Iranian Market Research Articles

Evaluation of the Effect of “Honey Zufa” Herbal Syrup on Cough in Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19: A Double Blind Randomized Clinical Trial

Cough is one of the most prevalent symptoms of COVID-19, affecting over 60% of patients. This symptom significantly diminishes quality of life, causing fatigue, insomnia, dysphonia, musculoskeletal pain, and urinary incontinence. Honey Zufa herbal syrup is a well-known antitussive remedy in the Iranian market and was evaluated for its potential to alleviate this symptom. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of Honey Zufa herbal syrup in treating acute cough resulting from mild to moderate COVID-19. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 200 patients assigned to either the treatment group, receiving Honey Zufa herbal syrup, or the placebo group, receiving a placebo. Both groups also received standard cough control medications. Cough severity was measured using three different scoring systems. The impact of Honey Zufa on cough severity, the influence of other medications, and changes in laboratory parameters were monitored over a 14-day period. Honey Zufa herbal syrup significantly reduced cough severity compared to the placebo across all scoring systems. The treatment group experienced a greater reduction in cough severity than the placebo group. However, there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of antitussive medication regimens. Laboratory parameters remained stable, and no significant side effects were observed. Honey Zufa herbal syrup effectively reduces cough severity in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19, suggesting it could serve as a useful complementary and alternative treatment option for COVID-19-induced cough.

The concentration and prevalence of aflatoxins and ochratoxin A in imported rice (Oryza sativa) samples from Iranian market: a probabilistic dietary risk assessment

ABSTRACT This investigation aimed to measure the concentrations of total aflatoxin (AFT), aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), and ochratoxin A (OTA) in imported rice samples to Iran and conduct a probabilistic health risk assessment for consumers. Three thousand seven hundred fifty-one imported rice samples were randomly collected from March 2022 to April 2024. The AFT, AFB1, and OTA concentrations were analysed using high-performance liquid chromatography with a flame ionisation detector (HPLC-FID) and an ultraviolet detector (HPLC-UV). The ranking of mycotoxins based on mean concentration in rice was as follows: AFT (3.996 ± 6.925 µg/kg) > AFB1 (2.648 ± 5.746 µg/kg) > OTA (0.088 ± 0.847 µg/kg). The prevalence of these mycotoxins was found to be AFT present in 897 out of 3,710 samples (24.18%), AFB1 in 657 samples (17.52%), and OTA in 40 samples (1.07%). Significant correlations were observed between AFT and AFB1 (C: 0.96, p-value < 0.001), AFT and OTA (C: 0.28, p-value < 0.001), and AFB1 and OTA (C: 0.15, p-value < 0.001). The 95th percentile of the Margin of Exposure (MOE) for AFB1 in adult and child consumers was 0.930 and 0.270, respectively, while the Hazard Quotient (HQ) for OTA in adults and children was 0.030 and 0.100, respectively. The estimated cancer risk percentages for AFB1 in rice were 22.220 for adults and 43.500 for children. Overall, consuming imported rice containing AFT, AFB1, and OTA does not pose a significant non-carcinogenic risk to consumers’ health. However, the carcinogenic risk in Iran is higher than in other countries. Therefore, it is recommended that more effective and continuous monitoring programmes be implemented to ensure the quality of imported rice.

Microplastics contamination in popular soft drinks and non-alcoholic beverages marketed in Iran: Quantity and characteristics

Given the increasing reliance on plastic packaging in the beverage industry, this study investigates the presence of microplastics (MPs) in the most popular beverage brands in the Iranian market. A total of 19 bottled beverage brands, including soft drinks and non-alcoholic beverages, were randomly collected and filtered. Quantitative analysis of the MPs was then performed using stereomicroscopy and fluorescence techniques, and classification was based on color, shape, and size. In addition, the polymer type was determined using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and the surface morphology and elemental composition of the MPs were examined using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The results showed that approximately 80–90 % of the samples were contaminated with different MP types, with an average of 4.5 ± 4.8 particles/L detected by stereomicroscopy and 21.90 ± 25.72 particles/L by fluorescence microscopy. FT-IR analysis identified polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene (PE) as the predominant polymer types and may clarify the possible role of packaging materials in the contamination of MPs. Fragments accounted for the highest proportion of MPs (71 %), followed by fibers (29 %). The size distribution of MPs was dominated by particles in the range of 1–500 μm (48 %), followed by 500–1000 μm (40 %) and 1000–1500 μm (12 %). MPs were black (84 %), with smaller proportions of red (7 %) and green (1 %), which may reflect the source of the contamination. The findings emphasize the necessity of increased monitoring and the application of countermeasures to lessen MPs contamination in the beverage sector.

Health Risk Assessment of Exposure to Heavy Metals in Wheat Flour from Iran Markets: Application of Monte Carlo Simulation Approach.

The significance of flour in the Iranian diet underscores the need to ensure its safety from chemical pollutants. This study aimed to evaluate the potential health risks posed by certain heavy metals, such as Fe, Zn, Cu, Al, Co, Hg, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Cd, in wheat flour available in the Iranian market. A total of 248 flour samples were collected from 11 provinces in Iran during the winter of 2021. The health risks associated with heavy metals in children and adults were evaluated using USEPA health risk assessment guidance for superfund part A and Monte Carlo Simulation. The average concentration of Fe, Zn, Cu, Al, Co, Hg, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Cd, was equal to 30.62 ± 59.24, 4.94 ± 13.64, 1.24 ± 3.08, 2.85 ± 4.98, 0.03 ± 0.01, 0.12 ± 0.03, 1.42 ± 1, 0.23 ± 0.05, 1.71 ± 0.65, and 0.02 ± 0.004mg/kg dry weight, respectively. Analysis of Fe, Cr, Al, Hg and Cr in all flour samples showed that the average concentration of these metals were greater than the standards levels set by the WHO/FAO. The results of the non-carcinogenic risks (HI) showed that the hazard index values (children: 0.969 ± 1.04, adult: 0.837 ± 0.905) of heavy metals through the consumption of flour to both study population were acceptable. The results of the carcinogenic risks (CR) based on Cd, and Pb concentration showed that the CR values from ingestion of flour to the children and adults population were 1.45 × 10-5 ± 5.08 × 10-5 and 1.26 × 10-5 ± 4.40 × 10-5, respectively. The results of Monte Carlo simulation showed that conventional deterministic health risk evaluation could overestimate risk outcomes. Likewise, Cr has 68.8% and 69.1% probability of non-carcinogenic risk to children and adult, respectively, and 80% and 79.8% probability of CR for adults and children respectively for Pb, suggesting that Cr and Pb is a priority control heavy metals. Therefore, it is recommended to continuously monitor the levels of heavy metals in wheat and its derived food products to ensure food safety.

Investigating the price volatility spillover effects in the poultry industry inputs market and the egg market in Iran: using the multivariate DCC-GARCH model

BackgroundThis paper investigates the effects of price volatility spillover in the poultry industry’s input markets, including soybean meal, day-old chicks and corn, and the foreign exchange market as an independent market, on the wholesale egg market in Iran. The experimental investigation is based on dynamic conditional correlation (GARCH-DCC). It is one of the most powerful and accepted methods for studying market volatility, whose representation is based on conditional variance. On the other hand, eggs are one of the main food items in the food basket of Iranian households, playing an important role in ensuring part of the food security of the country. However, the price volatilities of its inputs, which make up more than 70% of egg production costs, cause the instability of its price and the confusion of the producers of this sector. This is although in the relevant literature, there is little research on the issue of volatility spillover effects on agricultural product markets, especially in the country.ResultsThe findings show that any shock in the input market leads to volatility and instability in the market; on the other hand, these volatilities maintain their stability. In addition, there is a spillover of exchange market volatility into corn and soybean meal input markets.ConclusionsIn that context, this article emphasizes the knowledge of market relationships and their consequences, thereby suggesting appropriate policies to control and support the domestic poultry industry.

Volatile N-nitrosamines in processed meat products: An approach for monitoring dietary exposure, assessing human risk, and evaluating variable correlations by principal component analysis and heat map

Several epidemiological studies have reported a positive association between the consumption of processed meats containing N-nitrosamines (NAs) and the incidence of hepatocellular and colon cancer. The health risk assessment in this investigation was based on the concentration of six volatile N-nitrosamines (VNAs) (N-nitrosodimethylamine, N-nitrosodiethylamine, N-nitrosomethylethylamine, N-nitrosopiperidine, N-nitrosodibutylamine, and N-nitrosodi-n-propylamine) found in processed meat products (sausage and kielbasa) in the Iranian market. Direct supported liquid membrane two-phase hollow fiber electromembrane extraction coupled to gas chromatography/mass spectrometry was used to analyse six VNAs. The mean concentration of the six VNAs in sausages and kielbasa was 38.677 ± 27.56 and 48.383 ± 35.76 μg/kg, respectively. The 95th percentile for the chronic daily intake of total VNAs for children (3–14 years) and adults (15–70 years) were calculated to be 5.06 × 10−4 and 1.09 × 10−4 mg/kg bw/day, respectively. The cancer risk assessment showed that the risk associated with NDEA was the highest among the other VNAs studied in Iranian processed meat, with a 95th percentile for the child and adult groups. Based on an incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) value of ≤10−4 for the carcinogenic effects of exposure to a total of six VNAs, it indicates low concern for all age groups.

The impact of modernization on mating strategies in Iran: A comparison across cities versus small towns

The mating market in Iran has shown an increased rate of relationship formation. In such relationships, the most important pillar is physical attractiveness. We adopt an evolutionary perspective to understand this trend. Through comparing districts with different levels of modernization, this study explores the effects of modernization on mate preferences in Iran. We propose that rapid modernization reduces the preference for long-term relationships and has led to a rise in short-term mating strategies. We predict that the rise of short-term mating strategies will be reflected in higher frequencies of relationships and prioritizing physical attraction in mate-seeking in modern versus non-modern areas. We collected data across states and interviewed 504 participants from 3 big cities (i.e., highly modernized) and 14 small towns and villages (i.e., less modernized). We found evidence of mating patterns in Iran that aligns with our predictions. We provide some plausible theoretical explanations and discuss the implications of these findings.

Challenges in Containment: Assessing the Ineffectiveness of US Sanctions on Iran’s Regional Ambitions

The objective of this article is to delve into the topic of sanctions in international relations, with a primary focus on the case of Iran, from a theoretical standpoint. The aim is to showcase that sanctions did not diminish Iran’s regional importance but rather fostered increased cooperation between Iran and Russia. This article critically examines the efficacy of sanctions as a tool in US foreign policy, shedding light on the significant costs incurred due to the exclusion of Western businesses from the sanctioned Iranian market. By doing so, the article challenges the conventional wisdom surrounding sanctions and offers a nuanced perspective on their impact in the realm of international diplomacy.

Identify Appropriate Variables Through Scenario Planning Perspective for Creative Tourism in Iran

Identify Appropriate Variables Through Scenario Planning Perspective For Creative Tourism In Iran. This study explores the major factors affecting the creative tourism market in Iran and their potential to drive national and regional development in the long run. The study employs the MicMac and Scenario Wizard software to identify the variables and their relationships and influence on each other. The study finds that communication infrastructure is a general factor that affects all guest communities, while others are specific to capital attraction from Middle Eastern countries. These include improving political relations with these countries and digital advertising and marketing of Iran’s development. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a new teaching methodology on student performance in mathematics. The methodology involved a combination of interactive lectures, group discussions, and hands-on activities. A quasi-experimental design was used, with one group of students receiving the new methodology and a control group receiving traditional teaching methods. The study was conducted over the course of one semester with pre- and post-tests administered to both groups. The results showed a significant improvement in the performance of the experimental group compared to the control group. The experimental group had a mean post-test score of 87.5, compared to the control group’s mean score of 76.2. The influence graph shows the relationships between the variables and how they influence one another, and the spatial structure of the direct driving forces of creative tourism development in Iran is indicated at a rate of 25%. This research offers insights and recommendations for policymakers, tourism practitioners, and scholars interested in the development of creative tourism in Iran. These findings suggest that the new teaching methodology can be an effective way to improve student performance in mathematics. Further research could explore the impact of this methodology on other subjects and in different settings. Keywords: Foresight, Tourism planning, Creative tourism, MicMac, Scenario Wizard.

A comparative LCA of external wall assemblies in context of Iranian market: considering embodied and operational energy through BIM application.

Building envelopes have a critical role in the sustainability of the construction sector. The goals of the current research are assessing the environmental impacts of typical exterior wall assemblies and presenting the best Iranian market option through taking account of both embodied and operational energy. Autodesk Green Building Studio (GBS) is used to determine the operating loads of each wall. Simapro, a life cycle assessment software, is applied for managing data on environmental impacts. The derived results demonstrate that human health is the most severe damage category for all the analyzed walls. Also, the end-of-life stage's environmental impact is insignificant compared to the production and use stages. Reducing carbon emissions has the highest priority, such that replacing 1 m2 of masonry brick wall (the worst option) with prefabricated extruded polystyrene (XPS) drywall (the best option) can result in saving 1257.85 kgCO2eq. The operational phase of the studied walls has a wide range of environmental impacts. Prefabricated Knauf drywall as well as prefabricated XPS drywall consumes less energy for the operating phase mainly due to providing sufficient quantity of isolations that leads to the better total environmental performance. In conclusion, it should be noted that the thermal performance of building materials should be given more attention.

Persian game localization scene in Iran: taking stock

ABSTRACT The present study focuses on providing a descriptive account of the Persian game localization scene by offering a diachronic and synchronic account of the video games localized in the Iranian market. This is done through compiling a list of the officially and unofficially localized video games into Persian between 2000 and 2022. The localized video games are analyzed in terms of localization company, publication date, genre, platform, and localization levels. The findings suggest that official Persian game localization has been in place since the early-2000s, whereas the unofficial localization of video games is a rather incipient phenomenon in Iran, starting in the mid-2010s. Furthermore, partial localization, focused on the dubbing of games’ audio assets, used to be the most frequent localization level aimed at by official Iranian localization companies, while official game localization is currently carried out at the level of box and docs localization. Additionally, partial localization is the preferred localization level by unofficial Iranian game localization teams, with subtitles and user interface of video games being localized into Persian. The findings have implications for international game development and localization companies considering Iran, and similarly oft-ignored locales, as a potential target market.

Finding the Best Station to Use Buildings Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPVs) in Eight Different Climates of Iran: Effect of Wind Speed and Photovoltaic Modules Type

Buildings consume a significant amount of energy worldwide. Therefore, providing a part of this energy consumption with renewable energy, and reducing energy consumption, can lead to reducing pollutants. Due to the importance of the abovementioned points, this work aims to supply part of the required electricity in the buildings by using solar cells in eight climates of Iran. According to the available photovoltaic modules in the Iranian market, the study has been performed for six different types of solar cells. Considering the effect of temperature and wind speed on the efficiency of solar cells has made the results of the present work more consistent with reality. The simulations are performed for 25 years of the project’s useful life using HOMER V2.81 software, and the studied system is connected to the grid. The conclusions displayed that the Passive Emitter Rear Cell Silicon (perc-si) has the highest efficiency (21.22%–22.8%). Marand station is economically suitable (total net present cost (NPC) of 3180$ for a polycrystalline panel), and Gonbad station is appropriate because of high solar energy production (9183 kWh/year) and low environmental pollution (12602.9 kg/year). Due to the diversity and breadth of Iran’s climates, the results of the present study can be used for other areas with similar climates.

Radon measurement and age-independent effective dose attributed to ingestion of bottled water in Iran: sensitivity analysis

A comprehensive study was made to measure the radon concentration in bottled water available in Iran market. The 222Rn concentration in 70 bottled water samples were measured by the sniffing mode technique and RTM 1688-2 (SARAD, Germany) in immediate sampling time and 3 months later for determination of radon decay. The measured radon concentration ranged from 0.003 to 0.618 Bq L−1 in bottled water samples, which were much lower than the recommended value for radon in drinking water by WHO (100 Bq L−1) and United states environmental protection agency (USEPA) (11.1 Bq L−1). The annual effective dose of 222Rn due to ingestion bottled water was also evaluated in this research. The mean annual effective dose due to ingestion of radon in bottled water for adults, children, and infants were estimated to vary from 5.30 × 10−4 mSv−1, 4.90 × 10−4 mSv−1, and 2.15 × 10−4 mSv−1, respectively. Overall, this study indicated that the Iranian people receive no significant radiological risk due to exposure to radon concentration in bottled water brands common consumed in Iranian market.

The reasons for the gap between academic education and the required skills of the labor market in Iran

PurposeThe present study aims to investigate the reasons for the gap between academic education and the required skills of the labor market in Iran.Design/methodology/approachFor this purpose, the authors adopted a thematic analysis method. The participants in the study were connoisseurs from universities and research institutes in Iran, who were selected with purposeful sampling methods of snowball type. To collect the data, the authors used a semi-structured interview and performed a thematic analysis for data analysis.FindingsThe findings showed that the views and perceptions of the connoisseurs participating in the study about the reasons for the gap between academic education and the skills required in the labor market in Iran can be classified into four main themes including lack of attention to labor market needs in the academic curricula, lack of attention to practical and entrepreneurial skills in the academic curricula, the weak link between universities and industry and society, and shortage of academic resources and equipment in some academic disciplines.Originality/valueThe present study had three implications. First, the human capital theory, the social closure theory, the positional conflict theory and the labor market segmentation theory are more compatible with the labor market of Iranian graduates, compared to other theories of the labor market. Second, the lack of coordination between academic education and the required skills in the labor market has weakened the Iranian economy. Third, the absence of practical and entrepreneurial skills in academic graduates has led to increased unemployment in Iranian society.

Incidence and exposure to microplastics in table salt present in the Iran market

Plastics and microplastics (MPs) are toxic, pervasive and threatening the biotic and abiotic components of the earth, and they threaten food safety and food security by moving in the food chain. In this study, the amounts and characteristics of 40 table salt samples with different brands, including sea salt (No = 13), rock (No = 13), bulk (No = 8) and non-standard (No = 6), were investigated with a combination of sieving, filtration, observation and FTIR, Micro-Raman and SEM techniques. The results showed that all the salts were contaminated with MPs. In general, the abundance range of detected particles was 700–5470 MPs/kg. The abundance of MPs was higher in counterfeit and non-standard salts (1825 ± 1808 MPs/kg). Investigating the relationship between the effect of the purification process (Kruskal-Wallis Test, P = 0.841), the type of packaging (Kruskal-Wallis Test, P = 0.609), and the type of salt (Kruskal-Wallis Test, P = 0.942), on the abundance of MPs using a comparison test Kruskal-Wallis was not significant. However, the numerical difference was recognizable. The most identified polymer in the salts was cellulose acetate, which probably causes by unmanaged plastic litter in the environment (especially cigarette butts). The dominant form of particles was fragment-shaped, which is the most abundant form of identified MPs in the environment. Both environmental pollution and secondary pollution (during production and packaging), respectively, contribute to the contamination of salts with MPs. The estimated human dietary intake (EDI) and the amount of estimated annual intake (EAI) for different ages in Iran were obtained EDI = 5–59 MPs/capita/day and EAI = 1967–21563 MPs/capita/year. The surface morphology of the particles showed that the MPs were affected by continuous weathering, mechanical fracture and oxidation. MPs are a threat to human health due to the absorption and transmission of dangerous pollutants and their inherent toxicity. Therefore, a solution must be thought of to prevent the contamination of the food chain through salts by MPs, (with protective measures at the salt source, and by improving its production processes.

Probabilistic risk assessment of exposure to multiple mycotoxins in consumers of packaged and unpackaged spices in Iran

The current study assessed the risk posed to Iranian consumers by oral exposure to a mixture of ten mycotoxins in 138 packaged and unpackaged spices collected from the Iran market. Concentrations of mycotoxins in samples were quantified by liquid chromatography, tandem mass spectrometry with triple quadrupole, and ion trap. Probabilistic health risks of oral exposure to these mycotoxins for Iranians were assessed under percent tolerable daily intake (TDI) and cancer risk scenarios. Mean concentrations of mycotoxins in both packaged and unpackaged spice samples showed statistically significant variation among different spice samples. Based on a Monte Carlo simulation model, at the 50th, 80th, and 95th centiles, oral consumption of the analyzed samples poses no carcinogenic risk for exposure to aflatoxin. Moreover, in both packaged and unpackaged samples, while the percent TDIs for ochratoxin A, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, patulin, fumonisin B1, and fumonisin B2 were below 1.0 at the 50th, 80th, and 95th centiles, the value was above 1.0 for aflatoxin B1, aflatoxin B2, aflatoxin G1, and aflatoxin G2 at each of these centiles.

How does external reference pricing work in developing countries: evidence from Iran.

Introduction: Governments apply different pricing policies to ensure public accessibility, availability, and affordability of medicines. In this way, external reference pricing (ERP) because of its easy implementation is used widely across countries. However, ERP is completely path dependent, and it would both bring pros and cons, related to its implementing strategy which makes understanding of its impact in different countries challenging. In this study, we examine the performance of the ERP approach in Iran as a pricing tool. Method: We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study. Although Iran officially uses a reference country basket for ERP, in this study, we use different reference countries based on socioeconomic comparability, access to their price data, medicine pricing approaches, and pharmaceutical expenditure to examine the effect of reference countries as well as the method performance. Then, an empirical study was applied to a list of selected samples of medicines in the Iranian market to compare their price with our new reference countries. Then, we discuss the performance of ERP process based on the real prices in the Iranian pharmaceutical market. Result: The prices of 57 medicines, which contain about 69.2% of the imported Iran pharma market in value, were compared with their prices in selected reference countries. It was found that 49.1% of prices were more expensive in at least one of the reference countries, and in 21% of products, the average price in Iran was higher than the average price in reference countries. Conclusion: Achieving efficient and fair pricing of pharmaceuticals between and within countries is still a complex conceptual and policy problem that ERP in short term can handle. ERP cannot be considered a perfect tool for pricing alone, although its effectiveness is acceptable. It is expected that using other pricing methods alongside the ERP will improve patients' access to medicines. In Iran, we use value base pricing as the main pricing method for every new molecule. Then, we use other methods such as ERP as a complementary method.

Determination of 3 monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) and 1,3-Dichloropropan-2-ol (1,3-DCP) levels in edible vegetable oils: A health risk assessment for Iranian consumers

As food toxicants, 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) and 1,3-Dichloropropan-2-ol (1,3-DCP) are potentially carcinogenic and/or genotoxic chemicals formed during high-temperature refining of vegetable oils. We examined 45 edible vegetable oil samples (i.e. sunflower, rapeseed, corn, olive, and sesame oils) randomly collected from Iran market (3 batches × 3 brands × 5 types of vegetable oils = 45 samples) for the presence of 3-MCPD and 1,3-DCP by chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Our results showed statistically significant associations between the mean concentration of 3-MCPD and 1,3-DCP and the type of vegetable oils, while no significant differences in either chloropropanol mean level among the brands were found. Sesame and corn oils had respectively the highest and lowest mean concentration of 3-MCPD and 1,3-DCP. Based on the probabilistic scenario, Hazard Index (HI) values calculated for 3-MCPD and 1,3-DCP levels indicated no major risk (HI < 1.0) to Iranian consumers. Nonetheless, to protect the consumers, understanding the dynamics of processes that contribute to contaminants' formation, providing online real-time methods for monitoring reactions that lead to their production, developing new technologies to mitigate the occurrence of such chemicals while maintaining food safety and sensory properties, seem necessary.

Evaluation of the Effects of Different Crosslinking Technologies on Hyaluronic Acid Behavior-study of Five Hyaluronic Acid Gels Available in Iran Market

Background The rheologic, mechanical, and pharmacological characteristics of hyaluronic acid (HA) gels vary in terms of their specific crosslinking technologies. Objective To evaluate the various characteristics of selected HA gels available in Iran, using simple, inexpensive, and reproducible experimental tests are necessary to better understand their appropriateness for specific indications. Methods The HA gels produced by various crosslinking technologies were evaluated by three experiments, including cohesivity, resistance to stretch, and microscopic examination. The gels subjected to these experiments in this study included Neuramis, Desirial, Belotero, Restylane, and Juvéderm. Results We found that cohesivity was different among the gels so that Desirial was the least cohesive and Belotero was the most cohesive gel. Other HA gels were observed as partially cohesive. The resistance to stretch test confirmed the cohesivity results and Belotero had the most significant resistance. Microscopic examination of the HA gels showed HA particles of varying distribution and size. Belotero and Desirial were the gels with no particles visible under the microscope. Conclusion Simple and inexpensive laboratory tests help to understand the way that they can affect the specific gel performance, and may be beneficial for physicians to decide on the best product for a particular therapeutic indication.

FROM MODEL TO MUDDLE: IRAN’S CAR INDUSTRY AND ITS CHINESE TECHNOLOGICAL KNIGHT

ABSTRACT Following the signing of the JCPOA nuclear deal between Iran and the 5+1 countries in June 2015 and the subsequent lifting of international sanctions, many observers predicted that Chinese carmakers would be squeezed out of the Iranian market by European and South Korean manufacturers. In 2018 however, after the Trump administration withdrew the United States from the agreement and reinstated sanctions, the situation moved in favour of the Chinese car industry. China has now become the biggest overseas player in Iran's automobile market. This article argues that the abandonment of the JCPOA by Washington led to the ‘China-ization’ of the car industry in Iran and shows how Iranian carmakers played an instrumental role in this process.