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Background and Objective: A Pap smear test is one of the most effective procedures utilized for cervi cal cancer (CC) screening purposes. Nevertheless, many women do not like to do such a test. The present study aimed to monitor the impact of an educational intervention developed based on the expanded Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) on CC screening behavior. Materials and Methods: A quasi-experiment was conducted on 200 women referred to Karaj health centers, Iran. The participants were randomized into experimental and control groups. The data was collected by a Standardized questionnaire including demographic characteristics, the constructs of the PMT, and a self-administered Emotional Social- Support questionnaire (ESS). They filled the questionnaire before, after, and at 6-months follow-up. Eight educational sessions based on the model were held for the experimental group via lecture, group discussions and role play. The data were analyzed by SPSS (Ver. 24) and repeated measures ANOVA and Chi-square test. Results: In the pre- intervention and post-intervention stages, the mean score of perceived susceptibility from 8.07±3.28 to 11.83±1.99, perceived severity from 12.64±3.46 to 15.19± 2.85, response efficacy from 12.66±5.37 to 16.06±3.6, self-efficacy from 25.94±5.38 to 29.68±4.68, emotional social support from 27.01±7.16 to 31.46±5.76 and intention from 11.01±2.14 to 13.42±1.65 increased and this difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). The mean score of fear from 10.37±2.29 to 5.54±2.76 and response cost from 6.62±2.13 to 3.97 ±1.69 decreased and that was statistically significant (p<0.05). No significant difference was observed in the control group. Besides, the Pap smear test was increased after the educational intervention in the post-test and follow-up in the experimental group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Based on the findings, PMT and ESS can be used as a framework for designing educational programs to promote CC screening behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem: An awareness of the nature of the spatial distribution of poverty in rural areas based on the indexes which explain poverty in these regions could help policy makers take policities to reduce poverty in such areas. In other words, the spatial distribution of poverty could be defined as the spatial representation of poverty in rural areas. Therefore, knowledge of the prevalence of poverty in society and its spatial pattern are important issues to develop poverty reduction programmes. Research objectives: The purpose of this study was the spatial analysis of poverty in rural settlements of Miyandoab County. Research method: The present study was carried out based on a descriptive-analytical method. Library and field studies were used to collect information. The studied spatial territory was the villages of Miyandoab County with a population of 125,893 people, of which 37,637 rural households inhabited 189 villages according to the 2016 census. Twenty percent of villages were selected as sample villages. The sample size obtained based on Cochran's formula was 313 rural household heads living in rural areas. To analyze the data, Coopras multi-criteria decision analysis, K-cluster analysis, and Morans I statistic were utilized. Results: Out of the 38 sample villages in the county, 17 villages (44.74%) were in the cluster of "very severe poverty" in terms of agriculture, services, productive employment, income, participation, security, and environmental degradation. The people of these villages, most of which were located in Barouq District, were facing many problems. Also, Lalehloo, Qataradash, and Ghorghchi villages were known as the poorest villages of Miyandoab County. The rural poverty was shown to have a clustered and dense spatial pattern based on Morans I my statistics. Innovation: In this research, reduction of rural poverty in Miyandoab County was innovated by using Coopras technique through spatial and other statistical analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the level of environmental responsibility and environmental participation among the residents of rural areas in Bandar Abbas county, which was conducted by survey and field methods. Sample size was determined based on the Cochran's formula and the required data were collected through questionnaires. A total of 366 questionnaires were completed in a stratified-random manner. The research questionnaire was designed in two parts: environmental participation and environmental responsibility, using the 5-points Likert scale. The reliability of the questionnaires, calculated by test-retest and Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the participation and environmental responsibility questionnaires, were 0.79 and 0.86 respectively. Results showed that economic, social and cultural participations with the score of 14.37, 13.70 and 12.96 respectively, have the highest scores in rural communities. Among the dimensions of responsibility, human rights responsibility with an average of 19.43 was the highest score among the residents of rural areas, followed by legal responsibility (18.6), intellectual and internal (17.37) and operational (16.85) responsibility. Comparison of participation and responsibility in rural areas of Bandar Abbas showed that there is no significant difference between different rural areas (P ˃ 0.05). The rural residents are active and involved in environmental protection, showing people's attention to the natural environment of the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The pattern of dietary intake reflects the preferences and dietary habits of individuals and their socio-economic and demographic status such as ethnicity and place of residence. So far, various studies have examined the dietary patterns of different populations in Iran, but the information on eating patterns of rural areas is limited in comparison with urban regions. The aim of this study was to identify major dietary patterns and to compare the scores of these patterns in women living in urban and rural areas of Dashtestan County, (Bushehr province), 2017. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 302 women (168 urban and 134 rural) aged 20_59 years old living in Dashtestan county were sampled with multistage sampling method (stratified cluster sampling). Dietary intake was assessed by filling the standard semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire in face-to-face interviews. Factor analysis method was used for identifying major dietary patterns. The Mann-Whitney analysis was used to compare the extracted pattern scores in urban and rural women. Results: Three major dietary patterns were extracted: Healthy, western and traditional. The score of western pattern was significantly higher in urban women (p

Statement of the Problem: Currently, the rural community of Iran faces many problems such as poverty, unemployment, low income, migration, low access to infrastructure and welfare services, and a high level of food insecurity. The main root of these problems lies in the weakness of the economic base of the villagers. The development and promotion of entrepreneurship among them are referred to as the engine of economic development. Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate entrepreneurship indicators among villagers and identify the factors affecting them in the Owramanat region (Kermanshah province). Method: This quantitative and applied research was survey and descriptive-analytical in terms of type and methodology. The main research tool for data collection was a researcher-made questionnaire. Its validity and reliability were confirmed using the formal method and Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The statistical population of the study included all heads of rural households living in the Owramanat region (N= 23344). Then, 209 of them (head of household) were selected using Bartlett et al.’s table (2001) and the stratified method with a proportional assignment of samples. Results: The research results show that the region is located on the lower level status of entrepreneurship indicators with an average of 2.453. The results of the structural analysis on determinants of entrepreneurship in rural areas show two factors of economic protection policies and environmental-regional factors with a total effect of 0.613 and 0.461, respectively, which are key factors affecting the development of entrepreneurship in rural areas. Innovation: Localization of entrepreneurship indicators provided by the Global Institute for Entrepreneurship Development in the study area could be considered the innovation of the present study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify the factors and components affecting the design of the proposed model of voluntary activities in libraries of Iran, and finally the proposed model is presented in the form of a paradigm model. Methodology: It is an applied research which was performed as a qualitative one using grounded theory method. The statistical population included professors of Knowledge and Information Science, managers, cultural trustees, library managers, librarians and experts in some areas related to volunteer activities. In order to collect data, 47 of the above individuals, who were selected by purposive sampling method and snowballs, were interviewed. The main criterion for determining the sample size was to reach the theoretical saturation point. Findings: Voluntary activities in libraries in Iran are affected by causal, contextual, intervening, strategic and consequential factors. Each factor also has components that have been identified and presented. The theoretical model of factors and components affecting voluntary activities in Iranian libraries has been proposed in the form of a central coding paradigm model. Conclusion: The most important factors in the implementation of a successful voluntary activity plan in libraries in Iran are three factors. First, creating and amending library rules. This means that it is virtually impossible to implement the plan until new rules and legal framework for the presence of volunteer forces in libraries are created and existing laws are updated and the necessary facilities are provided. Secondly, there are obstacles to attracting volunteer forces, including economic, social, political, cultural, and managerial obstacles. The third factor is the attention to value indicators, especially adherence to high human, national and religious values, which in Iranian society, attention to these factors is very important and effective. Theoretical model was presented according to the identified factors and components. hr this model, all factors and components affecting voluntary activities in Iranianian libraries, whether strategic, contextual, or intervening, are considered. Previous studies have shown that voluntary activities are neither black nor white, but gray. In other words, they have both negative and positive aspects. The results of this study showed that this model has positive and negative consequences. Its positive consequences in Iran are far more than its negative consequences. The proposed model is a strategic plan and a complete and practical guide for all libraries and information centers in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought is one of the natural disasters that is very common, especially in arid and semi-arid areas. This phenomenon can occur in any region and affect humans and the environment; however, its effects in rural areas are much greater than in other areas due to the dependence of livelihood on rainfall. As a result, past droughts have severely reduced the sense of spatial belonging of rural households. Therefore, the factors that can affect this field are undeniably necessary. Accordingly, this study was conducted with the general purpose of studying the effects of social capital on the sense of spatial belonging of rural households in drought conditions. The statistical population of the study included all rural households - farmers of Dorud County. The sample size consisted of 375 heads of households selected for the study using the Krejcie and Morgan table. For collecting data, a questionnaire was designed. The validity of this questionnaire was confirmed by a panel of experts and its reliability was confirmed by Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Data analysis was performed in two sections of descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS23 and Lisrel8.54 software. The results of grouping rural households showed that they are not in a good position in terms of spatial belonging and social capital. In addition, the results of structural equation modeling showed that the dimensions of social capital with a coefficient of explanation of 51% (γ = 0.71, t = 11.89) have a positive and significant effect on the sense of spatial belonging of rural households in drought conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Breast cancer is known as one of the most common malignancies among women. Due to Induced death of the disease recurrence in many patients, use of novel methods and drugs is very important for them. The microalgae Spirulina platensis is used in the treatment of many diseases, including cancer, due to its large amounts of beneficial compounds. Therefore, in the present study, cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic effects of spirulina platensis extract on SKBR-3 breast adenocarcinoma cell line assessed. Materials and Methods: In the present experimental study, the SKBR-3 breast cancer cells were treated in four experimental groups with 400, 200, 100 and 50 μg / ml extract of spirulina and incubated at 24 and 48 hours. Cytotoxicity was analyzed by MTS kit and apoptosis was analyzed by flow- cytometry using an Annexin V-FITC/PI kit according to the manufacturer protocol in both times. Statistical analysis was accomplished by ANOVA and Duncan tests using FlowJo and SPSS 18 softwars. Results: The MTS results indicate decrease in bioavailability of cells in 48h incubation time in contrary to 24h incubation time in other experimental groups. This decrease is significant at concentrations of 200, 100 and 50 μg / ml of spirulina extract compared to the control group (P=0.044). The induction of apoptosis at both incubation times; 24 h (P=0.036) and 48h (P=0.032) was significantly increased in other experimental groups compared to the control group. Conclusion: Extracts of Spirulina platensis can be used as a source to develop anticancer drugs against breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research was a combination of documentary and survey methods, and its type based on future studies is analytical and normative. The sample size consists of twenty experts, specialists in agricultural banks, farmers, and officials in Hamedan province. These individuals were selected by snowball sampling method and purposeful method. In this study, first, the data were collected by the Delphi technique, and finally, thirty-three components that can make an efficient facility were recognized. In the second stage, for identifying efficient components, an interaction matrix is modeled. The questionnaire weighting was evaluated by using a comparative study of the relationship among the components, and indicated based on the numbers between zero and three. Thus, the number zero means no effect, number one means weak effect, number two means moderate effect, and number three means high effectiveness. Eventually, the letter P indicates the presence of the potential relationship between variables. Finally, the results were analyzed by MIC-MAC software. The results showed twelve key components affecting the effectiveness of the facility. Some of them are: Manufacturers' efforts to reduce the level of production costs, identifying the existing capacities in the village and granting facilities to these groups, providing advice to the owners of production workshops to solve problems, establishing a system for registering capacities and job demand in that area to coordinate the supply of facilities commensurate with the needs of the community, the proportion of loans with the proposal proposed by the producers". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the Vocational Training Center has played an important role in realizing the ideas of villagers, but there is a bulk of evidence to suggest that only a few of these ideas have reached an operational stage. This study aims at the challenges in operating business ideas from the viewpoint of female rural students. The research method was qualitative and based on a fundamental theory. The statistical population consisted of rural women and girls participating in the courses held by the technical and vocational organization of Kermanshah province. Fifty of these people were selected through qualitative purposeful sampling. The data were collected through participatory and non-participatory interviews, individual interviews, and the formation of 10 groups. The findings of the research showed that the expertise and experience required for making a business plan, marketing, knowledge of laws, lack of personal funds for investment, lack of access to information and information resources, lack of comprehensive support from the beginning to the end of the process of idea operationalization, low risk-taking, fear of failure, and family barriers are the most important challenges for operating business ideas.

Introduction: Gender, as a research area in sociology of sport, is of particular importance. Since women constitute half of the human resources playing an effective role the development of any society. Therefore, in cultural, social and economic development programs, attempts should be made to pave the way for the better utilization of their capabilities and talents to provide the ground for their presence in different social domains and their effective participation in cultural development. One of main areas associated with cultural development in every society is women’s sport participation. On the other hand, through changes in cultural models and lifestyles and their effects on women’s body management, and considering body as a partial reflection of today`s world and its close relationship with life, woman`s identity, the degree of their participation, the study women’s body management as an index of lifestyle has gained momentum. Against this background, the present study aims to test a model in which women’s sport participation is the dependent variable, and the body image (body surveillance, body shame) and body management (tendency toward physical fitness, use of cosmetics and attitude toward cosmetic surgery) have been considered as dependent variables. Material & Methods: The current is study is a survey in which uses questionnaire as a data collection method. Women at 19 years of age and above in Ilam province constitute the statistical population of this research (N=193952). To determine the sample size, using Cockran’s sample size formula, 500 women were selected through cluster random sampling and the required data were collected. This research is of adequate theoretical validity and the reliability of the questionnaire was checked using Cronbach’s Alpha. Reliability indices for the components of the questionnaire include variable body management (Tendency towards Physical Fitness: .75, Use of Cosmetics: .80 , and Cosmetic Surgeries: .91), and body image (Body Surveillance: .83 and Body Shame: .90) all of which fall above the acceptable level of .70. Of course, sport participation has been examined as an observed variable, and since in studies conducted by Berger and Relley (2008), Sliter and Tigman (2011) Ris and Saib (2010) Pififer et al. (2006), Pastor et a.l (2003), Mor and Chadley (2005), Linstorm (2001) and Jones and More (2012), the questionnaire has been used with slight modifications as a standard and internationally recognized and reliable questionnaire. The collected data were coded and analyzed using SPSS 23 and Amos 21 and Pearsonproduct-moment correlation and univariate regression were run to test the hypotheses. Additionally, to test the joint effect of independent variables on the dependent variables and testing the fitness of the model, structural equation modeling (SEM) was run through Amos. Discussion of Results & Conclusions: From the 500 respondents, based on the place of the sport activity, 175 did sport at home, 95 in parks, 160 in the nature and just 96 in sport clubs. The women in Ilam province participate in sport activities as follows: hiking: 310; stretching execises: 123;, climbing: 95; physical fitness (aerobics, fitness and …): 62 volleyball: 32; badminton:19; , treadmill execises: 17, Futsal: 12 and yoga: 10. The findings show that women participate more in collective and low-cost exercises. Additionally, the findings show three-quarters (74%) of women in Ilam exercise between 10 to 699 minutes on average. At the same time, only 8.33 percent of them exercise professionally and regularly and most of them (2.4 percent) have irregular exercises between 10 to 120 min for pleasure or for health. The average participation of Ilam women in urban areas (138 minutes) is significantly more than rural areas (97 minutes). In addition to more sport participation, women in urban areas, in comparison to rural areas, exercise more professionally and regularly and the number of organized athletes in cities is more than that in rural areas. Of course collective exercise is more popular among rural women. The findings of the analysis and research model showed that body image has a greater effect on women`s participation directly (β = .34) and indirectly (β =.33) and in total with .a 67 effect size had the greatest effect on sport participation. The tendency toward physical fitness,, out of body management dimensions, has a moderate positive effect (.45) on women`s participation, whereas tendency toward cosmetic surgeries has a reverse weak effect (-.12) on women`s participation. Tendency towards using cosmetics did not have an effect of women’s participation. In addition, R2, the squared multiple correlation coefficient was reported to be .56 which indicate that the two variables of body image and body management and their components explain up to 56% percent of variance in women`s sport participation. The finding of this research provide a partially different model, meanwhile confirming the theoretical perspectives and research background regarding the effect of body image and body management on sport participation, because in the analytical model of the research, in addition to direct influence on sport participation, body image influences sport participation via body management. But in Ilam province, because of difference in cultural values towards Western societies, women, from among different alternatives stemming from their self-image (body image), focus on special dimensions of body management (including physical fitness and use of cosmetics), based on accepted and expected norms while cosmetic surgery is advanced as the third dimension of body management comes in contrast to sport participation. That is, as the result of body shame, women choose between cosmetic surgery and sport participation and here the accepted alternative of the majority of people in the society is sport participation.

Introduction: Proper marital relationship is an important factor in success and continuity of the couple's live together. So, this study was conducted to evaluate and improve of sexual function and marital satisfaction in Semnan's women through educational interventions. Materials and Methods: This interventional study was conducted in selected health centers of Semnan city (Iran) in 2019. The sample size was 200, which was determined using similar studies; and participants were divided between case and control groups, randomly. Therefore, the study tools included two questionnaires which their validity and reliability were confirmed in previous studies. The participants were surveyed in two phases, before and after the educational interventions, and the effectiveness of the interventions was determined by comparing obtained results in the case and control groups in the two phases. Results: Assessing the interventions impacts showed that the performed interventions had positive and significant impacts in all dimensions of sexual function aspect (except sexual pain) as well as total sexual function (P<0.05). In marital satisfaction aspect; the interventions had significant and positive impact on dimensions of "communication" and "satisfaction" (P<0.05), and had not any impact on dimensions of "idealistic distortion" and "conflict resolution" (P>0.05). Conclusion: The study results showed that the implementation of educational interventions and the establishment of counseling mechanisms could lead to promotion of sexual function and marital satisfaction in women. Undoubtedly, the integration of these educational interventions in provided services from health system can promise the strength of the family foundation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Production of Turkmen handmade carpet is one of the important activities outside farms and it is the source of income for lots of rural families. The objective of this survey is to do an analysis of the effect of handmade carpet production on the improvement of the sustainable livelihood of rural families in Aq Qala. This is an applied survey that uses descriptive-analytical method. Its statistical population is the families residing in 10 villages around the city of Aq Qala. The sample size was selected by Cochrane's formula and includes 367 families with women working in the production of handmade carpets. In order to study economic and social indexes, 33 variables were used in the form of Likert's scale. Data collection tools were researcher-made questionnaires whose content validity was approved by university professors; their reliability for economic variables was obtained 82% and for social variables 91%. In order to analyze the data, Chi-square correlation analysis, and Freidman and Kruskal Wallis mean value comparison were used in SPSS software, and for preparing a map, ArcGIS software was used. The results achieved from correlation analysis of the studied factors show that there is a 99% significant relationship between the level of education and economic and social factors. Also, Kruskal Wallis test results show no special difference between the studied villages except the increase of saving, and the effect of handmade carpet production is equal in all villages. The most important challenges are the unpredictability of raw material prices, problems related to financial support, production and sometimes the supply of non-standard products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Menopause can have negative effects on the quality of life of postmenopausal women. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the quality of life of post-menopausal women in Yazd City, Iran. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 postmenopausal women over 50 years of age in Yazd. The standard SF-36 quality of life questionnaire was used to collect the data. The mean score of quality of life was calculated for the postmenopausal women in different domains based on their age, education, menopausal age, and number of children. Furthermore, the effect of participants’ age, education, menopausal age, and number of children was studied on the questionnaire domains and the mean menopausal age. Results: The participants’ mean age was 62±5/198 years and the mean age of menopause was 54±4/419 years. Life expectancy had a significant relationship with education variables, BMI, and number of children, but it had no significant relationship with occupation and age at menopause. The variables of education, employment, and BMI had a direct and significant relationship with the mean age of menopause, but the number of children did not show a significant relationship with the mean age of menopause. Conclusion: Based on the findings, postmenopausal women were at an undesirable level in terms of physical health and social vitality. The information collected through this study can help the authorities to plan appropriate programs and take measures to improve the quality of life in these women [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers with an increasing global rate. In preventing this disease, the most basic measure is sun protection behaviors. Given the importance of health for medical students as health ambassadors, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of extended parallel process model on the skin cancer preventive behaviors in Yazd students. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 280 students of Yazd universities in 2019. The participants were selected using the random sampling method. A questionnaire based on the extended parallel processes model was used to collect the information. After entering SPSS 18 software, the data were analyzed using appropriate parametric statistical tests including independent t-test, analysis of variance, Pearson correlation, and linear regression at the significance level of 0.05. Results: The participants’ mean age and standard deviation was 22.69±3.18 years within the range of 18 to 41 years. Among the participants, 62.5% were women. Application of hats and sunscreen was 15.7% and 30.9%, respectively. According to the findings, the perceived severity structural had the highest score among the model structures. Among the constructs of model, self-efficacy was the strongest predictor of behavioral intention (β = 0.376) and preventive behaviors of skin cancer (β = 0.109). Conclusion: Due to the low level of protective behaviors and self-efficacy perceived construct, as the most effective factors on the preventive behaviors of skin cancer, it is recommended to consider educational interventions in this regard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The way traditional agricultural activities in the South Khorasan province are moving towards innovative activities and providing appropriate strategies has always been one of the attractive issues for researchers in this province. Therefore, the main purpose of the present study is to identify and prioritize saffron entrepreneurship development and commercialization strategies in rural areas of the South Khorasan province. In this research, SWOT-AHP is used as an integrated approach. First, the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of saffron activities in rural areas of the South Khorasan Province are identified and categorized by using SWOT analysis. Since the decision making in the present research study is of a multiindex type and its structure has a hierarchical component of decision-making elements, including goal, criteria and sub-criteria, the hierarchical analysis process (AHP) to calculate the weight and importance of each of the criteria. The following criteria have been used through SWOT analysis. In order to collect the research data, the matrix of paired comparisons of each of the components and groups was completed using 15 experts and agricultural industry activists, whose internal strengths with the relative weight of 372/0 were in the first rank and also external opportunities with a relative weight of 344/0. Moreover, external threats have a relative weight of 148, and, finally, internal weaknesses with a relative weight of 136/0 were ranked next. The results show that the most important strategy for the development of entrepreneurship and commercialization of saffron in rural areas of the South Khorasan province is the SO strategy with a utility index of 26.2. The most suitable strategies of this kind are a creation of a suitable platform for private sector investment in the development and commercialization of agricultural products, use of specialized and experienced personnel to establish community-based associations, and promote and educate them in the field of commercialization, with emphasis on practical aspects through meetings. And various meetings with the people of the region, marketing, and advertising to introduce strategic products of the South Khorasan province. Strengthening and supporting purchasing cooperatives in the cultivation areas were selected for direct purchase from farmers as the most important strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decade, improving of business ecosystem has attracted the attention of policy-makers. In the research area, although some studies appraised efficacious factors on development of country's business ecosystem in its general meaning, its identification and conceptualization in specific subject areas have been neglected. In this regard, the current exploratory study has been conducted in order to identification and explanation of constituent components of rural women's enterprise ecosystem in Guilan and Mazandaran provinces. Research sample individuals have been selected in terms of non-probability sampling. The qualitative data were collected by conducting detailed semi-structured interviews to obtain theoretical saturation, and then analyzed through applying ATLAS.ti software. Finding of this section categorized the conceptual emergent codes from detailed interviews with 24 key informants into 9 super-families of constituent components of rural woman's enterprise ecosystem. Consequently, applying a researcher-made questionnaire, the 9 emergent categories were reciprocally compared in the hierarchical analysis process with the use of Super Decision software. Findings showed rural woman's enterprise ecosystem has different entity, combination and priorities in comparison to large-scale industrial enterprises and even small rural enterprises controlled by men. Among resulting conceptual categories, market condition; government's main strategies and politics; regulations; physical and biological infrastructures had the highest weights respectively, with a considerable interval from the other components, implying on their priorities and attention necessity in supportive projects for rural women's regional enterprises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of nutritional awareness and attitude on rural households’ food security level in Zanjan County. The statistical population of the study was 25864 rural household heads of Zanjan County among which 353 persons were selected using a stratified sampling method with proportional allocation. A questionnaire was used to collect the data. A panel of experts at University of Zanjan confirmed the face validity of the questionnaire. Additionally, the construct validity (including convergent, divergent, and nomological validity) and composite reliability of the research instrument were obtained by estimating measurement model and after making necessary corrections. The data were analyzed using SPSS and AMOS software. The descriptive results of the research showed that the level of food security for the majority of respondents was low. Moreover, the results of the structural equation modeling revealed that two variables of nutritional awareness and nutritional attitude and its components including food hygiene, food safety and health, nutritional value and food price and quality had positive and significant effects on rural household heads’ food security level explaining about 68 percent of its variances. Based on the findings of this research, it can be concluded that improving villagers’ nutritional attitude and awareness, especially by providing them with the necessary educations is one of the basic preconditions for increasing food security among them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to review this issue is: what role for women in agriculture are there? Its activities in line with the new agricultural reform and as a farmer, you know? Identification and exchange of information in this article through interviews with 57 women who attended full-time in agriculture has been done. Qualitative method in this paper by content analysis was the key concepts and key issues rather than imposing predetermined considers theoretical framework. The analysis of the experiences of Jirestan women in agriculture led to the identification of 478 primary codes, 19 sub categories and 4 main categories and 1 Theme. Overall, Jirestan women farmers have achieved a new way of production that gives them permission to do so within the new conditions of economic and social role; The difference is that with the current focus on agriculture and gender relations and the relations of production can be Entrepreneurial initiatives, and there is no need to add activities to the farm. In addition, I argue in this paper that such alternatives tend to be confused by rural women in research work as "commodification of a local tradition" will be remembered. Unfortunately, basic shortcomings that interpretation of the normative patterns institutionalized in agriculture and rural areas (Power mechanisms and local resistance).

Introduction: Community participation in health programs is essential for their success, and community health volunteers (CHVs) program is a favored form of participation. Given that three decades have passed since the launch of the Health Communicator Program (as a form of health volunteers) in Iran and the importance of evaluating its achievements, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of health communicators program in promoting knowledge, attitude and practice of community health thorough educational interventions. Materials and Methods: This is a systematic review and its literature review was conducted in February of 2020. The search of resources was conducted using ‘community health communicator’, ‘community health volunteer’, and ‘Iran’ in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sciences and their Persian equivalent in SID, Magiran and Elmnet database/ search engine. The number of 13558 was obtained from this search, which finally the number of 15 articles was included in study and their quality were appraised. In continue, the related contents of included articles were reported as extraction and comparative tables, and final conclusion was done based on them. Results: The health communicators program in Iran had good positive effect health knowledge and attitude of community in different health areas but this program has not been successful in improving community health performance/behavior. Assessing the targeted areas to improve in community health performance through provided educational interventions by CHVs in the final included articles showed that from 34 targeted health areas, CHVs have succeeded in promoting six areas, only. Conclusion: The health communicators' program needs to be promoted or replaced with a more effective one in community participation due to its low impact on community health behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A holistic approach to the system of healthy, secure, accessible, and cost - effective village is defined as an effective and cost - effective approach that results in sustainable development. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of microfinance on the biomass of rural households. The statistical population of the study consisted of all members of the rural microfinance facilities of the Sorkh Qhaleh Rural district. The sample size was calculated using the Cochran sampling formula of 512 individuals. The sampling method was stratified randomly. Data analysis was performed with SPSS25 and LISREL8.8 software. In order to study the fitting of the livability structure measurement model, the collected data were analyzed with LISREL software by the second factor confirmatory factor analysis. The results showed that among livability indicators, association and place attachment were in better condition than other indicators. In addition, It was as well found out that absoulte fit indices (GFI= 0.92, AGFI= 0.91), adjusted goodness of fit (CFI= 0.92, NNFI= 0.91), and parsimony (X2/df=2.899, RMSEA= 0.076) altogether confirmed the high goodness of fit of the model measuring constructs of livability with observed data. The results show that "Association and place attachment" is as potentiional indicator of livability. So, Association and place attachment is a basic factor for others relation to livability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: This study investigated the role of media consumption on physical activity based on health pattern in Iranian.The method of this research was descriptive correlation with Structural Equation Method. Materials and Methods: The statistical population of this study consisted of all students aged 11-19 years in the whole country that 384 students were selected as statistical sample by cluster random sampling method. Two media consumption and physical activity based on health pattern Pender Were used to collect the research data. The formal and content validity of the questionnaires were confirmed and their reliability was obtained using Cronbach's alpha method 0.934 and 0.834, respectively. For data analyzing by SPSS software and Amos software of Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Pearson correlation coefficient and structural equation modeling were used. Results: The results showed that media consumption had a positive and significant effect (P = 0.001) on Physical Activity behaviour (Beta = 0.82), Exercise Benefits (Beta = 0.80) and Exercise self-efficacy (Beta= 0.74) and Exercise Barriers (Beta=- 0.61). Conclusion: Therefore, it can be said that media consumption improves the level of physical activity based on students' health patterns. So, it is recommended that the media, especially sports media, pay special attention to children in their programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Several studies indicate low knowledge and poor performance of girls in puberty and menstruation. Puberty complications are easily preventable. Consequently, present study mainly aims to determine the effect of educational interventions based on Health Belief Model (HBM) on puberty health behaviors in Tehran’s female elementary students, 2019. Material and Method: This study was quasi-experimental using random sampling methods for selecting among female elementary students in Tehran, District 14, 2019. Data collection was performed through a designed questionnaire based on HBM. The questionnaire’s reliability and validity were verified. Students filled out the questionnaire prior to the intervention. Educational interventions were performed for intervention group in three 45-minute sessions. Two groups filled out questionnaires a month after intervention. The data was analyzed through SPSS v.24 using k-square, Independent t, paired t, Anova variance and Ancova covariance. Results: Findings showed demographic variables were not significantly different in two groups (p > 0.05) except in their father’s occupation, menstruation beginning’s awareness and age. In the case group after intervention, mean knowledge, average of perceived susceptibility, average of perceived severity, average of self-efficacy, average of perceived benefits and average behavior increased and average of perceived barriers decreased. They were significantly different in the intervention group (p<0.05), except in perceived benefits and self-efficacy, but not in the control group (p>0.05). The results of Ancova covariance test showed that educational intervention based on HBM had a significant effect on students' health during puberty (P <0.05). Conclusion: The educational intervention based on HBM could change the puberty health awareness and behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Election participation, as one of the most important forms of political participation, has a special place in the discussions of political sociology, in general, and election sociology in particular. While we are witnessing various elections in Iran every year, but in contrast to other political phenomena such as the revolution that rarely happens and we are dealing with rich literature in this field, the election process has major theoretical and experimental weaknesses. The lack of compatibility of research findings on the relationship between education and electoral participation over the past four decades in Iran shows that there is no consensus on this issue, because there was no critical analysis in this regard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Health literacy can be one of the most important effective factors in the adoption of preventive behaviors of osteoporosis by raising awareness and understanding the benefits of diagnostic and preventive behaviors. The objective of this study was to determine the health literacy skills effective in predicting adoption of osteoporosis preventive behaviors in high school female students. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study including 375 high school girls in Qazvin, Iran, selected by multi-stage sampling. Data were collected using the standard Health Literacy Measure for Adolescents (HELMA) and the Preventive Behavior of Osteoporosis Measurement questionnaires. The data were analyzed using the statistical software SPSS-23, the tests being descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis. Results: Two of the eight components of health literacy, namely, understanding and communication, and two, namely usage of health information and calculation, were found to receive the highest and the lowest mean scores, respectively. The total scores of health literacy and the adoption of preventive behaviors of osteoporosis were 70.84±12.58 (out 100) and 22.43±5.60 (out of 36), respectively. Multiple regression analysis showed that the components of health literacy could predict 38.4% of the changes in the adoption of preventive behaviors of osteoporosis (R2 = 0.384). The only other predictor of adoption of behavior was the usage of health information (p=0.001، β=0.044). Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended to pay special attention, when developing educational programs for the prevention of osteoporosis in adolescents, to health literacy as a whole, especially the usage of health information component. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this research was to investigate the effect of farmers' entrepreneurship mentality as effective variable on demand - driven agricultural extension. Statistical population included of 250 farmers who participated in the plane of "Targeted Template Site" that with using of stratified random sampling method with appropriate assignment and by Kerjessy and Morgan table, the number of 148 farmers selected as research sample. The instrument of gathering information was questionnaire that validity investigated based on view of experts of Buali Sina and Tehran universities and necessary reforms has done. Also realibility of questionnaire showed that alpha coronbakh coefficient was 0.90 and more that revealed very good realibility for different parts of questionnaire. The gathered datas through SPSS and AMOS analyzed. Demand - driven agricultural extention as dependent variable analyzed on two dimentions: client- oriented and market- oriented. Finally farmers' enteprenuership and empowerment have positive and significant effect on demand - driven agricultural extension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quality of life (QoL) is highly depended on individuals' economic condition. Therefore, this subject is so important at lesser areas such as rural regions. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of agricultural bank credits on farmers' QoL in Zanjan rural regions. 29 farmers who received bank credits were selected as sample by using purposeful sampling method. The inquiry as qualitative study used narrative and documentary analysis to analyze content of interviews. The thematic analysis, content network and comparative analysis were used as a tool to analyze relationship among modified contents. Internal validity was approved using of triangulation process and as well as the external validity by maximum variation technique in sample selection. The findings showed that the effect of credits on the farmers' QoL varies based on the type and amount of credits. While short-term microfinance payments led to improving the production quality, health, and safety; in long term, led to relative deprivation and decreases the farmers' QoL due to the deviations in the functioning of the credits. Due to creation of stable employment and income, micro capital credits have led to improving of the Farmers' QoL. Finally, macro capital credits affected income, health quality, safety, quality of social relation, and environment which have an important role in increasing of QoL in the village regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective:Stress is one of the main problems of nurses, which greatly affects their professional performance and their personal life and causes conflict between work and life. The purpose of this research was to identify the effects of Health Belief model-based training on nurses’ occupational stress. Materials and Methods: This is a Quasi-experimental study conducted on nurses. 45 nurses were randomly selected from special wards of a hospital as the interventional group and also 42 nurses from another hospital were randomly selected as the control group. Data gathering tool was included the Nursing Stress Scale (NSS) for determining nurses’ occupational stress and HBM Model constructs questionnaire to determine the effect of educational intervention. Training program was carried out in three 2-hour sessions. Subjects were monitored for 1 month. Statistical analysis was performed before, and 1 month after training using SPSS software. Statistical tests including Chi- Square, independent t-test, Paired t- test, Kolmogorov- Smirnov were used in this study. Results: Mean NSS score of the intervention group reduced from 107.311 ±20.800 to 89.578 ±23.352 after the training. Moreover, after training, the variables of perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, cue to action, self-efficacy, and behaviors showed a significant increase and perceived barriers decrease in the intervention group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Results showed that the Health Belief Model for stress management education was effective in the reduction of nurses’ stress level. Considering that behavioral and non-behavioral factors are effective in reducing stress; as a result, to change behavior of individuals, in addition to themselves, it is necessary to pay attention to the environment surrounding them and others influencing their behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective: Cervical cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers among women. Although Pap smear test is an effective screening program, it is not conducted very frequently. This study aimed to recognize the determinants affecting women's participation in Pap smear test screening, with a qualitative approach, based on the health belief model (HBM). Materials and methods: This was a qualitative research, based on thematic analysis, conducted in 2015. Participants were 30 rural women who participated in this study voluntarily in Sarvabad County in Kurdestan Province in Iran. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants and sampling continued until data saturation. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect the data. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Based on participants’ perception, more of the women believed that they were not at risk for cervical cancer; however, they perceived the severity of the disease. Some of them did not have an adequate understanding of the test benefits. They pointed to financial difficulties, fear of test result and lack of awareness are the main barriers in taking Pap smear test. Conclusion: Several factors affect women's participation in screening and Pap smear test. These factors include the components of social, economic, cultural, attitudes, individual beliefs, lack of awareness, fear, etc. Findings of this study could help health administers and planners in designing and implementing interventional programs such as theory-based educational programs, face-to-face educational classes, expert advice and speech of clergy people and influential community people to increase women’s participation in Pap smear test screening program. Paper Type: Research Article.

Today, in many countries of the world, in some cases women are barred from interfering in politics and social roles. Thus, still it is necessary to place women in political, social, economic and cultural activities. The purpose of this study is to examine individual and family barriers to women's political and social participation of the Shirez District in the city of Harsin. The research methodology used is descriptive-correlation and it is carried out by using a survey. The statistical population included the women older than 6 years in the Shirez District. A sample size of 333 person was determined by using the Kerejcie and Morgan table. They have been selected using the convenience sampling method with proportional assignment. Data analysis was done by using the Spearman coefficient and multiple regression analysis. The results showed that the political participation of women is in the medium level and their social participation is in the high level. Also, the results indicated that women believe that they are not able to participate in political affairs. The inability to communicate with others, the physical weakness and other problems, high volume of activities of women at home, high volume of activities in the agricultural sector and livestock, accepting dominance, lack of experience in political and administrative affairs and unwillingness of women compared to men in management are the main barriers of the political and social participation of rural women.

Environment literally means surrounding in which we are living. Environment includes the system of things on which we are directly or indirectly dependent for our survival, whether it is living like animals, plants or non-living component like soil, air water. In recent decades, many environmental problems have arisen as the result of human activities and unplanned management of the technological development that drastically disturbed ecosystems. Therefore, a dispute between the importance of conservation and preservation of ecosystems to protect environment and the necessity to satisfy human desire by sacrifice the environment has been emerged across the world. Therefore, environment is one of the sensitive and vulnerable aspects especially in rural areas and according to the relationship between rural areas and nature, protection of rural environment is vital. Such protection requires the participation of all community groups since individuals and groups interact with the environment in different ways. This study focuses on environmental issues in rural areas including water and soil resources, vegetation, waste – sewage and physical complications. For this purpose, six groups of rural people were examined to assess their actions and attitudes regarding environmental issues. These groups including farmers (The role of the farmer and land manager in delivering environmental benefits (e.g. biodiversity, soil and water protection) is well recognized; Rural women (At a worldwide level, there is a growing awareness of the need and importance of making women contribute to the environmental problems recognition, as well as in the planning of activities geared at the sustainable development of their communities); rural men (Women and men have different gender based roles and responsibilities in their own lives, families, households, and communities. They have different knowledge, access and control over natural resources, and different opportunities to participate in decisions regarding natural resources usage. Understanding women’s and men’s relationships to the environment plays an important role in developing solutions for more sustainable use of natural resources. Ignoring gender differences distorts the understanding of human impacts on the environment); local managers, elderly and children (In recent times, the subject of environment has interested the public and caught the attention and enthusiasm of children in particular.) The Rio Declaration on Environment and Development (1992) adopted by the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development affirms that children are an indispensable component in achieving sustainable development. By identifying environmental issues and classifying rural people into different attitude groups, an assessment of people perception of environmental preservation is conducted. The analysis method is descriptive –and applied. Respective literature review and field survey have been conducted. Turkman rural district in west Azerbaijan was the statistical population of this study. Therefore, villages in this rural district were selected as samples. According to Morgan and Kerjesi table, 300 questionnaires were filled randomly. Data were analyzed using different statistical methods such as comparison of averages and Analysis Of Variance in SPSS software. The study classified attitudes and actions in rural district Turkmans and finally studied groups were classified based on the data obtained in the field survey. The results of present study showed that these rural groups have difference in the environmental awareness and action. In this rural district, farmers were recognized as the most aware group and children groups as the least.

Background and Objective: Water is one of the most valuable environmental factors that has become one of the greatest challenges of human society today. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between religious attitudes toward water saving in high school students in Yazd. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 2018. 600 subjects (300 girls and 300 boys) were selected by random sampling method. The data collection tool was a questionnaire on water saving tendency including 21 questions and Religious attitude questionnaire including 60 questions. The score range for the religious attitude and the tendency to save water was 60-300 and 21-105, respectively. Data were entered into SPSS18 software and analyzed using Chi-square, Pearson correlation coefficient and descriptive statistics. Results: The mean and standard deviation of the religious attitude score and the tendency to save water consumption were 180.11 ± 14.31 and 65.27 ± 10.21, respectively. The religious attitude of students with age and gender, and the tendency toward water saving with gender variables and number of family members was significant (p<0.05). Correlation between religious attitude and tendency to water saving was statistically significant (r=0.69, p=0.01) Conclusion: Considering the positive correlation between religious attitude and tendency towards water saving, efforts to strengthen religious and moral inputs related to water consumption in students can lead to the development of an optimal water consumption attitude in this influential community of a society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Empowerment of rural households is one of the main issues in developing countries such as Iran. The main objective of this study is the issue of social empowerment of rural households covered by the Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation in relation to the implementing policies of this institution. The central region of Guilan province was selected as the spatial realm of this study. Six cities in the central region of Guilan had a total of 53381 grant recipients. According to Kerjesi Morgan's table, the sample size in the current study will be 382 grant recipients. This sample size was distributed according to the relative share of grant recipients in each of the studied cities. Finally, 345 complete and error-free questionnaires were gathered. The findings showed that the psychological level of grant recipients with an average score of 3.03 was better than other social empowerment indicators. Finally, the average score for social empowerment of rural households covered by Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation in the central region of Guilan is 2. 59. Also, the finging showed that rural grant recipients in the central region of Guilan province had the most satisfaction from the policy of directing credits arising from targeting subsidies with an average score of 2.46 and had the least satisfaction from the policy of paying Qarz Al-Hasaneh minor credits with an average score of 2.4%. Pearson correlation coefficient's results indicated that three variables, such as participation level of clients, welfare and quality of life, and literacy and education of grant recipients had a significant relationship with all policies. On the other hand, the psychological variable of grant recipients was found to be significant only with the policy of paying Qarz Al-Hasaneh minor credits. Finally, the study of the correlation between the social empowerment variable and the quadratic policies indicate that this issue is related to all four studied policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: The present study aimed to determine the stages of changes and cognitive and behavioral processes (Transtheorical model) in the use of nutrients in overweight middle-aged women. Materials and Methods: The present study was a descriptive-analytic. The research sample consisted of 281 middle-aged women with overweight referring to comprehensive health centers in Isfahan. Personal characteristics, stage of change and behavior and cognitive behavioral processes, and FFQ questionnaire (168-item) were completed by Questioning, and then the information entered the N4 and SPSS 18 software, and information was analyzed using descriptive and analytical tests. Results: 57.7% of the people were inactive (pre-thinking, thinking, preparation) and 42.3% of them were in active phase. There was a significant difference between the different stages of change and the use of behavior change processes (p=0.001) And Benfrown's test shows the increasing use of cognitive and behavioral processes during the stage of change in use of nutrients (p<0.001). Conclusion: The difference in the mean of changes processes during the stage of change show the impact of these processes on the nutritional individual's behavior, which is recommended to use stage of change and behavioral change processes for education nutrition behavioral. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the dispersion of rural areas and the need of extension network establishment in these areas, the extension agent plicy was founded by extension deputy of agricultural ministry. This project also facilitate the extension and education services. This study was aimed to investigate the effectiveness of extension agent project in Kermanshah Township. This research is a practical research and gathering data was done in a survey way, and of course this research is categorized as an evaluation research. The statistical population of the study was extension agents in Kermanshah township in 1395 (N=443), which 205 of them were selected by Krejsi and Morgan table through stratified random sampling. A designed questionnaire was used to collect data, its validity was confirmed by academic experts and its reliability was confirmed using Cronbach's alpha (Cronbach's alpha for all of the goals was higher than 0.7). SPSSver21 software was used to analyze data. The results of the research showed that the project of extension agents in Kermanshah did not achieve its goals successfully, in other words its effectiveness was moderate (46.27%). Therefore, it is necessary to take essential steps for identifying and resolving the current problems, in order to improve the effectiveness of the project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: one of the most common genital tract infections among women is vaginitis. It is a very serious issue due to its potential side effects for women. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of education based on the Theory of Planned Behavior, on preventive behaviors of vaginitis among Health Ambassadors in Maneh and Samalghan County. Methods: A semi-experimental interventional study was conducted using random sampling method among 80 health ambassadors in reproductive age of 18-49 years of selected comprehensive health centers in the city. Data gathering tool was a questionnaire designed based on the theory of planned behavior, the validity and reliability of which had been approved prior to the study and before and after educational intervention was completed by intervention and control groups. The data were analyzed by SPSS 19 and using the statistical tests Kolmogorov Smirnov, Chi-square, T-test, Mann-Whitney. Results: The results showed that the mean age of women was 30.86 ± 6.6 and the mean age of marriage was 18.24 ± 4.1. After the educational intervention, The mean score of knowledge, constructs of the theory of planned behavior (attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control and behavioral intention), and vaginitis preventive behavior Increased in the intervention group significantly compared to the control group (P<0.001) Conclusion: The health education program designed based on the theory of planned behavior was effective in Promoting preventive behaviors of Vaginitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Health literacy is a cognitive and social skill that determines people’s motivation and ability to acquire, understand, and use health information to promote and maintain good health. The aim of this study is to determine health literacy and its relationship with health-related quality of life in students of the Islamic Azad University, Shahr-e-Rey branch Methods: In this cross-sectional correlational study, health literacy and quality of life of 278 students were measured. Randomized multistage sampling method was applied. Functional Health Literacy of Adults (TOFHLA), and SF-12(short form of SF-36) were used to collect the data. For data analysis, SPSS 16 software, descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and regression statistical tests were used. Results: The Findings showed that the average health literacy score was 70.35±18/25, which 25/2 % (70 people) had inadequate health literacy, 21.9 % (61 people) had border health literacy, and 52/9 % (147 people) had adequate health literacy. The mean score of quality of life for students was 36/99±5/80; which 3/23 % (n = 9), 43/88 % (n=61), 54/31 % (151 people) had poor, moderate, and good QOL respectively. The results of this study showed health literacy has a significant relationship with the overall quality of life (P>0/05), physical (P >0/05), and psychological (P >0/05) dimensions. Conclusion: Students’ health literacy is associated with their quality of life and its dimensions. Therefore, in order to promote their educational performance, which causes a better quality of life, it is important to concentrate on improving QOL of People through increasing their health literacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the past to now, the rural management issue always has been one of the most controversial topics in the academic and executive sector of the country. This led to the use of different management patterns by planners and authorities at different times. In recent years, the rural think tank became a new model for the comprehensive development of rural areas. It seems that this model tries to promote a comprehensive management quality in the field of socio-economic development of rural areas in all over the country. Studies showed that there was no research on the achievements of this new experience in rural areas of the country. Therefore, in this qualitative research, we tried to investigate the achievements of the rural think tank by using a case study in the village of Zardouee, Baiangan, Paveh city of Kermanshah province. For this purpose, information collected using semi-structured dialogue techniques, dialogue with key response, dialogue with focus groups, personal observations, drawing up the historical chart of the production system by the members, and reviewing the village biography. Then the extracted data were categorized using the contractual content analysis method. To determine the accuracy of the data four indexes was used including; acceptability, reliability and transferability. Based on the findings, the rural think tank in Zardouee has such accomplishments such as: participation, solving basic problems (problem-oriented), facilitating administrative affairs, training, elitism, employment, capacity building, reverse migration, marketing and market oriented and so on. According to the achivements of the rural Think tank, it is recommended to managers and rural development planners of the provinces; use this management model as a suitable model for realizing government goals and plans in rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tourist areas have a high potential for employment and entrepreneurship activities especially when human resources are also available. The purpose of this study was to investigate the human resource factors necessary for the development of entrepreneurship in the tourist area of Bisheh in Khorramabad County. The research was quantitative in nature. Also, in terms of purpose, it was a type of applied research conducted using a survey method. The statistical population of the study consisted of 1190 rural people at the age of 15-64 years who were living in Istgahe Bisheh in 2017. The sample size was determined by using Krejcie and Morgan table, and 291 people were randomly selected. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire whose face validity was confirmed by experts. The reliability of the questionnaire was also examined by conducting a pilot study and calculating the Cronbach's alpha coefficient (0.88-0.99).The findings showed that the objective driving forces in the Bisheh region were in a medium status. Among the subjective driving forces, only social security ranked higher than standard (3.80). Based on a cluster analysis, the rural people were divided into three groups: ready, semi-ready, and unready. Analysis of variance showed that, among the objective driving forces, education, counseling and experiences were different in the semi-ready and unready groups. As for the subjective factors, however, they were all different among the groups except for social participation. Finally, based on the results of the research, suggestions were made to develop entrepreneurship activities in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Hepatitis B virus infection is regarded as a major factor for chronic liver disease and cirrhosis, worldwide. Hepatitis B is most commonly transmitted from mother to child at birth (perinatal transmission). In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) among rural pregnant women, who had received vaccination at birth, based on the national hepatitis B vaccination program, implemented in Iran in 1994. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed on all rural women, born in years 1993-1999, who had received hepatitis B vaccination according to the national program and had become pregnant during 2007-2014. In order to diagnose the disease, the status of HBsAg marker was recorded and evaluated by reviewing the subjects' health records. FINDINGS:Among 1065 pregnant women, only 2(0.18%) cases were HBsAg-positive; The mother of one of these two cases was diagnosed with hepatitis B infection CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicated that the national vaccination program had a considerable impact on reducing the prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection among women of reproductive age. Continuous vaccination of newborns and high-risk groups and screening programs for pregnant mothers should be also prioritized in the national program.

Problem definition: Dairy products are one of the most important foods in all societies, playing an important role in the agricultural economy and the development of rural societies. Even with the important role of rural and nomadic women in producing these products, Meanwhile, the marketing and selling methods of these products in Iran are incompatible with the goals of sustainable development of rural economy, facing them with so many problems. Purpose: This study is aimed at investigating the challenges faced with women in marketing the dairy products in Sarchehan vill, in Bavanat City, Fars province. Methodology: This is a descriptive and analytical research. In this regard, besides the documentary studies, a broad spectrum of indicators, were studied within the framework of field studies (completing the household questionnaires, interviewing local experts, and filling out forms of field observations). In order to analyze the data, one-sample t-tests in SPSS software, (FAHP), GRA, also ArcGIS software for spatial analysis, were used. Findings: Results confirmed that, the most barriers and challenges faced by women in the marketing of dairy products, included cultural and economic barriers, with the average of 3.56 and 3.42, respectively, and the least barriers were in social dimension, with an average of 2.44. According to which, women in the villages of Abunasr, Sufian and Ghanat Sorkh, were faced with the most barriers and challenges in the marketing of dairy products. Innovation: up to now, no complete research has been conducted on the barriers and challenges facing women in the marketing of dairy products, in Bavanat county. In order to reduce this barriers, maximizing public participation in establishing a Dairy Cooperative office for ranchers of the region, is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monetary valuation of agroecoystem services makes them attractive for the society and policy makers should pay more attention to conservation of these services. In this study, the economic value of services as well as negative environmental externalities of saffron fields were estimated in the Khorasan Razavi province during 2015. Information was extracted from questionnaires collected from 75 fields. Using these data, economic values (such as O2 production, food, biodiversity and tourism) together with environmental externalities (including greenhouse gas emission and N and P leakage) were computed based on international value of dollar. Based on the results of the study, the mean values of the agroecosystem services of saffron field such as O2 production, food, biodiversity and cultural services were estimated to be 54.21×106, 266.84×106, 60.24×106, 29.6×106 and 10.58×106 Rls ha-1.y-1, respectively. The shares of these services were up to 39, 35, 19 and 7 percent of total value, respectively. The ranges of environmental externalities such as greenhouse gas emission and N and P leakage were estimated to be -18.54×106 to -8.18×106 and -5.18×106 to -4.07×106 Rls ha-1.y-1. The mean value of the total agroecosystem services of saffron fields excluding externalities, were estimated to be 136.57×106 Rls ha-1 y-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]