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Article
Publication date: 20 February 2020

Yalda Sadeghpour, Aliakbar Taheraghdam, Mohammad Khalili, Mazyar Hashemilar, Elyar Sadeghi Hokmabadi, Sheyda Shaafi, Mehdi Farhoudi, Seyed Kazem Shakouri, Nasim Rezaeimanesh and Daryoush Savadi Osgouei

Although the pathogenesis of stroke is not yet completely elucidated, factors such as oxidative stress and inflammation have been shown to play an important role in this regard…

147

Abstract

Purpose

Although the pathogenesis of stroke is not yet completely elucidated, factors such as oxidative stress and inflammation have been shown to play an important role in this regard. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of whey protein plus lipoic acid on the inflammatory and oxidative stress markers and the prognosis in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients.

Design/methodology/approach

A double-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted among 42 patients with the first episode of AIS at the Imam Reza Hospital of the Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. The blind research staff randomly assigned patients to two groups of receiving usual hospital gavage (control group) and 1,200 mg of lipoic acid plus 20 g of whey protein in addition to usual hospital gavage (intervention group) for midday meal. Levels of albumin, Interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and clinical outcomes including severity of neurologic damage according to National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and functional state based on modified Rankin Scale (mRS) were evaluated initially and three weeks later.

Findings

There were no significant differences in demographic and baseline characteristics between the two groups (p > 0.05). After three weeks, hs-CRP (p <* 0.01), IL-6 (p = 0.02) and TNF-α (p = 0.01) levels significantly reduced in the intervention group, but no significant changes were observed in cases of albumin, malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in this group (p > 0.05). Instead, only IL-6 decreased significantly in the control group (p <* 0.01). In addition, comparing changes of assessed variables between two groups showed no significant improvement in the whey protein plus lipoic acid supplementation group vs the control group (p > 0.05). While there was significant betterment in clinical prognosis parameters within groups, no significant changes were found between groups.

Originality/value

The investigation implied that whey protein plus lipoic acid supplementation has no significant effects on inflammatory and oxidative stress markers compared to the control group of AIS patients. More studies in this field are needed to approve the result.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science , vol. 50 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 March 2021

Mirpouya Mirmozaffari, Elham Shadkam, Seyyed Mohammad Khalili, Kamyar Kabirifar, Reza Yazdani and Tayyebeh Asgari Gashteroodkhani

Cement as one of the major components of construction activities, releases a tremendous amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere, resulting in adverse environmental…

758

Abstract

Purpose

Cement as one of the major components of construction activities, releases a tremendous amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere, resulting in adverse environmental impacts and high energy consumption. Increasing demand for CO2 consumption has urged construction companies and decision-makers to consider ecological efficiency affected by CO2 consumption. Therefore, this paper aims to develop a method capable of analyzing and assessing the eco-efficiency determining factor in Iran’s 22 local cement companies over 2015–2019.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses two well-known artificial intelligence approaches, namely, optimization data envelopment analysis (DEA) and machine learning algorithms at the first and second steps, respectively, to fulfill the research aim. Meanwhile, to find the superior model, the CCR model, BBC model and additive DEA models to measure the efficiency of decision processes are used. A proportional decreasing or increasing of inputs/outputs is the main concern in measuring efficiency which neglect slacks, and hence, is a critical limitation of radial models. Thus, the additive model by considering desirable and undesirable outputs, as a well-known DEA non-proportional and non-radial model, is used to solve the problem. Additive models measure efficiency via slack variables. Considering both input-oriented and output-oriented is one of the main advantages of the additive model.

Findings

After applying the proposed model, the Malmquist productivity index is computed to evaluate the productivity of companies over 2015–2019. Although DEA is an appreciated method for evaluating, it fails to extract unknown information. Thus, machine learning algorithms play an important role in this step. Association rules are used to extract hidden rules and to introduce the three strongest rules. Finally, three data mining classification algorithms in three different tools have been applied to introduce the superior algorithm and tool. A new converting two-stage to single-stage model is proposed to obtain the eco-efficiency of the whole system. This model is proposed to fix the efficiency of a two-stage process and prevent the dependency on various weights. Converting undesirable outputs and desirable inputs to final desirable inputs in a single-stage model to minimize inputs, as well as turning desirable outputs to final desirable outputs in the single-stage model to maximize outputs to have a positive effect on the efficiency of the whole process.

Originality/value

The performance of the proposed approach provides us with a chance to recognize pattern recognition of the whole, combining DEA and data mining techniques during the selected period (five years from 2015 to 2019). Meanwhile, the cement industry is one of the foremost manufacturers of naturally harmful material using an undesirable by-product; specific stress is given to that pollution control investment or undesirable output while evaluating energy use efficiency. The significant concentration of the study is to respond to five preliminary questions.

Expert briefing
Publication date: 8 July 2020

Its objective is not to prevent a US troop withdrawal but to ensure this results in worse terms and maximum embarrassment for Washington, and in greater Iranian influence. To that…

Details

DOI: 10.1108/OXAN-DB253774

ISSN: 2633-304X

Keywords

Geographic
Topical
Article
Publication date: 20 July 2023

Shahin Rajaei Qazlue, Ahmad Mehrabian, Kaveh Khalili-Damghani and Mohammad Amirkhan

Because of the importance of the wheat industry in the economy, a real-featured performance measurement approach is essential for the wheat production process. The purpose of this…

83

Abstract

Purpose

Because of the importance of the wheat industry in the economy, a real-featured performance measurement approach is essential for the wheat production process. The purpose of this paper is to develop a data envelopment analysis (DEA) model that is fully compatible with the wheat production process so that managers and farmers can use it to evaluate the efficiency of wheat farms for strategic decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

A dynamic multi-stage network DEA model is developed to evaluate the efficiency of wheat production farms in short-term (two-year) and long-term (eight-year) periods.

Findings

The results of this study show that because of the lack of long-term planning and excessive reliance on rain, most of the investigated regions have no stability in efficiency, and the efficiency of the regions changes in a zigzag manner over time. Among studied regions, only the Hashtrood region has high and stable efficiency, and other regions can follow the example of this region's cultivation method.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first one that uses the dynamic multi-stage network DEA considering every other year cultivation method and direct–indirect inputs in the agricultural section.

Details

Journal of Modelling in Management, vol. 19 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5664

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 February 2024

Alireza Khalili-Fard, Reza Tavakkoli-Moghaddam, Nasser Abdali, Mohammad Alipour-Vaezi and Ali Bozorgi-Amiri

In recent decades, the student population in dormitories has increased notably, primarily attributed to the growing number of international students. Dormitories serve as pivotal…

203

Abstract

Purpose

In recent decades, the student population in dormitories has increased notably, primarily attributed to the growing number of international students. Dormitories serve as pivotal environments for student development. The coordination and compatibility among students can significantly influence their overall success. This study aims to introduce an innovative method for roommate selection and room allocation within dormitory settings.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, initially, using multi-attribute decision-making methods including the Bayesian best-worst method and weighted aggregated sum product assessment, the incompatibility rate among pairs of students is calculated. Subsequently, using a linear mathematical model, roommates are selected and allocated to dormitory rooms pursuing the twin objectives of minimizing the total incompatibility rate and costs. Finally, the grasshopper optimization algorithm is applied to solve large-sized instances.

Findings

The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in comparison to two common alternatives, i.e. random allocation and preference-based allocation. Moreover, the proposed method’s applicability extends beyond its current context, making it suitable for addressing various matching problems, including crew pairing and classmate pairing.

Originality/value

This novel method for roommate selection and room allocation enhances decision-making for optimal dormitory arrangements. Inspired by a real-world problem faced by the authors, this study strives to offer a robust solution to this problem.

Details

Journal of Modelling in Management, vol. 19 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5664

Keywords

Expert briefing
Publication date: 24 January 2019

Final results from the October 2018 parliamentary election are still emerging and point to an unexpected boost for President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, who was previously looking…

Details

DOI: 10.1108/OXAN-DB241386

ISSN: 2633-304X

Keywords

Geographic
Topical
Expert briefing
Publication date: 27 September 2018

Hanif Atmar's credibility as a presidential contender.

Details

DOI: 10.1108/OXAN-DB238744

ISSN: 2633-304X

Keywords

Geographic
Topical
Article
Publication date: 18 April 2023

Nour Salah Al-Okaily, Nidal Alzboun and Mohammad Abuhjeeleh

Emotional intelligence (EI) has a profound effect on the performance of tour guides, though past studies on the subject have neglected to examine the effects of EI on neither the…

427

Abstract

Purpose

Emotional intelligence (EI) has a profound effect on the performance of tour guides, though past studies on the subject have neglected to examine the effects of EI on neither the overall nor specific pattern of tour guides' performance. This study examines the overall link between four dimensions of EI (self-emotion appraisal [SEA], others' emotion appraisal [OEA], use of emotions [UOEs] and regulation of emotions [ROEs]) and five dimensions of citizenship performance (helping, self-development, initiative, compliance and adaptability), ultimately identifying the relationship between EI factors and each dimension of tour guides' citizenship performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The data from 244 Jordanian tour guides were gathered through a quantitative survey. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and multiple regression analysis were performed to analyze the data.

Findings

The results reveal that emotionally intelligent tour guides are more likely to have higher levels of citizenship performance. The most significant factors in determining extra-role behaviors by tour guides are “UOEs” and “others’ emotion appraisal (OEA)”.

Practical implications

This study equips different professional entities in the tour guide industry with useful, contextualized links between EI and citizenship performance. This assists in developing new accreditation policies and business practices to augment tour guides' citizenship professionalism, thereby maximizing their valuable contributions to tourism growth.

Originality/value

This study advances the tourism studies by establishing a new theoretical link between tour guides' EI and citizenship performance. The study also uncovers unique factors of EI that significantly determine tour guides' citizenship behaviors.

Details

Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Insights, vol. 7 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9792

Keywords

Expert briefing
Publication date: 22 February 2021

It believes the ‘intra-Afghan’ peace talks can only succeed if President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani’s government is replaced by an interim administration. It is supporting renewed…

Details

DOI: 10.1108/OXAN-DB259698

ISSN: 2633-304X

Keywords

Geographic
Topical
Article
Publication date: 9 March 2020

Mohamed Alblooshi, Mohammad Shamsuzzaman and Salah Haridy

This study explores the role of leadership in organisational innovation by reviewing several publications that discuss the relationship between various leadership styles and…

18153

Abstract

Purpose

This study explores the role of leadership in organisational innovation by reviewing several publications that discuss the relationship between various leadership styles and innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The study followed a descriptive research methodology by reviewing 64 journal articles on the relationship between various leadership styles and innovation. The articles were analysed descriptively and then reviewed based on the leadership style it discusses to derive meaningful findings on the relationship between leadership and innovation.

Findings

Various leadership styles had a positive impact on organisational innovation either directly or indirectly, by influencing the organisational climate, employees' and leaders' behaviours or other organisational variables such as learning and knowledge sharing. Some leadership styles had both direct and indirect impacts on organisational innovation.

Research limitations/implications

This study collected journal articles published in almost all major electronic databases such as Emerald, ScienceDirect, Taylor & Francis and Scopus. However, the review is limited to journal articles in which the title, abstract or author-specified keywords contain the search terms “leadership” and “innovation,” and published between 2000 and 2019. Therefore, this review may miss some relevant research insights mentioned in the literature that discussed innovation or leadership separately not combined.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing body of research on leadership and innovation by extensively discussing the role of various leadership styles in determining organisational innovation. The analysis reveals that prior studies had many limitations and focused on specific leadership styles only. The study goes a step further by explaining how the leadership and innovation aspects are related, and classifying various leadership styles according to their impact on organisational innovation being direct, indirect or both.

Details

European Journal of Innovation Management, vol. 24 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1460-1060

Keywords

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