Health inequalities and development plans in Iran: An analysis of the past three decades (1984–2010)

Introduction: Reducing inequalities in health care is one of the main challenges in all countries. In Iran as in other oil-exporting upper middle income countries, we expected to witness fewer inequalities especially in the health sector with the increase in governmental revenues. Methods: This study presents an inequalities assessment of health care expenditures in Iran. We used data from the Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) in Iran from 1984–2010. The analysis included 308,735 urban and 342,532 rural households. Results: The results suggest heightened inequality in health care expenditures in Iran over the past three decades, including an increase in the gap between urban and rural areas. Furthermore, inflation has affected the poor more than the rich. The Kakwani progressivity index in all years is positive, averaging 0.436 in rural and 0.470 in urban areas during the time period of analysis. Compared to inequality in income distribution over the last 30 years, health expenditures continuously show more inequality and progressivity over the same period of time. Conclusions: According to the result of our study, during this period Iran introduced four National Development Plans (NDPs); however, the NDPs failed to provide sustainable strategies for reducing inequalities in health care expenditures. Policies that protect vulnerable groups should be prioritized

Electronic, dielectric and optical properties of two dimensional and bulk ice: a multi-scale simulation study

The intercalated water into nanopores exhibits anomalous properties such as ultralow dielectric constant.~Multi-scale modeling and simulations are used to investigate the dielectric properties of various crystalline two-dimensional ices and bulk ices. Although, the structural properties of two-dimensional (2D-) ices have been extensively studied, much less is known about their electronic and optical properties. First, by using density functional theory (DFT) and density functional perturbation theory (DFPT), we calculate the key electronic, optical and dielectric properties of 2D-ices. Performing DFPT calculations, both the ionic and electronic contributions of the dielectric constant are computed. The in-plane electronic dielectric constant is found to be larger than the out-of-plane dielectric constant for all the studied 2D-ices. The in-plane dielectric constant of the electronic response is found to be isotropic for all the studied ices. Secondly, we determined the dipolar dielectric constant of 2D-ices using molecular dynamics simulations (MDS) at finite temperature. The total out-of-plane dielectric constant is found to be larger than 2 for all the studied 2D-ices. Within the framework of the random-phase approximation (RPA), the absorption energy ranges for 2D-ices are found to be in the ultraviolet spectra. For the comparison purposes, we also elucidate the electronic, dielectric and optical properties of four crystalline ices (ice VIII, ice XI, ice Ic and ice Ih) and bulk water

Aflatoxin contamination in wheat flour samples from Golestan province, Northeast of Iran

Background: Due to the high toxicity of aflatoxin and its effects on public health, determination of aflatoxin level in Wheat flour samples in the Golestan province, north of Iran was investigated. To examine the effect of seasonal changes, summer and winter sampling was performed with standard sampling methods. Methods: A total of 200 flour samples were collected from 25 factories. HPLC method with immunoaffinity chromatography was used to measure aflatoxin types (G2, G1, B2 and B1). Statistical analysis was performed by the Pearson correlation test, One-way ANOVA and multivariate regression analysis. Results: Mean total aflatoxin levels of samples were 0.82 and 1.99 ng/g in summer and winter, respectively. Aflatoxin B1 levels were detected in 3.1%, 7.4% over permissible limits by worldwide regulations in samples collected in summer and winter, respectively. Aflatoxins in winter were higher than summer. The highest frequency of aflatoxin contamination in winter was B2 (98%) and in summer G1 (51%). The relationship between humidity and rate of aflatoxin B1 and total aflatoxin was significant in winter. Results of multivariate regression were showed the strongest relationship with humidity and aflatoxin level. Despite the contamination of flour samples, there was no contamination higher than the standard limit of Iran Standard Institute. But it was significantly higher than similar studies from other regions. Conclusions: Therefore, with regard to negative impacts of aflatoxin on health, aflatoxin contamination should be considered in future programs. Decrease of aflatoxin contamination may be made practical through reducing wheat storage duration and controlling humidity

Analyzing the effect of nature on social interaction in urban squares (case examples: squares of Tehran)

One of issues that have been considered in the urban environment is improving the quality of these spaces. Enjoying nature and its elements can play a role in promoting them; this role can be searched in the relationship between man, nature and characterization of natural effects on the built environment and their interactions with each other. Because of the importance of urban environments as one of the most important of this space and their role in the development of society, the focus is on squares and the influence of nature on social interactions and how to respond to some psychological needs of human nature is assessed.In this study, using descriptive-analytical study and library method it was confirmed that vitality and sociability in urban areas, have a significant impact on increasing social interaction and increasing these factors improve urban spaces. By using correlation method and questionnaire and their analysis using SPSS software it was concluded that proper use of designed natural space, has a significant impact on satisfaction, socialization, creating vitality and ultimately increase local identity and social interaction.Keywords: Urban Space, Square, Natural Space, Vitality, Sociability, Social interactio

Targeting of IL-2 to cytotoxic lymphocytes as an improved method of cytokine-driven immunotherapy

The use of high-dose interleukin-2 (IL-2) has fallen out of favor due to severe life-threatening side effects. We have recently described a unique way of directly targeting IL-2 to cytotoxic lymphocytes using a virally encoded immune evasion protein and an IL-2 mutant that avoids off-target side effects such as activation of regulatory T cells and vascular endothelium

A Comparative Study of the Immscible Density Currents Using the SPH And VOF-LES Methods

Source: ICHE Conference Archive - https://mdi-de.baw.de/icheArchiv