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Showing 8 results for Moridi
Volume 0, Issue 0 (ARTICLES IN PRESS 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 (Articles accepted for Publication 2024)
Abstract
Aim and Introduction
Many theories and models of economic growth have identified capital as one of the most important drivers and determinants of economic growth and development. For years, it was believed that abundant natural resources, as part of a country’s capital, constituted a divine blessing, as they could be converted into other forms of capital and contribute to overall economic development. Consequently, countries rich in natural resources were expected to perform better economically than those without such resources. However, over time, particularly after World War II, empirical evidence revealed that most resource-rich countries performed poorly compared to resource-poor countries.
some empirical studies have highlighted a positive relationship between natural resource abundance and economic growth. Stijns (2001), using an alternative variable from Sachs and Warner (1995) to measure resource abundance, found no evidence of the detrimental effect of natural resources on economic growth. Lederman and Maloney (2003) also reported a positive relationship between resource abundance (measured by net resource exports per worker) and economic growth.
Sala-i-Martin and Subramanian (2003) contended that the relationship between natural resource abundance and economic growth loses statistical significance once institutional quality is accounted for. They suggested that the effect of natural resources depends on the type of resource, indicating that fuel and mineral resources negatively affect institutions (and thus economic growth), whereas the relationship between economic growth and other types of resources is not statistically significant. Similarly, Papyrakis and Gerlagh (2004) demonstrated that when variables such as corruption, investment, degree of freedom, terms of trade, and education are controlled and managed, the abundance of natural resources would have a positive effect on economic growth.
Thus, it can be concluded that not all resource-rich countries have experienced poor economic performance or economic decline. In certain cases, the optimal utilization of abundant resources has led to significant economic growth and increased per capita income.
Economic growth remains the primary goal of all economies, as it is directly linked to maximizing societal welfare. Economic growth encompasses increased utilization of inputs, improved productivity of production factors, and enhanced employment opportunities. Natural resources are among the most crucial sources of production in any country. According to growth and development theories, as well as international trade theories, these resources can provide a comparative advantage for an economy. Income generated from natural resource abundance can create national wealth, spur economic progress, increase societal welfare, and reduce poverty. In this regard, mineral resources are considered a key factor in accelerating investment and economic growth.
Methodology
This study examines the economic growth patterns of Iran and a group of mineral-rich countries from 2000 to 2020. A panel data method was employed to estimate and evaluate the results, considering the similarities between the selected countries and Iran in terms of mineral resource abundance.
In the research process, the final variables and the functional form of the model were identified, and data processing, analysis, and model estimation were conducted using Stata software. The data used in the study were collected from official sources, including the Central Bank, the Statistical Center of Iran, and the Ministry of Industry, Mine, and Trade. Additionally, for data on other countries, international sources such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), the World Bank, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) STAN database were utilized.
Findings
The study investigated the direct and indirect effects of natural resource abundance on economic growth through channels such as physical capital accumulation, research and development (R&D) investment in technology, labor, financial development, and economic freedom across three groups of countries. The first group includes countries with both mineral resources and oil, the second group consists of countries with only minerals, and the third group comprises countries with only oil resources. The generalized fixed effects model was selected as the final model for all three groups. According to the results:
The results suggest that the hypothesis of natural resource abundance positively influencing economic growth is supported for the first and second groups of countries. However, this hypothesis is not confirmed for the third group, which includes Iran.
The findings underscore that the impact of natural resources on economic growth is contingent upon various factors, including the type of resource, the quality of institutions, and the effectiveness of economic and governance policies. While some resource-rich countries have successfully translated their natural wealth into economic prosperity, others, including Iran, have faced challenges in maximizing the economic benefits of their natural resources.
Many theories and models of economic growth have identified capital as one of the most important drivers and determinants of economic growth and development. For years, it was believed that abundant natural resources, as part of a country’s capital, constituted a divine blessing, as they could be converted into other forms of capital and contribute to overall economic development. Consequently, countries rich in natural resources were expected to perform better economically than those without such resources. However, over time, particularly after World War II, empirical evidence revealed that most resource-rich countries performed poorly compared to resource-poor countries.
some empirical studies have highlighted a positive relationship between natural resource abundance and economic growth. Stijns (2001), using an alternative variable from Sachs and Warner (1995) to measure resource abundance, found no evidence of the detrimental effect of natural resources on economic growth. Lederman and Maloney (2003) also reported a positive relationship between resource abundance (measured by net resource exports per worker) and economic growth.
Sala-i-Martin and Subramanian (2003) contended that the relationship between natural resource abundance and economic growth loses statistical significance once institutional quality is accounted for. They suggested that the effect of natural resources depends on the type of resource, indicating that fuel and mineral resources negatively affect institutions (and thus economic growth), whereas the relationship between economic growth and other types of resources is not statistically significant. Similarly, Papyrakis and Gerlagh (2004) demonstrated that when variables such as corruption, investment, degree of freedom, terms of trade, and education are controlled and managed, the abundance of natural resources would have a positive effect on economic growth.
Thus, it can be concluded that not all resource-rich countries have experienced poor economic performance or economic decline. In certain cases, the optimal utilization of abundant resources has led to significant economic growth and increased per capita income.
Economic growth remains the primary goal of all economies, as it is directly linked to maximizing societal welfare. Economic growth encompasses increased utilization of inputs, improved productivity of production factors, and enhanced employment opportunities. Natural resources are among the most crucial sources of production in any country. According to growth and development theories, as well as international trade theories, these resources can provide a comparative advantage for an economy. Income generated from natural resource abundance can create national wealth, spur economic progress, increase societal welfare, and reduce poverty. In this regard, mineral resources are considered a key factor in accelerating investment and economic growth.
Methodology
This study examines the economic growth patterns of Iran and a group of mineral-rich countries from 2000 to 2020. A panel data method was employed to estimate and evaluate the results, considering the similarities between the selected countries and Iran in terms of mineral resource abundance.
In the research process, the final variables and the functional form of the model were identified, and data processing, analysis, and model estimation were conducted using Stata software. The data used in the study were collected from official sources, including the Central Bank, the Statistical Center of Iran, and the Ministry of Industry, Mine, and Trade. Additionally, for data on other countries, international sources such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), the World Bank, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) STAN database were utilized.
Findings
The study investigated the direct and indirect effects of natural resource abundance on economic growth through channels such as physical capital accumulation, research and development (R&D) investment in technology, labor, financial development, and economic freedom across three groups of countries. The first group includes countries with both mineral resources and oil, the second group consists of countries with only minerals, and the third group comprises countries with only oil resources. The generalized fixed effects model was selected as the final model for all three groups. According to the results:
- The share of mineral resources in exports was significant and positive for the first and second groups of countries, whereas it was significant and negative for the third group, which includes Iran.
- The share of oil and gas resources in exports was significant and positive for the first group of countries, but it had a significant negative impact for the third group.
- The unemployment rate had a significant negative relationship with per capita income across all groups.
- The total factor productivity index was positive and significant for all groups, positively influencing per capita income.
- Research and development expenditures had a significant positive effect on per capita income across all groups.
- The economic openness index was significant for all groups, positively affecting per capita income.
- The institutional quality index was significant for all groups, positively influencing per capita income.
- The net foreign direct investment variable was significant for the second group but had a negative effect.
The results suggest that the hypothesis of natural resource abundance positively influencing economic growth is supported for the first and second groups of countries. However, this hypothesis is not confirmed for the third group, which includes Iran.
The findings underscore that the impact of natural resources on economic growth is contingent upon various factors, including the type of resource, the quality of institutions, and the effectiveness of economic and governance policies. While some resource-rich countries have successfully translated their natural wealth into economic prosperity, others, including Iran, have faced challenges in maximizing the economic benefits of their natural resources.
Volume 1, Issue 2 (6-2016)
Abstract
Background: Although the need for theory-based designs, evidences exploring exercising effects during pregnancy is limited by non-theoretical and cross-sectional assessments. This study aimed to prospectively examine women’s exercise behavior from their second to third pregnancy trimester using the Health Belief Model (HBM).
Methods and Materials: This was a randomized controlled trial in which 100 pregnant women (50 individuals in each group of control or intervention) with gestation age of 20 weeks or more were examined. Just the intervention group participated in eight 40-minute exercise classes with15-day interval between each class. The control group received only routine prenatal care. The researcher- made questionnaires for general demographic characteristics, and variables of Health Belief Model (HBM) regarding doing exercise during pregnancy were completed at two time points of initial of the study and follow up. Descriptive/analytical statistics were applied to analyze the variables using SPSS version18.
Results: The mean gestational age for intervention and control group were 27.40 ± 5.39 and 26.26 ± 5.31 weeks respectively. Despite similarity of two groups at initial of the study in terms of all studied variables,, all HBM constructs in intervention group were significantly higher than control group after intervention (all p value ≤ 5%).
Conclusion: This study revealed that the educational program based on HBM could provide the pregnant women with a conceptual framework to improve the beliefs of pregnant women regarding exercise doing.
Volume 12, Issue 3 (Summer 2024)
Abstract
Aims: This study aims to economic valuation and assess multiple threats to water and soil resources of the Karkheh National Park and Karkheh Protected Area, southwest of Iran.
Methods: Modeling water budget, runoff, soil erosion, and water pollution potential, was performed using the WaterWorld Policy Support System (WWPSS), process-based hydrological model that utilizes remotely sensed and globally available. Eeconomics value has been calculated using the Substitute Cost Method, for 2021.
Findings: The result showed that the southern area of the Karkheh River basin experienced the minimum precipitation, which has led to a decrease in vegetation and an increase in runoff generation in the southern areas. The total runoff generated in the river basin is based on the upstream-downstream relationships from the north to the south was estimated at 81000648 m3.yr-1. The soil erosion rate spiked in the southern area with the vegetation decline and the intensification of runoff could be result in water pollution. Economic valuation represents the real value of water generation in the whole Karkheh National Park and Protected Area was US$ 0.104 million, estimated US$ 6.63 per hectare. In addition, the soil conservation economic value in the entire Karkheh National Park and Protected Area was US$ 9.3 million and US$ 912.2, per hectare.
Conclusion: This information provides valuable awareness into the economic value of natural resources and can help environmental assessors activities related to conservation planning. It assists as a useful tool for emphasizing the economic implications of ecosystem degradation and can help for sustainable management.
Volume 21, Issue 2 (3-2019)
Abstract
Froriepia is one of the Apiaceae genera. Only one species of this genus (Froriepia subpinnata L.) has been reported in Iran. In most parts of the North of Iran, young and pristine leaves are applied as stuffing in the preparation of various local foods. Despite wide applications of this medicinal plant, previously little research has been done on it. In this investigation, chemical compositions and antimicrobial activity of wild and cultivated Froriepia subpinnata essential oils were evaluated and compared. Applying GC and GC-MS, 53 components were registered in cultivated plant essential oil with major components- myrcenone (27.40%), limonene (18.60%), terpinolene (14.70%), and totarolone (7.35%), while 72 constituents were identified for wild plant essential oil with myrcenone (36.95%), limonene (13.62%), terpinolene (11.04%), and β-pinene (7.69%) as the major constituents. The antibacterial and the antimycotic activities of these oils were tested against six bacterial and fungal strains. The Gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, was most susceptible with MIC values 1-2 µg mL-1. The study results demonstrated that the main compounds were the same in the wild and cultivated plants essential oils. Also, it seems that cultivation only influences the essential oil yields, while the essential oil composition remains mostly constant.
Volume 21, Issue 2 (summer 2021 2021)
Abstract
Globalization is a driving force in emitting carbon dioxide (CO2), which causes countries to interact with each other economically, socially and politically. The interaction between countries will inevitably affect CO2 emissions. The aim of this study is to investigate the dynamic effects of globalization and energy consumption on environmental degradation in Iran. Therefore, it examines which variable (globalization, energy consumption or economic growth) is more effective in the process of environmental degradation. The Fully Modified Least Squares (FMOLS) and Charnes, Cooper and Rhodes (CCR) models are applied to investigate the subject over the period 1978-2016. In addition, Maki co-integration test is used to check the long-term dynamic relationships. The results show that globalization increases environmental degradation regardless of the decrease or increase in economic growth. This indicates that the scale effect of is dominant in Iran.
Nutritional and mineral contents of Inocutis levis and antioxidant activity of its fermented mycelia
Volume 21, Issue 154 (December 2024)
Abstract
The Elm polypore mushroom Inocutis levis is a macroscopic basidiomycete belonging to the Hymenochaetaceae family. Many members of this family have been of interest to researchers due to their medicinal and nutritional properties. Recent investigations have shown some bioactive properties of the fruiting body of I. levis. In this research, the nutritional and mineral composition of I. levis and the antioxidant activity of its mycelial extract have been investigated for the first time. Nutritional composition was determined according to AOAC method and mineral content was determined using ICP-MS. Mycelium cultivation was performed in PDA and then in PDB medium. Antioxidant activity of the fruiting body and mycelial extracts was evaluated via ABTS and DPPH assays. According to the results, Inocutis levis contains 14.2% protein, 73.7% carbohydrates (including 59.7% fiber), and a significant amount of minerals (11.6%) including potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron. The concentration of lead and cadmium in I. levis is at the safe level, but the Health Risk Index (HRI) values of mercury and arsenic exceed the safe level. Although I. levis fruiting body extracts had a higher free radicals inhibitor activity, due to the significant yield of the mycelium extract and also the ease of cultivation, the cultured mycelium of this mushroom can be considered as a potential source of bioactive compounds. To apply this mushroom in food and pharmaceutical industries, a deeper investigation of the compounds of I. levis is suggested.
Volume 24, Issue 1 (spring 2024)
Abstract
Introduction:
As Stern et al (2019) argued, energy is considered an important determinant of sustainable economic growth. Energy sources meet the needs of various sectors such as industry, modern agriculture, commerce, transportation, etc. Therefore, electricity consumption (energy consumption) is vital for the growth of an economy.
Electricity is the backbone of today's industrial and consumer economies. Its share in the energy mix is increasing due to increasing per capita income, electrification of transportation, use of electronic devices, and demand for consumer and industrial products. However, developed countries are moving towards energy efficiency technology to offset the increasing demand for electricity and its effects (Bildirici et al., 2012). Discussions about the relationship between economic growth, energy consumption and some macroeconomic variables have been high among researchers and policymakers in recent decades (Ehigiamusoe and Lean, 2019; Ehigiamusoe et al., 2020). The aim of our study is to examine the dynamics of the relationship between electricity consumption, ecological footprint and real GDP in Iran by dividing GDP into oil GDP and non-oil GDP. The logic behind this is that Iran's growth model is dependent on oil exports and public sector spending, with no diversification of oil revenues to ensure sustainable development. In fact, although Iran's successive development plans have emphasized the diversification and promotion of the non-oil private sector as a priority goal, today this goal can be achieved by reducing dependence on oil. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive review of energy consumption-environment-GDP dynamics with oil on one hand and energy-environment-GDP non-oil dynamics on the other hand. Therefore, we address the dichotomy between the oil and non-oil sectors and its consequences on the efficiency of energy policies and sustainable development.
Methodology:
This study uses the Vector Auto-Regressive model of time-varying parameters (TVP-VAR) to examine the inter-temporal dynamics between Iran's real GDP (oil, non-oil), electricity consumption and ecological footprint during 1967-2018. The results show that the TVP-VAR model is useful for examining the dynamics of the relationship between electricity consumption, real GDP and ecological footprint.
Results and Discussion:
The results show that the reaction functions of GDP with oil to positive shocks of environmental effect and electricity consumption are significantly different over time. Similar results exist for the impulse responses of the environmental effect to the positive shock of electricity consumption and GDP. We find the positive response of GDP to electricity consumption before 1978, negative between 1979 and 1991 and after 2003. The reactions of domestic gross production to environmental impact shocks between 1979 and 1986 are negative in the 8th and 12th period horizons and positive in other periods.
The shock response of energy consumption to GDP is positive in four periods during 1981 to 2006 and is negative in other years. It is negative in the 8-period horizon between 1976 and 2004, as well as in the 12-period horizon between 1971 and 1999 and positive in other years.
In relation to the response functions of the environmental impact of GDP and energy consumption in the horizon of 4 periods, the effect is positive, but it is positive in the horizon of 8 periods except for the years 1994-2000 and in the horizon of 12 periods except for the years 1979 to 1999 positive effects are observed.
Conclusion:
The results show that regimes with high and low volatility of real GDP (oil and non-oil), electricity consumption and environmental impact shocks have asymmetric effects (positive or negative) on these variables. In particular, the high fluctuations in electricity consumption during 1980s, 2000s, and 2010s likely affect real oil GDP and the environmental effect, negatively, But negatively, it leads to a decrease in real non-oil GDP growth. In the 1981s, 2001s, and 2011s, low volatility of electricity consumption had a negative impact on environmental impact, and low volatility of real oil and non-oil GDP had a positive impact on environmental impact.
In addition, real oil GDP fluctuations in the 1980s and 1990s both have positive effects on electricity consumption. The low real non-oil GDP fluctuations likely have positive effects on environmental effect, and real non-oil GDP fluctuations have positive effects on electricity consumption, but high real non-oil GDP fluctuations have negative effects on environmental status.
As Stern et al (2019) argued, energy is considered an important determinant of sustainable economic growth. Energy sources meet the needs of various sectors such as industry, modern agriculture, commerce, transportation, etc. Therefore, electricity consumption (energy consumption) is vital for the growth of an economy.
Electricity is the backbone of today's industrial and consumer economies. Its share in the energy mix is increasing due to increasing per capita income, electrification of transportation, use of electronic devices, and demand for consumer and industrial products. However, developed countries are moving towards energy efficiency technology to offset the increasing demand for electricity and its effects (Bildirici et al., 2012). Discussions about the relationship between economic growth, energy consumption and some macroeconomic variables have been high among researchers and policymakers in recent decades (Ehigiamusoe and Lean, 2019; Ehigiamusoe et al., 2020). The aim of our study is to examine the dynamics of the relationship between electricity consumption, ecological footprint and real GDP in Iran by dividing GDP into oil GDP and non-oil GDP. The logic behind this is that Iran's growth model is dependent on oil exports and public sector spending, with no diversification of oil revenues to ensure sustainable development. In fact, although Iran's successive development plans have emphasized the diversification and promotion of the non-oil private sector as a priority goal, today this goal can be achieved by reducing dependence on oil. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive review of energy consumption-environment-GDP dynamics with oil on one hand and energy-environment-GDP non-oil dynamics on the other hand. Therefore, we address the dichotomy between the oil and non-oil sectors and its consequences on the efficiency of energy policies and sustainable development.
Methodology:
This study uses the Vector Auto-Regressive model of time-varying parameters (TVP-VAR) to examine the inter-temporal dynamics between Iran's real GDP (oil, non-oil), electricity consumption and ecological footprint during 1967-2018. The results show that the TVP-VAR model is useful for examining the dynamics of the relationship between electricity consumption, real GDP and ecological footprint.
Results and Discussion:
The results show that the reaction functions of GDP with oil to positive shocks of environmental effect and electricity consumption are significantly different over time. Similar results exist for the impulse responses of the environmental effect to the positive shock of electricity consumption and GDP. We find the positive response of GDP to electricity consumption before 1978, negative between 1979 and 1991 and after 2003. The reactions of domestic gross production to environmental impact shocks between 1979 and 1986 are negative in the 8th and 12th period horizons and positive in other periods.
The shock response of energy consumption to GDP is positive in four periods during 1981 to 2006 and is negative in other years. It is negative in the 8-period horizon between 1976 and 2004, as well as in the 12-period horizon between 1971 and 1999 and positive in other years.
In relation to the response functions of the environmental impact of GDP and energy consumption in the horizon of 4 periods, the effect is positive, but it is positive in the horizon of 8 periods except for the years 1994-2000 and in the horizon of 12 periods except for the years 1979 to 1999 positive effects are observed.
Conclusion:
The results show that regimes with high and low volatility of real GDP (oil and non-oil), electricity consumption and environmental impact shocks have asymmetric effects (positive or negative) on these variables. In particular, the high fluctuations in electricity consumption during 1980s, 2000s, and 2010s likely affect real oil GDP and the environmental effect, negatively, But negatively, it leads to a decrease in real non-oil GDP growth. In the 1981s, 2001s, and 2011s, low volatility of electricity consumption had a negative impact on environmental impact, and low volatility of real oil and non-oil GDP had a positive impact on environmental impact.
In addition, real oil GDP fluctuations in the 1980s and 1990s both have positive effects on electricity consumption. The low real non-oil GDP fluctuations likely have positive effects on environmental effect, and real non-oil GDP fluctuations have positive effects on electricity consumption, but high real non-oil GDP fluctuations have negative effects on environmental status.
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