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Background: Women with uterine fibroids (UFs) experience many clinical manifestations that affect their quality oflife (QOL). The Uterine Fibroid Symptom and Health-related Quality of Life (UFS-QOL) questionnaire is an Englishinstrument specifically designed to assess fibroid-related symptoms and their impact on QOL. This study aims toinvestigate the reliability and validity of the Persian version of the UFS-QOL questionnaire in Iranian women with UF.Materials and Methods: In this psychometric study, women with UFs who presented to Imam Hossein Hospital(Tehran, Iran) between August 2022 and January 2023 were enrolled in this study. A forward-backward approachwas applied to translate the UFS-QOL questionnaire into Persian. The reliability of the UFS-QOL questionnaire wasassessed by internal consistency and test-retest correlation. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to assessconvergent validity between items and subscales of the UFS-QOL questionnaire. Pearson’s correlation coefficient wasused to assess convergence validity between subscales of the UFS-QOL and the World Health Organization Qualityof Life Brief Version 26 questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF-26).Results: Overall, we assessed 226 women with UFs. All subscales of the UFS-QOL questionnaire had acceptableinternal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha>0.7). Test-retest analysis indicated significant positive correlations betweentwo measurements of all subscales of the UFS-QOL questionnaire: symptom severity (P

Abstract This paper is an attempt to provide a dual-source inverter, an intelligent inverter topology that links two isolated DC sources to a single three-phase output through single-stage conversion. The converter is designed to be utilized in hybrid photovoltaic fuel cell systems, among other renewable energy applications. The proposed dual-source inverter employs a single DC-AC converter, as opposed to conventional dual-source hybrid inverters which make use of several input DC-DC modules to obtain the voltage formed across the inverter’s input DC-link. In the proposed topology, the semiconductor count is low, which leads to improved efficiency, cost, complexity, and reliability. The proposed topology makes use of two impedance networks connected by transformers, diodes, and capacitors. The regulation of the electrical power generated by primary sources and the independence of the converter on key factors like voltage and frequency are essential parameters in multi-input converters. This feature becomes highly prominent when the control algorithm is implemented by conventional processors. Viewed from this perspective, the control method described in this paper is worthy of consideration. The research work describes a 220-W/50 Hz prototype that employs Simple Boost-SPWM. Experimental results verify the analyses and corroborate the satisfactory performance of the suggested converter.

Background: Diagnosis of neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) is challenging due to nonspecific biomarkers. High serum levels of neurofilament protein light subunit (NFL), high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and have been reported in several autoimmune diseases. The aim of this study was to examine whether their plasma levels could serve as a diagnostic or prognostic biomarker for NPSLE. Methods: There were 90 SLE patients enrolled in this cross-sectional study (87.8% women and 12.2% men with a mean age of 41.67±11.05 years). We assessed the mental status of patients, also we measured the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) and Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/ACR (SLICC/ ACR) Damage Index or SDI scores. Serum levels of NFL, HMGB1, MMP9, and ds-DNA were investigated to find a role in the pathophysiology of NPSLE. Results: Among the 90 patients with SLE, 63 (70%) met the criteria of NPSLE syndrome. Our results have shown a notable difference concerning SEDIAC-2k score, SDI score, PANS, MoCA, and Beck anxiety depression, between the two groups (p < 0.05). Although serum level of all measured serum biomarkers (NFL, MMP-9, HMGB1, dsDNA) were higher in patients with NPSLE, the difference was not statistically significant. Interestingly, our results showed that the serum level of NFL was correlated with the serum level of HMGB-1 and MMP-9. (r: 0.411, P=0.003). Conclusion: Serum level of NFL, HMGB-1 and MMP-9 may be used to detect abnormal mental status in patients with SLE.

After the establishment of the Abbasid caliphate, two schools of thought, "populist" and "anti-populist" in the Islamic world, came into conflict with each other. The Iranian populist movement relied on Iran's ancient historical and civilizational background and sought to improve its political and social position in the new political order. The anti-populist movement, which was considered an extension of the Umayyad political thought, sought to instill and perpetuate the idea of Arab superiority over non-Arabs due to the loss of their previous political and social status. This research seeks to reconstruct the intellectual foundations of the anti-populist trend in the first centuries of Islam, relying on the opinions of Ibn e- Qutaiba, one of the serious supporters of the mentioned thought. The reason for choosing Ibn e- Qutaiba, as a representative of the anti-populist movement, is the survival of his book Fazl al-Arab, which contains a complete formulation of the anti-populist principles. The findings of the research clarify that the intellectual foundations of the anti-populist trend based on Ibn e- Qutaiba's opinions have two focal axes of proving the superiority of the Arab people over other nations and proving the inferiority of the social, political and historical position of Iranians and populist-Muslims, each of which is based on several principles. The present article is a type of historical research written through the descriptive-analytical method, relying on library sources especially the book of Fazl al-Arab.

Background and Aims: Due to various antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds, plants are considered valuable sources. Ferula gummosa Boiss plant is one of the most important species of the Apiaceae family and is scattered in the eastern and western regions of Iran. This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts of Ferula gummosa Boiss plant gum. Materials and Methods: The levels of phenolic and flavonoid compounds and the antioxidant capacity (by the iron reduction and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging methods) were determined in this laboratory study. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts was evaluated using the disc diffusion method, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration were determined for some bacteria. Data analysis was performed using a factorial experiment within a completely randomized design, and Duncan's multiple range test was used to compare the means. Results: The highest content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids in methanol extract were (53.21±2.43 mg GAE/g dw) and (38.42±1.78 mg QE/g dw), respectively. The highest percentage of free radical scavenging and iron reduction power related to the methanolic extract was 96.43±3.56% and 1.963±0.012 µg/ml, respectively. Antimicrobial activity using the disk diffusion method and the MIC of Bacillus subtilis bacteria in all three extracts showed the most sensitivity compared to other bacteria. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the methanolic extract of the Ferula gummosa Boiss plant had antimicrobial activity, antioxidant potential, and higher phenolic and flavonoid content than the ethanolic and aqueous extracts.

The exchange rate is one of the most important macroeconomic variables that affects different sectors of the economy from various aspects. Due to the considerable impact of industrial development on the country's economic development, this research attempts to evaluate the asymmetric effect of the exchange rate on the value added of the industrial sector for the period of 1380:1 - 1400:4, using the NARDL method. The results of the estimation show that the effect of the exchange rate on the value added of the industrial sector is asymmetric, such that an increase in the exchange rate affects the value added of the industrial sector differently from a decrease in the exchange rate. The effect of the exchange rate in the long term is such that the positive changes in the exchange rate strengthen the value added of the industrial sector, and the decrease in the exchange rate does not affect it. Therefore, the economic policymaker should abandon exchange rate suppression as an inflation control policy and allow the exchange rate to be determined based on market forces.

Condensed fermented corn extractives (liquid steep liquor) was assessed as an alternative to organic acids in broiler chicken. Day-old Ross 308 chicken (n = 180) were allocated into six treatments (basal diet with no supplement, basal diet supplemented with 1 and 2 cc/kg liquid corn steep liquor (CSL) or 1 and 2 cc/kg formic acid along with basal diet supplemented with probiotic (1 × 108 CFU/g, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei) in a completely randomised design with five replicate pens per treatment and six chicks in each pen. Broilers were assessed for performance measures and intestinal and serum characteristics. The results indicated that inclusion of CSL increased (p

Iran is a country characterized by high biodiversity and complex biogeographic patterns. Its diverse landscape and steep climatic gradients have resulted in significant faunal diversity and high level of endemism. To better understand these patterns, we investigated the historical environmental drivers that have shaped Iran’s current geological and climatological conditions, and, consequently, have shaped the current zoological distribution patterns. Furthermore, we provide an overview of the country’s zoological diversity and zoogeography by reviewing published studies on its fauna. We analyzed nearly all available catalogs, updated checklists, and relevant publications, and synthesized them to present a comprehensive overview of Iran’s biodiversity. Our review reports approximately 37,500 animal species for Iran. We also demonstrated that the country serves as a biogeographic transition zone among three zoogeographical realms: the Palearctic, Oriental, and Saharo-Arabian, where distinct faunal elements intersect. This biogeographic complexity has made it challenging to delineate clear zoogeographical zones, leading to varying classifications depending on the taxon. The uplift of mountain ranges, in particular, has played a crucial role in shaping faunal diversity by serving as barriers, corridors, and glacial refugia. These mountains are largely the result of orogeny and plate collisions during the Mesozoic and Cenozoic eras, coupled with the development of the Tethyan Sea and the uplift of several ranges during the Miocene. Despite these insights, our understanding of biodiversity distribution in Iran remains incomplete, even for some well-studied taxa, such as certain vertebrate families and arthropods. We highlight the existing gaps in knowledge regarding zoogeographical patterns and propose approaches to address these gaps, particularly concerning less-studied species and the highly diverse group of insects.

Background: Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a systemic auto-immune condition characterized by diverse and distinctive inflammation, affecting both musculoskeletal and extra-articular systems. This study aims to investigate the role of regulatory T-cells (Tregs), specifically the CD4+CD25+/high CD127-/low subset, in PsA pathogenesis, and their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Materials and Methods: In a case-control study involving 40 PsA patients and 25 healthy individuals, CD4+ CD25+/high CD127-/low Tregs were analyzed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) using flow cytometry. Disease activity was assessed using the Disease Activity in Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA) score. Results: We observed a significant positive correlation between Treg levels and the DAPSA score (P = 0.02) in non-treated PsA patients. Additionally, patient age showed a significant positive correlation with erythrocyte sedimentation rate in the same group (P = 0.04), emphasizing the potential influence of Tregs on disease activity and age-related effects on inflammatory markers in PsA. Conclusion: While not revealing significant differences in Treg populations, our research underscores the importance of considering specific Treg subsets in PsA. These subsets may respond differently to disease micro-environments and treatments, affecting disease progression. This study contributes to the broader comprehension of immune dysregulation in auto-immune diseases and suggests that further investigation into Treg subsets’ function and count is warranted. Such insights may lead to more tailored therapeutic approaches for PsA patients.

Explantation of traditional infrarenal aortic endografts has been previously described, and explanation of aortic endografts with standard suprarenal fixation at our center has been well defined. However, to the best of our knowledge, no cases have been reported on explantation of endografts with polymer rings present to facilitate the proximal seal. By obtaining full thoracoabdominal exposure with supraceliac clamping and opening the entire aorta along the graft, we were able to successfully explant the ALTO stent graft with polymer rings.

Extended AbstractAbstractLeading research has been conducted to investigate the effect of perceived strengths of the human resources system in the organization on employees' reactions to change. In terms of nature and method, the research is a descriptive-survey research and has been conducted with an applied purpose. The data collection tool is a questionnaire that measures the perceived strengths of the human resource system from the Alfs et al. (2019) questionnaire, readiness for organizational change from the Holt et al. (2007) questionnaire, and assessing genuine leadership from the Valomboa et al. (2010) questionnaire was used. Content-face validity was reviewed and confirmed by experts and construct validity was confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis. Convergent validity for variables greater than 0.525 was obtained. Cronbach's alpha coefficient of perceived strengths questionnaires was calculated to be 0.870. The results of this study showed that the perceived strengths of the human resources system have a positive and direct effect on acceptance, readiness and support for change by employees. Also, acceptance of change and readiness for change by employees mediate the relationship between perceived strengths of human resource system and change support behavior, and finally the original leadership of the organization does not moderate the relationship between perceived strengths of human resource system and change support behavior by employees. IntroductionPrevious research has shown the important role and impact of human resources on organizational change and researchers have named this factor as an essential factor for organizational change; However, no studies have been conducted that show the impact of human resources on organizational change and the positive attitude of employees towards change and their support for organizational change. This factor that can make organizational change in the minds of employees positive and useful and motivate their support is due to the strengths of the organization's human resources system and is an important internal factor in employees' reactions to change. Regarding the role of human resource strengths in organizational change, studies have shown that this factor has an important role in managing the content of change and implementation of change and leads to successful implementation of organizational change and also leads to successful organizational change, sustainable organizational performance. Therefore, it is important to identify the mechanisms through which the strengths of the human resources system can affect organizational change, readiness for change, acceptance and support in organizations. Accordingly, this study intends to show the role of strengths of the human resources system in strengthening the positive reactions of employees to change and also to act in a way that supports employees in organizational change.Case studyThe statistical population of the present study is 180 employees of Justice and Dispute Resolution Council of Dargaz city and Lotfabad ward. The statistical sample in this study was determined according to Morgan table of 118 people. Materials and MethodsThe present study is in the category of applied research, in terms of the nature of the data used is a quantitative research and in terms of the nature and method of cognition is a descriptive-correlational research. The validity of the questionnaire was assessed through three types of exponential validity, convergent and divergent, and its reliability was assessed by three types of Cronbach's alpha, combined reliability and factor loading coefficients. In order to describe the research findings, descriptive statistics and inferential statistics have been used. Descriptive statistics (chart, mean, standard deviation, etc.) and SPSS software were used to analyze demographic variables and to measure them. It was done partially using Smart PLS software.Discussion and ResultsThe results showed that the variable of the perceived strengths of the human resources system on the support of change by employees is confirmed by the mediating role of the two variables of acceptance of change by employees and readiness for change. In these two paths, the mediating role of readiness for change with a total effect of 0.864 is greater than the mediating variable of acceptance of change with a total effect of 0.783. Also, the moderating role of the authentic leadership variable in the relationship between the two variables of the perceived strengths of the human resources system and support for change by employees was tested. Because the t statistic was equal to 0.385 and less than 1.96, therefore, the path is not significant.ConclusionThe purpose of this study is to investigate the role of human resource system strengths in strengthening the positive reactions of employees to change, in a way that supports employees in organizational change. Perceived strengths of the human resources system are an important and effective factor in accepting organizational change, readiness to accept organizational change and also supporting organizational change by employees. The importance of perceived strengths of the human resources system is that it leads to the correct management of human resources and facilitates the achievement of organizational goals, and this is effective in the behaviors and reactions of employees to organizational change. Policies and strategies, as well as executive approaches to human resource management in organizations, as well as preparing employees to accept change, are among the methods of implementation of perceived strengths of the human resources system that can affect employees' mentality and improve their response to change.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the physicochemical properties, antimicrobial activity, and cytotoxicity of Thyme Essential Oil (TEO) encapsulated by chitosan nanogels. Methods: In this study, chitosan-stearic acid and chitosan-capric acid nanogels were developed in two ratios of chitosan to fatty acid (10: 1 and 10: 3). Results: The results of Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy analysis showed a successful binding of chitosan to capric and stearic acids. Scanning Electron Microscope images revealed that particle formation improved with increase of the ratio of fatty acid to chitosan. The antimicrobial capacity of both encapsulation systems on three species of microorganisms (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans) was studied. A sustained release of curcumin was observed in Simulated Intestine Fluid. The developed nanogels did not have any toxicity on different cell lines. The results also showed that the antimicrobial capacity of TEO encapsulated with chitosan nanogels was higher (p

AbstractThe aim of the current research is to analyze the spatial status of the subjective indicators of resilience in the informal settlements of Zahedan. The statistical population includes residents of three neighborhoods: Karimabad, Qasimabad, and Shirabad. The reason for choosing these neighborhoods is their high vulnerability to natural and human hazards. In order to realize the spatial dimension of the research, spatial sampling was used in such a way that the studied neighborhoods were divided into small zones using the sampling tool set and the create fishnet tool in GIS software, and a number of questionnaires were assigned to each zone depending on its population. The sample size was estimated to be 384 people, which was distributed according to the population of each neighborhood and each zone. Factor analysis tests and techniques, Pearson's correlation, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Sheffe's post hoc test were used to analyze the questionnaire data, and GIS was used to prepare the maps. The research results indicate that there is a significant difference in the researched neighborhoods in terms of resilience indicators. In addition, the spatial sense of belonging index has the greatest effect on the resilience of the studied area. The results of Pearson’s correlation show that in the two neighborhoods of Karimabad and Shirabad, the highest correlation was between the two variables of safety and health and the sense of belonging to the place. In the neighborhood of Qasimabad, the highest correlation was between the two variables of knowledge and individual skill and the improvement of the economic situation.Keywords: Urban Resilience, Spatial Sampling, Informal Settlement, Zahedan.IntroductionThe issue of informal settlements is a form of settlement in which the optimal living function is at a low level compared to other urban areas. Due to the fragility and high vulnerability of these settlements against natural threats and social harms, their resilience (as one of the four goals of regeneration) should be given serious attention. Most of these settlements are located in high-risk areas such as rivers and mountain slopes where there is a possibility of landslides. This study investigates the spatial status of the subjective indicators of resilience in the informal settlements of District 4 of Zahedan City. Materials and MethodsThe present research is applied in terms of its purpose. In terms of nature and method, it is among descriptive-analytical studies. In order to realize the spatial dimension of the research, spatial sampling was used in such a way that the studied neighborhoods were divided into small zones using the sampling tool set and the fishnet tool in GIS software, and a number of questionnaires belonged to each zone depending on its population. The statistical population of the present study, which is considered among the informal settlements of Zahedan City, includes the residents of three neighborhoods: Karimabad, Qasimabad, and Shirabad. The reason for choosing these neighborhoods is their high vulnerability to all kinds of natural and human hazards (the passage of the fundamental fault near Mahdowa and the passage of the main roads of the city through the middle). It is one of the natural and human hazards that threaten the area and its residents. The sample size was estimated to be 384 people, which was distributed according to the population of each neighborhood and each zone. The validity of the questionnaire was evaluated using the opinions of supervisors, consultants, and other experts in the urban area, and their corrective opinions were applied and finally confirmed. The reliability of the questionnaire results was also measured using Cronbach's alpha, the value of which was 0.814, which indicates the good reliability of the questionnaire. Also, factor analysis tests and techniques, Pearson’s correlation, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Sheffe's post hoc test were used to analyze the questionnaire data, and GIS was used to prepare the maps. Research FindingsThe results of the factor analysis show that the most important component affecting resilience in the studied area is the sense of place belonging. On the other hand, the results obtained from Pearson's correlation show that in the Karimabad neighborhood, the highest relationship exists between the two variables of security and environmental health and the sense of place belonging. Also, in the Qasimabad neighborhood, the relationship between the components of individual knowledge and skill and the improvement of the economic situation is the strongest. In the Shirabad neighborhood, like Karimabad, the relationship between the two variables of security and health and the sense of belonging to the place is the most intense. The result of the analysis of variance, which was done to compare the neighborhoods in terms of resilience indicators, shows that there is a significant difference between the neighborhoods under the study in terms of the three variables of access, place belonging, and security and environmental health. Thus, the neighborhood of Karimabad, compared to the two neighborhoods, has a more favorable relative situation. Discussion of Results and ConclusionThe results of the spatial analysis indicate that the Karimabad neighborhood has a better condition than the other two neighborhoods (Qasimabad and Shirabad). The reason for this can be found in the implementation of regeneration programs. For example, if we look at the descriptive statistics, this neighborhood has fewer residents who do not have ownership documents. Therefore, by granting ownership documents and recognizing these neighborhoods, and on the other hand, by carrying out regeneration measures in different dimensions, it is possible to improve the resilience of the target neighborhoods.

Introduction: Infertility is a disorder that affects about 15% of couples and 50% is related to male. Sperm freezing involves storing semen samples at -196°C in liquid nitrogen. During freezing, due to the induction of apoptosis through oxidative stress, the functional indicators of sperm are damaged and ultimately lead to a decrease in fertility. There have been many studies on the use of freezing environments with complementary antioxidants to limit the damage caused by freezing. In this study, melatonin and curcumin were used in combination as antioxidants in sperm freezing.Methods: This study was conducted in 2022 on the semen of 40 men with normal sperm in Qazvin University of Medical Sciences. To check sperm motility by CASA device, morphology by hematoxylin staining, viability by eosin nigrosine staining, DNA integrity by tunnel kit and MDA measurement by reaction method with thiobarbituric acid and spectrophotometer were used. Data analysis was done using SPSS software (version 25) and ANOVA test, dependent t-test and one-way analysis of variance. P