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The Wiener and detour indices of a molecular graph G are defined as the sum of the lengths of all shortest and longest paths between the vertices of G. In this paper the exact formulae for the Wiener and detour indices of a new type of nanostar dendrimers are given.

The purpose of this study was to analyze farmers' experiences with and perceptions of agricultural extension courses and their instructors in Esfahan, Iran. This study is part of a larger project on the development of a competency profile of extension instructors. Many attempts have been made to develop competency profiles for professionals (Shim, 2006). A perennial problem is the extent to which differentiation is needed as a consequence of the characteristics of the target group (Mulder, Wesselink, & Bruijstens, 2005). This study, conducted in 17 different townships in the province of Esfahan, Iran, involved interviews with 27 farmers and a survey of 102 farmers who participated in course. Data were collected on the following factors: motives for course attendance, course appreciation, topics for future courses, and the competence of the agricultural extension instructors (AEIs). The relationships between farmers' personal and farm characteristics and the factors were also examined. Based on the results of this study, a general competency profile is possible, but that variation is needed as to the age, gender, educational level, and learning motives of farmers. Target group stratification and internal differentiation in courses should be included in the competency profile. (Contains 2 tables.)

Economic development and increased demand for energy make it necessary for the use of renewable and non-renewable energy sources. Raw solid wastes, as one of the sources of biogas, contribute significantly to the creation of a type of renewable energy. Reviews show that biomass energy can be considered as an alternative to fossil fuels. In addition to its fewer harmful effects on the environment, it is an inexhaustible source of energy. The general purpose of this research is to explain a conceptual framework of using renewable energy in rural areas based on biological resources. To operationalize this target, we designed a conceptual framework by designing valid internal and external sources in the field of research. Then, based on the conceptual framework, we calculated the amount of energy extracted in the garden, crop, livestock, and household parts of the under-studied village. In the following, considering the baseline calculations of energy, we presented applied scenarios. The results show that the total amount of energy obtained from biomass is 70857266.1 kJ. By defining multiple scenarios, the energy obtained from the biomass sector can suplly 17.17% of household electricity consumption, 2.60% of gas consumption, 68.58% of the energy needed for public lighting of rural pathways, 54.67% of electricity required for pumping the village water to natural resources lands with 131 meters high, 70.3% of power needed for sprinkler irrigations, and 60.42% of the electricity required for drip irrigation.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the advantages and disadvantages of Participatory Plant Breeding (PPB). Seventy-six breeders were randomly selected from among 95 breeders who were working at the Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, Karaj, Iran. Data were collected by a questionnaire as the main data collection instrument. The face and content validity of the questionnaire was approved by a panel of agricultural extension and plant breeding experts. The reliability of the questionnaire was calculated and it turned out to be high, ranging from 0.83-0.92. The descriptive findings of the study suggested that the breeders had generally positive perception toward using PPB. The correlation analysis results showed that there is a positive and significant (p>0.01) correlation among the levels of familiarity with PPB, advantages, and breeders’ perception toward the use of PPB. In addition, there was a negative and significant (p>0.01) correlation between breeders' perception of the disadvantages faced by PPB and their perception of using participatory plant breeding. Finally,stepwise regression analysisindicated that the advantages and disadvantages of PPB explained about 58% of the variations in breeders’ perception toward using PPB.

In recent years, information and communication technology in the field of e-commerce has reduced many of the challenges of business development. E-commerce can be used to develop the agricultural sector and to market agricultural products. This research is a survey aimed at evaluating the adoption of greenhouse owners to Affecting the use information and communication technology in managing greenhouse units in Isfahan Township. The type of research is descriptive-analytic. The statistical community is about 460 and 197 number of sample units are accidentally chosen using Cochran formula with possible precision. The research method was library and field based. After determining the indices and variables of the research, a researcher-made questionnaire was used to collect the required statistical data in the study area. The main tool of the research is questionnaire and its processing is done in the software Spss21. The reliability of questionnaire has been gained through using cronbach alpha also the validity of the research was also calculated using the KMO coefficient higher than 0.7. Results of this research showed that 10 percent greenhouse owners have started accepting the use information and communication technology in managing greenhouse units. The results of the research show that the there was a correlation between the level of education, job satisfaction and income level with the components of adopting, decision, persuasion, and knowledge of meaningful and positive. The results of regression analysis also show that variables such as age, job, experience and communication channels, psychological factors and decision describe 46 percent of the dependent variable of accepting the use of the internet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to investigate changes in farming and to look at how farmers adapt to diverse changes in and around their farms in the province of Esfahan, Iran. It is part of a larger project aimed at developing a job competency profile for agricultural extension instructors (AEIs). One hundred and two farmers who had previously followed extension courses in the province of Esfahan were interviewed. The findings demonstrate that a large number of farmers in the target group who are older, married, have low education levels, are smallholders and lack adequate job diversity on their farms. The study revealed that these farmers have experienced sluggish internal and external agricultural change, and they are generally more positive about internal changes than external ones. Respondents designated "extension courses", "individual farm visits by official extension agents" and "trial and error", respectively as their three main learning strategies (LS) to help them adapt to the various changes. The results also indicate that older and more poorly educated farmers have more problems in adopting different LS. (Contains 4 tables.)

Although GM food production is considered an important strategy to meet the growing food needs of the population around the world, a majority of the GM food consumers express doubts about purchasing and eating them. However, it can be argued that consumers have different opinions about GM foods and their influence on human health and the natural environment. GM food producer Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) may significantly affect such opinions, but the effect of this variable has been partially neglected in previous research studies. To address this gap, the present study investigates Iranian consumers' concerns about GM foods, trust in these products, and perception of GM food producer CSR as determinants of attitudes towards GM food. Data were collected from Iranian consumers. A cross-sectional survey research with a multi-stage random sampling approach was employed to capture the responses of 372 Iranian consumers. The results showed that consumers have both negative and positive attitudes towards GM foods. Perceived social equity, trust, and health concerns were the most important determinants of attitude towards GM foods. According to the results, these variables could account for 52.9% (Cox and Snell R2) and up to 70.6% (Nagelkerke R2) of the variance of the dependent variable. Furthermore, results revealed statistically significant differences among the consumers with different educational levels in terms of perceived social equity, perceived environmental responsibility, and environmental concern. The research contributes to the body of knowledge in GM food consumption by evolving the CSR to assess attitudes of users concerning GM foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Finasteride partially blocks the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone through inhibition of 5 α- reductase in hair follicles. Finasteride cream can penetrate to dermis to arrive at hair follicle due to its solubility. Therefore, it is expected to be used in treatment of hirsutism with less systemic adverse effects. This study was designed to determine the efficacy of finasteride cream 0.5% in management of idiopathic hirsutism. Methods: Finasteride (0.5%) and placebo creams were administered to 35 women with hirsutism on the face. Medication and placebo creams, each one was used on one side of the face in an area of excessive hair growth, which were not necessarily symmetrical. The side for the finasteride and placebo creams were chosen randomizly and blindly in 1cm2 areas on each side of the face. Hair numbers were counted and the thickness of all hairs was also measured by micrometer and their mean was calculated, at the start of therapy and after 6 months. Statistical analysis was done in SPSS software using Paired and Student t-tests. P-values less than 0.05 were considered significant. Results: The mean of hair numbers decreased at placebo-applied side from 12.20 ± 6.15 to 10.50 ± 4.90 (P

Background: Finasteride partially blocks the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone through inhibition of 5α-reductase in hair follicles. Finasteride cream can penetrate into the dermis and the hair follicle due to its solubility. Therefore, it is expected to be used in the treatment of hirsutism with fewer systemic adverse side effects. This study was designed to determine the efficacy of finasteride cream 0.5% in the management of idiopathic hirsutism. Methods: Finasteride (0.5%) and placebo creams were administered to 35 women with facial hirsutism. Medication and placebo creams were each used on one side of the face in an area of excessive hair growth, which were not necessarily symmetrical. The side of the face for the finasteride and placebo creams was chosen randomly and blindly in 1cm2 areas on each side of the face. The hairs were counted and their thickness was also measured by micrometer, and their mean was calculated at the start of therapy and after 6 months. Statistical analysis was done in SPSS software using Paired and Student t-tests. P-values less than 0.05 were considered significant. Findings: The mean of hair numbers decreased on the placebo-applied side from 12.20 ± 6.15 to 10.50 ± 4.90 (P < 0.001), and on the finasteride-treated side from 11.37 ± 6.15 to 8.47 ± 4.62 (P < 0.001). Mean of hair thickness on the placebo side decreased from 2.92 ± 0.84 µm to 2.72 ± 0.79 µm (P < 0.001), and on the finasteride side from 3.17 ± 0.90 µm to 2.37 ± 0.79 µm (P < 0.001). Comparison of hair number and thickness showed no statistically significant changes in finasteride versus placebo treated sides. However, according to the patients' view points, hair growth rate was diminished and hair was thinner on the finasteride-treated side. Conclusion: Six months of topically applied finasteride (0.5%) does not affect the number and thickness of facial hirsutism significantly. Despite the lack of changes, on questioning, most patients in the finastride group perceived a decrease in hair growth over time.

Fuzzy sets and soft sets are two different soft computing models for representing vagueness and uncertainty. On the other domination is a rapidly developing area of research in graph theory, and its various applications to ad hoc networks, distributed computing, social networks and web graphs partly explain the increased interest. This concept was introduced by [Benecke S, Cockayne EJ, Mynhardt CM. Secure total domination in graphs. Util Math. 2007;74:247–259.] in 2007 and Go and Canoy continue the study of these notions [Canoy RS, Go CE. Domination in the corona and join of graphs. Int Math Forum. 2011;6(16):763–771.] and afterward introduce total dominating and secure total dominating sets. Also graph operations like corona product play a very important role in mathematical chemistry, since some chemically interesting graphs can be obtained from some simpler graphs by different graph operations. In this paper, we characterised the dominating, total dominating, and secure total dominating sets in the corona of two fuzzy soft connected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zero forcing and power domination are iterative processes on graphs where an initial set of vertices are observed, and additional vertices become observed based on some rules. In both cases, the goal is to eventually observe the entire graph using the fewest number of initial vertices. In this paper, we combine the study of zero forcing and power domination and compute upper bound for zero forcing for lexicographic product of two fuzzy soft graphs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduce and study forcing number for fuzzy graphs. Also, we compute zero forcing numbers for some classes of graphs and extend this concept to fuzzy graphs. In this regard we obtain upper bounds for zero forcing of some classes of fuzzy graphs. We will proceed to obtain a new algorithm to computing zero forcing set and finding a formula for zero forcing number, and by some examples we illustrate these notions. Finally, we introduce some applications of fuzzy zero forcing in medical treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sometimes information in a network model is based on multi-agent, multi-attribute, multi-object, multi-polar information or uncertainty rather than a single bit. An m-polar fuzzy model is useful for such network models which gives more and more precision, flexibility, and comparability to the system as compared to the classical, fuzzy models. On the other, The Steiner tree problem in networks, and particularly in graphs, was formulated by Hakimi [25] and Levi [21] by definition minimal size connected tree sub graph that contains the vertices in S. Steiner trees have applications to multiprocessor computer networks. For example, it may be desired to connect a certain set of processors with a sub network that uses the fewest communication links. In this paper, we extend Steiner distance SWk(G) for m-polar fuzzy graphs and give this parameter for Join, composition and Cartesian product of two m-polar fuzzy graphs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Economic development and increased demand for energy make it necessary for the use of renewable and non-renewable energy sources. Raw solid wastes, as one of the sources of biogas, contribute significantly to the creation of a type of renewable energy. Reviews show that biomass energy can be considered as an alternative to fossil fuels. In addition to its fewer harmful effects on the environment, it is an inexhaustible source of energy. The general purpose of this research is to explain a conceptual framework of using renewable energy in rural areas based on biological resources. To operationalize this target, we designed a conceptual framework by designing valid internal and external sources in the field of research. Then, based on the conceptual framework, we calculated the amount of energy extracted in the garden, crop, livestock, and household parts of the under-studied village. In the following, considering the baseline calculations of energy, we presented applied scenarios. The results show that the total amount of energy obtained from biomass is 70857266.1 kJ. By defining multiple scenarios, the energy obtained from the biomass sector can suplly 17.17% of household electricity consumption, 2.60% of gas consumption, 68.58% of the energy needed for public lighting of rural pathways, 54.67% of electricity required for pumping the village water to natural resources lands with 131 meters high, 70.3% of power needed for sprinkler irrigations, and 60.42% of the electricity required for drip irrigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the problem of scheduling random energy demands within a fixed normalized time horizon. Each demand has to be serviced without interruption at a constant intensity, while its duration is bounded by a pair of malleability constraints. Such constraints are assumed to be characterized by an i.i.d random vector that follows a general distribution. At each time instance, the total power consumption is computed as the sum of the intensities of all demands being serviced at that moment. Our objective is to minimize both the maximum and the total convex cost of the power consumption of the grid. The problem is considered in the asymptotic regime. In this regime, the number of demands is assumed to be large, and their (random) energy requirements are inversely proportional to the number of demands. Such setting allows us to introduce a linear-time scheduling policy and shows its asymptotic optimality with respect to both cost criteria. We first study the optimization problem in the case where all demands are available a priori, i.e., before scheduling starts. Then we extend our approach for the case of demand scheduling in an arbitrary length time horizon, where the demands arrive randomly during this time interval. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Finasteride partially blocks the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone through inhibition of 5a - reductase in hair follicles. Finasteride cream can penetrate to dermis to arrive at hair follicle due to its solubility. Therefore, it is expected to be used in treatment of hirsutism with less systemic adverse effects. This study was designed to determine the efficacy of finasteride cream 0.5% in management of idiopathic hirsutism. Methods: Finasteride (0.5%) and placebo creams were administered to 35 women with hirsutism on the face. Medication and placebo creams, each one were used on one side of the face in an area of excessive hair growth, which were not necessarily symmetrical. The side for the finasteride and placebo creams was chosen randomizly and blindly in 1cm2 areas on each side of the face. Hair numbers were counted and the thickness of all hairs was also measured by micrometer and their mean was calculated, at the start of therapy and after 6 months. Statistical analysis was done in SPSS soft- Ware using Paired and Student t-tests. P-values less than 0.05 were considered significant. Findings: The mean of hair numbers decreased at placebo-applied side from 12.20 ± 6.15 to 10.50 ± 4.90 (P<0.0001) and at finasteride- treated side from 11.37 ± 6.15 to 8.47 ± 4.62 (p<0.0001). Mean of hair thickness at placebo side decreased from 2.92 ± 0.84μm to 2.72 ± 0.79 μm (p<0.0001) and at finasteride side from 3.17 ± 0.90μm to 2.37 ± 0.79 μm (p<0.0001). Comparison of hair number and thickness showed no statistically significant changes in finasteride versus placebo treated sides. But, according to patients' view points, hair growth rate was diminished and hair was looser on finasteride treated side. Conclusion: Six months of topically applied finasteride (0.5%) does not affect on number and thickness of facial hirsutism significantly. Despite lack of objective changes, on questioning, most patients in finastride group perceived a decrease in hair growth with time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let G be a molecular graph. The Wiener index of G is defined as the sum of all distances between vertices of G. In this paper a method, which is useful to calculate the Wiener index of nanojunctions, is presented. We apply our method on the molecular graph of a carbon nanojunction Le1,1(Op(Q20(T)))_TU(3,3) and its Wiener index is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dendrimer is an artificially manufactured or synthesized molecule built up from branched units called monomers. The nanostar dendrimer is part of a new group of macromolecules that appear to be photon funnels just like artificial antennas. The aim of this paper is topological study of such molecules. Our main result is computing Szeged index of an infinite class of nanostars. It is proved that the method is general and can be applied for other nanostars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Wiener and detour indices of a molecular graph G are defined as the sum of the lengths of all shortest and longest paths between the vertices of G. In this paper the exact formulae for the Wiener and detour indices of a new type of nanostar dendrimers are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A project is carried out for instructors in the agricultural extension service in Esfahan. Part of the project is study, conducted to inform the process of competency profile development for the instructors. The study, reported in this contribution, focuses on views of experts about competencies needed by the instructors. The survey is based on the methodology for developing models of HRD, in which 257 key experts participated. A mix of methods was used for collecting data. The most important competencies found in this study are subject matter and business understanding, and presentation skill. The most essential outputs are presentation of instructional materials, feedback to learners and equipping learners with new competencies after the course. In this contribution, competencies and outputs are elaborated. Further research is needed regarding performance improvement as a result of the efforts of the instructors, and the views of other stakeholders on the development of the agri-clusters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An alternative way to fight transnational terrorism is to undercut popular sympathy for its political goals. This approach calls for promoting reforms and basic human freedoms in countries in which terrorists reside. If war on "terror" eclipses the human rights agenda that characterized the 1990s. Western governments are likely to pay a prohibitively heavy price for business as usual that is, supporting at any cost authoritarian, but pro-Western regimes. Many in the Muslim world see hope in a globalizing world. In this context, we must realize that Muslim women's power to participate meaningfully in the social, cultural, economic, and political affairs of their societies should not be underestimated. Their struggle is at the vanguard for human rights and broader security in Muslim societies. This essay argues that internal reforms provide a more reliable safeguard against terrorism than steps that deepen the roots of violence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A review of the article "Sustainable Agriculture in Canada and Cuba: A Comparison," by V. Hiranandani, published in the "Journal of Environment, Development and Sustainability," is presented.

The article reviews the periodical "Journal of Human Values."

The article reviews the periodical "Journal of Environmental Management."

Abstract Pluriactivity is a livelihood strategy in line with rural resilience. It is a phenomenon of farming in conjunction with other gainful activities. In pluriactivity, the desire and motivation of setting up an extra business and taking necessary actions are crucial. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to identify the underlying components of pluriactive paddy farmers’ motivation and also the factors affecting them. The study was implemented based on the quantitative data obtained from 182 pluriactive paddy farmers. The results of the exploratory factor analysis accentuated that there are three components in each of the pull and push typologies. The components related to pull motivation included personal aspirations and pursuit (C1), proper conditions and facilities (C2) and growth and service markets (C3). Likewise, the components related to push motivation included financial status and job creation improvement (C4), uncertainty and risk mitigation (C5) and paddy farming economic enhancement (C6). Also, it was revealed that two motivational components of personal aspirations and pursuits (C1) and financial status and job creation improvement (C4) are attributed to paddy farmer’s age of the pluriactivity initiation and also the farm size variables. It is imperative to consider both pull and push strategies in directing paddy farmers towards extension and development of pluriactivity in rural areas to enable farmers achieve sustainable livelihood in line with rural resilience.

Although GM food production is considered an important strategy to meet the growing food needs of the population around the world, a majority of the GM food consumers express doubts about purchasing and eating them. However, it can be argued that consumers have different opinions about GM foods and their influence on human health and the natural environment. GM food producer Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) may significantly affect such opinions, but the effect of this variable has been partially neglected in previous research studies. To address this gap, the present study investigates Iranian consumers’ concerns about GM foods, trust in these products, and perception of GM food producer CSR as determinants of attitudes towards GM food. Data were collected from Iranian consumers. A cross-sectional survey research with a multi-stage random sampling approach was employed to capture the responses of 372 Iranian consumers. The results showed that consumers have both negative and positive attitudes towards GM foods. Perceived social equity, trust, and health concerns were the most important determinants of attitude towards GM foods. According to the results, these variables could account for 52.9% (Cox and Snell R2) and up to 70.6% (Nagelkerke R2) of the variance of the dependent variable. Furthermore, results revealed statistically significant differences among the consumers with different educational levels in terms of perceived social equity, perceived environmental responsibility, and environmental concern. The research contributes to the body of knowledge in GM food consumption by evolving the CSR to assess attitudes of users concerning GM foods.

In a glance, more than three billion people live in the rural areas of low and middle income countries. In most cases, rural households have many unmet energy needs including cooking, lighting, heating, transportation and telecommunication needs. The main goal of this study is Implementing Conceptual Model Using Renewable Energies in Rural Area of Iran. In this study, the Weibull and Angestrom distribution methods were used to assess the potential of wind and solar energy range in Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari province of Iran (The Case study). After determining the values calculated based on meteorological stations' data, the IDW interpolation method in GIS software was used for the entire geographic range of the province. After reviewing multiple regions and identifying potential classes, a village which has the potential to be enough sun and wind energy was selected (Kahkesh village) and then a field survey based on biomass resources was accomplished. The needs of rural residents and rural renewable energy potential was evaluated by study conceptual frameworks during one year. By dividing the value of frameworks energies the amount of energy saving can be calculated. Finally, it recommended that for utilizing the renewable energies in rural areas, as will be discussed in the present work and particularly using the conceptual frameworks, is performed.