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The observed radar reflectivity (Z) converts to rainfall intensity (R) by a transfer function. In the first stage, for calibration of collected data (with time step 15 minutes) by weather radar and determination of the best relation between Z and R, it applied a genetic algorithm (GA) to minimize the amount of root mean square error (RMSE). Although Z = 166R2 (the transfer function in the Khuzestan province of Iran) is an appropriate equation, the GA method distinguished that Z = 110R1.8 (from February to May) and Z = 126R2 (for other months) are the optimum transfer functions for the Abolabbas watershed in Iran. The mean of RMSE of optimum transfer equations is 0.59 mm/hr in the calibration stage and 0.85 mm/hr in the verification stage. In the second stage, the Hydrologic Modeling System (HEC-HMS model) used four types of precipitation data (extracted rainfall data from radar and the optimum transfer equations, Z = 166R2, Z = 200R1.6 and extracted rainfall data from rainfall gauging stations). The calibrated rainfall data by the optimum transfer equations can produce flood hydrographs in which their accuracy is similar to the accuracy of generated flood hydrographs by collected rainfall data of rainfall gauging stations. The mean of RMSE is 0.65 cubic metres per second and the mean or R2 is 0.89 for optimum transfer equations. HIGHLIGHTS Extraction of the function Z–R for a watershed.; Using time intervals less than 1 hr for rainfall hyetographs (15 minutes).; Using an optimization method for determination of the transfer function Z–R and considering seasonal characteristics of precipitation that can distinguish two transfer functions Z–R.; Using a rainfall–runoff model for determination of accuracy of the derived functions Z–R.;

At the present time, although the productivity and sustainability of many environmental protection technologies, such as organic technology, have been widely demonstrated, many farmers are still unaware of these technologies and the reason of it, is that such technologies require the replacement of management skills, knowledge and local manpower with foreign inputs. In this regard, the purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of agricultural extension and education system in the form of educational-extension methods on the development of organic agriculture in agricultural cooperatives. The statistical population consisted of the members of active and passive agricultural cooperatives in Shabestar township in 2019. This study is In terms of paradigm, quantitative; In terms of purpose, practical; In terms of data collection, survey and in terms of the relationship between variables, it is a type of descriptive-correlation researches. Structural equation modeling technique was used for data analysis. According to field data, there was sufficient evidence to support the significant impact of "scientific visits" and "training sessions" on "organic technology behavior". Also, the significant effect of the variables of "personal contact" and "knowledge of organic technology" on "attitude to organic technology" was confirmed. Based on the results, the following recommendations are proposed: the establishment of R&D center and national organic database, Orientation to farmers' thoughts for more communication with extension agents, leading farmers and experts, and culture building on how to use of messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp and Instagram) and mobile text messages.

Objective: Nowadays, the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) is one of the most stressful resources that has led to the rise of different levels of psychological crisis. In addition to the countries affected by the COVID-19, such as China, European and American countries, Iran has appeared as one of the most affected countries with high infected cases and deaths. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the role of self-talk in predicting death anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and coping strategies in the face of COVID-19. Method: This descriptive and correlational study was conducted on 354 adults living in Ardabil, Iran, who were selected using cluster sampling from 21 January to 19 March 2020. Self-Talk questionnaires, Coping Strategies, Death Anxiety, and Obsessive-Compulsive questionnaires were used for data collection. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression were used for data analysis. Results: The findings revealed a significant positive relationship between self-talk and problem-centered coping style. Also, significant negative relationships were found between self-talk and emotional coping style, death anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Furthermore, based on the results of the regression test, self-talk predicted problem-centered style, emotional-coping style, death anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Conclusion: The results of this study emphasize the need for psychological crisis intervention during the COVID-19 outbreak. Also, this study provides an important step in shifting attention to self-talk skills from sport psychology fields toward clinical psychology, especially about the mental impacts of COVID-19.

Nowadays, one of the solutions for companies to achieve collaboration functions, such as knowledge exchange and information sharing, is to take advantage of Mergers and Acquisitions (M & A) strategies. Agricultural Cooperatives are no exception to this, and in order to achieve such functions, they should use M & A strategies. In this regard, the current study aimed to identify the most appropriate Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) strategy for collaboration of Agricultural Cooperatives from the viewpoint of experts. A multi-criteria decision-making approach based on Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to prioritize M & A strategies. 16 executive and collegiate experts in the field of cooperation were purposefully selected and their opinions were gathered through questionnaire. The results revealed that among the six considered criteria for the selection of M & A strategies, the criterion of "identifying market needs" was the first priority. Also, the horizontal and conglomerate M & A strategies were in the first and last priority, respectively, based on the overall criterion.

Today, in many countries, elderly suicide is considered as an important issue in public health. The present study aimed to predict suicidal ideation based on interpersonal cognitive distortions, positive and negative affect, perceived social support and meaning in life in the elderly without a spouse. It was a correlational descriptive study. The statistical population of the study included all elderly attending nursing homes in Ardabil in 2019 among whom 111 were selected by convenience sampling method. Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation, Hamamci and Buyukozturk Scale for Interpersonal Cognitive Distortions, Watson and Clark Questionnaire for Positive and Negative Affect, Zimet Multiple Scale for Perceived Social Support and Steger Questionnaire for Meaning in Life were used to collect the required data. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and regression analysis in SPSS version 23 software. The results showed a significant positive correlation between interpersonal cognitive distortions and negative affect with suicidal ideation of the elderly (P

Pistachio nut as a strategic product has a special place from nutritional and economical points of view. Its quality can be affected by variety, growing origin and climate. In the present study, the chemical composition of pistachio nuts harvested from different parts of East Azarbaijan province in Iran (Jolfa, Marand, Soufian, Azarshahr and Islamic Island) was investigated. The nuts had oil content of 49.9 to 58.5% and moisture content of 35.2 to 47.9. The acidity, peroxide values and the oil stability index (OSI) of the extracted oil were 0.03 to 0.3%, 0.19 to 1.0 meq O2/kg oil and 12.4 to 17 h, respectively. In addition, the chlorophyll content was found to be 15 to 72 mg pheophytin/kg oil and the carotenoid content was 5.4 to 11.5 mg/kg. In the fatty acid composition of the oil samples, oleic acid was the main fatty acid (52.5–63.9%), followed by linoleic acid (27.1–37.2%), palmitic acid (4.6–10.3%), palmitoleic acid (0.6–1.2%), stearic acid (0.1–1.3%) and linolenic acid (0.3–0.4%). Total tocopherol content of the pistachio oil samples was (125–258 mg/kg oil) which γ-tocopherol was the main tocol (112–232 mg/kg oil), followed by δ-tocopherol (5.3–19.3 mg/kg oil) and α- tocopherol (1.2–6.1 mg/kg oil). Total sterol content of the samples found to be (1125–2784 mg/kg oil). The most abundant sterol in the oils was β-sitosterol (966–2419 mg/kg oil) and other detected sterols were Δ5-avenasterol (72.6–170 mg/kg oil), campesterol (47.4–128 mg/kg oil), Stigmasterol (12.3–27.8 mg/kg oil) and cholesterol (8.3–39 mg/kg oil). The obtained results showed that origin had significant effects on oil composition. These data can be used to evaluate the nutritional value and authenticity of the oils and as useful information in establishing standards. Keywords: Fatty acids, Phytosterols, Pistachio oil, Bioactive compounds

For downloading the full-text of this article please click here. Background and Objective: Family is the core of every society and the center of mental health and care satisfying the emotional, physical and spiritual needs of its members. Various factors can sustain this foundation. Some of these factors include probably the locus of control, irrational beliefs, and religious orientation. On this basis, the purpose of the present study was to compare the locus of control, irrational beliefs and religious orientation divorced women in Ardabil in 2016. Methods: The study was descriptive and causal-comparative. The statistical population included all women asking for divorce, who referred to the Ardabil Justice in 2016. The sample population included 50 women applying for divorce and 50 normal women selected based on available sampling method. The participants completed the Rutter Control Questionnaire, Jones's irrational beliefs and Alport's religious orientation questionnaire. The obtained data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of variance. All ethical considerations have been observed in the present study and the authors of the article reported no conflict of interest. Results: The results of analysis of variance showed that there was a significant difference between the women applying for divorce and normal women in the control variables (p

Background & objectives: Age-related cardiovascular dysfunction is often accompanied by impaired mitochondrial biogenesis and function. Exercise training can improve mitochondrial function and content in muscle to meet the energy demands of the cells. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of moderate-intensity (MRT) and high-intensity (HRT) resistance training on the expression of PGC-1α, TFAM and AMPK of cardiomyocytes in elderly rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 30 elderly male rats (23 months) were divided into 3 groups: control (C), MRT and HRT. Training groups exercised resistance training for eight weeks (5 days a week). The resistance training protocol consisted of climbing a 110- centimeter -long ladder, with a weight attached to a tail sleeve. In the MRT group, the training protocol with 60% MVCC, 14-20 times climbing the ladder; In the HRT group with 80% MVCC, 9-10 times climbing the ladder was performed. Data were tested using ANOVA at a significance level of p

An innovative electrochemical sensor is introduced that utilizes bipolar electrochemistry on a paper substrate for detecting glucose in sweat. The sensor employs a three-dimensional porous nanocomposite (MXene/NiSm-LDH) formed by decorating nickel-samarium nanoparticles with double-layer MXene hydroxide. These specially designed electrodes exhibit exceptional electrocatalytic activity during glucose oxidation. The glucose sensing mechanism involves enzyme-free oxidation of the analyte within the sensor cell, achieved by applying an appropriate potential. This leads to the reduction of K3Fe(CN)6 in the reporter cell, and the resulting current serves as the response signal. By optimizing various parameters, the measurement platform enables the accurate determination of sweat glucose concentrations within a linear range of 10 to 200 µM. The limit of detection (LOD) for glucose is 3.6 µM (S/N = 3), indicating a sensitive and reliable detection capability. Real samples were analysed to validate the sensor's efficiency, and the results obtained were both promising and encouraging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to investigate aqueous extraction process as a safe and environmentally friendly method for extracting oil from flaxseed. For this purpose, flaxseeds were first roasted (at 120 °C for 45 minutes), then ground and the extraction process was performed. In the aqueous extraction process, temperature (25-70 ° C), time (1.5-5.5 hours) and pH (4-7) conditions were applied and qualitative characteristics (acid value, peroxide value and oil extraction yield) were measured. The results showed that, with increasing extraction time and temperature, the obtained oil yield also increased, so that the maximum yield related to extraction time of 3 hours, extraction temperature of 70 °C and pH=4. Also acid and peroxide values increased by increase of the extraction time and temperature. According to the results of the acid value, peroxide value and extraction oil yield, extraction at 70 °C, 2.45 h and pH=4 was selected as the optimal treatment and quality characteristics of the extracted oil was evaluated during storage. The results showed that, chlorophyll, carotenoids and total phenol content significantly decreased (p≤0.05) during storage. Also, acid and peroxide values had a significant increase during storage (p≤0.05) and the maximum observed at 60th day storage. It was concluded that aqueous extraction of oil from flaxseed despite its relatively low efficiency, improved quality characteristics and can be a good alternative to conventional methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, with increasing the lifespan, the importance of health-promoting behavior and paying attention to maintaining individuals' function and autonomy are becoming increasingly evident and regular physical activity is considered as one of the important aspects of healthy lifestyle. This study aimed to apply the theory of planned behavior to predict the intention to do physical activity in the elderly. This study was conducted on the 371 elderly. A three-part questionnaire including demographic, knowledge, and theory of planned behavior questions was used. The views of the elderly were requested directly in this regard. According to the results, the elderly’s mean age was 69 and the sample included 53% women. The behavior intention in this study had a positive significant correlation with all planned behavior theory constructs. The perceived behavior control construct hold the most prediction power regarding the variance of the elderly’s intention of physical activity behavior. The constructs of theory could predict 26.7% of the variance of intention. Based on the results of this study, the theory of planned behavior was successful in predicting the elderly’s intention to do physical activity and the necessity of paying attention to the component is emphasized to teach intention to elderly people, considering the role of the perceived behavior control construct in predicting behavior intention.

Objectives Today, the life expectancy of elderly people has increased all over the world. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of attention performance in predicting the elderly’s sleep quality and quality of life. Methods & Materials The research design was descriptive correlational. The statistical population consisted of all elderly men over 60 years of age who live in the nursing homes of Ardabil City, Iran, in 2017. Out of them, a sample of 200 individuals was selected by the available sampling method. Pittsburg sleep quality questionnaire, the World Health Organization quality of life and Stroop questionnaire were used for data collection. The obtained data were analyzed by the Pearson correlation and regression analysis in SPSS-21. Results The findings showed that the Mean±SD of the subjects’ age was 66.47±6.756 years and their quality of life and sleep quality Mean±SD scores were 73.95±21.41 and 5.55±6.36, respectively. Also, the Mean±SD scores of Stroop cards of error, correct, response, and interference were 6.54±8.52, 94.48±7.37, 121.56±61.33, and 50.44±58.08, respectively. The results of the Pearson correlation and regression analysis showed a significant relationship between performance in the Stroop test and the manner of attention with the quality of sleep and quality of life (P

Background: More than a million people worldwide die by suicide every year, the risk of committing suicide in healthcare related occupations, especially nursing, is much higher than other occupations. The current study aimed at investigating the role of the Thwarted Belongingness (TB), Perceived Burdensomeness (PB), Self-Efficacy (SE), and Ego Strength (ES) in predicating Suicidal Ideation (SI) in nurses. Materials and Methods: In the current descriptive-correlational study, convenience sampling method was employed to select 120 nurses of hospitals in Ardabil, Iran. The participants completed the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire (INQ), General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), Psychology Inventory Ego Strengths (PIES), and Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSSI). The collected data were analyzed by descriptive statistics indices, Pearson correlation analysis, and multivariate regression with SPSS V. 23. Results: The obtained result showed a significant and positive relationship between Thwarted Belongingness and Perceived Burdensomeness, and Suicidal Ideation as well as a significant and negative relationship between Self-Efficacy and Ego Strength, and Suicidal Ideation. Also, the result of the multivariate regression showed that Thwarted Belongingness, Perceived Burdensomeness, Self-Efficacy, and Ego Strength predictability can account for 46% of Suicidal Ideation. Also, the result showed that Perceived Burdensomeness could explain and predict Suicidal Ideation better than other variables. Conclusion: Generally, Thwarted Belongingness and Perceived Burdensomeness, as two interpersonal factors, and Self-Efficacy and Ego Strength, as two intrapersonal factors, can predict Suicidal Ideation of nurses. Possession of the sense of Thwarted Belongingness leads to a feeling of loneliness, and perceiving burdensomeness leads to a feeling of self-hatred, and ultimately, the combination of these two structures leads to the formation of Suicidal Ideation. Also, poor Self-Efficacy leads to negative judgment of abilities and the low Ego Strength uses inappropriate defense mechanisms such as denial and suppression, and ultimately, the combination of these two forms Suicidal Ideation. Therefore, providing the training to improve interpersonal relationships in order to reduce the felling of Thwarted Belongingness and Perceived Burdensomeness as well as individual counseling to improve Self-Efficacy and Ego Strength can be effective in reducing Suicidal Ideation and suicide attempt in nurses.

For downloading the full-text of this article please click here. Background and Objective: One of the critical periods in youth is the studentship period, which is a dynamic transitional period. Several factors can influence university students’ psychological health. They can be generally divided into personal, university, and social factors. The purpose of this study is to compare the cognitive emotion regulation, locus of control and meaning in life of native and non-native students in Mohaghegh Ardabili University. Method: The method of this study is causal-comparative. Statistical population of this study comprised all native and non-native students in Mohaghegh Ardabili University in the year 2015. From among this population, 100 students (50 native students and 50 non-native students) were selected as sample by convenience sampling method. The used tools were Granefski et al.’s cognitive emotion regulation questionnaire, Rutter’s locus of control survey and Steger’s meaning in life questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed through multivariate analysis of variance. All ethical issues were observed in this study and the researchers declared no conflict of interests. Results: The results showed that the average score of external locus of control among non-native students was significantly higher than that of native ones. Furthermore, the mean score of internal locus control was significantly lower for non-native students (p

Introduction: Proper control of postoperative pain is one of the major challenges after surgery. Such pains result in physical complications, increased metabolism, exacerbations of underlying diseases, and increased blood pressure. The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of apotel and pregabalin on postoperative pain among patients undergoing lower limb surgery. Materials and Methods: This study is a double-blind randomized clinical trial. About 75 patients undergoing lower limb orthopedic surgeries in Valiasr Hospital in Arak, Iran, were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into three groups as follow: The first group received a 150-mg pregabalin capsule 2 h before the surgery. The placebo group received capsule that was replaced by starch. Furthermore, other group received 1 g of apotel in 200 mL of normal saline, 20 min before surgery. Pain at 2, 4, 12, and 24 h after surgery was recorded based on visual analogue scale. The amount of opioid use was recorded in the first 24 h in milligrams. Patient sedation was recorded by Ramsey Sedation Scale at 2, 6, 12, and 24 h after surgery. Finally, the data were analyzed using SPSS-20. Results: Pain in the apotel group was found to be lower when comparing with other group in 2, 4, 12, and 24 h after surgery (P = 0.0001). Ramsey score was found to be more in the pregabalin group at 2.6, 12, and 24 h after surgery (P < 0.05). In addition, the lowest opioid use was in the apotel group (P = 0.0001). Conclusion: Our findings revealed that apotel had a better effect on pain management, whereas pregabalin exhibited better effect on the sedation of patients.