Phase evolution, microstructure and dielectric properties of electrospun Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3–0.5(Ba0.7Ca0.3)TiO3

Molavi Amir Mahdi,Alizadeh Parvin 한국세라믹학회 2021 한국세라믹학회지 Vol.58 No.2

Ba(Zr 0.2 Ti 0.8 )O 3 –0.5(Ba 0.7 Ca 0.3 )TiO 3 or simply BZT-0.5BCT has attracted increasing attention due to its excellent ferroelectric properties and lack of lead. BZT-0.5BCT nanofibers were fabricated by sol–gel assisted electrospinning and post-calcination process. Different types of analysis were utilized to study phase evolutions and characterization of calcined fibers. TGA indicated three stages of polymer decomposition at temperatures below 500 °C. FTIR spectroscopy revealed the presence of acetate salts of inorganic precursors in electrospun fibers. Also, it was determined that the formation of oxides started at temperatures around 300 °C and intensifi ed with a rise in temperature. In keeping with DSC and FTIR results, XRD analysis revealed a low crystallization temperature of 550 °C for the perovskite phase. The room-temperature Raman spectroscopy demonstrated the coexistence of both orthorhombic and tetragonal phases at 900 °C and higher temperatures. SEM images illustrated the stability of fibrous morphology up to 1000 °C. High-temperature XRD showed that the curie temperature of nanofibers is between 120 and 150 °C. The dielectric constant of calcined fibers at 900 °C was measured to be 2283.

A cross-sectional study of Persian medicine and the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran: Rumors and recommendations

Hossein Molavi Vardanjani,Seyed Taghi Heydari,Behzad Dowran,Mehdi Pasalar 한국한의학연구원 2020 Integrative Medicine Research Vol.9 No.3

Background: Traditional medicine structures such as Persian medicine (PM) are deeply rooted in the global health system. These modalities, if applied correctly, could help health systems overcome situations such as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, the mismanagement of such traditional structures results in fear, stress, anxiety, and risky behavior among society. The current study aimed to assess the penetration of the recommendations and rumors related to PM during the COVID-19 pandemic and the relationships of these recommendations and rumors with related health factors. Methods: In a cross-sectional study performed in March 2020 (during the COVID-19 pandemic) in southern Iran, eligible participants were randomly selected. The participants completed a 29-item online questionnaire assessing different aspects of the rumors and recommendations pertaining to PM linked with the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: In total, 523 participants took part in the survey. The mean fear score was 65.2/100. Approximately 99% of the study population had heard at least one of the rumors/recommendations of PM related to COVID-19. The average scores of disagreement with the rumors and recommendations linked to PM were 16.4/50 and 18.4/35, respectively. The fear score and the level of disagreement with the rumors were significantly related (p = 0.024). Conclusions: The use of PM might be beneficial in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic provided that a revolution occurs in data sharing. Various approaches should be considered in the management of traditional medicine modalities such as PM during disease outbreaks to help overcome the current dilemma.

Numerical and Experimental Studies on Cyclic Behavior of Beam-to-Column Connection with Yielding Steel Damper

Reza Molavi,Mohsen Izadinia,Ali Reza Shahidi 한국강구조학회 2020 International Journal of Steel Structures Vol.20 No.2

In this paper, cyclic behavior of a new type of beam-to-column connection comprising yielding damper with a circular pattern at depth of the beam was evaluated. The effects of different parameters on proposed connection behavior were also studied. Results of both finite element analysis and experimental tests showed that all the specimens of proposed connection have a stable cyclic behavior. Reliable design for damper at connection maintaining stiffness, strength, and energy dissipation in beam-to-column connections at an acceptable level concentrated inelastic deformations in damper, and also keeping structural members such as beams and columns in elastic range.

Can We Rely on GLOBOCAN and GBD Cancer Estimates? Case Study of Lung Cancer Incidence and Mortality Rates and Trends in Iran

Vardanjani, Hossein Molavi,Heidari, Mohammad,Hadipour, Maryam Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2016 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.17 No.7

Background: Around half of input data in the global burden of disease cancer collaboration (GBD-CC) and GLOBOCAN projects come from low quality sources, mainly from developing countries. This may lead to loss of precision in estimates. Our question was: Are the absolute values and trends of the GBD-CC and GLOBOCAN estimates for lung cancer (LC) in Iran consistent with available statistics?. Materials and Methods: Incidence and mortality statistics were extracted from national reports (N.IRs & N.MRs) and GBD-CC (GBD-incidence & mortality) and GLOBOCAN databases for 1990-2013 where available. Trends were analyzed and absolute values and annual percentage changes (APCs) were estimated and compared. Incompleteness of case ascertainment at the Iranian national cancer registry and Iranian national civil registration was assessed for better understanding. Results: Trends of N.IRs were significantly rising for males (APC: 19.4; 95% CI: 12.5-26.7) and females (23.2; 16.0-30.8). Trends of GBD-incidence were stable for males (-0.2; -1.5-1.1) and females (-1.0; -2.3-0.4). Absolute N.IRs were less than GBD-incidence steadily except for 2009. Trend of N.MRs was increasing up to 2004, but stable thereafter. Trends of GBD-mortality were also stable. Absolute N.MRs were less than GBD-mortality for years up to 2003 and more than GBD-mortality since 2005. The estimates of GLOBOCAN were more than N.IRs and N.MRs. Conclusions: The GBD-CC and GLOBOCAN values for LC in Iran are underestimates. Generation of data quality indices to present along with country specific estimates is highly recommended.

Total and Partial Prevalence of Cancer Across Kerman Province, Iran, in 2014, Using an Adapted Generalized Network Scale-Up Method

Vardanjani, Hossein Molavi,Baneshi, Mohammad Reza,Haghdoost, AliAkbar Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.13

Due to the lack of nationwide population-based cancer registration, the total cancer prevalence in Iran is unknown. Our previous work in which we used a basic network scale-up (NSU) method, failed to provide plausible estimates of total cancer prevalence in Kerman. The aim of the present study was to estimate total and partial prevalence of cancer in southeastern Iran using an adapted version of the generalized network scale-up method. A survey was conducted in 2014 using multi-stage cluster sampling. A total of 1995 face-to-face gender-matched interviews were performed based on an adapted version of the NSU questionnaire. Interviewees were asked about their family cancer history. Total and partial prevalence were estimated using a generalized NSU estimator. The Monte Carlo method was adopted for the estimation of upper/lower bounds of the uncertainty range of point estimates. One-yr, 2-3 yr, and 4-5 yr prevalence (per 100,000 people) was respectively estimated at 78 (95%CI, 66, 90), 128 (95%CI, 118, 147), and 59 (95%CI, 49, 70) for women, and 48 (95%CI, 38, 58), 78 (95%CI, 66, 91), and 42 (95%CI, 32, 52) for men. The 5-yr prevalence of all cancers was estimated at 0.18 percent for men, and 0.27 percent for women. This study showed that the generalized familial network scale-up method is capable of estimating cancer prevalence, with acceptable precision.

Study of Lower Hybrid Current Drive for the Demonstration Reactor

Ali Asghar Molavi-Choobini,Ahmad Naghidokht,Zahra Karami 한국원자력학회 2016 Nuclear Engineering and Technology Vol.48 No.3

Steady-state operation of a fusion power plant requires external current drive to minimizethe power requirements, and a high fraction of bootstrap current is required. One of theexternal sources for current drive is lower hybrid current drive, which has been widelyapplied in many tokamaks. Here, using lower hybrid simulation code, we calculate electrondistribution function, electron currents and phase velocity changes for two options ofdemonstration reactor at the launched lower hybrid wave frequency 5 GHz. Two plasmascenarios pertaining to two different demonstration reactor options, known as pulsed(Option 1) and steady-state (Option 2) models, have been analyzed. We perceive thatelectron currents have major peaks near the edge of plasma for both options but withhigher efficiency for Option 1, although we have access to wider, more peripheral regionsfor Option 2. Regarding the electron distribution function, major perturbations are atpositive velocities for both options for flux surface 16 and at negative velocities for bothoptions for flux surface 64.

Combined Treatment with Stattic and Docetaxel Alters the Bax/Bcl-2 Gene Expression Ratio in Human Prostate Cancer Cells

Mohammadian, Jamal,Sabzichi, Mehdi,Molavi, Ommoleila,Shanehbandi, Dariush,Samadi, Nasser Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2016 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.17 No.11

Docetaxel, recognized as a stabilizing microtubule agent, is frequently administrated as a first line treatment for prostate cancers. Due to high side effects of monotherapy, however, combinations with novel adjuvants have emerged as an alternative strategy in cancer therapy protocols. Here, we investigated the combined effects of stattic and docetaxel on the DU145 prostate cancer cell line. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT assay. To understand molecular mechanisms of stattic action, apoptotic related genes including Bcl-2, Mcl-1, Survivin and Bax were evaluated by real-time RT-PCR. Alteration in the expression of pro-apoptotic Bax and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 genes and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio were investigated via the $2^{{\Delta}{\Delta}CT}$ method. The $IC_{50}$ values for docetaxel and stattic were $3.7{\pm}0.9nM$ and $4.6{\pm}0.8{\mu}M$, respectively. Evaluation of key gene expression levels revealed a noticeable decrease in antiapoptotic Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 along with an increase in pro-apoptotic Bax mRNA levels (p<0.05). Our results suggest that combination of a STAT3 inhibitor with doctaxel can be considered as a potent strategy for induction of apoptosis via increasing Bax mRNA expression.

The Effects of Teachers’ Written Comment Types and Iranian EFL Learners’ Attitudes

Elaheh Sotoudehnama,Maryam Molavi 아시아영어교육학회 2014 The Journal of Asia TEFL Vol.11 No.4

This study was designed to investigate the impact of teacher’s written feedback and the learners’ attitudes about it in the context of Iran. To this end, 60 intermediate-level learners of an institute participated in three 20 members groups, each group receiving one type of teacher’s written comments (i.e., imperatives, statements, and questions). The participants were asked to write four drafts on each of the two IELTS topics during a semester, and then a one-way ANOVA was conducted on the average gain scores from the first to the last drafts. The results showed that different feedback types can affect writing improvement differently, and statement feedback is the most effective comment for the context of this research. Moreover, the participants’ attitudes was investigated through using a questionnaire (adapted from Hamouda, 2011 & Beaumont et al., 2008), and statement feedback was reported as the most preferred comment type. Finally, correlations were conducted between the types of comments and the participants’ attitudes, the result of which indicated a match between the two results.

Radius effect on the spintronic properties of a triangular network of quantum nanorings in the presence of Rashba spin-orbit interaction

E. Faizabadi,M. Molavi 한국물리학회 2017 Current Applied Physics Vol.17 No.2

The effect of radius on conductance and spin transport through a triangular array of quantum nanorings (QR) in the presence of Rashba spin-orbit interaction (RSOI) is studied. By using wave-guide theory, we obtain the conductance through such network as a function of RSOI strength and the wave vector k of the incoming electrons, with rings of equal and different radius. It is shown that in the network with rings of different radius and local modulations of RSOI, the input current can be directed to any of output ports, so it can be used as a switching device. In addition, in the certain ranges of k, the network can be perfectly opaque, depending on the value of RSOI strength and ring radius. Besides, considerable pure spin currents can be revealed in the two output leads with the same amplitude and reverse polarizations.

Trend of clinical trials in Persian medicine: a decade of endeavours

Mehdi Pasalar,Hossein Molavi Vardanjani 한국한의학연구원 2020 Integrative Medicine Research Vol.9 No.1