Spatial Integration and Asymmetric Price Transmission in Selected Iranian Chicken Markets

This study evaluates pattern of price adjustments in selected spatially separated chicken markets in Iran using weekly price data from 1998:17 to 2006:41 including 441 observations in total. The results of Tsay’s test suggest that threshold behavior characterize spatial price linkages among the selected markets that imply on using the threshold models. We use the multi-dimensional (two and three regime) threshold cointegration of TAR and M-TAR models. Our results confirm the different speed of adjustment in response to positive and negative shocks in every case. We also utilize impulse response function to investigate dynamic patterns of adjustments in response to shocks.Spatial Integration, Price Transmission, Threshold Autoregression, Chicken, International Relations/Trade, Marketing,

Asymmetric Price Transmission and Non-linear Adjustment in the Iranian Mutton Market

This paper analyses the asymmetric price transmission and non-linear adjustment at the farm and retail levels in the Iran’s mutton market. We applied a multivariate threshold error correction mechanism for monthly price data. We tested the non-linear adjustment using sup-LR, sup-LM and sup-Wald tests. The results confirm the presence of non-linear cointegration relationship between the retail and farm prices. In short-run, the price transmission behavior reveals that reactions of both the retail and farm prices to positive and negative deviations from the long-run price spread are asymmetric. More specially, the retailers show more strong responses to the both positive and negative shocks imposed to the farmers.Threshold Cointegration, Non-linearity, Mutton, Price, Iran, Livestock Production/Industries,

Soltaniyeh y Santa Maria del Fiore: ¿una relación histórica?

As one of the earliest human innovations in the architecture of shells, the dome has undergone many changes. This article examines the theory of the Florence Cathedral's(Santa Maria del Fiore) inspiration from the Soltaniyeh Dome of Zanjan. The methodology employed in this research is comparative-descriptive using reliable historical and library sources. A comparative-historical study of 13 domes in Iran(Iranian plateau) and 13 domes in Italy(Eastern Rome Empire) over 2,000 years has examined the evolution of Iranian and Italian domes in terms of construction time and shape. In the next step, the sources that architectural experts have discussed the influence of the dome of Soltaniyeh in Zanjan on the dome of Santa Maria del Fiore have been reviewed. The influence of the golden age of Islam and the achievements of Muslim scholars on the European renaissance in mathematics and geometry has also been explored. The structural similarities, proportions and forms of these two domes show impressive results. It seems that according to historical sources and comparative studies conducted in this study, the dome of Soltaniyeh has a direct impact on the construction of the dome of Santa Maria del Fiore, and the theory first proposed by Professor Sanpaolesi (1972) is conclusive.Como una de las primeras innovaciones humanas en la arquitectura de las conchas, la cúpula ha sufrido muchos cambios. Este artículo examina la teoría de la inspiración de la Catedral de Florencia (Santa Maria del Fiore) de la Cúpula Soltaniyeh de Zanjan. La metodología empleada en esta investigación es comparativa-descriptiva utilizando fuentes históricas y bibliográficas fidedignas. Un estudio histórico comparativo de 13 cúpulas en Irán (meseta iraní) y 13 cúpulas en Italia (Imperio de Roma Oriental) durante 2000 años ha examinado la evolución de las cúpulas iraníes e italianas en términos de tiempo de construcción y forma. En el siguiente paso, se han revisado las fuentes en las que los expertos en arquitectura han discutido la influencia de la cúpula de Soltaniyeh en Zanjan en la cúpula de Santa Maria del Fiore. También se ha explorado la influencia de la edad de oro del Islam y los logros de los eruditos musulmanes en el renacimiento europeo de las matemáticas y la geometría. Las similitudes estructurales, proporciones y formas de estas dos cúpulas muestran resultados impresionantes. Parece que según las fuentes históricas y los estudios comparativos realizados en este estudio, la cúpula de Soltaniyeh tiene un impacto directo en la construcción de la cúpula de Santa Maria del Fiore, y la teoría propuesta por primera vez por el profesor Sanpaolesi (1972) es concluyente

Polymer-Matrix Nanocomposite Membranes For Water Treatment

A new generation of advanced fibrous materials with high surface area, large number of pores, high flexibility and adjustable wettability were manufactured from different materials which are viable for many applications related to environment especially oil water separation. This thesis is focused on the preparation and characterization of two new different polymeric systems applicable in water/oil separation and oil impurities detection. The material system for sensor development is based on styrene isoprene styrene (SIS) elastomer filled with multiwalled carbon nanotubes and system for water/oil separation is composed by co-polyamide (coPA) electrospun mat covered by MXene sheets. Preparation of composites based on styrene isoprene styrene block polymer (SIS) modified by carbon nanotubes (CNTs) involves optimization of the component ratio and processing conditions utilizing electrospinning method. SIS has ability to absorb oil due to its oleophilic behavior and CNTs enhance the electrical conductivity of composite. The principle of oil sensing is based on the changes of electrical conductivity because of volumetric changes of material due to oil absorption. Separation of oil from water is performed using membrane technology. We prepared coPA mats via optimization of the polymer solvent/ratio conditions using electrospinning technique. MXene nanoplatelets were prepared from commercial MAX phase by strong etching with HF and delamination. CoPA mats covered by MXene nanoparticles and this bilayer system was used for water/oil separation. The separation efficiency up to 99.5% which indicates that it is valuable material for separation oil from water

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF TWO NEW SEISMIC RESISTANT DIAGRID FRAMING SYSTEMS

The diagrid system offers a visually appealing and structurally efficient structural system for gravity load bearing. The architectural elegancy and high structural redundancy of the diagrid structure makes it a desirable choice for tall building design. However diagrid structure is prone to high inelastic deformation demand during strong earthquakes. To address this issue of limited ductility and energy dissipation capacity in conventional diagrid framing, two new types of seismic resistant diagrid structural systems termed highly energy-dissipative ductile (HED) diagrid and hybrid diagrid framing systems are proposed in this research and their seismic performance is assessed. The proposed HED diagrid framing system provides a competitive design option in high seismic regions with its high ductility and improved energy dissipation capacity enabled by incorporating replaceable shear links interconnecting the diagonal members at their nodes. A parametric study has been conducted to investigate the effect of different design parameters on the seismic performance of this system. A new type of composite brace comprised of glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP)-tube confined concrete, steel core and post-tensioned tendons, is developed for self-centering diagrid members. The hysteretic behavior of a self-centering chevron assembly comprised of two inclined composite braces is subsequently examined. Constitutive modeling of GFRP-tube confined concrete with high confinement volumetric ratio is conducted with experimental data calibration under monotonic and cyclic compression. The constitutive model is implemented into a finite element analysis platform OpenSees to enable nonlinear analysis of complex structures utilizing this type of confined concrete elements. The self-centering chevrons are implemented in the lower stories of the hybrid diagrid framing system to form base diagonals with large stiffness, enhanced ductility and energy dissipation capability and enable a rocking behavior for the diagrid system. The structural characteristics and seismic behavior of these two new seismic resistant systems are demonstrated with a prototype 21-story building subjected to nonlinear static and dynamic analysis. The findings from nonlinear time history analysis verify that satisfactory seismic performance can be achieved by these structural systems subjected to design basis earthquakes in California, specifically showing re-centering behavior while all main structural elements remain elastic in both systems

Calzado deportivo para actividades cotidianas: La transformación de los patrones de consumo de la moda deportiva a finales del siglo XIX y principios del XX

The present research is devoted to studying the specifics of sports fashion from the 19th century to the 20th century. Also, it considers the influences on the cultural image for everyday shoes. This paper considers how shoes are designed for sports, but they have been included in daily wear. The evidence is provided that sport's activity has generated insufficient demand, answering to the growing motivations. Reciprocally, manufacturers have promoted sports fashion and casual clothing to create new consumers for an increased production stream. The approaches employed for the basis of the research methodology are included as: theoretical, multifactorial, and systematic-historical. Also, there are used chronological and comparative approaches for analyzing the problems. Thus, the authors suggest that the producers used new stimulation methods, and they attracted the rhetoric of technological novelty as a means of applying the general interest of innovation by advertising. In this regard, further confirmation is that the cultural acceptability parameters for clothing were redefined at the beginning of the twentieth century so that they started to introduce a practical and liberated sporty look in everyday footwear.La presente investigación está dedicada a estudiar las particularidades de la moda deportiva desde el siglo XIX hasta el siglo XX. Además, considera las influencias en la imagen cultural del calzado cotidiano. Este documento considera cómo se diseñan los zapatos para el deporte, pero se han incluido en el uso diario. Se aporta la evidencia de que la actividad deportiva ha generado una demanda insuficiente, respondiendo a las crecientes motivaciones. Recíprocamente, los fabricantes han promovido la moda deportiva y la ropa informal para crear nuevos consumidores para un mayor flujo de producción. Los enfoques empleados para la base de la metodología de investigación se incluyen como: teórico, multifactorial y sistemático-histórico. Además, se utilizan enfoques cronológicos y comparativos para analizar los problemas. Así, los autores plantean que los productores utilizaron nuevos métodos de estimulación, y atrajeron la retórica de la novedad tecnológica como medio de aplicar el interés general de la innovación publicitaria. En este sentido, una confirmación más es que los parámetros de aceptabilidad cultural de la ropa se redefinieron a principios del siglo XX para que comenzaran a introducir un look deportivo práctico y liberado en el calzado de todos los días

Investigating the quality control of laboratory information

      Clinical laboratory results play an important role in helping physicians in diagnosis and treatment. In view of the direct effect of the working methods on the quality of data in the laboratory, quality control of data and results in the Biochemistry Ward of Laboratory includes taking into account all the factors and variables relating to all the pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical steps at this ward. The objective of this study was to examine the quality control of data and results in the biochemistry departments of hospital laboratories in universities of medical sciences in Tehran.Current study was a descriptive research, and 40 biochemistry laboratories in universities of medical sciences in Tehran constituted the settings of the study. Data were collected by a checklist and a questionnaire using observation and interview. Using the checklist, 33 effective factors in the pre-analytical step; 18 effective factors in the analytical step and 8 effective factors in post-analytical step were examined. The questionnaire included questions relating to biochemical factors in the laboratories, while the factors affecting the quality of the results were examined by using checklist. Data from questions and observations were analyzed by using descriptive statistics and by determining the absolute and relative frequencies.Results showed that in all settings of the study, 58%, 68% and 87% of the factors affecting the pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical data and results were taken into consideration respectively. However, the biochemistry directors remarked that they considered 77% and 89% of the first two groups of factors respectively, and the third groups of factors were considered only by observation.according to the findings by the checklists, sufficient attention  was paid to 58% of the factors effective on pre-analytical data quality (Identifying the patient; Labeling the sample while collecting the sample; etc.), 68% of the factors effective on analytical data quality (Analyzing the samples during the 1 to 4 hours following the collection of the samples; Using control samples for evaluating the operation of instruments once in every 8 hours; etc.) and 87% of the factors effective on the post-analytical data quality (Legibility of the hand-written reports; Similarity of the hand-written reports to the typewritten report, in terms of patient ID data record; etc.) while there is no enough attention paid to other factors in pre-analytical step (Preparing the patient; Paying attention to the physiological changes of the patient’s body; etc.), analytical step (availability of written guidelines for performing certain work where the samples are analyzed; Calibrating the instruments according to the standard program; etc.) and post-analytical step (precision in recording distinguishing features in real values). Also, by comparing the findings obtained using the two tools, it can be found out that the findings do not match each other in certain factors and that the amount of findings obtained from the questionnaire is more than the findings obtained from the checklists