The Investigation of the Relationship between Financial Leverage and Return on Supply Chain Management

Abstract—The objective of the present study was to investigate the relationship between financial leverage and return on supply chain management and assest of the rural cooperatives. In this study, five ratios have been selected as financial leverage including total debt to total assets, total debt to total shareholders' equity, total long-term debt to total assets, total short-term debt to total assets and total debt to total capital. The return on asset is also calculated from the total debt to annual profit ratio. According to the objective of the research, this work is an applied research and according to the data collection method, it is a descriptive correlational study. The population included all rural cooperatives in the eastern part of the country in which 153 cooperatives were selected using the elimination method. Data analysis and the hypothesis testing were performed by simple linear regression test and using SPSS software. The results showed that three financial leverages have significantly affected the return on assets of the cooperatives which are the total debt to total assets, total long-term debt to total assets, and total short-term debt to total assets ratios. Of these three ratios, the total debt to total assets (-0.304) has the greatest effect on the return in assets of the cooperatives. The two other financial leverage ratios, i.e., the total debt to total shareholders' equity and the total debt to total capital did not have a significant effect on the return on assets of the rural cooperatives in the eastern part of the country. Thus, it is recommended to the cooperatives' Chief Executive Officer to focus more on three ratios of total debt to assets, total long-term debt to total assets, and total short-term debt to total assets in order to increase the return on equity of the cooperative and plan on the financial focus of the cooperative to reduce these ratios based on the efficient supply chain system

Comparing the Quality of Iodine in Edible Salt in Iranian Households Living in the Southern Province of Khorasan-e-Razavi Using WHO Standards (Years 2010–2015)

Iodine deficiency disorder among Iranians is a major health-related issue. The aim of this study was to determine iodine concentration in household salt. To sample the iodized salt products, the authors visited all wholesale warehouses of two cities of Bajestan and Gonabad in Khorasan-Razavi, Iran, and randomly purchased three packages of each brand of factory salt distributed through those centers. The sampling procedure was continued over the course of five years (2010–2015). In the 5-year study period, 82 samples of 23 different brands of factory salt were sampled. The most frequent samples were classified into three groups based on their iodine content (ppm = mg iodine per kg of salt): under standard limit (<20 ppm); allowable standard limit (20–50 ppm); over standard limit (>50 ppm). The tests showed that 67% of samples maintained a good level, 26.8% possessed an acceptable level, and 6% had unacceptable levels of iodine. Mean and standard deviation of the salt iodine content were 24.7 and 13.7, respectively. According to the results, the iodine content of samples showed significant differences with international standards (40 ppm), and this highlights the necessity of stricter monitoring of the salt production

Investigation of chromosomal abnormalities and microdeletion/ microduplication(s) in fifty Iranian patients with multiple congenital anomalies

Objective: Major birth defects are inborn structural or functional anomalies with long-term disability and adverse impacts on individuals, families, health-care systems, and societies. Approximately 20 of birth defects are due to chromosomal and genetic conditions. Inspired by the fact that neonatal deaths are caused by birth defects in about 20 and 10 of cases in Iran and worldwide respectively, we conducted the present study to unravel the role of chromosome abnormalities, including microdeletion/microduplication(s), in multiple congenital abnormalities in a number of Iranian patients. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 50 sporadic patients with Multiple Congenital Anomalies (MCA) were selected. The techniques employed included conventional karyotyping, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA), and array comparative genomic hybridisation (array-CGH), according to the clinical diagnosis for each patient. Results: Chromosomal abnormalities and microdeletion/microduplication(s) were observed in eight out of fifty patients (16). The abnormalities proved to result from the imbalances in chromosomes 1, 3, 12, and 18 in four of the patients. However, the other four patients were diagnosed to suffer from the known microdeletions of 22q11.21, 16p13.3, 5q35.3, and 7q11.23. Conclusion: In the present study, we report a patient with 46,XY, der(18)12/46,XY, der(18), +mar8 dn presented with MCA associated with hypogammaglobulinemia. Given the patient�s seemingly rare and highly complex chromosomal abnormality and the lack of any concise mechanism presented in the literature to justify the case, we hereby propose a novel mechanism for the formation of both derivative and ring chromosome 18. In addition, we introduce a new 12q abnormality and a novel association of an Xp22.33 duplication with 1q43q44 deletion syndrome. The phenotype analysis of the patients with chromosome abnormality would be beneficial for further phenotype-genotype correlation studies. © 2019 Royan Institute (ACECR). All rights reserved

Alternative medicine and herbal remedies in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: A systematic review

Objectives: To systematically review and discuss the current evidence from placebo-controlled clinical trials that investigated the use of alternative medicines and herbal remedies in the management of erectile dysfunction (ED). Methods: A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)- based systematic review using specific keyword combinations was conducted on the PubMed and Scopus databases. Randomised controlled trials investigating herbal medicine in at least one group and using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) as an outcome in patients primarily diagnosed with ED were included for review. Results: Following the literature search, screening and eligibility analysis, a total of 42 articles were included. The 42 articles were categorised as single herb extractions (n = 14), combination herbal formula (n = 5), combination of herbal formula and non-herbal nutraceuticals (n = 7), non-herbal nutraceuticals (n = 5), acupuncture and moxibustion (n = 2), diet and nutrition (n = 3), exercise (n = 5), and topical treatments (n = 1). Based on the results, Korean ginseng, Pygnogenol and Prelox, Tribulus terrestris, Lepidium meyenii, L-arginine, acupuncture and lifestyle interventions were the more predominantly investigated treatments interventions for ED. Conclusions: Panax ginseng, Pygnogenol, Prelox and Tribulus terrestris have promising evidence as herbal products, alongside L-arginine as a nutritional supplement, for ED based on IIEF outcomes, and warrant further clinical investigation. The mechanisms of action remain unclear, but each of these appears to in part increase nitric oxide synthesis. Importantly, improved diet and exercise should be considered, particularly in patients with obesity or diabetes mellitus

دیدگاه دانشجویان دانشگاه علوم پزشکی آبادان در مورد ابعاد اخلاق تدریس اساتید

Background and Aim: Ethics and teaching are inherently intertwined, and researchers have stated that adherence to the principles and values of professional ethics in university faculty members, who play a key role in administering and directing education, is very important because the role They have an important role in improving students 'performance. This study was conducted with the aim of students' views on the dimensions of teaching ethics of students of Abadan University of Medical Sciences. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 302 students of Abadan University of Medical Sciences were selected by stratified random sampling method. Composed. Data were collected and analyzed using SPSS 25 statistical software using descriptive statistics. Findings: Students less dimensions [personality traits (2.99±0.41), content mastery [(2.87±0.51), recognition of different aspects of learning (2.75±0.53), standard evaluation (2.64±0.60) and observance of educational rules (2.29±0.46)] They evaluated it as moderate and evaluated only the dimension of mastery of teaching method (3.03±0.54) as above average. Also, the inferential findings of this section indicated that except for the dimensions of personality traits (P=0.883) and mastery of method Teaching (P=0.336) Among other dimensions, the difference between the mean and the mean was significant (P=0.0005). Ethical Considerations: Participation in the research was optional and the participants were explained about the objectives of the research and the confidentiality of information. Conclusion: According to the findings, these disparities may be due to differences in educational facilities (time and space and educational equipment) and the unique nature of some disciplines. Also, the atmosphere in educational spaces varies according to the rules and management of the place and more appreciation of specific values in each place may make a difference. &nbsp; Cite this article as: MohammadMousaei F, Sanaei H, Mohammad Zadeh R, Abbasi H, Sayadi Moghadam D, Mohsenpour M. Students Views of Abadan University of Medical Sciences on the Dimensions of Teachers Teaching Ethics. Med Ethics J 2021; 15(46): e9.زمینه و هدف: اخلاق و تدریس به طور ذاتی همسو و درهم تنیده است و محققان ابراز داشته‌اند که پایبندی به اصول و ارزش‌های اخلاق حرفه‌ای در اعضای هیأت‌علمی دانشگاه که نقش اصلی را در اداره و هدایت امر آموزش بر عهده دارند، بسیار حائز اهمیت است، چون نقش مهمی در بهبود عملکرد دانشجویان دارند. این مطالعه با هدف تعیین دیدگاه دانشجویان دانشگاه علوم پزشکی آبادان در مورد ابعاد اخلاق تدریس اساتید انجام گرفت. مواد و روش‌ها: در این مطالعه توصیفی ـ مقطعی ۳۰۲ نفر از دانشجویان دانشکده علوم پزشکی آبادان به شیوه نمونه‌گیری تصادفی طبقه‌ای انتخاب شده‌اند. ابزار گردآوری داده‌ها، پرسشنامه می‌باشد که از دو بخش اطلاعات دموگرافیک و پرسشنامه «اخلاق حرفه‌ای تدریس اساتید» تشکیل شده است. داده‌ها پس از جمع‌آوری با استفاده از نرم‌افزار آماری SPSS- 25 و به کمک آمار توصیفی تجزیه و تحلیل شد. یافته‌ها: دانشجویان ابعاد ویژگی‌های شخصیتی (۴۱/۰±۹۹/۲)، اشراف بر محتوی (۵۱/۰±87/۲)، شناخت وجوه مختلف یادگیرنده (۵۳/۰±75/۲)، ارزشیابی استاندارد (۶۰/۰±64/۲) و رعایت قوانین آموزشی (۴۶/۰±29/۲) را کمتر از حد متوسط ارزیابی کردند و تنها بعد تسلط بر روش تدریس (۵۴/0±۰۳/۳) را بالاتر از حد متوسط ارزیابی کردند. همچنین یافته‌های استنباطی این بخش بیانگر آن بود که به جز ابعاد ویژگی‌های شخصیتی (۸۸۳/۰P=) و تسلط بر روش‌های تدریس (۳۳۶/۰P=) در میان سایر ابعاد، اختلاف میانگین نسبت به حد متوسط معنی‌دار بود (۰۰۰۵/۰P=). ملاحظات اخلاقی: شرکت در پژوهش اختیاری بود و درباره اهداف پژوهش و رعایت محرمانگی اطلاعات به شرکت‌کنندگان توضیح داده شد. نتیجه‌گیری: با توجه به یافته‌های به دست‌آمده، این ناهمسویی‌ها ممکن است ناشی از تفاوت در امکانات آموزشی (زمان و فضا و تجهیزات آموزشی) و ماهیت منحصر به ‌فرد بودن برخی رشته‌های تحصیلی بررسی باشد. همچنین جو حاکم بر فضاهای آموزشی با توجه به قوانین و مدیریت محل متفاوت بوده و بها دادن بیشتر به ارزش‌های خاص در هر محل ممکن است تغییراتی ایجاد کند

The biofilm-associated bacterial infections unrelated to indwelling devices

Biofilms are microbial communities established in the self-produced extracellular substances that include up to 80 of associated microbial infections. During biofilm formation, bacterial cells shift from the planktonic forms to aggregated forms surrounded by an extracellular polymeric substance. The bacterial biofilm shows resistance against immune reactions as well as antibiotics and is potentially able to cause disorders by both device-related and nondevice-related infections. The nondevice-related bacterial biofilm infections include dental plaque, urinary tract infections, cystic fibrosis, otitis media, infective endocarditis, tonsillitis, periodontitis, necrotizing fasciitis, osteomyelitis, infectious kidney stones, and chronic inflammatory diseases. In this review, we will summarize and examine the literature about bacterial biofilm infections unrelated to indwelling devices. © 2020 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biolog

Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) fruit extract improves growth performance, disease resistance, and serum immune-and antioxidant-related gene expression of common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

This study evaluated the use of cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) fruit extract on the growth performance, immune responses, and disease resistance in common carp (Cyprinus carpio). A total of 192 fish (initial body weight of 18.34 ± 1.8 g) were randomly distributed in 12 tanks with 16 fish per tank (4 treatments with 3 replications) and fed with diets containing cornelian cherry extract (CCE) at the rate of 0, 0.25, 0.5 and 1%. The final weight of common carp fed CCE at 0.5% was significantly higher than fish fed 0 and 0.25% doses (p < 0.05). In addition, weight gain and specific growth rate were increased, and feed conversion ratio decreased in fish-fed diets containing 0.5 and 1% CCE compared to other groups. The challenge test with A. hydrophila revealed that common carp-fed CCE had a lower mortality rate than the control. The lysozyme activity was markedly higher in common carp fed 0.5% of cornelian cherry extract than in control. The total immunoglobulin and total protein showed higher values in fish fed 0.5 and 1% than the control. The catalase gene showed higher mRNA levels in fish fed 0.5 and 1% than the control. Glutathione reductase gene expression was markedly upregulated in common carp fed 1% of CCE than the control and 0.25% groups. The glutathione S-transferase gene showed higher mRNA levels in fish fed 0.5 and 1% than the control and 0.25% groups. The superoxide dismutase gene expression was markedly higher in common carp fed 0.5% of CCE than in control. The CC-chemokine and interleukin-10 showed higher mRNA levels in fish fed 0.5% than the remaining groups. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha gene expression was markedly upregulated in common carp fed 1% of CCE than the control and 0.25% groups. The heat shock 70 kDa protein and interleukin-1 beta genes showed higher mRNA levels in fish fed 0.25, 0.5, and 1% than the control. In conclusion, the supplementation of CCE at 0.5–1% is recommended to enhance the growth performance and relieve the impacts of A. hydrophila infection in common carp. © 202

Effects of different doses of manganese on lead poisoning in the kidney of adult male mice

Introduction: Lead is one the heavy metals that cause negative effects on the body systems. However, there is little data about the effect of antioxidants on kidney damage induced by the lead. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of different doses of manganese on biochemical and histopathological parameters of kidney in mice. Materials and Methods: In this study, 48 adult Balb/C male mice were randomly divided into six groups. Control group did not receive any injection. Second group received 60 mg/kg lead acetate intraperitoneally. Third to sixth groups were injected 60 mg/kg lead acetate and 2.5-5-10-20 mg/kg manganese intraperitoneally, respectively. After 14 days, slides from kidney of mice prepared and the volume of kidney and volume and number of glomeruli were measured by stereological method. Besides, levels of serum urea and creatine were measured. Results: Evaluation of the kidney tissue in lead poisoning group showed collapse and glomerulosclerosis as well as tubular vacuolization and necrosis. In the 2.5 mg/kg manganese-treated group less tissue damage occurred. A significant increase in volume of kidney was observed in 2.5, 5 mg/kg manganese-treated and lead poisoning groups (P <0.05). The number of glumeruli in 5, 10 and 20 mg treated manganese groups showed significant increase in compare to the lead poisoning group.&nbsp; Urea level in all groups under treatment with manganese (P = 0.000) and creatinine level in 2.5 mg treated manganese group were significant reduced in compare to those in the lead poisoning group (P = 0.01). Conclusion: Treatment with 2.5 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg of manganese after injection of lead acetate for 14 days caused improvement in histopathology and biochemical signs of kidney tissue damage in mice

Effect of a diet enriched with sodium propionate on growth performance, antioxidant property, innate-adaptive immune response, and growth-related genes expression in critically endangered beluga sturgeon (Huso huso)

Organic acids are active substances required for improving the productivity and wellbeing of aquatic animals. Herein, the study investigated the effects of sodium propionate on growth performance, antioxidative and immune responses, and growth-related genes expression in beluga sturgeon (Huso huso). For eight weeks, fish fed sodium propionate at 0, 1.2, 2.5, and 5 g kg−1. The final weight, weight gain, and SGR were substantially increased while FCR decreased by dietary sodium propionate at 2.5 and 5 g kg−1 (P &lt; 0.05). The expression of Growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) was markedly upregulated (P &lt; 0.05) by dietary sodium propionate in the gills and livers of beluga. The highest mRNA level of GH and IGF-1 has been observed in fish fed a 2.5 g sodium propionate/kg diet. The red blood cells count, and hemoglobin level were meaningfully increased (P &lt; 0.05) by 2.5 and 5 g sodium propionate/kg diet compared with 0 and 1.2 g kg−1 levels. Further, the hematocrit level was increased (P &lt; 0.05) by a dietary 5 g sodium propionate/kg diet. The total protein level and lysozyme activity were meaningfully increased (P &lt; 0.05) by 2.5 and 5 g sodium propionate/kg diet compared with 0 and 1.2 g kg−1 levels. The highest superoxide dismutase was observed in fish fed 2.5 g sodium propionate/kg diet. Catalase activity was significantly higher in fish fed 5 g kg−1 than 1.2 g kg−1. The glutathione peroxidase activity was markedly higher in fish fed 2.5, and 5 g kg−1 than fish fed control diet. The lowest malondialdehyde levels were observed in fish fed 1.2, and 2.5 g sodium propionate/kg diets. Moreover, the highest mucosal total protein, total immunoglobulin and lysozyme were recorded in fish fed 2.5, and 5 g sodium propionate/kg diets. The obtained results indicate that dietary sodium propionate is recommended at 2.5–5 g kg−1 to improve beluga sturgeon's growth performance, feed utilization, and wellbeing. © 2022 Elsevier Lt