Showing 16 results for Roshanak
Volume 3, Issue 1 (1-2017)
Abstract
Background: Many comprehensive epidemiological studies have been done about fungal infections, which areone of the publichealth and therapeutic problemsin different communities. Since prevalence rate of fungal diseases and their etiological agents are changing over time,the aim of this study was to provide additional information about visceral fungal infections (VFIs) in order to understand the ways of their dissemination, to prevent disease transmission, to eliminate contamination sources and predisposing factors, and to provide effective ways for their treatment.
Materials and Methods: Samples were taken from the lesion of patients referred to medical mycology laboratory of Tehran University of Medical Sciences from 2014 to 2015. After providing direct wet mount of Potassium hydroxide (KOH) smears from these samples and samples sent from other medical centers, culturing on Sabouraud Dextrose agar with chloramphenicol (SC) and brain heart infusion agar (BHI) media was performed. After growth, species were identified.
Results: From a total of 295 suspected samples, VFI was proved in 69 cases (23%). Aspergillosis was the most prevalent infection among VFIs. Candidiasis, cryptococcosis and mucormycosis were in the late orders, respectively. Two patients were also infected by Trichosporon. The predominant species in aspergillosis infections was Aspergillus flavus, and the predominant species in candidiasis infections was Candida albicans.
Conclusion: According to the obtained results on the prevalence rate and incidence of VFIs between male and female patients in different age groups and also by taking into account the prevalent type of fungi and infectious site of patients’ bodies, it is possible to take appropriate action for the prevention and treatment of these kinds of diseases by using the important keys of these results to research and study etiological and underlying factors involved in these diseases.
Volume 3, Issue 2 (5-2017)
Abstract
Background: Many studies have been conducted on fungal infections which are known as public health and therapeutic problems. Since the prevalence rate of the fungal diseases and their etiological factors are changing over time, the purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence rate of superficial-cutaneous fungal infections (SCFIs) in order to understand the ways of their dissemination, to prevent diseases transmission, to eliminate contamination sources and predisposing factors, and to take appropriate action for their treatment.
Materials and Methods: After referral to medical mycology laboratory of Tehran University of Medical Science from 2014 to 2015, the patients were subjected to mycological examinations, and sampling of patients’ lesions was performed. Directsmears were prepared with Potassium hydroxide. Samples were cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar medium, and species were identified.
Results: From a total of 916 suspected patients, 334 cases (36.5%) had SCFIs. Dermatophytosis was the most prevalent SCFI (55.7%), followed by cutaneous candidiasis (19%), tinea versicolor (14.3%), and non-dermatophytic molds (11%).Tineapedis was the frequent site of involvement. Trichophytonmentagrophytes was the predominant species of dermatophytosis.
Conclusion: According to the obtained results on the prevalence rate of SCFIs between male and female patients in different age groups and also by taking into account the type of the prevalent fungi and the involvement site of the fungal infection, it is possible to take appropriate action for prevention and treatment of these kind of diseases by using important keys of the results to research etiological and underlying factors involved in these diseases.
Volume 5, Issue 3 (Summer 2019)
Abstract
Aims: In imbalanced conditions, Candida species colonization as a normal microflora of human skin and some mucosal surfaces is replaced by invasive forms (budding yeast cells, pseudohyphae, and true hyphae). This study aimed to investigate the frequency of Candida species and candidiasis with emphasis on the presence and propensity of different Candida species for pseudohyphae and true hyphae formation in clinical samples taken from various clinical forms of candidiasis.
Materials & Methods: In this cross-sectional study (2018 to 2019), sampling was done from 492 patients suspected to candidiasis, referred to the Medical Mycology Laboratory. Employing direct microscopy and culturing methods, the Candida species were identified using morphological and biochemical characteristics and also PCR-RFLP and DNA sequencing.
Findings: From a total of 96 candidiasis patients, 44.9% were identified with superficial-cutaneous and 55.1% with visceral candidiasis. The most clinical strains were isolated from fingernail scrapings (33.2%), followed by bronchoalveolar lavage samples (17%). The mycelium was found in 55.2% of the cases, and the highest frequency was related to the nail specimens (34%, p <.05). C. albicans was the predominant species forming mycelium (69.8%), followed by C. tropicalis, but no mycelium was found in C. guilliermondii cases. Mycelium formation was observed more in patients with an underlying disease such as AIDS and organ transplantation (p <.05).
Conclusion: Non-albicans Candida species have also the propensity to induce an invasive form of mycelial in the skin and to increase internal organs temperature, exacerbating clinical symptoms. This finding is important for choosing proper antifungal treatments and should be taken into account by clinicians.
Volume 7, Issue 3 (No.3 (Tome 31), (Articles in Persian) 2016)
Abstract
The present research seeks to analyze two phonological processes of Pasikhani dialect: compensatory lengthening and Vowel harmony. The theoretical framework of the study is on the basis of optimality approach, and the dialectal data gathering has been via recording five hours of speech together with the researcher's intuition as a native speaker. The data have been transcribed according to IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) and the research method is descriptive- analytic one. Accordingly, the phonological processes and compensatory deletion of /h/, /?/ in mono syllabic words in CVCC and disyllabic words in CVC.CV (C) context which lead to compensatory lengthening of vowel in first syllable; raising and vowel harmony (change of /e/ as a low vowel to [i] as a high vowel; (change of /e/ as a front vowel to [u] as a back vowel) have been exemplified within the tables and analyzed in tableaus by the use of the constraint rankings in OT. The results depict deletion and insertion as the highest processed and metathesis as the lowest.
Volume 10, Issue 3 (Summer 2024)
Abstract
Background: The present investigation aimed to survey the in-vitro inhibitory effects of nitroglycerin against Candida albicans, Trichophyton rubrum, and Aspergillus flavus.
Materials & Methods: In the current investigation, 99 fungal isolates were gathered from patients referred to the Medical Mycology Laboratory of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The disk diffusion method was done based on Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) M44-S2 guidelines. Also, the microdilution method was performed base on CLSI guidelines for filamentous fungi (document M38-A2) and yeasts (document M27-A3).
Findings: In the disk diffusion method, all isolates of C. albicans (n=33, 100%) and A. flavus (n=33, 100%) showed sensitivity to nitroglycerin, whereas all isolates of T. rubrum (n=33, 100%) showed resistance to nitroglycerin. On the other hand, in the microdilution method, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of nitroglycerin against C. albicans and A. flavus isolates was 0.5 mg/mL, whereas the MIC of nitroglycerin against T. rubrum was 0.12 mg/mL.
The results showed that the MIC of nitroglycerin against dermatophytes was about one-quarter of its MIC against C. albicans and A. flavus, and this difference was statistically significant (p< .05).
Conclusion: Considering the potential and efficacy of nitroglycerin against yeasts and filamentous fungi (saprophytes and dermatophytes), complementary in-vivo and in-vitro studies should be done.
Volume 11, Issue 2 (3-2020)
Abstract
surveying the content of Fars local periodical literatures at the late of Qajar and the beginning of Pahlavi shows that women had an effective role in the political and social activities like as the anti-authoritarian and constitutionalist movement and they had could raise their level of political and social awareness. Women in the form of communities and associations and using the magazines which were the most prevailing device at that time, tried to implement the changes in full for the society. Such efforts resulted in political and social awareness of Fars women and the whispering of the issue of women's social rights. Fars province women, through numerous articles of magazines, and for the first time acquainted with the women rights such as the right to education, the right to trade, etc. and gradually they sought to earn the aforementioned rights in the realm of action. The article is concerned on the extension of press and its influence on the process of political-social awareness and women's identity formation to assert their basic rights. The findings of the study show that the Fars press at this era was essentially self-disciplinary with the continuous pursuit of social and political rights for women and greatly assisted women to identify their rights and being socialized. The research method, since the main sources of research in the press, is based on textual analysis, which can be considered as a deeper level of descriptive-analytical method that ultimately leads to appropriate explanations.
Volume 11, Issue 4 (3-2022)
Abstract
Human resources in any organization have a significant impact on how one organization excels in competition with others, which in some areas, such as face-to-face sales, this role is more important. The purpose of this study is evaluation of the effect of salesperson gender and age (demographic characteristics), salesperson height and weight on buyer trust to a salesperson, using conjoint analysis approach and Based on Homophily theory. Data were collected from clothing buyers in Tehran through 194 questionnaires using in hand sampling. Results show the main factor affecting buyer’s confidence to a salesperson is his/her weight with the average importance of 28.5%. Salesperson’s age, height, and gender are located in the next priorities with average importance of 27/7, 23/9 and 19/9% respectively. Based on results effect of different surface of salesperson characteristics on buyer’s trust shows the same gender, weight and height of salesperson and buyer led to more confidence of buyer. Also, the difference in age between salesperson and buyer, decrease buyer’s trust. The results of ranking 12 types of salespersons according to the utility average shows the first rank allocates to a salesperson with these characteristics: different gender from a buyer, older than a buyer, similar weight and taller than the buyer. Also, the last rank allocated to a salesperson includes characteristics as the similar gender with the buyer, same age as the buyer, different weight with the buyer and taller than him/her.
Volume 13, Issue 4 (September & October 2022)
Abstract
The validity supporting factors of the EPT reading comprehension test, a standard language proficiency test held monthly in Iran, were investigated in this research paper. To this end, each of the test questions was assigned to one of the known effective linguistic and non-linguistic components used by different readers in comprehending a reading text. Our ability to read in a second language, at first, depends on our familiarity with linguistic knowledge, which is the words and grammar of the target language, and under the influence of our non-linguistic knowledge; that if the assessment of reading comprehension ability is unfairly mixed with our "non-linguistic knowledge", the result will not reflect the content validity of the test. Since high-stake tests like EPT are designed for examinees with different experiences and other intrapersonal cognitive abilities, balancing the content of the test will lead us to more favorable results. 85 questions from 22 expository texts were randomly selected, and 150 female students graduated from the theoretical fields of humanities, experimental, and mathematics from Malayer city participated in the test. The data were analyzed using Pearson's correlation statistical analysis, Heterotrait-monotrait ratio, Exploratory Factor Analysis, and the Partial Least Square model. The results showed that non-linguistic knowledge has a significant and more than expected effect on the performance of the testees. Teachers, lecturers, and institutes implementing and designing second language reading comprehension standardized tests will use the results of this research.
1. Introduction
To determine the level of proficiency in a foreign language, several language tests are frequently held each year. Language proficiency tests do not consider the method used by language learners; their emphasis is generally on the past language experience of the examinees and what they have learned until the time of the test (Jafarpour, 2015). Among the valid language tests held in Iran is the EPT, which has been held almost every month by the Islamic Azad University since 2012. EPT is composed of three parts: vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension. The importance of this exam is in the graduation of the students of this university at the PhD level.
In terms of test structure, EPT can be compared with TOEFL PBT. The only difference lies in the lack of listening and writing sections. This test consists of 100 questions; it does not have a negative score, and the time allotted is set on 140 minutes. The reading comprehension section has 35 questions, usually consisting of 4 separate expository texts on different fields. 15 questions are in the format of cloze test, and the rest is passage-based multiple choice questions.
The importance of evaluation, as stated by Black and William (1998), is undeniable both for teachers and learners. Therefore, a test content validity can guarantee the appropriateness of the result interpretations (Linn & Gronlund, 2000). Test validity can be interpreted as an agreement between the test score and the quality it is intended to measure (Kaplan & Saccuzzo, 2001). Thus, it can be concluded that any investigation and analysis on the effectiveness of the supporting content validity factors of a proficiency test can predict the adequacy of the level of linguistic knowledge as opposed to non-linguistic knowledge of the testees.
According to Bachman's language proficiency model (1990), strategic competence of language learners is based on their language competence and their knowledge structures, or their knowledge of the world (Alderson, Clapham, & Wall, 2005), and the knowledge they have acquired while learning their first language (Hedge, 2003). Here, it can be implied that theoretically, in order to be successful in reading comprehension tasks, in addition to language competence, one needs to be equipped with other reader-oriented variables such as synthesizing, infering, and evaluating information (Alderson, 2000).
As Nunan (1991) has stated, reading comprehension in a foreign language is different from that in one's first language. A word of caution hence should be mentioned in this regard. The assessment of this language ability should be run under a more controlled condition in terms of the testee's knowledge of the world. Nunan (1991) believed in the interaction of language competence and world knowledge when doing a comprehension task. Reading comprehension in a foreign language, as the result, needs separate sub-skills that are required to be taught (Alderson, 2000).
Considering the above mentioned premises, foreign language reading comprehension tests for mid-band language proficiency levels are expected to make use of these different source-based variables equally. This means that despite the inherent difficulty to assess this language ability, language-based questions should be paid the same attention as nonlanguage-based questions all over the test as possiblly as they can (Weir, 2005).
This parity is the motivation of the present study. Collecting intermediate passages employed in different EPT administrations, the study aimed at determining the load of different linguistic (text-dependent) and non-linguistic (reader-dependent) components of the test based on the componential perspective theories. The list of components is based on Farhadi and Hesami's (2005, p. 35) list of variables in their article, construct validity of L2 reading comprehension skills. The following research question is going to be answered:
Which group of components, linguistic versus non-linguistic components, has the strongest correlations with the value score obtained in the measurement of reading competence based on the gathered data?
2. Methodology
2.1. Subjects
A total number of 150 12th-grade female students took part in the present study. They were from three different fields of study (58 from experimental sciences, 48 from mathematical sciences, and 44 from humanities) from 3 language institutes in Malayer. They were selected by cluster random method. The subjects were between 18 to 22 years old. (M=19.5, SD=1.51). These students were intermediate language learners and got a score range between 51 and 70 out of 120 in the Oxford English Placement Test, so they were all placed at the CEFR level of B1.2 to B2.1.
2.2. Educational tools and materials
The material used in the present study consisted of 22 randomly-selected reading comprehension passages adapted from the EPT test. The test items underwent a close specification process to assign each item to the component it was intended to measure. The linguistic components understood vocabulary, using context, identifying facts and details, summarizing concepts, sequencing events, distinguishing between facts and opinions, and discovering main idea. For non-linguistic components, understanding point of view, determining author's purpose, drawing conclusions, identifying inferences, understanding cause and effect, using prior knowledge, identifying figurative language, and visualizing ideas were utilized.
3. Results
The exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was run in order to get a maximum dispersion of factor loadings within factors of linguistic and nonlinguistic components. For a smaller number of variables highly onto each factor resulting in more interpretable clusters of factors, principal axis factoring and varimax rotation methods were applied. SPSS results showed that the components of reading ability measured four constructs with an accuracy of 49.50 percent. From the results, scanning, and literal and reorganizational processing played an important role in comprehending second language intermediate texts of EPT.
The model of the standardized regression weights between each component and the overall linguistic and nonlinguistic constructs displayed in figure 1 indicates that the linguistic components of reading comprehension test had moderate and significant contributions to their construct, while nonlinguistic components of reading comprehension test had a high and significant contribusion to their construct.
Figure. 1, The relationships between components of constructs (standardized regression weights)
Volume 15, Issue 2 (6-2012)
Abstract
Objective: In an attempt to develop safer and more effective gene therapy approaches as a realistic treatment for various forms of cancer, researchers are increasingly using tumor-specific promoters (TSP) to drive the expression of the gene of interest and eradicate cancer cells. In this study, for the first time we introduce the Oct-4 promoter as a cancer-specific promoter with a high efficacy. Methods: We cloned Oct-4 promoter and enhancers into a pGl3 control reporter vector and analyzed the expression of luciferase as a reporter gene in an AGS gastric cell line. Next, we used a suicide-inducing vector that included an Oct-4 promoter and the TK gene in the presence of the non-toxic prodrug, ganciclovir, to eradicate cancer cells. Cells were treated with PI and connexin V. FACS analysis was conducted to assess the effect of the system on cell cycle and apoptosis induction. Results: Under the activity of the Oct-4 promoter, luciferase expression was three-fold higher than the SV40 promoter. The HSV/TK/GCV system activated by the Oct-4 promoter and enhancers induced apoptosis (86.17%) in the AGS cell line. We verified that this system induced S-phase/G2-phase cell cycle arrest in the AGS cell line. Conclusion: These data indicate that the Oct-4 promoter is active in the AGS cell line. Oct-4 gene is expressed in a wide variety of tumors but not in normal cells. Thus, Oct-4 appears to be a promising tumor-specific promoter for numerous tumors.
Volume 16, Issue 96 (February 2020)
Abstract
Fermentation is one of the oldest techniques in food preservation, this process is defined as the biological activity of microorganisms to improve sensory, organoleptic and nutritional properties and produce a range of metabolites that inhibit the growth of unwanted microbial flora. As a result, fermented products have a shelf life substantially higher than raw materials and also have very beneficial effects on health. In this research, ginger in 4 and 8 % levels and yogurt whey in 0 and 3 % levels, were added to the carrots and evaluated during of 0,4, 8, 16, 24 and 32 days of fermentation. The results showed that by adding 4% ginger, pH, mold and yeast count and L* index decreased, acidity, total count, lactic acid count, a* and b* color indexes and overall acceptance increased. In contrast, the addition of 8% ginger had a negative effect on the studied parameters and decreased the overall acceptance and enumeration of lactic acid bacteria. Addition of yogurt (3%) decreased pH, mold and yeast count and L* index, but increased acidity, total count also color indices a* and b* and overall acceptance. In the non-yogurt and non-ginger sample from the beginning to the end of the storage period, pH, total count and mold and yeast counts increased steadily, and overall acidity and acceptance decreased. Whereas in the samples containing ginger and yogurt, the pH and count of mold and yeast decreased as the fermentation time increased to the 16th day and overall count increased, lactic acid bacteria, acidity and total acceptance. According to the results of this study, using 4% ginger, 3% yogurt and 16 days fermentation time to increase shelf life and lactic acid bacteria and improve the sensory characteristics of fermented carrots.
Volume 17, Issue 100 (june 2020)
Abstract
Abstract
Free radicals cause many diseases in human. Antioxidants reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke by neutralizing free radicals and on the other hand, prevent progression of cancer. The natural antioxidant enhances antioxidant properties of plasma to prevent diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and stroke. Plants are a rich source of secondary compounds, which are the most important natural antioxidants.
In this study, Fumaria vaillanti aqueous, methanol and ethanol extracts were used to determine the anticancer effect of extracts on Breast Cancer Cells Lines BT-474, MDA-MB_231 after 24, 48 and 72h.
The highest percentage of cell death, according to the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) technique, has been reported in the aqueous extract on MDA-MB-231 cells after 72 hours at with IC50 of 2 μg / ml.
The results of this study indicate that Fumaria vaillanti shows a significant antioxidant and cell toxicity effect and full potential of extracts can be realized by further studies on animal models and subsequent trials.
Volume 17, Issue 106 (December 2020)
Abstract
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is one of the deadliest cancers in women causing abnormal cancerous cells that can spread and metastasize to other parts of the body. Secondary metabolites are highly variable in terms of structural and chemical properties and they are very important for plants survival. In this study, the extracts of two plants using three different solvents (water, ethanol 80% and methanol 80%) and water bath extraction method were obtained. phenolic compounds of extracts were determined by Folin Sioculto method. DPPH (2, 2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and FRAP (Ferric reducing ability of plasma) methods were performed for determination of antioxidant properties. The amount of phenolic compounds in two plants was higher in 80% methanol solvent and the most antioxidant activities were observed in water solvent of extracts. Water solvent had the highest antioxidant activity and was selected to investigate the anti-cancer properties of extracts on ovarian cancer cells. Water extract of Ocimum basilicum within72 hours had the highest cytotoxic effect with an IC50 value of 1.105 ± 0.001 mg / ml. In study of antimicrobial activity by disc diffusion method, the highest antibacterial properties were only in ethanol extracts of two plants. In the measurement of MIC and MBC, ethanol and methanol extracts of Ocimum basilicum and water and ethanol extracts in Imatiens walleriana had the most inhibitory and bactericide effects.
Volume 18, Issue 114 (August 2021)
Abstract
One of the problems with the processed meat products shelf life is the formation of yellow spots in sausages. The aim of this study was to isolate and identify the microbial agents causing yellow stain from sausage by molecular- and culture-based methods. For this purpose, 15 samples from yellow spot and separation areas of chicken sausages were sampled. A total of 44 colonies grown on the MRS, M17, YGC, and PDB culture medium were inoculated into pre-packaged cutting sausages to induce the yellow spot. Yellow spots appearance9 samples and they were characterized by both culture-based methods and sequencing of a 350 bp fragment from 16S rRNA V3 region and a 800bp fragment from 18S rRNA ITS4 region. The results of the culture-based and molecular assay showed that the main causes of the yellow spots in the chicken sausage packaged under vacuum were Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus faecium and Candida saitoana. In addition, one species of Enterococcus and one species of Candida were also identified at the genus level. Examination of yellow spotted samples also showed that the microorganisms that cause yellow spotting cause changes in pH, color indices L*, a* and b*, and syneresis compared to the control sample but the rate of change is only in the syneresis quantity and a* was significant.
Volume 20, Issue 138 (August 2023)
Abstract
Many scientific reports have been published about the health effects of black cumin seed (Nigella sativa) oil such as anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, one of the main problems in extracting oil from black cumin seed (BS) is the low yield and also the low quality of the extracted oil. Various methods such as microwave treatment, roasting and soaking have been performed to improve the extraction conditions and quality of BS oil before cold pressing. In this study, BS was pre-treated with ethanol (70%) at 0 (control sample), 1, 3 and 6% and then oil extracted by cold press. Extracted oil qualitative characteristics (acid value, peroxide value, chlorophyll content, carotenoid content and total phenolic content) were assessed in production day and every 30 days during 90 days of storage. Also, oxidative stability of BS oil was measured by Schaal test. The results demonstrated that by increasing the level of ethanol in the pre-treatment of BS, acid value and peroxide value significantly (p < 0.05) decreased and oxidative stability, chlorophylls, carotenoids and phenolic contents of extracted oil significantly (p < 0.05) increased. Acid value and peroxide value increased and chlorophyll and carotenoid contents due to decomposition of their contents decreased during storage. Oil extracted from BS pre-treated with highest level of ethanol had the lowest acid value (4.61 mg NaOH/g oil) and peroxide value (7.03 meq O2/Kg oil) and the highest chlorophyll (21.21 mg/Kg oil), carotenoid (3.86 mg/Kg oil) and total phenolic (496.3 mg caffeic acid/Kg of oil) contents at the end of the storage. In conclusion, the results showed that pretreatment of BS by ethanol before cold pressing can be used to improve qualitative properties and stabilize the extracted oil.
Volume 23, Issue 1 (Spring 2023 2023)
Abstract
Aim and Introduction
The poverty is not affected only by income level. Some variables such as lack of access to welfare and health facilities, deprivation of education, physical weakness and vulnerability to diseases can be influential factors in poverty. Accordingly, indexes such as the poverty line, the percentage of poor people, and the intensity of poverty, which are used to study of the poverty in the society, do not fully represent the situation of poverty dimensions. Therefore, for measuring poverty in different dimensions, Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative in collaboration with United Nations Development Programme introduced the Multidimensional Poverty Index in 2010. This index includes deprivations such as low levels of health, lack of education, inadequate living standards, disability, low quality work, threats of violence, and living in areas with hazardous environments that poor people face in their daily lives. Several researches have been conducted on multidimensional poverty at the national and international levels, which have estimated the multidimensional poverty index using the Alkire-Foster methodological framework. At the same time, the multidimensional poverty of children has been neglected at the national level. This paper aims to study of multidimensional poverty among Iranian children based on the Alkire-Foster methodological framework. The multidimensional poverty of under five children using Multiple Indicator Demographic and Health Survey data in four dimensions of "living standards", "health", "support" and "development" has been measured.
Methodology
The Alkire-Foster methodology has been used for measuring the multidimensional poverty index. For measuring the children multidimensional poverty index (MPI) in Iran, data of the Multiple Indicator Demographic and Health Survey has been used. This survey covers the latest available data on various sociodemographic and health subjects of children, women and men. A comprehensive and new framework for measuring child poverty in Iran has been provided using the indicators of child mortality, cooking fuel, drinking water, sanitation discharge and housing from the global framework. The other indicators such as vaccination index and insufficient care has been extracted from other researches.
Findings
The results show that MPI of children in Iran is equal to 0.002. The incidence of multidimensional poverty is 0.5% and the intensity of child poverty is 38.6%. In general, the results show that girls compared to boys experience more multidimensional poverty and as mothers' education levels increase, children experience less multidimensional poverty. Children who live in large households (5 people or more) experience more multidimensional poverty compared to children who live in small households. Children in developed provinces experience multidimensional poverty less than other children and finally, children under five in the first economic quintile (the lowest economic level of the society) have the highest multidimensional poverty among all households in Iran.
Among children under five whose mothers have primary education, "health" dimension plays the most important role in measuring the multidimensional poverty index. In less developed provinces, the most important factor in mesearunig multidimensional poverty among children under five is "child development" dimension. Also, in households that have a low level of economic and social status (based on economic quintile variable), “child development " and "living standards” are important respectively.
Discussion and Conclusion
The purpose of presenting the Child multidimensional poverty index is to provide understandable and important statistics for clarify level and form of multidimensional poverty. The findings of this study, which was conducted for the first time in Iran, show that although value of the child multidimensional poverty index based on "living standards”, "health", "support" and "child development" is not a large number, however children in social and demographic groups have had encounters with different levels of multidimensional poverty. Considering that the growth and development of the children in the appropriate context is the basis for formation of a healthy and stable family and developed society, it is necessary to make policies in order to reduce the multidimensional poverty of children.
Volume 25, Issue 2 (summer 2025)
Abstract
This study evaluates the conformity of Iran’s income distribution with the Econophysics Two-Class Theory of income distribution (EPTC) using Household Expenditure-Income Survey data from 2006 to 2016. Through probability density functions (PDFs) and complementary cumulative distribution functions (CCDFs) it is demonstrated that Iran's income structure follows A distinct dual structure: the lower class (97–99.7% of the population) adheres to an exponential Boltzmann-Gibbs distribution, indicating labor-driven income, while the upper tail (0.3–3%) follows a fluctuating Pareto power-law distribution, aligning with capital income. Methodologically, we employ log-linear CCDF scaling to verify the Boltzmann-Gibbs distribution for the majority population and log-log scaling to confirm the Pareto distribution for the elite segment. The thermal class maintains remarkable stability over time despite gradual increases in effective income temperature, whereas the power-law tail exhibits significant volatility. Key findings include the thermal equilibrium of the lower class—evidenced by normalized PDF convergence across years—and a sharp minimum wage-induced peak in its PDF. Notably, the PDF reveals a sharp narrow peak at lower income levels, attributable to government-mandated minimum wage policies.
Aim and Introduction
This paper examines the distribution of income in Iran from 2006 to 2016 and evaluates the validity of one of the latest economic theories concerning income distribution, namely, the Econophysics Two-Class Theory of Income Distribution (EPTC).
According to this model, income distribution generally comprises two classes. The lower class of this distribution, typically representing 97 to 99% of th society, follows the exponential (thermal) Boltzmann-Gibbs distribution, primarily driven by labor income. This distribution remains stable over time and undergoes minimal fundamental changes. Conversely, the income distribution of the upper class, constituting approximately 1 to 3% of society, follows the Pareto distribution, recognized as a superthermal distribution in econophysics. Notably, this distribution exhibits high variability over time, closely mirroring fluctuations in the stock market.
For this study, a review of the theoretical literature on the statistical distribution of income is conducted, tracing its evolution from Pareto's initial attempts to the formulation of the two-class distribution of income. In the methodology section, emphasis is placed on delineating the characteristics of two Probability Density Functions (PDFs) and Complementary Cumulative Distribution Functions (CCDFs) associated with exponential and Pareto distributions. The methodology elaborates on the approach to detecting income distribution patterns within the framework of the aforementioned theory. Subsequently, in the data and findings section, an examination of the income data spanning the specified time period in Iran is undertaken. The section meticulously explores the compatibility of these data with the EPCT, offering detailed discussions on the observed patterns and their alignment with the theoretical framework. Finally, the implications of the EPCT are elucidated, and the paper's conclusions are presented in the concluding remarks section.
Methodology
In complex systems concluding big data or complex models, alternative approaches beyond conventional statistical tests may be employed to estimate distributions. Visual inspection and descriptive analysis, facilitated by histograms and distribution charts, serve as effective tools for approximating distributions without relying on statistical tests. The selection of distributions is informed by theoretical considerations that align with the underlying characteristics of the system. These alternative methods offer practicality and informativeness, particularly in scenarios where traditional statistical assumptions may not hold or when dealing with extensive and unconventional data. The present article adopts this methodological approach to analyze income distribution in Iran.
The initial step involves drawing the histogram and probability density function (PDF). The shape of the histogram guides the identification of distribution. Given the potential complexity arising from large datasets, and the ambiguity that may arise from visual inspection of merely the PDF, a Complementary Cumulative Distribution Function (CCDF) plot serves as a valuable aid. Subsequently, following the first step and the selection of candidate theoretical distributions, the CCDFs are plotted to ascertain the optimal fit with the experimental data distribution. Consequently, the combined use of PDF and CCDF serves as indispensable tools for delineating annual income distribution patterns.
The resemblance between the graphs of the PDF for both exponential and Pareto distributions on a linear-linear scale poses challenges in distinguishing between these distributions. Similarly, the CCDF curve lacks clarity on a linear-linear scale due to this similarity. However, employing a logarithmic-linear scale to plot the survival function related to the data of the lower part of society proves beneficial, as it reveals a smooth line representative of the exponential Boltzmann-Gibbs law. Similarly, plotting the survival function for the upper part of the society on a logarithmic-logarithmic scale serves to elucidate the Pareto power law. Consequently, plotting the survival function for the entire dataset on a logarithmic-logarithmic scale, as per the hypothesis of the EPTC, should unveil two distinct segments: exponential and Pareto.
Findings
The data utilized in this study were derived from the raw tables pertaining to the household expenditure-income (budget) plan, annually published by the Statistical Center of Iran. Specifically focusing on data sourced from the urban population, which constituted approximately three-quarters of the total population during the study period. Data preparation commenced with the meticulous removal of zero and negative values, followed by deflation adjustments based on the consumer price index. Subsequently, data normalization was conducted utilizing the slope of the line of the CCDF for the lower part of the dataset, plotted on a logarithmic-linear scale for each year. This normalization process was initiated based on the initial estimate of the border income, set at the 99.7th percentile. Finally, an appropriate binning strategy was selected, with a uniform value of 0.4 (∆r≈0.4T) applied to all data subsequent to the initial 0.2 portion.
Plotting the PDF of the income pertaining to the lower class of the society across three scales—linear-linear, logarithmic-linear, and logarithmic-logarithmic—alongside the fitting line of the exponential distribution function for the year 2016 revealed a notable alignment, indicative of a robust fit with the theoretical exponential distribution.
Alternatively, the survival function chart was employed to analyze the income distribution among the upper class of society. Presenting this data graphically across three scales—linear-linear, logarithmic-linear, and logarithmic-logarithmic—for the entirety of 2016 underscored two key findings. Firstly, the tail-end distribution of income follows the Pareto distribution. Secondly, and of paramount significance, these graphical representations unequivocally affirmed the appropriateness of dividing the dataset into two distinct segments.
Plotting the PDF for the 11-year period revealed that the data pertaining to the lower part of the society, representing 99.7% of the total population, converged onto a singular curve following normalization across the entire duration under study. Subsequently, depicting the survival functions for the aforementioned 11-year time frame in a unified graph, utilizing both logarithmic-linear and logarithmic-logarithmic scales, served as a more definitive validation of the two-class theory of income distribution.
Discussion and Conclusion
The analysis of income data in Iran from 2006 to 2016 reveals a distinct two-class structure in the country's income distribution.
Firstly, the lower class, encompassing approximately 97 to 99.7% of the population, follows the exponential Boltzmann-Gibbs distribution, primarily driven by labor income. This statistical distribution reflects a cumulative process characterized by a constant rate of decrease, as indicated by the exponential distribution's parameter. The consistency observed in the exponential fit graphs of the survival function and data histogram across different years suggests the stability of income distribution within the lower class over time. This stability parallels thermal equilibrium in physics, suggesting that the majority of the population is in a stable equilibrium. Notably, the high-resolution histogram of the PDF reveals a sharp and narrow peak at low incomes, attributed to governmental policies such as the imposition of minimum wage regulations.
Conversely, the upper class, constituting approximately 0.3 to 3% of the population, follows a Pareto distribution, predominantly influenced by capital income. However, unlike the lower class, the distribution of income within this part does not align along a single line in the power law segment. This part undergoes discernible fluctuations from year to year, indicating instability within this economic sector. These fluctuations are attributed to the variability of capital income