Decomposing economic disparities in risky sexual behaviors among people who inject drugs in Tehran:

Mehdi Noroozi,Hamid Sharifi,Alireza Noroozi,Fatemah Rezaei,Mohammad Rafi Bazrafshan,Bahram Armoon 한국역학회 2017 Epidemiology and Health Vol.39 No.-

OBJECTIVES: To our knowledge, no previous study has systematically assessed the role of economic status in risky sexual behavior among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Iran. In this study, we used Blinder-Oaxaca (BO) decomposition to explore the contribution of economic status to inequality in unprotected sex among PWID in Tehran and to decompose it into its determinants. METHODS: Behavioral surveys among PWID were conducted in Tehran, the capital city of Iran, from November 2016 to April 2017. We employed a cross-sectional design and snowball sampling methodology. We constructed the asset index (weighted by the first principal component analysis factor) using socioeconomic data and then divided the variable into 3 tertiles. We used the BO method to decompose the economic inequality in unprotected sex. RESULTS: Of the 520 recruited individuals, 20 were missing data for variables used to define their economic status, and were therefore excluded from the analysis. Not having access to harm reduction programs was the largest factor contributing to the economic disparity in unprotected sex, accounting for 5.5 percentage points of the 21.4% discrepancy. Of the unadjusted total economic disparity in unprotected sex, 52% was unexplained by observable characteristics included in the regression model. The difference in the prevalence of unprotected sex between the high-income and low-income groups was 25%. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing needle syringe program coverage and improving human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) knowledge are essential for efforts to eliminate inequalities in HIV risk behaviors among PWID.

Torsional vibration analysis of bi-directional FG nano-cone with arbitrary cross-section based on nonlocal strain gradient elasticity

Noroozi, Reza,Barati, Abbas,Kazemi, Amin,Norouzi, Saeed,Hadi, Amin Techno-Press 2020 Advances in nano research Vol.8 No.1

In this paper, for the first time based on the nonlocal strain gradient theory the effect of size dependency in torsional vibration of bi-direction functionally graded (FG) nonlinear nano-cone is study. The material properties were assumed to vary according to the arbitrary function in radial and axial directions. The Navier equation and boundary conditions of the size-dependent bidirectional FG nonlinear nano-cone were derived by Hamilton's principle. These equations were solved by employing the generalized differential quadrature method (GDQM). The presented model can turn into the classical model if the material length scale parameters are taken to be zero. The effects of some parameters, such as inhomogeneity constant, cross-sectional area parameter and small-scale parameters, were studied. As an essential result of this study can be stated that an FG nano-cone model based on the nonlocal elasticity theory behaves softer and based on the strain gradient theory behaves harder.

Effects of Horsetail, Alfalfa, Ortie, Chêne and Aleppo oak as Potential Hemostatic Agents on Laboratory Coagulation Tests

Ali Noroozi-Aghideh 한국생약학회 2023 Natural Product Sciences Vol.29 No.1

This study investigated the effect of ethanol extracts of horsetail, alfalfa, ortie, chêne and aleppo oak on blood coagulation in vitro. Extraction was performed by the maceration method. Extracts were mixed with platelet and plasma, then prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and platelet aggregation tests were conducted. Alfalfa extract had a dose-dependent effect on the PT. Ortie, and horsetail, reduced the PT significantly compared to control group. Alfalfa, horsetail, and ortie reduced the APTT, but their effect was insignificant compared to the control group. The pooled extract showed the highest effect compared to the single extracts in a dose-dependent manner. Horsetail and alfalfa induced platelet aggregation in response to arachidonic acid but not in response to collagen. In the case of ortie, no aggregation occurred regarding the arachidonic acid, and incomplete was observed in response to collagen. Interestingly, blood clotting occurred immediately after adding the chêne, aleppo oak and the pooled extract, and therefore platelet poor plasma (PPP) and platelet rich plasma (PRP) became jelly. Generally, chêne and aleppo oak, as well as pooled extract, were more effective in inducing both primary and secondary coagulation pathways via shortening the PT and APTT, and induction of platelet aggregation.

Wrinkling of a homogeneous thin solid film deposited on a functionally graded substrate

Masoud Noroozi 국제구조공학회 2020 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.74 No.2

Thin films easily wrinkle under compressive loading due to their small bending stiffness resulting from their tiny thickness. For a thin film deposited on a functionally graded substrate with non–uniform stiffness exponentially changes along the length span in this paper, the uniaxial wrinkling problem is solved analytically in terms of hyper–Bessel functions. For infinite, semi–infinite and finite length systems the wrinkling load and wrinkling wavenumber are determined and compared with those in literature. In comparison with a homogeneous substrate–bounded film in which the wrinkling pattern is uniform along the length span, for a functionally graded substrate–film system the wrinkles accumulate around the softer location of the functionally graded substrate. Therefore, the effective length of the film influenced by the wrinkles decreases, the amplitude of the wrinkles on softer regions of the functionally graded substrate grows and the wrinkling load of the functionally graded substrates with higher softening rate decreases more. The results of the current research are expected to be useful in science and technology of thin films and wrinkling of the structures especially living tissues.

In Vitro Seed Germination and Micropropagation of Primrose (Primula heterochroma Stapf.) an Endemic Endangered Iranian Species via Shoot Tip Explants

Ali Reza Noroozi Sharaf,Yousef Hamidoghli,Hedayat Zakizadeh 한국원예학회 2011 Horticulture, Environment, and Biotechnology Vol.52 No.3

Primula heterochroma is a scarce and endemic plant to the north of Iran. The aim of the present study is to establish an efficient and reproducible protocol for in vitro propagation from shoot tips. Native seeds were exposed to different treatments. Germination results showed that the scarification of seeds had significant effects on the germination delay and germination percentage compared to plant growth regulator treatments. Afterwards, the seedling-derived shoot tips were cultured on several Murashige and Skoog basal medium, containing various concentrations of 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) or thidiazuron (TDZ) in combination with various concentrations of 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). The result showed that the highest shoot regeneration, and the number and length of leaves were noticeably affected by media enriched with 1 mg・L^(-l) BA + 0.4 mg・L^(-l) NAA and 0.2 mg・L^(-l) TDZ + 0.4 mg・L^(-1) NAA. Root parameters significantly affected by media enriched with 1 mg・L^(-1) BA + 0.8 mg・L^(-1) NAA and 0.4 mg・L^(-1) TDZ + 0.8 mg・L^(-1) NAA. Plantlets were hardened-off and transferred to soil for further growth.

Normalization and Valuation of Research Evaluation Indicators in Different Scientific Fields

Chakoli, Abdolreza Noroozi,Ghazavi, Roghayeh Korea Institute of Science and Technology Informat 2016 Journal of Information Science Theory and Practice Vol.4 No.1

Given the difference in research performance in various scientific fields, this study aims to weight and valuate current indicators used for evaluation of scientific productions (publications), in order to adjust these indicators in comparison to each other and make possible a more precise evaluation of scientific productions. This is a scientometrics study using documentary, evaluative, and survey techniques. The statistical population consisted of 106 top Iranian researchers, scientists, and scientific and research managers. Then their research résumé information was gathered and analyzed based on research questions. In order to compare values, the data gathered from research production performance of the population was weighted using Shannon entropy method. Also, the weights of each scientific production importance according to expert opinions (extracted from other works) was analyzed and after adjustment the final weight of each scientific production was determined. A pairwise matrix was used in order to determine the ratios. According to the results, in the area of engineering sciences, patents (0.142) in the area of science, international articles (0.074) in the area of humanities and social sciences, books (0.174), and in the area of medical sciences, international articles (0.111) had the highest weight compared to other information formats. By dividing the weights for each type of publication, the value of each scientific production compared to other scientific productions in the same field and productions of other fields was calculated. Validation of the results in the studied population resulted in very high credibility for all investigated indicators in all four fields. By using these values and normalized ratios of publication indicators it is possible to achieve precise and adjusted results, making it possible to feasibly use these results in realistic policy making.

Comparison of Two Different Educational Methods for Teachers' Mammography Based on the Health Belief Model

Heydari, Esmat,Noroozi, Azita Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.16

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. One way to decrease the burden of this cancer is early detection through mammography. This study compared the effectiveness of two different educational methods for teachers' uptake of mammography based on the Health Belief Model. Materials and Methods: The current study was a randomised trial of 120 teachers over 40 years old in two groups receiving multimedia or group education, both based on the Health Belief Model. Participants completed questionnaires before, immediately and three months after educational intervention. Mammography was evaluated before and after educational intervention. Results: The participants in the two groups were demographically similar. Comparison showed no difference noted in the scores of knowledge, perceived barriers, susceptibility, and severity constructs between two groups (p > 0.05). Health motivation and benefit were perceived to be higher in the group education compared to the multimedia group. There was a significant difference in mammography between two groups after the intervention (p= 0.003). Conclusions: Planning and implementation of educational program based on the Health Belief Model can raise knowledge and increase participation in mammography especially with group education.

Is Health Locus of Control a Modifying Factor in the Health Belief Model for Prediction of Breast Self-Examination?

Tahmasebi, Rahim,Noroozi, Azita Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2016 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.17 No.4

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in the world. Early detection is necessary to improve outcomes and decrease related costs. The aim of this study was to assess the predictive power of health locus of control as a modifying factor in the Health Belief Model (HBM) for prediction of breast self-examination. Materials and Methods: In this cross- sectional study, 400 women selected through the convenience sampling from health centers. Data were collected using part of the Champion's HBM scale (CHBMS), the Health Locus of Control Scale and a self administered questionnaire. For data analysis by SPSS the independent T test, Chi square test, logistic and linear regression modes were appliedl. Results: The results showed that 10.9% of the participants reported performing BSE regularly. Health locus of control did not act as a predictor of BSE as a modifying factor. In this study, perceived self-efficacy was the strongest predictor of BSE performance (Exp (B) =1.863) with direct effect, while awareness had direct and indirect influence. Conclusions: For increasing BSE, improvement of self-efficacy especially in young women and increasing knowledge about cancer is necessary.

Psychometric Evaluation of the Colorectal Cancer Screening Belief Scale Based on Health Belief Model's Constructs for the Fecal Occult Blood Test

Tahmasebi, Rahim,Noroozi, Azita,Dashdebi, Kamel Ghobadi Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2016 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.17 No.1

Background: It is important to validate scales related to cancer screening beliefs in order to better understand perceptions. The aim of this study was to test the psychometric properties of the colorectal cancer screening belief scale based on Health Belief Model (HBM) constructs. Materials and Methods: Data were collected from 600 persons referred to outpatient laboratory units in Iran through a convenience sampling procedure. In this cross-sectional study, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to examine construct validity of scale. Results: Through exploratory factor analysis, 52 items of the scale converged to five constructs of HBM with 4 items omission. Construct validity was determined by confirmatory factor analysis through which correlated model was supported. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the whole scale was obtained as 0.78, which indicates reliability of the scale. Conclusions: The study findings showed that this scale is a valid and reliable instrument that can be used for measuring HBM constructs about colorectal cancer screening with the fecal occult blood test.

Relationship Between Household Food Insecurity and Growth Disorders in Children Aged 3 to 6 in Qazvin City, Iran

Gholampour, Tooba,Noroozi, Mostafa,Zavoshy, Rosa,Mohammadpoorasl, Asghar,Ezzeddin, Neda The Korean Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology 2020 Pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology & nutrition Vol.23 No.5

Purpose: Food insecurity, which is the inability to obtain food or inadequate food consumption in terms of quality and quantity, has physical and psychological consequences on children's health. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between children's growth disorders and food insecurity in Qazvin city, Iran. Methods: A case-control study was conducted on 177 cases and 355 controls of children aged 3 to 6 years, who were referred to health centers in Qazvin city. The case group consisted of children with growth disorders. Data were obtained with the 18-item US Department of Agriculture questionnaire, a household socioeconomic questionnaire, a and growth monitoring card. The data were analyzed with using IBM SPSS Version 22.0, by independent sample t-test, chi-square test, and logistic regression. Results: A significant relationship was found between children's growth disorders and household food insecurity with (p<0.05, odds ratio [OR]=17.0, confidence interval [CI]=5.9, 48.8) and without hunger (p<0.05, OR=2.69, CI=1.4, 4.9). There were also significant relationships between children's growth disorders and socioeconomic status (p<0.05, OR=3.4, CI=1.4, 8.5), the duration of breastfeeding (p<0.05, OR=0.94, CI=0.9, 0.98), and children's ages (p<0.05, OR=0.94, CI=0.92, 0.96). Sex and birth order, and the age of the parents was not found to be significantly related with growth disorders. Conclusion: Lower socioeconomic status and household food insecurity were the important predictors of children's growth disorders. Policymakers should focus more on promoting steady employment and income among family members. Nutritional education for mothers is also recommended, in order to better meet the nutritional needs of the children.