Showing 333 results for Change
Volume 0, Issue 0 (2-2024)
Abstract
This paper presents a detailed phonological analysis of the sound differences between the Abdolmaleki and Hawrami dialects through the lens of Optimality Theory. The research primarily focuses on exploring the variations in vowel length, vowel quality, and consonant structure across these two dialects. The goal is to investigate how these differences manifest in the phonological systems of the dialects and to analyze them within the constraints of Optimality Theory. Several key constraints, including MAX-C, DEP-C, IDENT-[vowel height], IDENT-[vowel backness], ONSET, ALIGN-Morpheme, and CODA-COND, are applied to a comprehensive set of linguistic data collected from both dialects. The findings demonstrate that the Abdolmaleki and Hawrami dialects follow distinct patterns of phonological optimization, which lead to notable differences in their overall phonological structure. The analysis highlights how variations in vowel length, the quality of vowels, and the structure of consonants contribute to these dialectal distinctions. Moreover, the study provides a theoretical framework that not only deepens our understanding of the phonological processes at work in these dialects but also offers a new perspective for analyzing other Iranian dialects. In addition to shedding light on these phonetic differences, this article suggests avenues for further research on phonological variations and underscores the broader applicability of Optimality Theory in linguistic studies.
Volume 0, Issue 0 (2-2024)
Abstract
Sport has its own discourse which bears discursive features as sport spreads through body and language.. In sport discourse, we can see cultural indexes which have clear impact on sport discourse. Sport is like a medium for culture. When we learn sport knowledge we learn implicitly cultural patterns of the society in which that sport is popular. The cultural indexes are reflected in sport discourse in form of situation, social behaviors, customs, norms and values of the community. Performative discourses have three main key elements of act, value and change which are also present in sport discourse. In this paper, we intend to explain we could not remove all the cultural indexes of sport educational discourse just due to their differences with our cultural patterns and how they are efficient in improving discourse of sport. In this research with random selection among women trainers of body building and fitness sport, 15 women trainers were questioned orally with questionnaires on the impact of cultural indexes on their training. Results show all indexes are involved effectively in the educational discourse of sport.
Volume 0, Issue 0 (1-2024)
Abstract
Excessive consumption of fuel in greenhouse crops has caused irreparable damage to the environment and ultimately human health. Therefore, the present study highlights the need to change mental patterns regarding the type and method of optimal fuel consumption. The present study aimed to psychologically analyze greenhouse keepers' environmental behavior using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). This study is descriptive-correlational. The statistical population of the research consisted of greenhouse cucumber growers in Kerman province, Iran (4946 people), of whom 356 were selected as a sample using the cluster sampling method. The sample size was estimated using the Karjesi and Morgan table. Data were collected using a structured and researcher-made questionnaire, and its validity and reliability (α= 0.91-0.94) were confirmed using various indices. Smart-PLS3 software was utilized to test the research hypotheses. The research findings indicated that the effects of three variables attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control on intention were statistically significant. Additionally, based on the results of structural equation modeling, intention significantly mediated the relationship between dependent and independent variables. Furthermore, the independent variables were able to account for 32% and 51% of the variance in behavioral intention and environmental behavior of greenhouse keepers in optimal fuel consumption, respectively. Given that sustained intrinsic motivation or strong intentions are necessary for maintaining long-term behavior, it is recommended that policies and programs focusing on the development and evaluation of behavioral interventions to promote fuel consumption behaviors be broadly centered on strengthening the intentions of greenhouse keepers. Under favorable conditions and with incentives, individuals are more likely to engage in optimal fuel consumption. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for government agencies, policymakers, agricultural extension and education agents, and researchers interested in devising strategies to reduce fossil fuel consumption.
Volume 0, Issue 0 (1-2024)
Abstract
Small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) have played a significant role in the growth and advancement of the Chinese agriculture sector. However, these enterprises often face challenges in navigating local distribution networks, complying with regulations, and procuring local consumer products, which can hinder the marketing environment and impede economic growth. To address these issues and promote continuous business development, Chinese agriculture enterprises require effective modeling techniques that facilitate transformation to meet evolving requirements. This study proposes a game-theoretic approach, specifically the Mixed Strategy Game-Theoretic Approach (MSGTA), as a decision-making tool for enterprises facing pre-emptive changes. By analyzing oligopoly firm behavior, the MSGTA approach identifies enterprise outcomes, cooperation patterns, and price-fixing strategies, providing decision-making options and incentives within the enterprise structure. The MSGTA approach assists SMEs in the Chinese agriculture market by systematically analyzing product development stages and ensuring the effective adoption of pre-emptive changes. The efficiency of SMEs implementing the MSGTA approach is evaluated by examining statistical relationships between enterprise growth and requirements. By integrating effective modeling techniques, Chinese agriculture SMEs can adapt to changes proactively, enhance their ability to navigate local distribution networks, comply with regulations, and procure local consumer products more effectively, thereby improving the marketing environment and fostering economic growth.
Volume 0, Issue 0 (1-2024)
Abstract
This study was conducted to assess the habitat suitability of Carissa carandas in India is crucial for its sustainable integration into agriculture under changing climatic conditions. This study utilized Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) modelling to evaluate the species’ distribution across current and future scenarios (2050 and 2070) under four Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs: 2.6, 4.5, 6.0, and 8.5). Results indicated that temperature-related variables, particularly the Minimum Temperature of the Coldest Month (MiTCM, contributing 46.8% in 2070 RCP 2.6) and Isothermality (contributing up to 35.2% in 2070 RCP 8.5), are the dominant climatic drivers. Land use and land cover (LULC) factors such as urbanization (49.8%), total cultivated land (28.1%), and grassland (9.0%) significantly influence habitat suitability. Under current conditions, optimal habitat spans 4,588 km², decreasing by 38.95% under LULC scenarios. Projected habitat changes indicate a 2.04% gain under 2070 RCP 2.6 but an 11.06% decline under 2050 RCP 2.6. Southern and western regions, including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, exhibit high suitability, habitat fragmentation is projected in northern and western India due to climate change and land use modifications. These findings underscore the need for proactive conservation planning and climate-adaptive agricultural strategies to optimize the cultivation of C. carandas. Policymakers and stakeholders should focus on preserving suitable regions while mitigating urbanization-induced habitat loss. Furthermore, integrating underutilized crops into climate-resilient agriculture can enhance biodiversity, improve food security, and support sustainable farming practices in the face of climate change.
Volume 0, Issue 0 (1-2024)
Abstract
The insight of storage root formation mechanism under different soil compaction which is one of the vital factors affecting storage rot yield is crucial for the high and stable storage yield of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.). Photosynthetic characters has been proved to be determining factor of crop yield. So field experiments were conducted with 2 varieties in control, loose, and compacted soil conditions, canopy apparent photosynthesis, gas exchange parameters and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of the functional leaves, storage root yield were determined, and the relationship between yield and photosynthetic characters was studied as well. The results indicated compared to the control, the storage root yield was significantly increased in loose soil with the average increase of 27.03%~38.74%, but decreased in compacted soil with the average reduction of 17.87%~15.92%. The CAP got the similar change law. Loose soil also improved gas exchange parameters of functional leaves, overall performance and donor/recipient side properties of PSII, the reverse was found in compacted soil. The CAP was significantly positively correlated with storage root yield (r= 0.99, P<0.05) and single storage root weight (r= 0.90, P<0.05). As per statistical path analysis, the net photosynthetic rate (Pn) had the most total effect and higher direct effect on increasing CAP. That is, reduce the soil compaction increased Pn of functional leaves, brought higher CAP, resulted in high storage root yield.
Volume 0, Issue 0 (1-2024)
Abstract
Volume 0, Issue 0 (1-2024)
Abstract
This study investigates the factors affecting coffee exports in Cameroon. For this purpose, we employed the gravity model. Considering the sample characteristics, the model is estimated with the Poisson pseudo-maximum likelihood (PPML) method. The main material of the study is a panel data set covering the years 2001-2021 for ten countries, Cameroon’s main coffee export partners. The findings show that the GDP of importing countries, coffee export prices, and bilateral investment treaties (BITs) positively influence exports, whereas distance, exchange rates, and Cameroon’s GDP have negative impacts. The results highlight Cameroon’s logistics infrastructure deficiencies and the significance of stable, high-quality production. The Cameroonian government should implement policies to improve production quality and efficiency by expanding agricultural extension services and offering farmers input and investment incentives to address these challenges. Additionally, improving port efficiency will necessitate the digitalization of operations, implementation of data-driven planning, and strategic infrastructure investments.
Volume 0, Issue 0 (1-2024)
Abstract
The issue of climate change and its associated water security challenges has become a growing concern for Iran, particularly in its agricultural sector. Increasing population, rising demand for agricultural products, and the need for food security exacerbate these challenges. This study highlights the risks posed by reduced precipitation, rising temperatures, and inefficient water management practices, including heavy reliance on groundwater and outdated irrigation systems. It emphasizes the urgent need for modern irrigation technologies, such as water recycling (NEWater), and robust governance reforms to improve water use efficiency, analyzed through the HES framework. The study concludes that adopting a comprehensive, long-term strategy, incorporating technological innovations, localized water management practices, and enhanced governance, can mitigate the impacts of climate change and ensure the sustainable use of water resources in Iran's agricultural sector.
Volume 0, Issue 0 (1-2024)
Abstract
Climate change (CC) is one of the major challenges of our time that impacts rangelands regionally and globally. The rising vulnerability among pastoralists highlights the need to prioritize resilience thinking. Pastoralists' resilience refers to the ability of rangeland businesses to endure, adapt to, and remain flexible in the face of threats or challenges. This research was conducted with the primary goal of analyzing the factors that influence resilience from the perspective of pastoralists in Tehran province under CC conditions. This research was both goal-oriented and exploratory in methodology. The study sample consisted of 317 pastoralists selected through stratified random sampling. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire. Software SmartPLS was used for data analysis. The validity of the questionnaire was assessed using the average variance extracted, while its reliability was established by calculating composite reliability and Cronbach's alpha. Data were analyzed using the structural equation modeling technique with Smart PLS software. The structural equation modeling indicated that economic, institutional, ecological, physical, social, educational and extensional and individual factors had the greatest impact on Pastoralists' Resilience under Climate Change (PRCC) conditions. These factors explained 75.5% of the PRCC conditions.
Volume 0, Issue 0 (1-2024)
Abstract
Climate change is one of the challenges of today to affect the agriculture sector. Climate change in Iran in recent years has caused a decrease in rainfall and an increase in temperature and continuous droughts. Agricultural production in Iran has been affected by climate change and has faced a decrease in the production of various products. The purpose of this research was to identify social, economic and environmental consequences of climate change in Iran's agricultural sector and designing a model of Planned Management Behavior (PMB). A mixed qualitative and quantitative method was used in this research. The study sample of this research in the qualitative phase included 15 key experts who have knowledge of the consequences of climate change and in the quantitative section, there were 100 experts of the agricultural Jihad of Khuzestan province. Based on the qualitative results, the consequences of climate change were identified. In the quantitative phase, it was determined that 69.3% of attitude towards the consequences of climate changes are explained by the independent variables of concerns about social, economic and environmental consequences, feeling the need for risk management, and perceived value. Also, 71.2% of changes in planned management intention to control the consequences of climate changes are affected by the attitude towards the consequences, tendency to control behavior, personal and mental norms. Finally, 69.8% of changes in PMB for control the consequences of climate changes are caused by the use of planned management intention to control the consequences, action planning and coping planning.
Volume 0, Issue 0 (1-2024)
Abstract
As climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of droughts, adaptive behavior becomes increasingly crucial. Farmers' capacity to modify their practices in response to evolving climate conditions is vital for ensuring long-term agricultural sustainability and food security. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the psychological factors affecting farmers' adaptation behaviors in response to drought, using the health belief model. The sample comprised 380 farmers from Kohdashat County in Lorestan Province, western Iran, selected via a three-stage cluster sampling method. Data were collected using a researcher-designed questionnaire, whose validity and reliability were confirmed. Structural equation modeling (SEM) results indicated that self-efficacy; perceived benefits, perceived vulnerability, and perceived barriers explained about 49% of the variance in farmers’ adaptation behavior. Perceived benefits emerged as the strongest predictor of adaptation, while cues to action and perceived severity were insignificant. These findings support the health belief model's practicality and effectiveness in examining water conservation behavior among Iranian farmers.
Volume 0, Issue 0 (8-2024)
Abstract
Climate change has become one of humanity's greatest challenges. Rising temperatures, weather fluctuations, and especially changes in precipitation and wind patterns have profound impacts on infrastructure and urban structures. These changes not only increase the risk of natural disasters but also affect the design and construction of buildings. Therefore, the development of innovative solutions to enhance the seismic performance and resilience of these buildings, especially in regions susceptible to climate change, is crucial. This study examines the performance of an 8-story steel structure with geometric irregularity in its plan against the effects of climate change, focusing on wind loading under three different wind speed increase scenarios including:1-low 2-moderate, and 3-severe. To mitigate the negative effects of these changes on the seismic performance of the structure, magnetorheological damper was employed. The entire floor slabs of the structure were considered rigid. The modified Bouc-Wen method was used to indicate damper behavior in dynamic equations of the structure and two control scenarios including passive control and active control were considered. NatHaz online wind simulator data base was used for modeling wind loading on structure and the Simulink environment of MATLAB was used to model the structure equipped with a magnetorheological damper under wind loading.
The results indicated that a slight increase in wind speed led to an average increase of 35%, while a moderate increase resulted in over 60%, and a severe increase in wind speed caused more than a 100% rise in maximum displacement, drift, and base shear responses of structure. By adding magnetorheological damper to improve the negative effects of increased wind speed on the seismic performance of the structure, the damper was able to reduce the maximum displacement, drift, and base shear of the floor where it was installed by 14%, 32%, and 38% respectively in scenario (1), by 16%, 40%, and 32% respectively in scenario (2), and by 8%, 28%, and 29% respectively in scenario (3). This indicates that the damper effectively controlled the response of the floor it is installed on and was able to mitigate the negative effects of climate change. Furthermore, this damper not only positively affected the floor it was installed on but also improved the seismic response of the roof level, maintaining its effectiveness across all three climate change scenarios. Additionally, the results indicated that the damper performs better in active control mode compared to passive mode. However, the parameters related to maximum acceleration of the floor indicates a significant increase in the active control scenario, while in the passive control scenario, no significant changes were observed. The best results were achieved in the low and moderate wind speed increase scenarios. Although in the severe wind speed increase scenario, the damper maintained its effective performance. In conclusion, it can be said that the force generated by the magnetorheological damper has intelligent adjustability, which can change based on environmental conditions and loading. This feature allows structures to respond more quickly to sudden environmental changes and provides greater safety against damage caused by climatic conditions as well as enhancing the resilience of structures against adverse weather conditions.
Volume 0, Issue 0 (12-2024)
Abstract
Aim and Introduction
One of the most important issues in Iran's economy is related to managing the exchange rate, inflation and budget deficit. During tightening of the sanctions, the oil revenues are limited which potentially leads to an increase in the budget deficit as well as a decrease in the currency supply which accelerates the exchange rate. On the other hand, with the increase in the budget deficit, the probability of borrowing from the banking system and also the issuance of bonds increases, which in turn rise the monetary base and liquidity. In addition, inflationary expectations also increase, which can be effective in improving assets prices. With an increase in inflation, based on the inflation-currency spiral, there is a possibility of a grow in exchange rate in order to maintain the competitiveness of domestic production. This can accelerate the price of imported commodities and cause domestic inflation again. With the increase in inflation and households spending, nominal wages will have a higher growth compared to normal conditions in order to maintain minimum purchasing power, which can again face the government with limited resources and more borrowing to meet current expenses. From the monetarists’ point of view and the classical economics, in general, the main stimulator in increasing inflation is the growth of money and liquidity. However, from the post-Keynesian economists’ point of view, inflation increases the demand of money and subsequently liquidity. On the other hand, with an increase in the exchange rate, the government's expenses usually increase more than its income, which can lead to an increase in the government's budget deficit. Also, considering the existence of a monopoly in currency supply by the central bank, the hypothesis of using currency exchange revenues (the difference between free and budget-approved currency) will be applicable and this issue can raise the impact of the budget deficit on the exchange rate. Therefore, there has always been a serious challenge among economists as well as macroeconomic decision-makers about the connectedness between macroeconomic variables. What is the main driver of the network between macro variables? Is there a different way of communication in different thresholds of their growth rate? These cases show that it is very important to examine the time-varying interrelationships between these macroeconomic variables.
Accordingly, there is a complex connection between exchange rate, inflation, budget deficit and liquidity, which can be varied in different years. Therefore, in this research, using the TVP-TVAR technique, the time-varying connectedness across exchange rate, inflation, budget deficit and liquidity is examined during March, 2006 to August, 2023.
Methodology
In the current research, the relationship between exchange rate fluctuations, inflation, government budget deficit and liquidity based on monthly data using the TVP-TVAR technique is investigated. It should be noted that all the required information is extracted from the economic indicators of the central bank, and the government's budget deficit data from 2017 onward are extracted from Iran's Program and Budget Organization.
Findings
The results show that exchange rate and liquidity are, respectively, the largest net transmitter of volatilities in the network. Moreover, inflation rate and government budget deficit, respectively, are the largest net receivers of shocks from network. On average, the TCI is 23%, and more than 70% of this interrelationship between variables is explained by other factors such as political ones. Moreover, if the variables underestimated grow up to 36% annually (3% monthly), the connection between them will be cut off. In the conditions of decreasing the growth rate of variables up to -3% per month, the exchange rate has played a dominant role and its volatilities are transferred more strongly to inflation rate and less strongly to the budget deficit and liquidity.
If the growth rate of the variables is up to 24% annually (threshold of +2% monthly growth rate), the exchange rate volatilities are transferred to inflation and no interconnectedness between other variables is observed.
Discussion and Conclusion
Our results show that, on average, the total connectedness index from 2012 to 2016 has been upward, which is caused by the tightening of sanctions and the increase in inflationary expectations, psychological factors and emotions. Moreover, the connectedness between them is increased in 2018 and 2019, which is related to the intensification of sanctions and the reduction of currency supply and the increase in inflation and budget deficit and subsequently the increase in the issuance of debt securities in the capital market in order to manage the budget deficit and as a result increase liquidity. The results show that exchange rate is a main net transmitter of volatilities in most years and the inflation rate is a main net receiver of volatilities in many years. From 2016 onwards, the budget deficit is the net receiver of shocks from network in most periods, except for one period in 2019. It is interesting to note that in 2019, with the increase in the budget deficit and the issuance of debt securities, the budget deficit is transmitter, liquidity is receiver and inflation is more receiver variable than liquidity in the network. Totally, the results show that exchange rate is the major net transmitter of shocks to other macro variables.
Moreover, based on the results of the sensitivity analysis and thresholds effect, if the growth rate of variables is up to 24% annually (threshold of +2% monthly growth rate), the exchange rate fluctuations will be transferred to inflation and no connection between other components is observed. This shows that the macroeconomic management of the economy is very sensitive to the growth rate of the thresholds of the macroeconomic components, and before the political economy and also the factors of expectations and emotions dominated the economy, the macroeconomic management, especially the exchange rate, is required. Otherwise, it is impossible to manage the investigated variables with monetary and fiscal policies. Therefore, the managed floating exchange rate should be taken into consideration and if the goal is to manage the network using macroeconomic theories, the variables should not be allowed to increase by more than 24% annual growth. Other factors such as the political economy, and especially inflationary expectations will get the dominant role in the economy
Volume 0, Issue 0 (12-2024)
Abstract
Aim and Introduction
The financial sector has seen considerable growth in many post World War II western economies. The consequences of the Great Financial Crisis of 2007-2009 displayed how large the reach of the industry is, and how actions taken by a few important role players, can harm the general public. It is due to the consequences of the Great Financial Crisis that the notion of reforming the banking sector came about. The call for reform occurred in the 1940s as well, after the Great Crash. It was here that Full Reserve Banking (FRB), the broad term for the proposed banking reform and the subject of this dissertation, originated.
The Great Crash ended a period of expansion and growth in the USA in the 1920s where credit was easily available, and the money supply grew. The subsequent Great Depression was an economic event of unprecedented dimensions (Temin, 2000). The years 1929-1933 held a stock market crash, a banking crisis, and a collapse of commodity prices. Friedman and Schwartz (1963) contended that the primary propagation mechanism of the Depression was the contraction in the US money supply, together with banking panics. There were three banking crises in that short period, and it was the failure of two large banks, the Bank of United States and Caldwell and Company, that caused most of the problem. These banks had undergone rapid credit expansion in the 1920s and collapsed under the pressure of the recession (Temin, 2000: 307). A response to the recession was to say that the root cause was bad banking practice and that stricter regulations should be imposed to prevent future crises. Regulation was introduced in The Glass-Steagall Act (1933) however, a more severe suggestion was that bank deposits should be fully backed by bank reserves, Full Reserve Banking, an approach proposed in the Chicago Plan.
The Chicago Plan was proposed by Henry Simons, Irving Fisher and others, to prevent another crisis. It proposed requiring banks to hold 100 per cent reserves. This would simultaneously curb the possibility of reckless lending, and eliminate the risk of bank runs, thereby eliminating the possibility of another banking crisis.
Over the past years, the nominal capacity of the supply of bank facilities has increased significantly, and the main increase in bank assets has come from the increase in granting facilities. On the liabilities side of the banks' balance sheets, non-governmental sector deposits (due to paying high interest rates to depositors) during the year 2013 to 2022 has increased by 33.6% on average.
Statistical evidence shows that the real sector of the economy has not benefited much from the expansion of the banking network's balance sheet and the allocation of bank resources has not led to economic growth. On the other hand, it can be seen that the liquidity created by the banking system has not been absorbed by the real sector of the economy and its effects have been manifested in nominal variables in the form of price increases or turbulences in the currency market and other assets. The average growth of real GDP (without oil) during the years 2013 to 2022 was about 1.6 percent.
In general, it can be seen that due to the endogenous nature of money, the central bank has not had a significant success in controlling the growth of monetary aggregates through controlling the growth of the monetary base and its components (statistical evidence in recent decades confirms this); So that the credibility of the central bank's monetary policies has been challenged and the economy has been exposed to continuous threats of inflation and monetary and financial instabilities.
Methodology
This study will employ several techniques for gathering data, including a library type, a documentary branch, and the use of databases, such as those of the Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the World Bank. Based on the characteristics of the Iranian economy under fractional & full reserve banking, a random dynamic general equilibrium model was developed for the period 1991-2021. Typical econometric methods are also used to evaluate the hypotheses. This has enabled assessing the effects of the exchange rate shock under two scenarios. It should be noted that the models were estimated in the dynare program space under MATLAB software.
Findings
The exchange rate shock has a negative effect on the consumption of the private sector at real prices, probably due to an increase in import prices. This has led to a decrease in the import of goods. Since imports form a part of the consumption for the private sector, therefore, the consumption by this sector decreases by about 0.5 percent. The Exchange rate shock has had a positive effect on the net foreign exchange reserves of the central bank. The growth rate of the monetary base is also affected by the currency shocks. With the increase in the exchange rate, although the central bank first reacts to the inflationary conditions resulting from the currency shocks through the currency reaction function and reduces the base monetary growth rate, but this situation is not very durable and finally the monetary base growth rate will increase by about 0.4 percent.
If these resources enter the banking system, due to the 100 percent reserve, it has led to the crediting of the banks, and as a result, inflation and final costs have decreased. But in fractional reserve banking, banks create money by attracting deposits, which in turn creates money by them. As a result of this jump, inflation and the final cost will increase.
The exchange rate shock also increases inflation because with the increase in the nominal growth rate of the exchange rate, the marginal cost of each import unit increases and finally the country's inflation increases by 0.7 percent.
Discussion and Conclusion
The purpose of this research is to investigate the effects of exchange rate impulse on the macroeconomic variables of Iran's economy in the conditions of partial and full reserve banking. To achieve this goal, a new Keynesian stochastic dynamic general equilibrium model was designed considering fractional and full reserve banking system (FRB). The realities of the Iranian economy are considered, and then the effects of exchange rate shocks under two types of banking are investigated. After determining the input values of the model and estimating the parameters using the seasonal data of Iran's economy during the period of 1991-2022 using the Bayesian estimation method, the results obtained from the simulation of the model variables indicate the validity of the model in describing the fluctuations of the Iranian economy. The results of the model indicate that, as a result of the exchange rate shock, the growth rate of the monetary base and consequently the amount of money is affected. Under full reserve banking, due to the full reserve of deposits, this has led to a lower increase in inflation and final cost. However, in partial reserve banking, due to the less control of the banking system, despite having two tools to control the growth of the monetary base and the nominal exchange rate, it will create higher fluctuations in the inflation rate and other macroeconomic variables. In other words, the study model has been slightly different from the basic model in the face of the currency impulse, both in terms of the amplitude and the length of the fluctuation
Volume 0, Issue 3 (9-2008)
Abstract
Abstract
The core concept of this article is the comparative study of the reflection of a common theme in
the works of artists from different cultural backgrounds. The theme of temptation is common in
the works of two artists studied here. "The temptations of Saint Anthony" by Hieronymus Bosch,
the Flemish painter in the early sixteenth century and a miniature from Saadi's Bustan, "the
Prophet Yusuf rejects Zuleykha" by Kamaledin Bihzad, the Persian master painter in the late 9th
and early 10th century Hijra (early 16th century).
The article studies the approach of each painter to the concept of "Temptation" and their
perception of this phenomenon, how each one has tried to express their perception and the visual
narrative they offer their audience. Through these comparisons and analysis, the authors try to
examine the cultural differences as well as common cultural grounds between the Islamic and
Christian cultures in one hand and on the other hand the artistic differences and similarities
between the Flemish and Iranian painters' views.
Volume 1, Issue 1 (10-2011)
Abstract
Considering the vast changes in different aspects of life and various ways of earning livelihood, flexibility in contemporary housing design can be regarded as an appropriate solution in order to prevent from discreteness in interactions within the society and environment and among people. That is because a residence must be designed according to the changing needs of modern human. Traditional houses in Iran have already contained this concept, in modern era however, such viewpoint towards housing cannot be seen so often. Flexibility refers to the idea of adaptation throughout the time. Therefore it can be said that a flexible settlement is a house that can be adapted with the needs of the users and will lead to understanding the users’ expected demands with their own cooperation. Peoples’ cooperation in this process will increase the possibility of adaptation of housing with their needs which will eventually increase the general satisfaction of the housing. This research discusses the issue of flexibility and the related concepts in the field of housing with emphasis on some residential projects. Every settlement is depended on its user and the ground for its adaptation. Therefore, in terms of general design, we can say that settlement is dependent on both the environment and the user. Since human beings normally demand variety and monotonous environmental conditions make human beings unsatisfied and bored; they usually have a favorable and positive view towards changes in their living environment. These varieties can range from some minor changes up to basic ones such as a change in the residential house itself. Flexibility in architectural design indicates variety. Such variety includes the possibility of adjustment and compatibility of a residential unit throughout time. It will eventually lead the building to show new varieties of its own. In order to demonstrate flexibility, the architects have to put the probable needs of the users into consideration in the process of designing. In other words, a “long-term thought” is required in designing.Flexibility in housing can be investigated from two points of views: first, from users’ point of view and secondly the innovative construction. Designing consists of four main issues: (1) structural system; (2) servicing spaces; (3) architectural design; and (4) facilities for environmental flexibility. The present study tries to express the concept of flexibility as a “new form of challenging architecture”. This is done using some examples and instances. From such viewpoint, the goal this study tries to attain is to survey the limitations and boundaries of flexible designing. This is done by analyzing the selected items. This way, the architect can turn flexibility into an opportunity and produce creative options in his/her work and design. The present study was conducted using library-based method and case study with the aim of studying and discussing the conceptual and operational grounds of housing design in different countries. The structure and main framework of the present study stands on the idea that flexibility can be used for housing development in all eras and periods as a general concept and includes different types itself.
Volume 1, Issue 1 (3-2024)
Abstract
The relationship between Iran and Africa has had a long history including various aspects specially cultural issues. Their relationship, despite its ups and downs, has continued to work. The cultural relationship between the two countries has undergone many changes. These transformations have occurred both in Iran, Africa as well as the whole world. This study intends to examine and evaluate this era and the nature of these relations before and after Islamic revolution in Iran. The main question raised in this regard is that considering the good historical back ground, what has been the orientation of Iran's foreign policy in these periods? Studies point out that the relations between Iran and African countries affected by domestic or international approaches have had ups and downs. Apparently, during Pahlavi's regime, in spite of some measures taken to establish relations with African countries, these relations didn't have coherent policy and the relations with the North African countries has had more priorities over relations with sub-Saharan countries. Moreover, Iran’s relations with some countries such as the Apartheid government, or its military and financial support for some governments have provoked skepticism towards Iran among the other African countries, and has led to the cut off of the relations with Iran. However, victory of the revolution in Iran created a new development in relations with Africa, and considering the approaches and goals of this revolution, relations with Africa has been placed in the highest foreign policies of IRI. Although, even in this age, these relationships have gone under lots of ups and downs at the time of the ruling of various governments in IRI.
Volume 1, Issue 2 (6-2016)
Abstract
Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a major public health problem leading to chronic pain and increased years lived with disability This study aimed to assess lifestyle behavioral management in patients with Knee osteoarthritis among Iranian patients up to 6 months.
Methods and Materials: This study conducted at the Rheumatology Research Center of Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS) in Tehran, Iran. In this educational controlled trial study, 130 eligible participants took part in control group (n = 66) and received just prescribed medications, or intervention group (n = 64) who received the lifestyle behavioral management plus medication. The program involved three two-hour and two one-hour group sessions over a one-week period. Data based on demographic characteristics and risky behaviors questionnaire as well as Functional Knee Assessment Test (FKAT) were collected at initial, 3-, and 6-month follow ups and analyzed by using SPSS18.
Results: Of 130 participants, five individuals from intervention and eight individuals from control group were excluded over 6 months. Totally, 117 eligible participants in two groups of intervention (n = 59), and control (n = 58) completed the study. The mean age of participants in intervention and control group at base line was 59. 03 ± 6. 13 and 57. 85 ± 9. 31 years respectively. Despite being the same at initial time (P > 0. 05), Repeated Measure ANOVA test showed Significantly better improved disability in intervention group over time (P < 0. 001). Compared with control group, preventive behaviors were improved significantly in intervention group (P < 0. 05)
Conclusions: This study revealed that the multidisciplinary program could significantly reduce risky behaviors and disability up to six months in intervention group. Thus, due to lack of lifestyle behavioral management in health care system of Iran, to embedding this program into clinical practice for managing knee OA pain is recommended.
Volume 1, Issue 4 (12-2012)
Abstract
Human resources are the most important assets in health care institutions. They directly affect the lives of patients and the health of the society. The present study assessed the effects of human resource management tasks on the employees in the health care field. Here psychological contracts are considered as the mediating variable and employees’ organizational commitment as the dependent variable. A survey-analytical research strategy has been used to conduct this research. The Ghaem Hospital Medical Personnel of Mashhad was the statistical population and a sample size of 268 was chosen using random sampling. Method of data collection used a standard questionnaire. In this study, structural equation and partial least squares method were used for analyzing data and testing hypotheses using smart PLS.The research results indicate that the model used in this research, is a strong theoretical model for predicting employees’ organizational commitment, furthermore all the direct relationships between the variables were significant. Additionally the study emphasizes that the human resources management tasks, paying particular attention to psychological contracts implementation, have significant effects on organizational commitment. Thus, its successful implementation will coincide with the promotion of organizational commitment