Isfahan Research Articles

Equilibrium pricing in supply chains with discrete stochastic demands: A case study in coffee supply and distribution industry

ABSTRACT This study addresses the optimization of price and production quantity using game theory in the coffee supply chain in the city of Isfahan. The presented model focuses on the competition among members of the chain in a probabilistic environment and is based on discrete selection models. This model examines the impact of inventory and routing costs on the pricing model at the same time. To effectively solve real-world problems, the method of normal distribution approximation is used instead of the binomial distribution. The results of the model indicate that the computational time of the applied approximate model does not change with increasing the number of customers, and the model can determine the optimal price and production quantity. The advantage of the proposed model over other classic models is that it considers the inventory costs that have not yet been considered in price competition models with discrete selection.

The effect of problem-solving and assertiveness training on self-esteem and mental health of female adolescents: a randomized clinical trial

BackgroundChildren and adolescents are the assets of the society and their mental and physical health ensures the future health of next generations. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of problem-solving and assertiveness skill training on improving self-esteem and mental health in high school female students of Isfahan city in 2019.MethodsThis study was a randomized clinical trial. The target population was 10th grade female high school students in Isfahan city of Iran. 96 students of a female public high school were included in the study, allocated to two groups, 32 for intervention group and 64 for control group. Six 90-min sessions were considered for problem-solving and assertiveness skill training which included lectures, question and answer, movie displaying, brainstorming and role-play. The Coopersmith Self-esteem Inventory Questionnaire (CSEI) and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) were used in order to evaluate the variables of the study before and one month after the intervention.ResultsMean scores of the self-esteem variable changed significantly in the intervention group compared to control group before (25.2 ± 2.905) and after (29.9 ± 4.155) the intervention (p < 0.05). Mean scores of mental health also changed significantly before (27.67 ± 5.42) and after (19.033 ± 4.9) the intervention in comparison with the control group (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe findings of the present study showed that educational intervention based on problem-solving and assertiveness can enhance self-esteem and mental health in students. Future studies are needed to confirm and determine the structure of these associations.Trial Registration IRCT Code: IRCT20171230038142N9. Registration Date: 07/07/2019. Ethics Code: IR.MUI.MED.REC.1398.130.

Changes in ecological and health risk assessment indices of potentially toxic elements associated with ambient air particulate matters (PM2.5) in response to source, land use and temporal variation in Isfahan city, Iran

Fine particles and their associated compounds such as potentially toxic elements (PTEs) are critical pollutants in ambient air of industrialized urban areas that adversely affect human health. The aim of this study was to determine the pollution, ecological and human health risk assessment of potentially toxic elements in PM2.5 using various indices spatiotemporally, in case of Isfahan city, Iran. Besides, the manuscript objective was to identify an overview and a comprehensive perspective of the potentially toxic elements pollution and risk in PM2.5, affected by anthropogenic and natural source and inversion time using various ecological and health risk assessment indices. The concentrations of 17 PTEs associated with PM2.5 from 40 sampling sites in ambient air of Isfahan city, Iran, were measured. Then their ecological risks (including individual and overall indices) and human health risks (carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic) were assessed. The results of the ecological risk analyses revealed traffic (particularly diesel vehicles) and industrial activities (metal smelting plants, brick and cement factories) together with natural sources (dust storms) affected the risk of PTEs. Among the elements, As, Pb, Cr, and Cd showed the highest health risk, respectively, and only As, Pb, and Cd crossed the carcinogenicity threshold in some sites. Cu, As, and Cd showed the level of highest, average, and potential ecological risk, respectively. Although fall was the most critical season in terms of PTEs ecological risk due to temperature inversion, the human health risk was the highest in summer mainly because of PTEs associated with dust storms. This revealed that health and ecological risk indices vary depending on the source of PM2.5, type and concentration of associated PTEs at different times. The risk trend for different sampling sites was urban > industrial > bus terminal showing the necessity of air pollution control in urban areas with a high population density.

Parabens preferentially accumulate in metastatic breast tumors compared to benign breast tumors and the association of breast cancer risk factors with paraben accumulation

Parabens are a category of antimicrobial preservatives that may play a role in the etiology and epidemiology of cancers. Parabens are employed in a wide range of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, personal care products, and processed foods. Parabens are thought to influence the evolution of carcinogenesis in breast cancer by acting as genotoxicants, cell proliferation factors, migratory and metastatic activators, and hyper-accumulate in breast cancer cells. A goal of this study was to characterize the relationship between paraben contamination and the incidence of both malignant and benign breast tumors in patients attending Hojati and Khanavadeh hospitals, in the city of Isfahan, Iran. A second goal was to examine the relationship among methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, and n-butyl paraben concentrations, exposure factors for parabens, and risk factors for breast cancer among patients with cancerous and non-cancerous breast tissues. A reference for mean concentration of total parabens in healthy, non-tumor tissue is 21 ng/g. In this study, benign breast tumors had a mean concentration of 357 ng/g of total parabens. In contrast, malignant breast tissue had a mean concentration of 472 ng/g(mean) total parabens. Malignant tumors had higher n-propyl paraben (β=39.52; p=0.039) and n-butyl paraben (β=43.92; p=0.028) concentrations among the patients with a positive human epidermal growth factor receptor2 (HER2) rather than the patients with a negative HER2. Results indicated that higher age was associated with higher n-butyl paraben concentration (β=1.97; p=0.012) among the patients with malignant tumors. Moreover, the body mass index (BMI) had a positive relationship with ethyl paraben concentration (β=6.37; p= 0.030) among patients with malignant tumors. The questionnaire-survey used in this study was unable to discern why there was higher accumulation of parabens in the tumor-tissue types. Larger population-based longitudinal studies are necessary to confirm this association and to evaluate the association of parabens with clinical indicators of breast cancer and mortality.

Investigating the Effectiveness of Transdiagnostic Treatment on Maladaptive Personality Traits and Mentalized Affectivity of Patients With Generalized Anxiety Disorder Comorbid With Depression: A Case Study

Objective: This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of transdiagnostic treatment on maladaptive personality traits and mentalized affectivity of patients with generalized anxiety disorder comorbid with depression. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study with a single case method. The statistical population included people with generalized anxiety disorder comorbid with depression who were referred to counseling centers in Isfahan City, Iran in 2020. From this population, 5 people were selected via purposive sampling and they were intervened with transdiagnostic treatment through weekly sessions held individually. The subjects were assessed at the baseline, third, fifth, eighth, and tenth sessions, and during a 1-month follow-up period using the short version of the adult version of the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, fifth edition, personality questionnaire, and the mentalized affectivity scale. To report the data, we used visual analysis, reliable change index, improvement percentage, and statistical and clinical significance. Results: The visual analysis, percentage of improvement, and reliable change index (RCI≥1/96), showed that transdiagnostic treatment created statistically significant changes and improvement in mentalized affectivity components, negative affectivity, and detachment; however, it did not have a significant effect on other personality traits (antagonism, disinhibition, and psychoticism). Conclusion: Transdiagnostic treatment is an effective treatment to modulate the mentalized affectivity, negative affectivity, and detachment of people with generalized anxiety disorder comorbid with depression.

Medication Adherence Among Elderly With Hypertension: Johnson Model-based Program

Objectives Hypertension is the most common cause of stroke and kidney failure in the elderly and medication adherence is vital in controlling complications. This study aims to determine the effect of the Johnson model-based program on medication adherence among the elderly with hypertension. Methods &amp; Materials The present study was a clinical trial that was performed on the elderly with hypertension referred to the Shahid Aval comprehensive health service center in Isfahan City, Iran. Through the convenience sampling method, 70 older adults were selected and randomly divided into intervention and control groups. For the intervention group, 6 sessions of a family-based medication adherence program were performed based on the Johnson model. Demographic characteristics questionnaire and sphygmomanometer were used to collect data. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 22 statistical software using independent t test, Chi-square, and repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results No difference was observed between the two groups in terms of the distribution of demographic characteristics. Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure before the intervention in the group were not significantly different, but immediately and three months after the intervention in the intervention group, it was significantly lower than the control group(P&lt;0.05). Conclusion Johnson’s model-based program was effective in lowering hypertension in the elderly. Therefore, the method used in the present study is proposed to older adults and elderly care nurses as a simple, non-invasive, low-cost, and effective method of reducing hypertension.

An Analysis Of Socio-Cultural Factors Affecting Gender Inequality With A Role In Mental Health

Women's needs and expectations in society are changing and evolving now as a result of efforts to reclaim their lost rights and achieve gender justice. In order to understand the cultural-social aspects that contribute to gender disparity, the current research has looked into factors including patriarchal ideology, gender stereotypes, gender socialization, and others. Feminists' conceptions of gender inequality, and Bourdieu's theory have all been used in this study. 385 individuals were chosen as a sample from the married women in Isfahan city who are the statistical population for this study and range in age from 20 to 49. Quota sampling is the technique used in this study. The research's findings show that there is a high level of gender disparity, especially in the economic and cultural spheres, and that there is no correlation between gender stereotypes and inequality, adherence to the patriarchal ideology, or societal norms and inequality. Inequality and gender tolerance exist in the connection.

Comparison of Priority Occupational Performance of Children with Cerebral Palsy from the Perspective of Children, Parents, and Occupational Therapists in Isfahan in 2021

Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a non-progressive complication of the developing brain that leads to movement problems and occupational performance limitations in the activities of daily living of children with CP. Therefore, getting a sense conception of the children, parents, and occupational therapists’ occupational performance priority to providing client-centered services in performing the activities of daily living of children with CP is extremely important. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the priorities of occupational performance from the perspective of children with CP, parents, and occupational therapists and compare their priorities with each other. Methods: This descriptive-analytical comparative study was conducted in Isfahan in 2021. The research population included 115 CP children aged 6 - 12 years, their parents, and occupational therapists in the occupational therapy department of rehabilitation clinics, rehabilitation centers, and occupational therapy department of hospitals in Isfahan city. Occupational performance priorities of children with CP, their parents, and occupational therapists were assessed through the valid and reliable Canadian occupational performance measurement (COPM). Results: In this research, 115 children with CP, their parents, and occupational therapists participated. Comparison of occupational performance priorities of children with CP from the perspective of children, parents, and occupational therapists showed that the most important occupational performance priority of children with CP from the perspective of these three groups is the same and related to self-care activities and includes activities, such as walking, going up and down the stairs, toileting, and going to the bathroom (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: Children with CP, their parents, and occupational therapists reported occupational performance priorities in similar performance dimensions in the age groups of 6 to 12 years for children with CP, which are mainly focused on self-care activities. The attention of occupational therapists to the priorities of children and parents can increase their participation in the rehabilitation process of these children.

An Analysis Of Socio-Cultural Factors Affecting Gender Inequality With A Role In Mental Health

Women's needs and expectations in society are changing and evolving now as a result of efforts to reclaim their lost rights and achieve gender justice. In order to understand the cultural-social aspects that contribute to gender disparity, the current research has looked into factors including patriarchal ideology, gender stereotypes, gender socialization, and others. Feminists' conceptions of gender inequality, and Bourdieu's theory have all been used in this study. 385 individuals were chosen as a sample from the married women in Isfahan city who are the statistical population for this study and range in age from 20 to 49. Quota sampling is the technique used in this study. The research's findings show that there is a high level of gender disparity, especially in the economic and cultural spheres, and that there is no correlation between gender stereotypes and inequality, adherence to the patriarchal ideology, or societal norms and inequality. Inequality and gender tolerance exist in the connection.

Compare the effects of career counseling method based on Holland`s theory, social cognitive career theory, and solution-focused counseling on career well-being of high school students in Isfahan city

Aim: Aim the present stady was aimed at compareing the effects of career counseling methed based on Holland`s theory, social cognitive career theory, and solution-focused counseling on career well-being of high school students in Isfahan city. &#x0D; Methods: The research methodology was, semi- experimental method with pre-test design post- test is and follow-up with the control group. The statistical population of all secondary school students in Isfahan was in the 98-97 academic year. The sampling was done in three steps. using simple random sampling, 10 subjects were selected for each group. Based on this, 3 experimental groups of boys with a control group and 3 experimental groups of girls with a control group were formed.&#x0D; Findings: The results indicated that, there is a significant difference between the experimental and control groups regarding (p&lt;0/001) the career well-being. The difference between the grades of the eight groups indicated that the interventions based on the career counseling based on Holland`s theory, social cognitive, and solution-focused on necessity objective square tests occupational autonomy professional growth positive organizational relationships.&#x0D; Conclusion: The counseling method of social cognitive career and circuit - oriented solution is more effective in counseling with students.&#x0D;

Impact of Short Message System Education on Blood Sugar Control and Treatment Adherence in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

Objectives: Considering the need of diabetic patients for accessing the care system and the role of modern media in health education and culture, we aimed to determine the effectiveness of educating via mobile SMS in controlling blood sugar. Moreover, the adherence to drug treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes was assessed. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in Isfahan City, Iran in 2018. A total of 100 diabetic patients participated in the case (intervention) and control groups. The control group underwent conventional therapies and training. SMS training was applied for the intervention group in addition to the conventional therapies. Collecting the information and data to assess adherence to patients’ treatment was done using a researcher-made 18-item questionnaire. Analyzing data was performed in SPSS software, version 20 through the employment of the independent t test, paired t test, and multivariate analysis of covariance. Results: Based on the independent t test results, no significant difference was detected between the two study groups at any time points (P&gt;0.05) in terms of the mean fasting blood sugar. However, by analysis of covariance and adjusting the fasting blood sugar level before the intervention in the studied groups, the mean fasting blood sugar was recognized to be significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the control group in the second month (P=0.048) and the third month after the intervention (P=0.008). Discussion: There is an association between SMS education and fasting blood sugar control and adherence to treatment in the studied patients. In the field of health care education, it is possible to use patient communication techniques and short message services to control follow-up and monitor interventions.

Analysis of the geometric proportion of courtyards, Facade in historical houses of Isfahan city

Analysis of the geometric proportion of courtyards, Facade in historical houses of Isfahan city

Investigating the Impact of Weather Hazards on the Number of Iranian Tourists in order to Foresight the Tourism of Isfahan City

Investigating the Impact of Weather Hazards on the Number of Iranian Tourists in order to Foresight the Tourism of Isfahan City

Investigation of the Frequency of Accessory Ostium in the Maxillary Sinus in Patients Referred to the Radiology Department of the Faculty of Dentistry, Azad University of Isfahan in 2021-2022

Introduction: Maxillary sinus drains through the primary maxillary ostium into the infundibulum, then flows through the hiatus semilunaris into the middle meatus and communicates with the nasal cavity. The maxillary sinus ostium is located approximately at the most superior part of the medial wall of the sinus. Accessory maxillary ostium (AMO) may play a role in sinusitis, but the effect of heredity or environment on the presence or absence of AMO is unknown.The aim of this study was to assess the primary and accessory maxillary ostium.&#x0D; Methods: In this descriptive-cross-sectional study, 130 Cone Beam Computed Tomography scans (260 sinuses in total) from the maxilla of patients referred to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, School of Dentistry of Isfahan Azad University were examined in Isfahan City, Iran (in the year 2021-2022). Measurements were performed in the coronal section by On Demand 3D software. Statistical analysis was performed by T-Test, Exact fisher, Shapiro-Wilk and Spearman tests through SPSS statistics version 16.&#x0D; Results: The mean diameter of primary maxillary ostium was 1.33 ± 0.45 on the right and 1.33 ± 0.5 on the left, respectively. AMO was observed in 64% of the left sinuses and 38.5% of the right sinuses. Increased sinus mucosal thickness was seen in 26% of the right sinuses and 28% of the left sinuses, and finally Mucous Retention Cyst in 9% of the right sinuses and 8% of left sinuses, respectively.&#x0D; Conclusion: Primary maxillary ostium size was not statistically significant related to the variables of age, sex and the presence of AMO, but on the right side, the average primary maxillary ostium size is less if there is increase in the thickness of the sinus mucosa than when there is no increase in the thickness.

Designing an Event Calendar for Children and Teenagers: A Tool for Educational Tourism

ABSTRACT Design and management of events and festivals will create a new wave in the future of tourism education while they lead tourism transformation and innovation. Children’s festivals and events are tributes to the sound of children’s voices and can be a solution for attracting tourists to a destination, creating joy and happiness in these destinations. The aim of this study is to design an event calendar as an educational tool for kids in the city of Isfahan, Iran. A qualitative method (thematic analysis using MAXQDA) was applied in this research. Analysis of the data indicated 31 subthemes. Further analysis identified that historical-cultural events, environmental and agricultural events, children and health, literary festivals for children, art, sports and entertainment were determined as the main themes which are appropriate for designing the kids’ calendar in Isfahan.

The Effect of Body Relaxation Techniques on Pre-Eclampsia Syndrome.

Hypertension in the second trimester of pregnancy is accompanied by proteinuria that is called Preeclampsia Syndrome (PES). Body relaxation is a technique which makes harmony between mind and body. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Body Relaxation Technique (BRT) on some symptoms of Preeclampsia Syndrome (PES). This clinical trial was conducted on 96 high-risk pregnant women who were selected by random sampling method from among women referring to community health centers of Isfahan city. The samples were divided into intervention and control groups by even and odd numbers. The intervention group members received BRT during 16 sessions. Blood pressure and proteinuria were measured and recorded before and after the intervention in both groups at the beginning and in the 36th week of pregnancy. The collected data were analyzed. According to the Chi-square test, the frequency of PES was 11.10% and 23.50% in the intervention and control groups, respectively (χ2 = 3.95, df = 1, p = 0.046). After the intervention, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the diastolic blood pressure and proteinuria. Systolic blood pressure and stress were also significantly reduced in the intervention group. However, proteinuria was not significantly different between the two groups. Based on the results, the relaxation technique, as an easy technique, is recommended for pregnant women who are susceptible to pregnancy hypertension and preeclampsia. Moreover, as a clinical complementary method, it can be recommended for preventing the symptoms of PES.

Noise pollution prediction and seasonal comparison in urban parks using a coupled GIS- artificial neural network model.

Noise pollution is a challenging environmental issue in densely built urban areas and requires a holistic understanding of its sources and alleviation processes. Taking Isfahan City in Iran as a typical case, this study developed a combined GIS-artificial neural network (ANN) model to predict the spatio-temporal contribution of low-width parks to poise pollution mitigation. The 30-min equivalent sound level was measured at 100 stations in six urban parks (with a total area of 55.84ha) under stable and controlled winter and summer conditions. The noise level predicting variables were hypothesized to be the area of vegetation cover; NDVI-based vegetation density and standard deviation (std); vegetation height; and road coverage measured within 100-, 200-, and 300-m radius buffer rings drown around each noise sampling station. These predictors were introduced to a multi-layer perceptron ANN model to identify and compare the most important noise alleviation variables among the selected predictors. The mean noise levels ranged from 67.23 to 70.57dB. The number of vehicles showed an insignificant temporal difference, indicating that the noise source was relatively constant between the seasons. The ANN model performed satisfactorily in both seasons with SSE values of < 0.03. The Mann-Whitney U test showed a significant difference in the predicted noise levels between summer and winter. This study highlighted the efficiency of the combined GIS-ANN model in predicting distant-dependent urban processes, especially noise pollution whose levels and variability are essential in formulating urban land-use management.

The Existential Issues and Attitude Toward Marriage in Single Youth: A Cross-Sectional Study

Marriage and family formation has become a great challenge and a matter of concern in modern societies; it seems that one of the most important factors that can affect people's decision to get married is their attitude toward marriage. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between existential thinking, meaning of life, existential loneliness, and attitude toward marriage in single youth. A cross-sectional correlational design was conducted in 377 university students (age ranged 18–22 years old) in Isfahan city, Iran. Findings of structural equation modeling showed that there was a negative and significant relationship between existential thinking and existential loneliness and a positive significant relationship between existential thinking and meaning of life. The existential loneliness had a negative effect on positive attitude toward marriage. The findings also revealed that existential thinking affects existential loneliness via influencing on meaning of life as a mediating factor. There was a negative and significant relationship between meaning of life and existential loneliness. Moreover, meaning of life had a positive significant relationship with attitude toward marriage ( p &lt; .01). Regarding, premarital interventions that emphasize on existential issues may probably increase the positive attitude of single youth toward marriage.

Comparison impact functional analysis psychotherapy (FAP) and schema therapy on emotional experience towards spouse, communication patterns and rumination of couples referring to counseling centers in Isfahan city

Aim: The purpose of the present study was to compare functional analysis psychotherapy (FAP) and schema therapy on emotional experience towards spouse, communication patterns and rumination of couples referring to counseling centers in Isfahan city. Method: The research method was semi-experimental and pre-test, post-test, and follow-up with two experimental and control groups. The statistical population includes all couples in the age group of 25 to 45 years old in Isfahan city, who were selected by available sampling method, 30 couples (10 couples in the first test group, 10 couples in the second test group, and 10 couples in the control group) And for the first group, the performance analysis therapy experiment was presented during 12 sessions, and for the second group, the schema therapy experiment was also presented during 8 sessions. Data collection tools included Brashaw's 6-question emotional experience questionnaire (2009), Christensen and Salawi's (1984) 35-question communication patterns questionnaire, Nolen-Hoeksma and Morrow's (2008) 22-question rumination questionnaire. To analyze the data, the statistical method of analysis of variance with repeated measurements was used. Results: The results showed that there is a difference between the effect of the two psychotherapy methods, performance analysis and schema therapy, on the emotional experience towards the spouse (f=0.33 and p=0.71) and couples' communication patterns (f=0.004 and p=0.97) There was no significant difference, but there was a significant difference between the two psychotherapy methods, performance analysis and schema therapy, on rumination (f=4.40 and p=0.03). Conclusion: Therefore, the schema therapy method in the treatment of rumination and reducing marital conflicts has been a more effective method than performance analysis psychotherapy.

Effectiveness of Intervention Based on Academic Buoyancy on Academic Burnout and Academic Engagement of Students with Reading Learning Disorder

The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effectiveness of intervention based on academic buoyancy on academic burnout and academic engagement of students with reading learning disorder. The research method was semi-experimental with a pre-test and post-test design with a control group. The statistical population included all female students with reading learning disabilities in the fifth and sixth grades of elementary school in the academic year of 2022 in the city of Isfahan. The sample of the study was 30 people who were selected by available sampling method and were randomly divided into two experimental (n=15) and control (n=15) groups. The experimental group received 12 70-minute sessions of intervention based on academic buoyancy (Fooladi et al, 2017). The research tools were the reading and under-reading test (Karami Nouri and Moradi, 2014), academic burnout questionnaire (Breso et al, 1977) and academic engagement (Archambault et al., 2009). Multivariate covariance analysis was used to analyze the data. The findings showed that the intervention based on academic vitality has a significant effect on reducing academic burnout (F=32.64) and increasing academic engagement (F=43.53) of students with reading learning disorder (P&lt; 0/001). According to the findings, it is recommended to use the intervention based on academic vitality as a preventive educational program to reduce the educational problems of students with learning disabilities.