosa by means of a combination of phenotype tests. Specific primers for oprI and oprL genes were then used for the molecular identification of colonies. Results. During the 5-month period, bacterial isolates recovered from burn wound infections were analyzed. Phenotype identification tests identified 171 (34.8) P. aeruginosa isolates. However, molecular techniques that used species-specific primers to detect the amplicon of the oprL gene confirmed the exact identification of P. aeruginosa in only 133 cases; in the other isolates, the use of genus-specific primers detected the amplicon of the oprI gene, which confirmed the identification of fluorescent pseudomonads. Conclusions. This study indicates that molecular detection by means of an assay targeting the oprL gene is a useful technique for the rapid and precise detection of P. aeruginosa in burns patients. In addition to phenotype testing, PCR detection should be carried out in order to promptly ascertain the best aggressive antibiotic therapy for P. aeruginosa infections, thereby significantly improving clinical outcomes

A study on enhanced intestinal permeability of clarithromycin nanoparticles

The main objective of the present study was to determine the permeability of clarithromycin (CLA)-PLGA nanoparticles using single-pass intestinal perfusion technique in rats. Clarithromycin nanoparticles were prepared by nano-precipitation according to the modified quasi emulsion solvent diffusion technique and evaluated for their physicochemical characteristics. Permeability coefficients (Peff) in anaesthetized rats were determined at 3 different concentrations. Drug solution or suspensions in PBS was perfused through a cannulated jejunal segment and samples were taken from outlet tubing at different time points up to 90 min. Microbiological assay of CLA and phenol red in the samples were analyzed using an agar well diffusion procedure and HPLC method respectively. The average particle size of prepared nanoparticles was 305 ± 134 nm. The mean Peff of CLA solution in concentrations of 150, 250 and 400 µg/mL was found to be 1.20 (±0.32) ×10-3, 9.62 (±0.46) ×10-4, and 1.36 (±0.95) ×10-3 cm/sec, respectively. The corresponding values for the same concentration of nanoparticles were found to be 2.74 (±0.73) ×10-3, 2.45 (±0.88) ×10-3, and 3.68 (±0.46) ×10-3 cm/s, respectively. The two-tailed Student’s t-test showed that the intestinal permeability of CLA nanoparticle suspensions in prepared concentrations were significantly increased in comparison with its solution.O objetivo principal do presente estudo foi determinar a permeabilidade de nanopartículas de claritromicina (CLA)-PLGA, utilizando a técnica de perfusão intestinal de passo único em ratos. As nanopartículas de claritromicina foram preparadas por nanoprecipitação, de acordo com a técnica modificada de difusão de solvente quase-emulsão, e suas características físico-químicas avaliadas. Os coeficientes de permeabilidade (Peff) em ratos anestesiados foram determinados em três concentrações diferentes. A solução, ou suspensões, do fármaco em PBS foi perfundida através do segmento de jejuno canulado e as amostras foram tomadas do tubo externo em diferentes tempos até 90 minutos. Os ensaios microbiológico de CLA e de vermelho de fenol das amostras foram realizados, utilizando-se o procedimento de difusão em poço de ágar e de CLAE, respectivamente. O tamanho médio das partículas das nanopartículas preparadas foi de 305 ± 134 nm. O Peff médio da solução de CLA em concentrações de 150, 250 and 400 µg/mL foi de 1.20(±0.32)×10-3, 9.62(±0.46)]×10-4 e de 1.36(±0.95)×10-3 cm/s, respectivamente. O valor correspondente para a mesma concentração de nanopartículas foi de 2.74 (±0.73)×10-3, 2.45(±0.88)×10-3 e de 3.68 (±0.46)×10-3 cm/s, respectivamente. O teste t de Student com duas variáveis mostrou que a permeabilidade intestinal das suspensões de nanopartículas de CLA nas concentrações preparadas foram significativamente aumentadas em comparação com sua solução

Using the Hair Removal Laser in the Axillary Region and its Effect on Normal Microbial Flora

Introduction: The axillary hair removal laser is one of the most often used procedures to treat unwanted hairs in that region. Employing this technology can be helpful in decreasing the bromhidrosis.Methods: In the present research, a clinical trial study over the effect of the hair removal laser on normal microbial flora at the axillary region is presented. The intervention group consisted of 30 women referred to the dermatologic clinic for the purpose of removing axillary hair by the alexandrite 755 nm laser and the control group consisted of 30 women referred to the same clinic for any other reasons. Both groups were evaluated for the type of bacterial strains on the first visit and after three and six months.Results: The results showed that the sense of sweat smell improved by about 63% after the last laser session. The frequency of all bacterial strains decreased in the intervention group except Staphylococcus epidermidis which was significant. In the control group, there was no significant decrement in any bacterial strains and even the prevalence of more strains including Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis increased. Counting the mean bacterial colon showed a slight decrement of the bacterial count following the laser.Conclusion: The use of laser radiation, even with the aim of hair removal, can alter the microbial flora, and it can be accompanied by the improvement of the smell of sweat. The effect of the laser on different bacterial strains is quite different, which can depend on the amount of energy, the wavelength, the characteristics of the area under the laser, and also the structural properties of the membrane of the microorganism itself

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy: 10-year experience, 67 procedures

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short-term and long-term results of laparoscopic adrenalectomies carried out in our center. Materials and Methods: A total of 67 laparoscopic adrenalectomies were performed during the 10 years between 1995 and 2005 at Shahid Labbafinejad Medical Center. A transperitoneal lateral approach was used in 65 (97.0%) of the patients, and retroperitoneal approach was used in 2 (3.0%). The clinical characteristics and the outcomes were reviewed in a retrospective study. Results: Indications for laparoscopic adrenalectomy in our patients were as follows: pheochromocytoma in 28 patients (41.8%), aldosteroneproducing adenoma in 15 (22.4%), pseudocyst in 6 (9.0%), Cushing syndrome (macronodular adrenocortical hyperplasia) in 5 (7.5%), nonfunctioning adenoma (incidentaloma) in 5 (7.5%), myelolipoma in 2 (3.0%), almost normal adrenal tissue in 2 (3.0%), adrenal cyst in 2 (3.0%), adenocarcinoma in 1 (1.4%), and schwannoma in 1 (1.4%). The mean operative time for unilateral cases was 149.0 ± 36.1 minutes. The mean intraoperative blood loss was 126 ± 36 mL. Conversion rate to open surgery was 7.5%. Reoperation due to hemorrhage was performed in 1 patient. Conclusion: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a safe procedure in some adrenal tumors and a reasonable option for selected large adrenal tumors when complete resection is technically feasible and there is no evidence of local invasion

Cluster analysis and genetic characterization of enterobacter cloacae complex from blood cultures

Background: Enterobacter cloacae bacteremia is reported as an important cause of morbidity and mortality. The members of E. cloacae complex are clinically involved in nosocomial infections. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of E. cloacae complex and its members in blood samples and conduct the hsp60 cluster analysis and genotyping of the isolates. Methods: Eight isolates of E. cloacae complex were collected from blood cultures of hospitalized patients during the study period (December 2012 to November 2013). The hsp60 sequencing was done for the genetic classification. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was used for genotyping of the isolates. Results: Fifty percent of the isolates belonged to two E. hormaechei subspecies. Three isolates (37.5) clustered within genotype III while only one isolate fitted cluster XIII genotype (12.5). Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis revealed four different pulsotypes. Conclusions: Different E. cloacae complex species and subspecies unequally contribute to the pathogenesis of blood infections and the subspecies of E. hormaechei were found to be most prevalent. Moreover, the common E. cloacae pulsotypes were observed to essentially produce identical hsp60 sequence types, indicating the probable clonality of isolates with identical pulsotypes. © 2018, Author(s)

Spread of efflux pump overexpressing-mediated fluoroquinolone resistance and multidrug resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa by using an efflux pump inhibitor

Background: Fluoroquinolone resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa may be due to efflux pump overexpression and/or target mutations. We designed this study to investigate the efflux pump mediated fluoroquinolone resistance and check the increasing effectiveness of fluoroquinolones in combination with an efflux pumps inhibitor among P. aeruginosa isolates from burn wounds infections. Materials and Methods: A total of 154 consecutive strains of P. aeruginosa were recovered from separate patients hospitalized in a burn hospital, Tehran, Iran. The isolates first were studied by disk diffusion antibiogram for 11 antibiotics and then minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) experiments were performed to detect synergy between ciprofloxacin and the efflux pump inhibitor, carbonyl cyanide-m-chlorophenyl hydrazone (CCCP). Then to elucidate the inducing of multi drug resistance due to different efflux pumps activation in Fluoroquinolone resistant isolates, synergy experiments were also performed in random ciprofloxacin resistant isolates which have overexpressed efflux pumps phenotypically, using CCCP and selected antibiotics as markers for Beta-lactams and Aminoglycosides. The isolates were also tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of the MexA, MexC and MexE, which encode the efflux pumps MexAB-OprM, MexCD-OprJ and MexEF-OprN. Results: Most of the isolates were resistant to 3 or more antibiotics tested. More than half of the ciprofloxacin resistant isolates exhibited synergy between ciprofloxacin and CCCP, indicating the efflux pump activity contributed to the ciprofloxacin resistance. Also increased susceptibility of random ciprofloxacin resistant isolates of P. aeruginosa to other selected antibiotics, in presence of CCCP, implied multidrug extrusion by different active efflux pump in fluoroquinolones resistant strains. All of Ciprofloxacin resistant isolates were positive for MexA, MexC and MexE genes simultaneously. Conclusion: In this burn hospital, where multidrug resistant P. aeruginosa isolates were prevalent, ciprofloxacin resistance and multidrug resistance due to the overexpression of fluoroquinolones mediated efflux pumps has also now emerged. Early recognition of this resistance mechanism should allow the use of alternative antibiotics and use an efflux pumps inhibitor in combination with antibiotic therapy. © 2015 by The Korean Society of Infectious Diseases

Wide distribution of carbapenem resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in burns patients in Iran

Antimicrobial resistance in carbapenem non-susceptible Acinetobacter baumannii (CNSAb) is a major public health concern globally. This study determined the antibiotic resistance and molecular epidemiology of CNSAb isolates from a referral burn center in Tehran, Iran. Sixty-nine CNSAb isolates were tested for susceptibility to antimicrobial agents using the E test methodology. Multiple locus variable number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA), Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and multiplex PCR were performed. PCR assays tested for ambler classes A, B, and D β-lactamases. Detection of ISAba1, characterization of integrons, and biofilm formation were investigated. Fifty-three (77) isolates revealed XDR phenotypes. High prevalence of blaOXA-23-like (88) and blaPER-1 (54) were detected. ISAba1 was detected upstream of blaADC, blaOXA-23-like and blaOXA51-like genes in, 97, 42, and 26 of isolates, respectively. Thirty-one (45) isolates were assigned to international clone (IC) variants. MLVA identified 56 distinct types with six clusters and 53 singleton genotypes. Forty previously known MLST sequence types forming 5 clonal complexes were identified. The Class 1 integron (class 1 integrons) gene was identified in 84 of the isolates. The most prevalent (33) cassette combination was aacA4-catB8-aadA1. The IC variants were predominant in the A. baumannii lineage with the ability to form strong biofilms. The XDR-CNSAb from burned patients in Iran is resistant to various antimicrobials, including tigecycline. This study shows wide genetic diversity in CNSAb. Integrating the new Iranian A. baumannii IC variants into the epidemiologic clonal and susceptibility profile databases can help effective global control measures against the XDR-CNSAb pandemic. � 2015 Farshadzadeh, Hashemi, Rahimi, Pourakbari, Esmaeili, Haghighi, Majidpour, Shojaa, Rahmani, Gharesi, Aziemzadeh and Bahador