The effect of environmental sustainability orientations and entrepreneurial orientations on the performance of greenhouses.

This research aimed to explore the effect of environmental sustainability and entrepreneurial orientations on the performance of greenhouses in Iran. It is a sort of descriptive-correlational research conducted by the survey methodology. The data collection instrument was a questionnaire whose validity was checked by a panel of entrepreneurship and environment experts, and its reliability was estimated by conducting a pilot study and calculating Cronbach's alpha (α = 0.88-0.91). The statistical population was composed of all greenhouse units in Mahallat County in Markazi province, Iran (N = 405). The sample size was determined to be 197 greenhouses by Krejcie and Morgan's table. The independent variables included environmental sustainability orientations (including the dimensions of environmental knowledge and awareness, practices, and commitment) and entrepreneurial orientation of greenhouse managers (including the dimensions of innovation, proactiveness, and risk-taking), and the dependent variable was the performance of greenhouses (including the dimensions of increasing customers, increasing sales, and increasing profitability). The results of structural equation modeling showed that the dimensions of environmental sustainability orientations and entrepreneurial orientations of the greenhouse managers were decisive factors in the performance dimensions of the greenhouses. Furthermore, the entrepreneurial orientations had a positive and significant effect on the environmental sustainability orientations.

Factors affecting the intention of Iranian rural women to use medicinal herbs.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to identify factors affecting the behavioral intention of Iranian rural women to use medicinal herbs. The research model was developed by integrating "dissatisfaction with modern medicine" into the "theory of planned behavior". METHODS: Data were collected through questionnaire from a sample of 260 Iranian rural women, which were randomly selected. The validity and reliability of the scale were confirmed using expert opinions and Cronbach's alpha method, respectively. RESULTS: Based on the results of structural equation modeling, attitude (ß = 0.44; p < 0.01), subjective norms (ß = 0.27; p < 0.01) and dissatisfaction with modern medicine (ß = 0.11; p < 0.05) had significant positive effects on rural women's intention to use medicinal herbs. In addition, subjective norms indirectly affected rural women's intention to use medicinal herbs through attitude (ß = 0.23; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Subjective norms was a key factor in determining the intention of Iranian rural women to use medicinal herbs, followed by attitude and dissatisfaction with modern medicine. Therefore, this study could contribute to our understanding on how the intention of Iranian rural women to use medicinal herbs was influenced by different factors.

Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii infections in one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) in central desert of Iran.

The protozoan parasite Neospora caninum infects carnivores as definitive and a wide range of mammals as intermediate hosts. This parasite is regarded as an important cause of abortion in cattle worldwide, causing significant economic losses. Although there is serological evidence of infection in Old World camelids, the significance of N. caninum in these animal species is still poorly understood. The aim of this study was to use molecular and histological methods to detect N. caninum in the blood and tissues of 100 slaughtered one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Iran. For this, genomic DNA was extracted from blood, brain, portal lymph node and liver of the camels, and nested-PCR assay followed by sequencing were performed. Besides, paraffin-embedded tissue sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and studied microscopically. In addition, immunohistochemical staining for N. caninum was attempted on brain samples with positive PCR results. All animals were tested for antibodies against N. caninum and Toxoplasma gondii by whole tachyzoite-agglutination tests. N. caninum DNA was detected in blood, brain, and portal lymph node, but not in the liver of two (2%) camels. Histopathological examination revealed cysts resembling N. caninum in brain samples of one of these camels; however, immunohistochemical staining for N. caninum and T. gondii did not allow a morphological identification. IgG antibodies to N. caninum and T. gondii were detected in 36% and 35% of the camels, respectively. This study provides the first insight into direct detection of N. caninum in C. dromedarius in Iran. Further molecular studies on aborted fetuses, stillborn animals and cases of perinatal mortality are needed to understand the possible involvement of N. caninum in cases of reproductive failure. As the definitive hosts of N. caninum are domestic and wild canids, producers should be advised to monitor and limit exposure of their camelids to these species and their feces.

Exploring the Antecedents and Outcomes of Entrepreneurial Well-Being: Empirical Evidence From Iranian Rural Entrepreneurs.

Studies regarding rural entrepreneurs in developing countries and, specifically, their well-being have not been sufficiently developed in the literature. The present study was an attempt to fill this gap and to examine important antecedents and outcomes associated with entrepreneurial well-being among a sample of 102 Iranian rural entrepreneurs. This research established a theoretical research model that highlighted the relationships among job fit, entrepreneurial passion, well-being, and persistence. The results of structural equation modeling supported the hypothesized model. In particular, the results indicated that higher job fit was associated with higher levels of entrepreneurial well-being through an entrepreneurial passion mechanism. Moreover, the results supported the hypothesized serial mediating effect. In other words, a high level of job fit enhances entrepreneurial persistence through a high level of entrepreneurial passion and well-being. This study provides significant input to policymakers and practitioners in their efforts to promote the antecedents and outcomes of well-being among rural entrepreneurs.

The Effect of Religiosity on Pro-environmental Behavior Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Iranian Rural Female Facilitators.

Religiosity is one of the most prominent and extensive social factors influencing one's behavior; however, there is a lack of research analyzing the religiosity impact on pro-environmental behavior, particularly for women in rural areas. To narrow the research gap, this study established a theoretical research model by incorporating religiosity into the Theory of Planned Behavior to explore factors affecting rural female facilitators' pro-environmental behavior. The extended Theory of Planned Behavior model was consequently tested by empirical data collected from 110 rural female facilitators in Qom Province in the center of Iran. The results of structural equation modeling indicated that subjective norms and environmental attitude were positively and significantly related to pro-environmental intentions. In addition, pro-environmental intentions and perceived behavioral control were found to be significantly associated with pro-environmental behaviors. The results revealed that there was a direct and indirect relationship between religiosity and pro-environmental behaviors via perceived behavioral control. In addition, there was an indirect relationship between religiosity and pro-environmental intentions via subjective norms and environmental attitudes. Therefore, this study revealed that religiosity as social pressure plays an important role in determining pro-environmental intentions and behaviors among rural female facilitators in Iran. Thus, in order to promote pro-environmental behavior, the religiosity aspects should be considered and people should be stimulated to act in a more environmentally friendly mode via religious prism.

A Decrease in CD44 on Cell Surfaces (MKN-45 cell line) After RELA Knockout Using CRISPR/Cas9.

The NF-kB signaling pathway was introduced as a key pathway in carcinogenesis that is induced by inflammation in gastrointestinal malignancies. The RelA transcription factor is an important component of this signaling pathway. Furthermore, CD44 is implicated in the tumorigenesis and metastasis of gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to assay the effect of RELA knockout on CD44 expression in MKN45 cells. CRISPR/Cas9 was used to knock out RELA in MKN-45. The median fluorescence intensity (MFI) of CD44 before and after RELA knockout is analyzed in MKN45. The CRISPR/Cas9 vector pSpCas9 (BB)-2A-Puro (PX459) was used for gRNA cloning (two guides). The MKN-45 cell line was co-transfected. The purified co-transfected cells with puromycin were cultured and used for the RELA gene expression assay by real-time PCR. Flow cytometry was used for the analysis of the MFI of CD44+ in MKN45. The results showed that 180 nucleotide sequences between exon 2 and exon 3 of RELA were deleted in MKN45. RELA expression significantly (P<0.001) decreased after CRISPR/Cas9 knockout. Compared to the control group, the MFI of CD44 in transfected cells significantly decreased (P <0.001). Knockout of RELA significantly decreased CD44 expression in MKN45 cells. It can be concluded that the NF-kB signaling pathway via RELA is related to CD44 expression and consequently the tumorigenesis of gastric cancer. More studies about this relationship are recommended.

Molecular Detection of Zoonotic Pathogens in the Blood and Tissues of Camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Central Desert of Iran.

Dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) play a major economic role in many countries in Africa and Asia. Although they are resistant to harsh environmental conditions, they are susceptible to a wide range of zoonotic agents. This study aimed to provide an overview on the prevalence of selected zoonotic pathogens in blood and tissues of camels in central Iran. Blood, liver, portal lymph node, and brain were collected from 100 apparently healthy camels at a slaughterhouse in Qom city to assess the presence of DNA of Brucella spp., Trypanosoma spp., Coxiellaburnetii, and Bartonella spp. PCR products were sequenced bidirectionally and phylogenetic analyses were performed. Eleven percent of camels tested positive for Brucellaabortus (3%) and Trypanosomaevansi (8%). Coxiellaburnetii and Bartonella spp. DNA was not detected. Our data demonstrate that camels from Iran contribute to the epidemiology of some zoonotic pathogens. Performing proper control strategies, such as vaccination of camels and humans in contact with them, test-and-slaughter policy, and education of the general population is necessary for minimizing the risk of zoonotic infection.

The Role of Personal Values in Forming Students' Entrepreneurial Intentions in Developing Countries.

The purpose of this study was to examine mechanisms through which personal values are associated with entrepreneurial intentions by integrating the theory of human values into the theory of planned behavior (TPB). Data were collected using a questionnaire from a sample of 452 agriculture students who were selected from two public universities in two Persian-speaking countries, namely Iran and Afghanistan. The results of structural equation modeling showed that individualistic personal values, that is, openness to change and self-enhancement values, are not directly related to entrepreneurial intentions. However, these personal values were indirectly related to entrepreneurial intentions through attitude toward entrepreneurship and perceived behavioral control. The results also showed no significant difference between the two countries in terms of the relationship between the personal values and three TPB anchors (i.e., attitude toward entrepreneurship, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control) or the relationship between TPB anchors and entrepreneurial intentions. The study indicates how personal values play a role in explaining entrepreneurial intentions and establishes the utility of the TPB model in seeking a value-intention linkage in the field of entrepreneurship in developing countries. As a practical implication, the study suggests that educators of potential entrepreneurs should try to stimulate personal values more often because this fosters entrepreneurial intentions and their antecedents.

Purification of the leaching solution of recycling zinc from the hazardous electric arc furnace dust through an as-bearing jarosite.

Leaching of the hazardous electric arc furnace (EAF) dust containing mainly zinc ferrite and zinc oxide, accompanied by minor concentrations of arsenic compounds, was investigated using sulfuric acid. In order to reach the maximum recovery of zinc, the leaching solution was adjusted to recover both iron and zinc at their maximum possible values. To obtain a high recovery value of zinc and iron, analyzed by AAS, the optimum leaching condition was found to be the temperature of 90 °C, the sulfuric acid concentration of 3 M, the particle size of 75 µm, the S/L ratio of 1:10 g/mL and the leaching time of 2 h. The percentages of the zinc and iron recovery under the optimum condition were ca. 98.6% and 99.1% respectively, which were verified by a confirmation test and were very close to the predicted values of 100% based on the optimized model, obtained through the software. From the thermodynamics' point of view, it has been found that Zn2+ is the predominant species (90%) under the leaching condition applied. Moreover, the predominant species of iron are FeSO4+, FeHSO42+, Fe(SO4)2- and Fe3+ in the magnitudes of 65.8%, 25.6%, 4.4% and 4.0%, respectively. According to the kinetic results, the controlling step in the leaching was the chemical reaction at the most of the operating temperatures and times. In order to purify the zinc solution for electrowinning, iron and arsenic were removed through the jarosite formation process as confirmed by the XRD results. The speciation of arsenic in the precipitated jarosite was explored by XPS. Finally, the low concentrations of arsenic (less than 0.1 ppm) and iron (less than 50 ppm) were determined by the ICP analysis.

Opportunities and challenges of resident specialists' attendance plan guidelines (health-care transformation plan) in Isfahan university hospitals in 2015.

BACKGROUND: Given new reforms in Iran's health-care system and due to the need for gathering evidence regarding the implementation of this plan, this study aimed to investigate opportunities and challenges created by resident specialist attendance plan guidelines in university hospitals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study used the qualitative method. Semi-structured interviews were used for data gathering. The study population included all experts of Isfahan University of Medical Science. Sampling was carried out using purposeful sampling method and continued until data saturation was reached. In total, 16 experts were interviewed. Criteria such as "reliability of information," "trustworthiness," and "verifiability of the information" were considered. Interviewees were assured that their names would keep hidden and that all information is confidential. Subject analysis method was used for data analysis. RESULTS: The findings of this study based on subject analysis led to extracting three themes in regards of challenges in the implementation of resident (specialist or fellowship) plan in hospitals including structural, management, and resource challenges and one theme in the area of opportunities which were improved quality and timely provision of services. CONCLUSION: The findings showed that despite the strengths of this guideline, there are some fundamental challenges in various areas and need better attention by national level policymakers. These results help health-care policymakers to evaluate the problem with a better attitude and improve the necessary plans for implementation of these guidelines.

Testing the relationship between personality characteristics, contextual factors and entrepreneurial intentions in a developing country.

Drawing upon the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), we developed and tested a conceptual model which integrates both internal personality factors and external contextual factors to determine their associations with motivational factors and entrepreneurial intentions (EIs). We then investigated if the model of EI applies in a developing country, namely Iran. We also set out to identify the most relevant factors for EI within this developing country context. Do distal predictors of EI including personality factors (i.e. need for achievement, risk taking and locus of control) and contextual factors (i.e. perceived barriers and support) significantly relate to EI via proximal predictors including motivational factors (i.e. attitudes towards entrepreneurship and perceived behavioural control [PBC])? Data were collected on 331 students from 7 public universities. The findings support the TPB for EI in Iran. All three motivational factors related to EI, but PBC showed the strongest association, which is different than in developed country contexts. Possible explanations for these differences are discussed. All three personality characteristics indirectly related to EI via the proximal attitudes towards entrepreneurship and PBC. Perceived contextual support and barriers indirectly related to EI via proximal PBC while perceived barriers also directly related to EI.

Performance of the libraries in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences based on the EFQM model.

INTRODUCTION: Performance measurement is inevitable for university libraries. Hence, planning and establishing a constant and up-to-date measurement system is required for the libraries, especially the university libraries. The primary studies and analyses reveal that the EFQM Excellence Model has been efficient, and the administrative reform program has focused on the implementation of this model. Therefore, on the basis of these facts as well as the need for a measurement system, the researchers measured the performance of libraries in schools and hospitals supported by Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, using the EFQM Organizational Excellence Model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive research study was carried out by a cross-sectional survey method in 2011. This research study included librarians and library directors of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (70 people). The validity of the instrument was measured by the specialists in the field of Management and Library Science. To measure the reliability of the questionnaire, the Cronbach's alpha coefficient value was measured (0.93). The t-test, ANOVA, and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient were used for measurements. The data were analyzed by SPSS. RESULTS: Data analysis revealed that the mean score of the performance measurement for the libraries under study and between nine dimensions the highest score was 65.3% for leadership dimension and the lowest scores were 55.1% for people and 55.1% for society results. CONCLUSION: In general, using the ninth EFQM model the average level of all dimensions, which is in good agreement with normal values, was assessed. However, compared to other results, the criterion people and society results were poor. It is Recommended by forming the expert committee on criterion people and society results by individuals concerned with the various conferences and training courses to improve the aspects.