Showing 21 results for Aghel
Volume 0, Issue 0 (Articles accepted for Publication 2024)
Abstract
Aim and Introduction:
A growing body of research highlights the bidirectional relationship between conflict and economic performance. Findings indicate that economic decline—particularly severe recessions that reduce income levels, exacerbate inequalities, and intensify widespread economic distress—can fuel social unrest and internal conflicts. Periods characterized by a high risk of government collapse are associated with significantly lower rates of economic growth compared to more politically stable periods. Although such violent events may not occur frequently, they are prevalent worldwide and have affected numerous countries.
The Middle East, in particular, has long been afflicted by internal unrest, persistent conflicts, and intra- and intergovernmental tensions—all of which adversely influence national economies. Political economy literature underscores a complex interplay between political forces and economic direction, suggesting that political instability can disrupt economic continuity and hinder economic growth—a central indicator of national economic performance.
Accordingly, the primary objective of this study is to model the effects of political instability and conflict on economic growth in a sample of developing and developed countries, namely Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Russia, the United States, India, China, and Canada.
Methodology:
This study adopts a descriptive-analytical approach with practical applications, relying on secondary data collected through documentary research. The analytical method employed is the Bayesian Markov Switching Panel Regression, which effectively captures symmetric and asymmetric effects across different economic regimes.
The selected countries—spanning both developed and developing contexts—include Iran, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia, which have historically faced political tension and oil revenue fluctuations, as well as Russia, Canada, the United States, India, and China. The inclusion of India and China reflects their status as major global energy consumers. These countries were chosen based on their exposure to international tensions and their substantial influence on the global energy landscape.
The study period covers 1990 to 2020. The Markov switching panel framework enables the model to differentiate the impact of explanatory variables across distinct economic regimes. For instance, political stability may influence economic growth differently during recessionary periods compared to times of economic expansion. The variables analyzed include conflict intensity, political instability, oil income, population growth, foreign direct investment, life expectancy, government expenditure, budget deficits, trade openness, and the governance quality index.
Results and Discussion:
The analysis reveals that conflict and economic instability exert statistically significant effects on economic growth across both recession and growth regimes. In the recession regime, the coefficients for conflict and instability are 0.17% and 0.12%, respectively, while in the growth regime, they are slightly lower at 0.16% and 0.11%. Although both variables remain significant in both regimes, their influence is more pronounced during recessions, implying that political instability and conflict are more detrimental to growth when the economy is already underperforming.
These findings are consistent with prior research by Ashenfelter and Troeger (2006), Gaybulov and Sandler (2019), and Bart et al. (2021). Additionally, variables such as oil income, population growth, foreign direct investment, life expectancy, government expenditure, trade openness, and governance quality all exhibit positive and statistically significant effects on economic growth in both regimes.
The dominant economic regime identified in the study is the growth regime. Notably, with the exception of Iraq, Iran, and Saudi Arabia, the other countries analyzed have been experiencing economic growth in recent years. This observation underscores the correlation between political stability and sustained economic performance.
Conclusion:
The findings of this research emphasize the critical role of political stability in fostering a robust and resilient economic environment. A stable political climate is not only essential for social cohesion but also serves as a prerequisite for sustained economic growth and development. Policymakers are thus encouraged to invest in institutional reforms, infrastructure development, and inclusive governance frameworks that enhance citizens’ participation in decision-making processes. These measures can significantly contribute to both political stability and long-term economic prosperity in the countries under study.
Volume 8, Issue 1 (Winter 2022)
Abstract
Background: Many factors are involved in the development of SARS-CoV-2 infection in individuals in each region, such as physiological conditions, underlying diseases, and observance of personal protection and hygiene; therefore, this study aimed to investigate factors affecting the incidence of COVID-19 in Bandar Lengeh, Hormozgan province, southern Iran.
Materials & Methods: Blood samples and demographic information were collected from suspected COVID-19 patients referring to Shahid Rajaei governmental health centers in Bandar Lengeh city. Hematological, biochemical, and serological tests were performed on the samples. PCR experiment was conducted to confirm SARS-CoV-2 infection. The thorax computed tomography (CT) was performed for all patients.
Findings: According to the PCR test results, the prevalence rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection was 26.92% among 130 individuals enrolled in this study. SARS-CoV-2 infection was more prevalent among clerks than in other occupational groups (p=0.017). Increased ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) and decreased WBC (white blood cell), lymphocyte, and platelet counts were evident in COVID-19 patients. Also, the prevalence of COVID-19 infection was higher in patients with blood group A (33.3%) than in patients with other blood groups. The CRP (C-reactive protein) test was positive for 31 patients whose PCR test was positive for SARS-CoV-2. In addition, LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) level was higher in infected individuals compared to other participants (p=0.018).
Conclusion: In addition to the PCR test result, the most effective factors for diagnosing COVID-19 patients best on blood tests were as follows: increased CRP, ESR, and LDH levels and decreased WBC, lymphocyte, and platelet counts.
Volume 8, Issue 3 (10-2008)
Abstract
This paper investigates the quantitative Effects of ECO Trade agreement(ECOTA) implementation on trade development of Iran. For this purpose, the amount of tariff reduction effects on Iran’s exports(to) or its imports( from) ECO members is estimated and analyzed.
The results indicate that with implementation of tariff rate reduction in ECOTA framework, Iran’s exports to ECO countries in 2008 relative to base year(2003) will increase about 1.27 million U.S. dollars( only to Pakistan). Also, Eco members’ imports from Iran will not be substituted by imports out of region. A review of ECO members with reference to taking effect them from ECOTA implementation means that except for Pakistan and Uzbekistan, None of them are obliged to tariff reduction up to 10% marginal rate. On the other hand, Iran’s tariff rate reduction in the ECOTA framework results in increasing 18.99 million U.S. dollars in Iran’s imports from ECO countries. Regarding a substitution-price elasticity near to zero for Iran’s imports from ECO countries and despite of discriminatory tariff reduction of imports from these countries, Iran will not substitute the imports originating from ECO by importing from other countries out of region. Indeed, an 18.2 percent tariff rate reduction in Iran’s imports from ECO will result in 1.6 percent increase in total imports from these countries.
Volume 8, Issue 33 (9-2004)
Abstract
Cooperation among human beings have existed in different forms from past centuries till now. The modern cooperatices have been formed in response to disorders due to the occurrence of industrial revolution. Inefficiency of market and government for various reasons, justifies the formation of the third sector of economy (including cooperatives). This paper aims to answer the following questions:What are the reasons for the formation of cooperatives? What is the thire sector of economy? What are the roles of cooperatives in macroe conomy?
Volume 9, Issue 3 (Summer 2018)
Abstract
Aims: The important achievement of genetic analysis of Quantitative trait locus (QTLs) is to facilitate the investigation of the inheritance of simple Mendelian traits. The aim of this study was mapping genes controlling morphological traits in F3 Families caused by Becher×Kavir cross in barley.
Materials and Methods: In the present experimental research, in order to map QTLs, 103 F3 families caused by Becher×Kavir cross were cultivated in a randomized complete block design with 3 replications during 2014-2015. Number of germinated seeds, during the grain filling period, plant height, peduncle length, seed weight, and harvest index were evaluated. Linkage map was prepared, using SSR, iPBS, IRAP, and ISSR marker. QTLs were identified by QGENE 4.0 software and QTL analysis was performed by composite interval mapping.
Findings: The identified QTLs justified with load score of 2.007, 8.6% of variance of phenotype germinated seed number, score of 22.2, 9.5% variance of phenotype grain filling period, score of 2.74, 1.16% of variance of plant height, score of 2.19, 9.3% of the variance of the peduncle length, the score of 2.04, 8.7% of variance of the seed weight, and with the scores of 2.38, 2.38, and 2.16 justified 10.1, 10.1, and 9.2% of the variance of the harvest index, respectively.
Conclusion: There are one QTL on chromosome 6 and ISSR38-4 closely marker for number of germinated seeds, one QTL on chromosome 7 in iPBS2076-6-iPBS2085-1 distance of marker for during the grain filling period, one QTL on chromosome 2 in iPBS2083-3-HVBKASI distance of marker for plant height, one QTL on chromosome 6 and ISSR38-4 closely marker for peduncle length, one QTL on chromosome 3 in iPBS2075-5-ISSR38-7 distance of marker for seed weight, and 3 QTLs for harvest index, respectively.
Volume 10, Issue 4 (Fall 2022)
Abstract
Aims: The spread of the Corona pandemic has affected the status of companies involved in information and communication technology. This study aimed to investigate individuals’ subjective perspectives on the use of ICT (online businesses, virtual meetings, e-learning, and generally the role and impact of cyberspace) and finally evaluate people’s willingness to pay.
Materials & Methods: In this study, a conditional logit model was used. The required information was collected through a field survey by completing a questionnaire from 384 respondents of Tehran citizens in 2021.
Findings: Based on the information from the questionnaires filled, more than 75% of the respondents rated the use of cyberspace capabilities for encountering Corona disease as moderate and high. The result of estimating people’s willingness to pay for the feature of “use of information and communication technology” in the present study was 5600000 Rials.
Conclusion: Considering the capabilities of this technology and its position among the people, it is necessary to put on the agenda ICT penetration expansion and planning to make maximum use of its capabilities in similar pandemics and crises.
Volume 15, Issue 13 (Special Issue 2016)
Abstract
Volume 15, Issue 13 (Special Issue 2016)
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Volume 15, Issue 13 (Special Issue 2016)
Abstract
Volume 16, Issue 2 (summer 2016 2016)
Abstract
In this paper, we try to analyze the effects of oil boom and management of oil revenues by government in a sustainable manner on optimal path of Iranian macroeconomic variables by designing a dynamic computable general equilibrium (DCGE) model. This paper considers several scenarios of utilizing oil revenues in terms of allocating these revenues between savings in the form of oil fund on the one hand and consumption of oil revenues on the other hand. The results show that the a 50 percent increase in world oil price leads to higher optimal level of GDP, but the level of GDP excluding oil exports is reduced. According to the results, the long-term reaction of Iranian economy in the face of permanent shocks of oil price is consistent with the theory of Dutch disease. Due to the Dutch disease, production factors are decreased in tradable sectors and increased in oil and non-tradable sectors. However, the increase in employment in the oil and non-tradable sectors will not compensate for the fall of employment in the tradable sectors, thus total employment will decline. The analysis of oil revenue management shows that saving oil revenue in an oil fund leads to higher level of total consumption and gross domestic product in the long run. Saving oil revenues in an oil fund not only ensures precautionary measures against the so-called Dutch Disease syndrome, but also leads to increase in total employment.
Volume 16, Issue 9 (11-2016)
Abstract
Hexapod walking robots can be employed for both walking and manipulation purposes. When manipulating, they have 6 degrees of freedom for top platform, high rigidity, high load capacity, high speed, and accuracy. On the other hand, it is very well known that they have limited workspace when they are fixed in place for manipulation. Designing a hexapod robot resulting in a maximized workspace can greatly affect the efficiency of the robot when manipulating. Since radially symmetric hexapod walking robots can be modeled as three 2-RPR planar parallel mechanisms, we have used the methods and calculations that used in this kind of mechanism for designing a radially symmetric hexapod walking robot. In this paper, after a thorough review on existing methods for calculating and improving 2-RPR planar parallel mechanism workspace, an algorithm is presented, which results in a maximized reachable workspace. The merit of the method is that there is no need to calculate the workspace volume when maximizing the workspace volume. Also, following this algorithm is necessary for design of the maximized-workspace robot. In other words, the output of the presented optimization algorithm is a set of robot kinematic parameters, which guarantees the maximized volume of the robot’s reachable workspace.
Volume 17, Issue 1 (Spring 2017 2017)
Abstract
Optimal performance of an economic system depends on the presence of efficient, strong, and supplementary real and financial sectors. Working together of them is necessary and sufficient condition for the survival of the economic system in general. This study aims to explain the impact of transaction cost on financial development for OPEC members during 1990-2012. In the present study, the effect of transaction costs on financial development is estimated by an econometric model according to Baltagi et al (2007). In this regard, the index of the banking sector efficiency (private credits) is used to explore the development of the banking sector, and stock market turnover ratio (in percent) and Total Value (of shares) Traded (TVT)/GDP (in percent) is used to study the development of the non-banking sector. Explanatory variables include the transaction costs, the government size, the per capita income, and degree of openness of economy. The estimation results using Panel Data indicate that the transaction costs affect financial development significantly; and the reduced transaction costs result in increasing financial development. With regard to property rights, we conclude that guaranteed property rights raise the financial development. Also, per capita income and government size have positive and negative relationships with financial development, respectively.
Volume 17, Issue 6 (8-2017)
Abstract
This paper proposes a new inexpensive soft force sensor suitable for soft robotics applications that require high flexibility and wide range of sensing area. All Hall Effect sensors developed so far use a Hall Effect sensor to detect the magnetic field of a piece of solid magnet. The proposed force sensor in this paper uses a Hall Effect sensor to detect the magnetic flux density change induced by aligned magnetic powder blended with silicone rubber when a normal force is applied. The sensor is designed and tested with different magnetic powder density and sensor dimensions to achieve an optimum design in sensitivity as well as linearity. The experimental results show that different force measurement range with specific desired sensitivity can be achieved by adjusting certain physical properties of the sensor. This is a useful feature for lots of soft sensing elements in today's applications requiring more compliance and reliable sensors, especially in soft robotics applications.
Ali Babaei GhAghelestany, Mohammad Taghi Alebrahim, Mohammad Asadi,
Volume 17, Issue 101 (july 2020)
Abstract
Essential oils (EOs) are highly aromatic and volatile compounds obtained from plant material, which are also known as secondary plant metabolites. The plant active ingredients are produced under the control of genetic processes; however, its production in the plant varies under the influence of some environmental factors. Therefore, in the present study, the chemical analysis and identifies dominant essential oils compositions from Sage) Salvia officinalis L.) are investigated in Ardabil province, Iran. Sage plant (Salvia officinalis L.) were collected and After drying at room temperature, samples extracted by method of water, essential oils yield 0.5% was obtained. Chemical analysis of the collected Salvia officinalis species was performed using a gas chromatograph (GC) coupled to a mass spectrometer (MS). Chemical analysis results showed that the plant contains 114 secondary chemical components, among which Camphor Bicyclo [2.2.1] heptan, compound was identified as the predominant essential oil (14.47%). Comparing the study results with other samples collected from different parts of Iran and world reveals some significant similarities and differences in chemical structure and dominant composition of the medicinal plant. In addition, the geographical features and environmental conditions influence the change of secondary metabolites in various plants, Therefore, the researchers need to pay attention to this issue while identifying the plant essential oils.
Saied DaghAghele, Ali Reza Kiasat, Saeid Mohammad Safiodin Ardebili, Roya Mirzajani,
Volume 18, Issue 121 (March 2022)
Abstract
Moringa oleifera is known as a rich and cost-effective source of phytochemical compounds and has many applications in industry, water treatment, pharmacy and biofuels The leaves of Moringa oleifera were introduced by the Taiwan Plant Center as one of the 120 food species studied as the plant with the highest nutritional content. In this study, the effect of different extraction methods such as Maceration and Soxhlet on phenolic content, flavonoid content and antioxidant properties, The effect of these extracts on A549 lung cancer cells was also evaluated by MTT assay. This plant was studied. According to the results obtained from the leaves of Moringa oleifera, the highest extraction efficiency was related to Soxhlet extraction. The highest phenolic and flavonoid content was related to Maceration extraction method. The results of studying the antioxidant properties of the extract showed that most of the antioxidant properties were related to the extract obtained by Soxhlet method. MTT test showed that among the various extracts, the lowest IC50 was related to the extract extracted by Soxhlet method. This study shows that Moringa oleifera leaves are a good nutritional source.
Volume 20, Issue 4 (April 2020)
Abstract
Motor units’ malfunction, which happens due to stroke, often affects patients’ hand motion and subsequently restricts their daily activities and social participation. All these factors reduce the patient’s life quality. Therefore, finding a solution to overcome these limitations and improving hand function seems to be valuable. So far, many efforts have been done to design and develop different types of rehabilitation systems. Among all these systems, soft systems have attracted great attention due to their light weight, flexibility, safe interaction and affordability. The goal of this study is to fabricate a soft rehabilitation glove for hand function retrieval so that patients can perform rehabilitation exercises individually. The rehabilitation system presented here includes two different control modes including on/off and proportional modes. Each of them is selected based on patients’ needs. For verification purposes, trajectories of the finger tips were obtained in two modes: “using the glove” and “without using the glove”. Results showed that trajectories of the finger tips in the "using the glove" mode follow a proper path for the user’s digits.
Volume 20, Issue 7 (July 2020)
Abstract
Wheeled robots have various applications in industrial, laboratory, art, and filming environments. The choice of wheel and platform type in these robots depends on the motion and the degrees of freedom expected from the robot. With an appropriate choice of the wheel and platform, the degrees of freedom of 3 (known as holonomic robots) can be achieved in which the robot can move in both x and y directions and also rotate about the z axis in the general coordinate system. If the wheeled robot is designed to carry objects, it is necessary to consider a platform on top of the robot for this purpose. In this paper, a 3-DOF Stewart platform is used such that it provides rotation about x and y axes as well as motion in direction of z axis. The goal of this research is to develop a wheeled robot equipped with the 3-DOF Stewart platform to carry objects with ability of orientation control within the path. With integrating these two robots, the resultant robot will have 6 degrees of freedom, three of which are provided by the Stewart platform (α, β, Δz) and the other three are provided by the wheeled platform (Δx, Δy, γ). Therefore, the robot, with 6 degrees of freedom, can be controlled via the six parameters of Δx, Δy, Δz, α, β, γ.
Volume 21, Issue 2 (summer 2021 2021)
Abstract
The economic structure in oil-dependent countries is different from other countries. The human development index (HDI) may increase due to rising oil rents and subsequent increases in per capita income, but there may be no significant improvement in other indicators (literacy rate and life expectancy). The improper injection of oil rents into the country's budget without investing in manufacturing, agriculture and services, whether domestically or abroad, leads to the Dutch disease and “resource curse”. Bilateral official development assistance (BODA) from the members of the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) can have a positive impact on human development without having a negative impact on various economic and social aspects. In this regard, this study examines the impact of BODA on human development using a Panel-Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (Panal-FMOLS) model in selected countries (Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Yemen, Jordan, Azerbaijan and Georgia from Southwest Asia, and Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Myanmar from Southeast Asia) during 1999-2018. The results indicate that BODA and health expenditure have positive and significant effects on HDI. The findings also indicate a significant negative impact of oil rent, population growth rate and unemployment rate on HDI. The effect of personal remittances is different in the two samples, so that these funds have negative impact on HDI in the Southwest Asia and a positive effect on HDI in the Southeast Asia.
Ehsan Sadeghi Hamzekhani, Mohammad Ali Najafi, Mohammad Amin Miri, Sara Najafi GhAghelestani,
Volume 21, Issue 146 (April 2024)
Abstract
Lavender essential oil has herbal uses in cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical industries. In this research, for the first time, the encapsulation of lavender essential oil by gelatin biopolymer was done by electrospinning method. At first, the chemical compounds of lavender essential oil were identified with the help of gas chromatography associated with a mass spectrometer (GC-MS) and then 0, 2.5, 0.5 and 0.10% v/v were added to the electrospinning solution. The prepared nanofibers have been evaluated using scanning electron imaging (SEM), thickness determination (Image J), X-ray diffraction, mechanical properties, and essential oil loading efficiency. Also, the antibacterial activity of nanofibers against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium were investigated by disk diffusion method. The most important components of lavender essential oil were linalool (35.21%) and linalyl acetate (26.47%). All nanofibers had a uniform and continuous shape. By increasing the concentration of essential oil in the electrospinning solution, the values of thickness (431.5 - 705.3 nm) and essential oil content (4.7-14.6%) increased. Lavender essential oil had no effect on crystallinity of nanofibers, but caused a significant decrease in Young's modulus and stiffness. The nanofiber sample containing 10% lavender essential oil recorded the highest hardness, Young's modulus and elasticity. Evaluation of antibacterial activities showed that nanofiber samples containing essential oils had appropriate antibacterial activities against all target bacteria. The effectiveness of gelatin nanofiber + lavender essential oil (10%) against S. aureus and B. cereus. According to the results of the research, it is possible to use gelatin nanofibers containing lavender essential oil for active food packaging. Expressing the definitive result requires conducting clinical and a real environment tests.
Volume 22, Issue 1 (Spring 2022 2022)
Abstract
Along with the increased trade integration of countries and the expansion of international production fragmentation, Global Value Chains (GVCs) amount to a huge part of trade today, and participation in a network of trade partners at downstream and upstream of the value chains brings about considerable potentials such as the improvement of the flow of knowledge and more advanced production technologies and techniques, particularly for developing countries. It would not be unexpected for GVCs and participating in them from an environmental aspect to have potential benefits for countries as well.
In this regard, the present study discusses the role that GVCs play in countries' environmental performance. For this purpose, a sample of 65 developing and 36 developed countries was investigated using spatial panel data econometrics, conditional convergence, spatial auto-correlation, and GVCs participation spillover and direct impacts for countries in the form of south-south, north-south, and north-north bilateral added-value trade. The results indicated that there was spatial auto-correlation and conditional convergence based on GVCs for all countries although they are more intense in the case of north-north trade in developed countries. Besides, participation in GVCs has spillover impacts on the trading partner countries if developed countries are included in the bilateral value-added trade but this impact is not statistically acceptable in south-south trade of developing countries according to estimations. Thus, establishing trading relations with developed countries through GVCs is a potentially beneficial policy to improve developing countries’ environmental performance.
