Mohabbat Amirnejad, Mohammad Rajabi and Roohollah Jamaati
This study aims to investigate the effect of electrodeposition parameters (i.e. time and voltage) on the properties of hydroxyapatite (HA) coating fabricated on Ti6Al4V surface.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the effect of electrodeposition parameters (i.e. time and voltage) on the properties of hydroxyapatite (HA) coating fabricated on Ti6Al4V surface.
Design/methodology/approach
A full factorial design along with response surface methodology was utilized to evaluate the main effect of independent variables and their relative interactions on response variables. The effect of electrodeposition voltage and deposition time on HA coatings Ca/P molar ratio and the size of deposited HA crystals were examined by structural equation modeling (SEM). The formation of plate-like and needle-like HA crystals was observed for all experiments.
Findings
The results obtained showed that the higher electrodeposition voltage leads to lower Ca/P values for HA coatings. This is more significant at lower deposition times, where at a 20-minute deposition time, the voltage increased from 2 to 3 V and the Ca/P decreased from 2.27 to 1.52. Full factorial design results showed that electrodeposition voltage has a more significant effect on the size of the deposited HA crystal. With increasing the voltage from 2 to 3 V at a deposition time of 20 min, the HA crystal size varied from 99 to 36 µm.
Originality/value
The investigation delved into the impact of two critical parameters, deposition time and voltage, within the electrodeposition process on two paramount properties of HA coatings. Analyzing the alterations in coating characteristics relative to variations in these process parameters can serve as a foundational guide for subsequent research in the domain of calcium-phosphate deposition for implants.
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Hamid Reza Zakeri, Asal Ataie Jafari, Mohammad Rajabi and Saeed Hosseini
Reducing fat intake or inhibiting fat absorption is a useful solution for blood lipid reduction. It is shown that there are some proteins in wheat germ with pancreatic lipase…
Abstract
Purpose
Reducing fat intake or inhibiting fat absorption is a useful solution for blood lipid reduction. It is shown that there are some proteins in wheat germ with pancreatic lipase inhibiting properties that have hypolipidemic effects. This paper aims to evaluate the possible beneficial effects of a daily intake of 30 g of raw wheat germ in a population of Iranian hyperlipidemic subjects with their special dietary habits.
Design/methodology/approach
This experimental trial was conducted on 15 hyperlipidemic patients with the average age of 45.7±7 years. They were not on lipid‐lowering drugs for the previous three months. They were asked to consume 30 g of raw wheat germ each day for four weeks, and continue their normal diet (follow‐up period) for the following four weeks. Dietary records were taken for three days prior to the study and at the end of a four weeks intervention and follow‐up period. Data were analysed using repeated measurement analysis. If the statistical significance was detected, a paired‐t‐test was used.
Findings
The consumption of wheat germ for four weeks lowered the serum total cholesterol (p<0.002), triglyceride (p<0.001) and VLDL‐C (p<0.001). These levels were significantly increased after the follow‐up period, but they did not reach the baseline level. HDL‐C level was not significantly changed.
Practical implications
Consumption of wheat germ may lower the risk of CHD by reducing the serum lipids.
Originality/value
The paper evaluates the possible beneficial effects of a daily intake of 30 g of raw wheat germ in a population of Iranian hyperlipidemic subjects with their special dietary habits.
Abdelrahman M. Farouk and Rahimi A. Rahman
Implementing building information modeling (BIM) in construction projects offers many benefits. However, the use of BIM in project cost management is still limited. This study…
Abstract
Purpose
Implementing building information modeling (BIM) in construction projects offers many benefits. However, the use of BIM in project cost management is still limited. This study aims to review the current trends in the application of BIM in project cost management.
Design/methodology/approach
This study systematically reviews the literature on the application of BIM in project cost management. A total of 46 related articles were identified and analyzed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses method.
Findings
Eighteen approaches to applying BIM in project cost management were identified. The approaches can be grouped into cost control and cost estimation. Also, BIM can be applied independently or integrated with other techniques. The integrated approaches for cost control include integration with genetic algorithms, Monte Carlo simulation, lean construction, integrated project delivery, neural network and value engineering. On the contrary, integrated approaches for cost estimation include integration with cost-plus pricing, discrepancy analysis, construction progress curves, estimation standards, algorithms, declarative mappings, life cycle sustainability assessment, ontology, Web-based frameworks and structured query language.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to systematically review prior literature on the application of BIM in project cost management. As a result, the study provides a comprehensive understanding of the current state of the art and fills the literature gap. Researchers and industry professionals can use the study findings to increase the benefits of implementing BIM in construction projects.
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Yasmeen Abu Sumaqa, Sajeda Alhamory, Manar Abu-Abbas, Ahmad Rayan, Mutaz Foad Alradaydeh, Nour Alrida, Omymah Zain Alddin Al-Rajabi, Mohammad Y. Alzaatreh, Anas H. Khalifeh, Saleh Al Omar and Manal Mohamed Abd EINaeem
The purpose of this paper is to assess the perceived level of Jordanian nurses’ competencies in offering care to the community during a disaster.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to assess the perceived level of Jordanian nurses’ competencies in offering care to the community during a disaster.
Design/methodology/approach
A correlational descriptive design was used to assess nurses’ competencies in offering care for the community during a disaster.
Findings
A total of 370 nurses (55 % males) aged 25−55 agreed to participate. The mean score of competencies of nurses who offer care to the community during the disaster was 2.11 (SD = 0.59) points. The results of correlation coefficient tests revealed a significant positive correlation between stated competencies level and nurses’ sex, receiving disaster education and training with rpb (371) = 0.13, p < 0.01; rpb (598) = 0.15, p = 0.004; rpb (598) = 0.21, p < 0.001, respectively. Furthermore, the “care of communities” subscale had a weak positive correlation with the.
Originality/value
Nurses play a critical role in disaster response. However, there was a gap in nurses’ competencies for disaster, which shows there is a crucial need to include disaster management courses in the nursing curriculum and update disaster management courses in hospitals based on nurses’ needs to improve their competencies during disasters.
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Mohammad Zamani, Zahra Sohrabi, Ladan Aghakhani, Kimia Leilami, Saeed Nosratabadi, Zahra Namkhah, Cain Clark, Neda Haghighat, Omid Asbaghi and Fatemeh Fathi
Previous research indicates that vitamin D and omega-3 co-supplementation may benefit overall health, but current evidence regarding its effects on lipid profile remains unclear…
Abstract
Purpose
Previous research indicates that vitamin D and omega-3 co-supplementation may benefit overall health, but current evidence regarding its effects on lipid profile remains unclear. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine the effects of vitamin D and omega-3 co-supplementation on lipid profile (total cholesterol [TC], low-density lipoprotein [LDL], triglyceride [TG] and high-density lipoprotein [HDL]) in adults.
Design/methodology/approach
In this systematic review and meta-analysis, relevant studies were obtained by searching the PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases (from inception to January 2022). Weighted mean differences and 95% confidence intervals were estimated via a random-effects model. Heterogeneity, sensitivity analysis and publication bias were reported using standard methods.
Findings
Pooled analysis of six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) revealed that vitamin D and omega-3 co-supplementation yielded significant reductions in TG (p = 0.631). A pooled analysis of five trials indicated a significant association between omega-3 and vitamin D treatment and reductions in TC (p = 0.001) and LDL (p = 0.001). Although, pooled analyses of omega-3 and vitamin D did not significantly affect HDL.
Originality/value
The findings suggest that vitamin D and omega-3 co-supplementation lowers TG, TC and LDL in adults. Future, large-scale, RCTs on various populations are needed to elucidate further beneficial effects of vitamin D and omega-3 co-supplementation on lipid profile and establish guidelines for clinical practice.
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Majid Ashouri, Mohammad Behshad Shafii and Hossein Rajabi Kokande
The purpose of this paper is to study the influence of magnetic field on natural convection inside the enclosures partially filled with conducting square solid obstacles. Also…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study the influence of magnetic field on natural convection inside the enclosures partially filled with conducting square solid obstacles. Also, the effect of thermal conductivity ratio between the solid and fluid materials is investigated for different number of solid blocks.
Design/methodology/approach
The dimensionless governing equations are transformed into sets of algebraic equations using finite volume method and momentum equations are solved by the SIMPLE algorithm with the hybrid scheme. The validation of the numerical code was conducted by comparing the results of average Nusselt number with previously published works.
Findings
The results indicate that both the magnetic field and solid blocks can significantly affect the flow and temperature fields. It is shown that for a given Rayleigh number, variation of Nusselt number might be increasing or decreasing with change in solid-to-fluid thermal conductivity ratio depending on magnetic field strength and number of solid blocks.
Originality/value
No work has been reported previously on the effect of magnetic field on natural convection flow in a cavity partially filled with square solid blocks. The numerical analysis of conductivity ratio between the solid and fluid materials under the effect of magnetic field have been carried out for the first time.
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Effat Sadat Mahboobi Renani, Seyed Fathollah Amiri Aghdaie, Majid Mohammad Shafiee and Azarnoush Ansari
The purpose of this study is to identify the factors affecting brand competitive positioning (BCP) and its components in the home appliance industry and also to develop a scale…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to identify the factors affecting brand competitive positioning (BCP) and its components in the home appliance industry and also to develop a scale for it, considering both the seller’s and the buyer’s side.
Design/methodology/approach
The factors were investigated both qualitatively and quantitatively. Data was collected from findings of previous research as well as interviews with experts in the industry. After conducting thematic analysis, the extracted factors were confirmed by experts. A total of 400 samples was used to test the BCP scale. Respondents were the customers of some selected home appliance brands.
Findings
The results of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses indicated that seven main factors influenced BCP, including product quality, service quality, perceived price, sales and distribution, marketing communication, market orientation and reputation and background. Also, the five components of BCP are distinctiveness, desirability, credibility, value for money and top of the mind awareness.
Originality/value
Modelling a new scale on BCP is of considerable importance. Using mixed method, the current study presents a new scale named Brand Competitive Positioning Scale.
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Fariba Hosseinpour, Mahyar Seddighi, Mohammad Amerzadeh and Sima Rafiei
This study aimed to compare mortality rate, length of stay (LOS) and hospitalization costs at different priority levels for a patient admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) at a…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to compare mortality rate, length of stay (LOS) and hospitalization costs at different priority levels for a patient admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) at a public tertiary hospital in Qazvin, Iran. This study also aimed to predict influencing factors on patients’ mortality, ICU LOS and hospitalization costs in different admission groups.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors conducted a retrospective cohort study among patients who mainly suffered from internal diseases admitted to an ICU of a public hospital. This study was conducted among 127 patients admitted to ICU from July to September 2019. The authors categorized patients into four groups based on two crucial hemodynamic and respiratory status criteria. The authors used a logistic regression model to predict the likelihood of mortality in ICU admitted patients during hospitalizations for the four prioritization groups. Furthermore, the authors conducted a multivariate analysis using the “enter” method to identify risk factors for LOS.
Findings
Results showed a statistically significant relationship between the priority of being admitted to ICU and hospitalization costs. The authors’ findings revealed that age, LOS and levels of consciousness had a predictability role in determining in-hospital mortality. Besides, age, gender, consciousness level of patients and type of the disease were mentioned as affecting factors of LOS.
Originality/value
This study’s findings emphasize the necessity of categorizing patients according to specific criteria to efficiently use available resources to help health-care authorities reduce the costs and allocate the budget to different health sectors.
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Ali Noroozian, Babak Amiri and Mehrdad Agha Mohammad Ali Kermani
Movies critics believe that the diversity of Iranian cinematic genres has decreased over time. The paper aims to answer the following questions: What is the impact of the…
Abstract
Purpose
Movies critics believe that the diversity of Iranian cinematic genres has decreased over time. The paper aims to answer the following questions: What is the impact of the continuous cooperation between the key nodes on the audience's taste, uniformity of the cinematic genres and the box office? Is there any relationship between the importance of actors in the actors' network and their popularity?
Design/methodology/approach
In the artistic world, artists' relationships lead to a network that affects individuals' commercial or artistic success and defines the artwork's value. To study the issue that the diversity of Iranian cinematic genres has decreased over time, the authors utilized social network analysis (SNA), in which every actor is considered a node, and its collaboration with others in the same movies is depicted via edges. After preparing the desired dataset, networks were generated, and metrics were calculated. First, the authors compared the structure of the network with the box office. The results illustrated that the network density growth negatively affects box office. Second, network key nodes were identified, their relationships with other actors were inspected using the Apriori algorithm to examine the density cause and the cinematic genre of key nodes, and their followers were investigated. Finally, the relationship between the actors' Instagram follower count and their importance in the network structure was analyzed to answer whether the generated network is acceptable in society.
Findings
The social problem genre has stabilized due to continuous cooperation between the core nodes because network density negatively impacts the box office. As well as, the generated network in the cinema is acceptable by the audience because there is a positive correlation between the importance of actors in the network and their popularity.
Originality/value
The novelty of this paper is investigating the issue raised in the cinema industry and trying to inspect its aspects by utilizing the SNA to deepen the cinematic research and fill the gaps. This study demonstrates a positive correlation between the actors' Instagram follower count and their importance in the network structure, indicating that people follow those central in the actors' network. As well as investigating the network key nodes with a heuristic algorithm using coreness centrality and analyzing their relationships with others through the Apriori algorithm. The authors situated the analysis using a novel and original dataset from the Iranian actors who participated in the Fajr Film Festival from 1998 to 2020.
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Tanweer Hasan, Muliaman Hadad and Kamran Ahmed
The purpose of this paper is to measure the accuracy of management profit forecast in initial public offerings (IPO) prospectuses and investigate the determinants of any observed…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to measure the accuracy of management profit forecast in initial public offerings (IPO) prospectuses and investigate the determinants of any observed forecast error in Indonesia.
Design/methodology/approach
A sample of 105 Indonesian IPO firms over a ten-year period, 1999-2008, is used in the present study. The accuracy of management profit forecasts, or forecast errors, in IPO prospectuses is calculated, following Lee et al. (2006), over the ten-year sample period. Then, a multivariate model, following the extant literature, is used to identify the determinants of any observed forecast error in Indonesia.
Findings
A mean (median) forecast error of 19 percent (9 percent) is reported over the entire sample period. Multivariate analysis shows that, among the explanatory variables used in the present study, forecast horizon and management optimism seem to be the most significant determinants of forecast error in Indonesia.
Research limitations/implications
The ordinary, specifically small, investors in Indonesia lack the sophistication needed to evaluate new issues while alternative independent sources of information or analysis on IPOs are virtually non-existent. Consequently, whether the forecasts made by the managers during IPOs are reliable or not is of particular importance in Indonesia.
Originality/value
Indonesia is a significant emerging market in Asia. However, to date, no published work has examined the accuracy of management profit forecasts or forecast errors in this market. The present study attempts to fill this gap in the literature and is the first to capture the magnitude/degree of forecast accuracy or error and investigate the determinants of the documented forecast error in Indonesia using a sample of 105 IPO firms over the period 1999 through 2008.