Luyan Teng, Qinyi Tan and Ali Ehsani
One of the most significant threats of COVID-19 in the world is the closure of universities, schools, training courses and even companies and organizations. In such a situation…
Abstract
Purpose
One of the most significant threats of COVID-19 in the world is the closure of universities, schools, training courses and even companies and organizations. In such a situation and with the free time that has arisen, this threat of education closure can become a golden opportunity for learning and progress in virtual education. E-learning uses information technology (IT) to distribute knowledge and information for training and education. Also, cloud computing is a technology utilized in the IT domain. It can be employed in performing e-learning. Therefore, the main goal of this study is to assess the impact of cultural characteristics, economic situations, skills and knowledge on the development and success of CELS in the COVID-19 era.
Design/methodology/approach
Cloud-based e-learning system (CELS) provides all e-learning requirements like software and hardware resources to promote conventional e-learning technologies. The CELS stands on several factors of diverse aspects that have been of high significance in CELS success. So, these systems must be checked to analyze their significance rate and successfully carry out their effectiveness. On the other hand, these days, the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) changes our daily lifestyles. Therefore, the present investigation provides a new model investigating the development and success of CELS in the COVID-19 era. Also, an online questionnaire was used to gather the data. The content validity of the questionnaire was obtained by applying the opinions of ten experts from e-learning specialists. The collected data are analyzed using LISREL and Smart PLS software.
Findings
The results from the path coefficient and the sample t-test have implied that skills and knowledge positively influence CELS in the COVID-19 era. In addition, the relationship between cultural characteristics and CELS in the COVID-19 era has been positive and significant. The relationship between the economic situations and the CELS in the COVID-19 era is positive and significant.
Practical implications
The proposed model helps managers get a big picture of CELS necessities and more effectively in the COVID-19 era. This research has a unique impact on universities to develop an e-learning platform to facilitate the education process in the COVID-19 era. It provides guidelines for educational institutions to effectively implement the learning management system to facilitate students' education.
Originality/value
CELS are getting increasingly essential to offer training courses more efficiently in educational institutions. Although the intersection between cloud computing and e-learning has increasingly grown in both practical and academic contexts, few studies on the impact of cultural characteristics, economic situations, skills and knowledge on the development and success of CELS in the COVID-19 era. This paper explores the ignored but critically important subject of CELS. This paper's main contribution is to present a new and integrated model containing the essential aspects of the development and success of CELS in the COVID-19 era. The proposed framework comprises cultural characteristics, economic situations, skills and knowledge aspects simultaneously, as well as sub-criteria denoting each element.
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Zahra Ghasempour, Ehsan Moghaddas Kia, Sahel Golbandi and Ali Ehsani
The quality of probiotic yogurt which is remarked as a healthy, therapeutic and nutritious food product strongly depends on starter types and their compositions; however, the…
Abstract
Purpose
The quality of probiotic yogurt which is remarked as a healthy, therapeutic and nutritious food product strongly depends on starter types and their compositions; however, the choice of starter culture affects the taste, aroma and quality of the final product. Through this study, to obtain favorable quality attributes of probiotic yogurt, a mixture of two thermophilic/mesophilic starter cultures (YC- 350/YC- X16) was applied for fermentation.
Design/methodology/approach
The effects of starter mixture, probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei and storage time on quality indices, such as apparent viscosity, water holding capacity, syneresis, post acidification rate and probiotic viability (L. paracasei), were assessed through using a combined (mixture-process) statistical design.
Findings
The results revealed that changes in viscosity and syneresis depend on the amount of YC- X16. Acidification rate was more pronounced at higher levels of YC- 350 (1.22 per cent) in comparison to that in YC-X16 (1.08 per cent) during storage time. With respect to probiotic viability, L. paracasei count was more than 107 cfu/mL during refrigerated storage time. Moreover, a promotive effect of YC- 350 on L. paracasei proliferation was observed in this study.
Originality/value
The favorable yogurt, from qualitative aspects, was manufactured at 75:25 per cent ratio of YC- X16:YC- 350 in probiotic type yogurts. Therefore, the use of mixed starter cultures developed textural properties of probiotic yogurt beside L. paracasei survival.
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Mohammad Yousefi, Maryam Farshidi, Mahmood Alizadeh Sani, Laleh Payahoo and Ali Ehsani
This paper aims to evaluate the microbial quality of some traditional cheese samples (sheep, cow and koopeh cheeses) consumed in northwest of Iran, and to detect…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to evaluate the microbial quality of some traditional cheese samples (sheep, cow and koopeh cheeses) consumed in northwest of Iran, and to detect Shiga-like-toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in cheese samples by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method.
Design/methodology/approach
Almost half of the project was based on counting the population of Staphylococcus aureus, total coliforms, Escherichia coli, and total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, also the other section was related to the isolation and the detection of the STEC and MRSA in cheese samples. The findings were compared with standard maximum and threshold values.
Findings
The results revealed that 36.99, 30.14 and 100% of cheeses exceeded the standard threshold value of E. coli (102), total coliforms (104) and S. aureus (102). However, total coliforms, in any of the cheese samples examined, did not reach the maximum value and only 24.66% of samples exceeded the maximum value of E. coli. Also, no significant difference (p > 0.05) in counts of each bacterial group examined in sheep, cow and koopeh cheeses was observed. The colony PCR method demonstrated the existence of 19 MRSA and 2 STEC isolates.
Originality/value
This research showed a general overview of the bacterial quality of cheeses in northwest of Iran.
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Mehdi Hosseinzadeh, Omed Hassan Ahmed, Ali Ehsani, Aram Mahmood Ahmed, Hawkar Kamaran Hama and Bay Vo
Economists have recognized knowledge management as a promising tool regarding all aspects of the economy, including health care. The volume of biomedical literature is currently…
Abstract
Purpose
Economists have recognized knowledge management as a promising tool regarding all aspects of the economy, including health care. The volume of biomedical literature is currently growing at an exponential rate, and the vast number of studies makes it extremely difficult for researchers to keep up with new developments in their research areas. Therefore, the efficient management of huge amounts of data and the accuracy of the knowledge thus obtained are vital concerns. Electronic health (e-health) has emerged as a useful concept to provide data for solo self-care management. Although health care is a common topic on the internet, patients rarely share their health care-related knowledge on social media. This study aims to examine the impact of knowledge on e-health.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper complies with the methodological requirements of systematic literature reviews. The present paper has investigated the newest systems and studied their practical techniques in detail. The effects of knowledge on e-health have been categorized into major groups.
Findings
The outcomes indicate that the capabilities of information and communication technology certainly promote the exchange of knowledge within clinics. The results also show that institutional architectures have significant impacts on knowledge-sharing exercises, significantly improving patient safety.
Practical implications
These findings will be essential in the understanding of the interplay among various signals in theory and in the understanding of patients’ choice in the e-health community in practice. The results have implications for existing health management and e-health literature. The present paper will help policymakers, health-care executives and project managers to effectively set their operations and make them maintainable, prevent unpredicted obstacles and better allocate their resources. Overall, the results of this paper will guide researchers who are working in the field of e-health.
Originality/value
E-health attempts have mostly focused on answering questions using context-specific technical answers, regardless of the key role of knowledge resources. The present paper has provided an innovative viewpoint on how knowledge resources and knowledge-sharing initiatives may have a role in the innovative work behaviors shown by health-care employees. As noted before, there have been only a few studies regarding the effects of knowledge on health care, so the present paper contributes to the previous literature, particularly about e-health.
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Amir Masoud Rahmani, Ali Ehsani, Mokhtar Mohammadi, Adil Hussein Mohammed, Sarkhel H. Taher Karim and Mehdi Hosseinzadeh
The concept of e-learning is essential in employee education since it provides different ways to develop employees' knowledge, skills and attitudes using modern technologies…
Abstract
Purpose
The concept of e-learning is essential in employee education since it provides different ways to develop employees' knowledge, skills and attitudes using modern technologies. E-learning has been overgrowing in employee education because learning can be held anytime and anywhere. In order to succeed in implementing e-learning and benefiting from its capacities, and avoiding potential threats in the country, it is necessary to address the factors affecting its success. This paper aims to test the role of internet of Things (IoT)-based systems, cloud-based services, virtual classes, evaluation tools, attitude, content management and creativity on the success of employees' e-learning programs based on a framework.
Design/methodology/approach
E-learning systems receive ever-increasing attention in academia, business and public administration. With the development of e-learning, employee education has also benefited from its capacities in various fields. To succeed in implementing e-learning and benefiting from its capacities, and avoiding potential threats in the country, it is necessary to address its success. The proposing of Information and Communications Technology (ICT)-based technologies such as the IoT, cloud, etc., in e-learning, can help transform education. Therefore, this paper aims to test the role of IoT-based systems, cloud-based services, virtual classes, evaluation tools, attitude, content management and creativity on the success of employees' e-learning programs based on a framework. The research model and the data collected from the questionnaires have been analyzed via Smart PLS 3.2. This study has utilized the SEM to evaluate the causal model's reliability and validity based on measurement. According to the literature in this study, a framework has been proposed that examines the impact of IoT-based systems, cloud-based services, virtual classes, evaluation tools, attitude, content management and creativity on employees' learning programs' success.
Findings
The results have shown that IoT-based systems, cloud-based services, virtual classes and evaluation tools are four significant factors affecting attitude, content management and creativity. The results have also shown that attitude, content management and creativity are three significant factors affecting employees' learning programs' success. The factors above are considered critical in explaining the success of employees' e-learning programs, but, as far as we know, there has been no study in which all these factors were demonstrated together.
Practical implications
From a practical viewpoint, the statistical outcomes support the important role of the following factors: IoT-based systems, cloud-based services, virtual classes, evaluation tools, attitude, content management and creativity. Henceforth, aspects relating to these factors got the attention of any organization to develop e-learning processes.
Originality/value
This research will contribute to the literature related to employees' e-learning programs' success by integrating all the mentioned variables. As far as we know, it is the first study to test these variables in Iran.
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Ehsan Moghaddas Kia, Zahra Ghasempour, Soheila Ghanbari, Rasool Pirmohammadi and Ali Ehsani
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate effects of simultaneous supplementation of milk protein concentrate (MPC) as texture modifier and microencapsulated Lactobacillus paracasei…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate effects of simultaneous supplementation of milk protein concentrate (MPC) as texture modifier and microencapsulated Lactobacillus paracasei (L. paracasei) (entrapped in gellan–caseinate) on physico-chemical, sensorial and microbial characteristics of yogurt during storage time.
Design/methodology/approach
L. paracasei cells were encapsulated through unique pH triggered gelation technique using combination of sodium caseinate-gellan gum as protective shell material. MPC was also used to improve physico-chemical indices of probiotic yogurt at different levels (0–3 percent).
Findings
The results showed that yogurt samples containing encapsulated L. paracasei showed lower post-acidification and higher viability. Samples containing encapsulated L. paracasei showed less syneresis amount, due to possible hydration of shell material, also application of MPC could reduce this attribute during storage time. The numbers of probiotic bacteria were remained above the recommended therapeutic minimum throughout the samples.
Practical implications
The findings suggest a practical ingredient in probiotic dairy product. Simultaneous usage of this kind of encapsulation via MPC enhanced sensorial and physical properties of probiotic yogurt while of no reduction in viable counts survival.
Originality/value
This study revealed usage of microcapsules of L. paracasei prepared by the gelation of sodium caseinate-gellan gum could be a suitable manner for delivery of probiotics in fermented dairy products like yogurt.
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Mahdi Bohlouli, Omed Hassan Ahmed, Ali Ehsani, Marwan Yassin Ghafour, Hawkar Kamaran Hama, Mehdi Hosseinzadeh and Aram Mahmood Ahmed
Many people have been dying as a result of medical errors. Offering clinical learning can lead to better medical care. Clinics have conventionally incorporated direct modality to…
Abstract
Purpose
Many people have been dying as a result of medical errors. Offering clinical learning can lead to better medical care. Clinics have conventionally incorporated direct modality to teach personnel. However, they are now starting to take electronic learning (e-learning) mechanisms to facilitate training at work or other suitable places. The objective of this study is to identify and prioritize the medical learning system in developing countries. Therefore, this paper aims at describing a line of research for developing medical learning systems.
Design/methodology/approach
Nowadays, organizations face fast markets' changing, competition strategies, technological innovations and accessibility of medical information. However, the developing world faces a series of health crises that threaten millions of people's lives. Lack of infrastructure and trained, experienced staff are considered essential barriers to scaling up treatment for these diseases. Promoting medical learning systems in developing countries can meet these challenges. This study identifies multiple factors that influence the success of e-learning systems from the literature. The authors have presented a systematic literature review (SLR) up to 2019 on medical learning systems in developing countries. The authors have identified 109 articles and finally selected 17 of them via article choosing procedures.
Findings
The paper has shown that e-learning systems offer significant advantages for the medical sector of developing countries. The authors have found that executive, administrative and technological parameters have substantial effects on implementing e-learning in the medical field. Learning management systems offer a virtual method of augmented and quicker interactions between the learners and teachers and fast efficient instructive procedures, using computer and Internet technologies in learning procedures and presenting several teaching-learning devices.
Research limitations/implications
The authors have limited the search to Scopus, Google Scholar, Emerald, Science Direct, IEEE, PLoS, BMC and ABI/Inform. Many academic journals probably provide a good picture of the related articles, too. This study has only reviewed the articles extracted based on some keywords such as “medical learning systems,” “medical learning environment” and “developing countries.” Medical learning systems might not have been published with those specific keywords. Also, there is a requirement for more research with the use of other methodologies. Lastly, non-English publications have been removed. There could be more potential related papers published in languages other than English.
Practical implications
This paper helps physicians and scholars better understand the clinical learning systems in developing countries. Also, the outcomes can aid hospital managers to speed up the implementation of e-learning mechanisms. This research might also enable the authors to have a role in the body of knowledge and experience, so weakening the picture of the developing country's begging bowl is constantly requesting help. The authors hoped that their recommendations aid clinical educators, particularly in developing countries, adopt the trends in clinical education in a changing world.
Originality/value
This paper is of the pioneers systematically reviewing the adoption of medical learning, specifically in developing countries.
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Lila Rajabion, Karzan Wakil, Arshad Badfar, Mohammad Nazif and Ali Ehsani
Despite the importance of investigating the impact of cloud computing on the e-learning process, the relationship development between the two is not examined well. Thus, the main…
Abstract
Purpose
Despite the importance of investigating the impact of cloud computing on the e-learning process, the relationship development between the two is not examined well. Thus, the main goal of this research is to assess how to improve the e-learning process by using cloud services. This paper aims to attempt to investigate the impact of cloud computing on e-learning development.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is based on both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. For review-related work and statistical analysis of questionnaires, the SPSS 22 and SMART-PLS 3.2 software package are used.
Findings
The results from the study show that e-learning development is significantly influenced by the quality of services, cloud features, university readiness and users’ readiness.
Originality/value
The adoption of cloud technology within an instructional environment has the capacity of offering new opportunities for improvement and innovation for gaining knowledge of the process.
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Ali Ehsani, Mohammad Ghasem Mahjani, Maryam Nasseri and Majid Jafarian
The purpose of this paper was to investigate the anti-corrosion behavior of polypyrrole (PPy) films in different states and presence of alumina nanoparticles synthesized by…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper was to investigate the anti-corrosion behavior of polypyrrole (PPy) films in different states and presence of alumina nanoparticles synthesized by galvanostatic electropolymerization on stainless steel (SS) electrodes in an artificial seawater solution using potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS).
Design/methodology/approach
The electrochemical measurements were used to examine the effects of PPy and its nanocomposite on the corrosion behavior of SS type 316L in artificial seawater. A standard electrochemical cell with three electrodes was used for the measurements. The electrochemical response of the coated electrodes in the doped and the undoped state was compared with that of a bare electrode. Corrosion rate information was obtained by the Tafel extrapolation method, where the intersection point of a cathodic and an anodic polarization curve provides both the corrosion potential and the corrosion current. EIS measurements confirmed the potentiodynamic and open circuit potential (OCP) results. The microstructure of the obtained films was investigated by scanning electron microscopy.
Findings
The results showed that the coated polymer films shifted the electrode potential toward more positive potentials, but this shift did not lead to passivation. However, a notable synergy was observed between PPy undoped film, oxygen reduction and iron dissolution. The potential of the SS remained in the active dissolution region, and it was not possible to produce a passive oxide layer in this region. PPy separates the metal dissolution process from the oxygen reduction process. This would prevent the local pH increase at the metal surface and subsequent delamination. The polarization curves, EOCP and impedance measurements showed that PPy undoped/Al2O3 layers show promise as good candidates for the corrosion protection of reactive metals.
Originality/value
This paper presents that electrodes coated with undoped PPy synthesized in the presence of dodecyl sulfate anions and Al2O3 nanoparticles offered a noticeable enhancement of protection against corrosion processes.
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Reza Moshrefi, Mohammad Ghassem Mahjani, Ali Ehsani and Majid Jafarian
This paper aims to investigate the galvanic corrosion of titanium/L 316 stainless steel, by electrochemical noise (EN), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the galvanic corrosion of titanium/L 316 stainless steel, by electrochemical noise (EN), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and anode/cathode area ratio effect on the galvanic behavior of the couple.
Design/methodology/approach
The EN measurement was employed to examine effects of anode to cathode area ratio on the galvanic corrosion behavior between stainless steel L 316 and titanium in artificial seawater. Current noise and potential noise were monitored simultaneously using a three‐electrode configuration under open‐circuit condition. The noise resistance was evaluated as the ratio of the standard deviation of the potential to that of the current noise after removing the DC component. The time‐series noise patterns were transformed into frequency domain by fast Fourier transformation and then their power spectrum densities (PSDs) at specified frequency were determined and compared with the EIS and polarization results.
Findings
The EN, EIS and polarization results were in agreement. Galvanic corrosion density increase and galvanic potential moved slowly to negative direction with decrease in anode/cathode area ratio. The results showed that the slope of PSD of the current (i.e the “roll off”) was rising slowly where the anode/cathode area ratio was declined. The relationship between polarization resistance (Rp) and noise resistance (Rn) was investigated. Rt was determined by EIS for samples, and its value compared with Rp and Rn. The result indicates that galvanic corrosion has an inversely relation with anode/cathode area ratio that exposed to aggressive environment.
Originality/value
This paper presents the application of noise analysis to demonstrate galvanic corrosion and the effect of area ratio anode/cathode on current density and galvanic potential.