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Narcissistic managers with characteristics such as desire for fame and power seeking to protect their interests have the necessary motivation to be effective on the relationship between discretionary accruals and credit rating and, as a result, change the credit rating of companies to their desired rating. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the relationship between discretionary accruals and credit rating by considering the moderating effect of managers' narcissism. The statistical sample of the current research includes 113 companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange and 17 companies listed on the Iranian Foreign Exchange in the period of 2011-2021. The data of this research was collected by referring to the Kodal website, the website of the Iranian Statistics Center and Rahvard Novin software. Hypotheses were tested through multivariate regression models and generalized least squares approach using EViews 12 software. The results of the statistical test of research hypotheses confirm that discretionary accruals have a positive and significant effect on the credit rating of economic units. That is, with the increase of discretionary accrual items, the credit rating of economic units increases. Also, the findings of the research indicate that there is a moderating effect of managers' narcissism with three indicators of the size of managers' signatures, managers' cash bonus and managers' photo in the relationship between discretionary accruals and the credit rating of economic units. In other words, managers' narcissism based on the indicators of the size of managers' signatures, managers' cash bonus and managers' photos strengthens the positive relationship between discretionary accruals and credit rating. Based on these results, credit rating agencies are suggested to pay more attention to the narcissistic factors of managers and discretionary accruals in the credit rating process of economic units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumers have become much more sensitive to the opinions of others than in the past. Criticism and praise of products based on previous experience are essential for consumers to make decisions. With the increasing spread of the Internet, social media, and mobile phones, traditional word of mouth has been replaced by electronic word of mouth. Information quality and source credibility play a key role among them. The present study has examined the relationship between information quality and source credibility on the information adoption by the customer through the information usefulness in the framework of the information adoption model. In order to achieve the objectives of the research, a sample of 274 questionnaires of consumers who had at least one online shopping experience was examined. Excel, SPSS, and smart-pls software were used for statistical analysis and hypothesis testing. Five hypotheses have been tested based on the theoretical model derived from the research literature. The results show that the higher the information quality (more vital), the higher the level of information usefulness, and the higher the perceived source credibility, the higher the degree of usefulness of the information. In addition, the information the consumer perceives as applicable significantly positively affects information adoption. On the other hand, the moderating variable of the nature of the website did not affect the relationship between information quality, source credibility, and information adoption. The findings of this study can be influential in the development of relevant research and consumer behavior in online communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to design an e-learning culture model for the adoption of information technology and Social Customer Relationship Management (SCRM) deployment. In this research, mixed research method was used. For this purpose, using semi-structured interview and thematic analysis method, qualitative analysis and after obtaining the main indices of each of the relevant components, based on soft data obtained from experts in this field were analyzed. Findings of the research indicate seven main themes including structural factors, behavioral factors, environmental factors, processes, output, effect and outcome. In the quantitative part of the research, using Cochran formula, out of 922 people, as statistical population of the shargh Cement staff, 271 persons selected by simple random sampling as the sample size. The questionnaire from the qualitative categories was quantified using the Likert scale and analyzed using LISREL software. Collected data was first analyzed by exploratory agent. Then, in the next step, using confirmatory factor analysis, the validity of the research structures was tested and the statistical relationship between the variables and its indicators were confirmed with an average response between 2.19 and 4.35. These numbers indicate that the responses are in the right range and that there is a relationship between the main factors and its sub-components. To test the statistical hypotheses, Student t-test was used to infer the confirmation or rejection of the statistical hypotheses of the research. As a result, the three main dimensions of processes, factors and outcomes and components related to the model were confirmed at a 95% confidence level. According to the final research model, it can be concluded that the proposed model has causal relationships between the dimensions of the model in standard and significant conditions and the obtained results can be cited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) is an important infection with a high incidence rate. The spatiotemporal dynamics of this disease is mainly determined by three main components of parasite, reservoir and vector. Climatic factors can significantly affect its incidence through their impact on these components. Materials and Methods: The present study aimed to assess the effects of climatic changes on the incidence rate of CL in Mashad, Iran. To this end, first different phases of drought were identified through Standard Precipitation Index (SPI). Then the relationship between the incidence of CL and these phases was analyzed with non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn-Bonferroni test at a significance level of 95%. Results: The results of the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test on the incidence of CL in the three phases of drought showed a significant relationship between them. Dunn-Bonferroni test showed that the incidence of CL was significantly higher during the years with severe drought as compared to years with normal rainfall. The significant increase in the mean incidence of CL during severe drought can be attributed to limited food sources available to the vectors, which are mostly rodents. Conclusion: Scarcity of food sources during drought makes rodents, as the main vector of the disease, to seek food and be more exposed to sandflies. That is how the incidence of CL increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vendor managed inventory (VMI) is a program that has been recognized as one of the most successful practices that enhances supply chain improvement, integration and simplification. Effect of the time value of money on analytical VMI models has not been investigated in any previous studies. So in this paper, two echelon single-manufacture multi-retailer supply chain models under VMI program with and without considering the time value of money were extended. Using statistical hypothesis testing was inferred that the error due to ignoring the time value of money in this problem is significant. This demonstrates the importance of the time value of money in the determination of replenishment optimal policy under VMI system.

Background and Objective: The etiology of childhood leukemia as the most common childhood malignancy remains largely unknown. This study was done to ascess the risk factors in childhood lymphoblastic leukemia in Shiraz-Iran. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was done on 141 children younger than 18 years suffering from acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) whome resided at Fars Province of Iran during 2009. Patients were individually matched with 141 controls in respect to age, sex and residential area. Variables included: maternal age, parental education, father occupation, child birth weight and birth order, number of siblings, history of pet ownership including cat or dog, history of child day care attendance, history of leukemia in relatives, and history of mother diagnostic radiography during pregnancy. In order to evaluate the relationships between each variable and the risk of leukemia, odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated using conditional logistic regression. Data were analyzed using SPSS-16 and Chi-Square test. Results: The agricultural occupation fathers in case and control were 17% and 5.7%, respectivley (P<0.01). The association between risk of childhood lymphoblastic leukemia with birth order⩾3 (OR=5.939, 95% CI: 2.646-13.331, P<0.01), pet ownership (dog or cat) (OR=2.582, 95% CI: 1.265-5.269, P<0.009) and history of leukemia in first and second degree relatives (OR=3.5, 95% CI: 1.252-10.633, P<0.027) was significant. No relationship was found between birth weight, day care attendance, history of miscarriage, number of siblings and history of mother diagnostic radiology tests with risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Conclusion: This study showed that father occupation, birth order, pet and history of leukemia in relation are risk factors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Although multiple sclerosis is a disease affecting white matter of brain and spinal cord, but involvement of basal ganglions in some studies demonstrated a decrease in T2 sequence signals. This study was done to assess signal intensity of basal ganglions in T2 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in multiple sclerosis Materials and Methods: This case - control study was done on 30 multiple sclerosis patients and 30 controls in Imam Reza hospital, Kermanshah, Iran, during 2010. MRI images of multiple sclerosis of patients and control group were matched according to age and sex. The basal ganglia signals were identified based on involvement areas, number of plaques, and brain atrophy in T2 and flair sequences. Data were analyzed using SPSS-16, Chi-Square, Fisher exact test and independent t-tests. Results: Among the case group, 10 patients (33.3%) demonstrated low signals in right thalamus and 14 patients (46.7%) in left thalamus, which was statistically significant compared with control group (P<0.001). The presence of plaques in right and left globus pallidus was observed in 4 (13.3%) and 7 patients (23.3%) respectively. The presence of plaques in right and left thalamus was observed in 10 patients (33.3%) and 14 patients (46.7%) respectively, which was significant compared with control group (P<0.001). The presence of brain atrophy was observed in 18 patients (60%) in case groups and in one patient (3.3%) in control group (P<0.001). Conclusion: This study indicated that reduction of T2 signals in thalamus is a valuable finding in multiple sclerosis patients and it may facilitate the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is one of the zoonosis disease which is transmitted by sand fly and has been considered as one of the most important health problems in Iran. This study was designed to assess the status of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Gonbad Kavoos, North of Iran. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical retrospective study was performed on the two groups consist of: 1799 patients (995 men and 804 women) referred to health centers of Gonbad Kavoos in Golestan Province North of Iran during 2009-11. Also 278 men and 271 women were selected randomly in one of the villages for the assessment of acute and scar wounds. Patient's characteristics such as age, sex, habitat, number and sites of ulcer(s), month and years of incidence were registered. Data were analyzed using SPSS-13 and Chi-Square test. Results: From 1799 under care patients, 995 cases (55.3%) were males and 804 cases (44.7%) were females (P<0.05). 1542 patients (85.7%) resided in rural areas, while 257 (14.3%) lived in urban areas (P<0.05). The most frequent age group was 0-9 years old (43.3%) (P<0.05). Hands were the most common sites of ulcer (42.3%) and 37.9% of the patients with one ulser. The highest prevalency of disease was observed in months of October and November (68.4%) 4% and 78.6% of subjects selected from villages were presented with acute wound and scar, respectivley. Conclusion: This study showed that Cutaneous leishmaniasis in 2010-11 was dispersed in Gonbad- Kavoos a city in North of Iran. The endemicity situation of this disease in this area is hypoendemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Since accurate and quick clinical and paraclinical diagnostic methods are not available, in some cases diagnosis of active pulmonary tuberculosis occurs after considerable time from the onset of disease. This study was designed to determine the diagnostic value of High Resolution Computed Tomographic (HRCT) scan in active pulmonary tuberculosis, in Gorgan, Golestan province, North of Iran. Materials and Methods: This diagnostic screening study was carried out on 135 (79 male and 56 female) hospitalized patients suspected with active pulmonary tuberculosis, and HRCT was used in their course of treatment as recommendation of their clinician. The patients were chosen from 5th Azar hosptial during 2009-10. Also it should be mentioned that patients were selected on avaliabity bases, and they were examined by smear, and sputum culture. The patients with negative smear and culture were set up as true healthy group (64 subjects). The lung or small nuddles in HRCT was considered as proper position of lung involvument in active lung pulmonary. The HRCT findings between the case group (71 subjects) and healthy group were compared. According to HRCT findings, the sensitivity and specifity were determined for each patient. Data were analyzed using SPSS-16 and Chi-Square test. Results: In this study, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of HRCT in active pulmonary tuberculosis were equal to 97.2%, 71.9%, 79.3% and 95.8% respectively. Involvement of upper and middle lobe of the right lung and upper lobe of the left lung were significantly higher than the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that HRCT has high sensitivity and specificity in diagnosis of active pulmonary tuberculosis and can be used as a quick diagnostic way in active pulmonary tuberculosis, especially in patients with strong clinical suspicion and negative smear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Headache is one the most common compliant of patients and has different causes and the migraine and tension headaches are common. Personality is characteristics forming an individual distinctive manner. This study aimed to determine the frequency and association of different types of personality characteristics in patients with migraine and tension headaches. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytic study was done on 160 (12 male and 148 female) subjects with chief complaint of headache whome referred to 5th Azar clinics of Gorgan, Iran during 2007-08. Subjects were selected by simple random sampling and were examined by either a neurologist or psychiatrist patient with diagnosis migraine either of or tension headache were included. Selected patients evaluated by short form of Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). Data were analyzed using SPSS-13 and Chi-Square test. Results: The mean age was 11.18±33.29 in women and 34.33±13.7 in men. 96 patients (60%) had tension headache and 64 (41.2%) had migraine. In tension headache, depressed personality (43.8%) and hysterical personality (16.4%) were more common but in migraine headache, depressed personality (48.9%) and paranoid personality (20%) were common but this difference was not significant. Conclusion: This study showed that there is no relation between personality characteristics with tension headach and migraine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Postoperative pain is a usual phenomenon that can cause some problems such as increased blood pressure, increased oxygen use, an increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI). Like any other medical procedure, orthopedic surgery is associated with pain and complications. Recently, doxepin has been used as a tricyclic anti depressant (TCA) to decrease pain. Therefore, we designed this study to evaluate the effects of doxepin on the postoperative pain following lower limb orthopedic surgery. Methods: This randomized double blind placebo controlled trial was performed on 102 lower limb orthopedic patients in three groups of 34. The first two group received 50 and 100 mg doxepin while the last group received placebo. Patients aged between 18 and 65 years. Data was collected by a standard questionnaire and analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and chi-square test in SPSS. Findings: No significant differences were observed between the three groups in terms of pain intensity before or after surgery (P = 0.58). The only significant difference was seen between the first (50 mg doxepin) and placebo groups during the first 24 hours after surgery (P = 0.25). The groups were not different in demographic characteristics (age, gender, or education), either. In addition, received doses of morphine, and the frequency of nausea, vomiting, itchiness, and other side effects were not significantly different between groups. Conclusion: According to our results, doxepin was not effective on pain reduction after lower limb orthopedic surgery. We therefore hypothesize doxepin to have more effects on chronic pains than acute pains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]