Search results
1 – 10 of 10Reza Valizadeh and Mahmoud Elmi
A remarkable number of Iran's villages, in addition to the general earthquake hazard, are faced with other natural hazards including floods, landslides, and landslips. The village…
Abstract
Purpose
A remarkable number of Iran's villages, in addition to the general earthquake hazard, are faced with other natural hazards including floods, landslides, and landslips. The village of Badleh Kuh is one example faced with a great danger of land thrust and flood. A wide range of field studies show that this village is greatly in danger of natural hazards and is located in a completely unstable area. The main aim of this paper is to define and assess the optimum approach and intervening method for this village.
Design/methodology/approach
The data of this paper are based on the main goals and project operations and are in line with securing and stabilizing life in the village of Badleh Kuh. The necessary data have been provided using two methods of attributive and field research, although the groundwork is put on field notations and experimental studies. The main map of this project was based on a scale of 1:50,000 which after conforming to aerial photos, the results were a scale of 1:20,000 and Landset satellite photos with separation power of 30 m and field withdrawal in the ArcGIS 9 program, resulting maps were processed and yielded at a scale of 1:25,000.
Findings
The paper finds that implementing the transfer plan of Badleh Kuh village to the new location necessitates joint and necessary cooperation between governmental and non‐governmental institutions and people; appointing local leaders to justify villagers for acceptance and better cooperation with the re‐occupancy plan; holding promotion, educational, and justification classes in order to improve knowledge and recognition of aims and components of the re‐occupancy plan; implementing the re‐occupancy plan in a stage‐by‐stage and systematic manner; providing a pilot and elaborative plan of the suggested location and predicting future developments of the village; carrying out land preparation operations and infrastructure projects; visiting the new location for approval may have a positive effect for villagers who might be opposed to the plan; inviting villagers' cooperation which are financially capable and abide seasonally in the village; regarding the fact that the village economy is greatly dependent on ranching, this issue must be kept in mind when separating housing units and levels of housing units; before implementing the plan, it is better to hold a seminar or conference with the presence of benefactors, executive authorities, and experts in the province in order to discuss the issue of transferring the village in danger; giving heed to the economic worries and assistance for increasing production and income rates and also giving variety to the villager's life quality will contribute to stable development; the aim of implementing the plan should not be just transfer of the village to another location, but must also comprise various cultural, social, and economic aims; securing the necessary credibility and acting upon commitments by the governmental and non‐governmental institutions may decrease consequences and have a significant effect on the plan's success; the plan must be contiguous and carried out in a specific time span and the incomplete implementation of the plan may decrease public cooperation.
Originality/value
This paper assesses and analyzes the optimum rehabilitation approaches for Badleh Kuh which will be relevant to other villages in Iran.
Details
Keywords
Saeideh Valizadeh-Haghi, Mahvash Parsapour, Roya Pournaghi, Ahmad-Reza Baghestani and Yazdan Parsapour
Medical libraries can extend their resources’ accessibility by creating a network through web-based geographical information system (WEBGIS) that connects physical and…
Abstract
Purpose
Medical libraries can extend their resources’ accessibility by creating a network through web-based geographical information system (WEBGIS) that connects physical and non-physical resources. Geographical information system (GIS allows) libraries to create strong connections with other libraries by establishing a shared server for loading and using digital information. This research aims to explore the feasibility of creating a unified GIS-based service system for medical libraries.
Design/methodology/approach
The target population for this study includes a total of 32 medical libraries across three medical universities (in this case called A, B and C). A researcher-designed 34-item questionnaire was applied in this study.
Findings
Findings revealed that the libraries affiliated with University A have the highest average (46.54%) and better situation in terms of all of the needed infrastructures. Furthermore, in terms of the technical infrastructure required for implementing the integrated WEBGIS, the libraries of University B are in a better situation in comparison with other libraries (64.55%). Weak technical infrastructure belongs to libraries affiliated with University C, with 59.17% availability of infrastructure. The findings underscored the existing gaps in various aspects and highlighted the need for further improvements, particularly in financial and legal aspects, to enhance the overall availability of infrastructure.
Originality/value
This study was conducted for the first time in medical science libraries. The findings of this research shed light on the shortages within the surveyed universities in terms of human infrastructure. Results highlight the need for financial, legal and technical support to bridge the gap between the current status and the desired situation. By focusing on improving the various infrastructural aspects, libraries can foster a conducive environment for the effective utilization of spatial information systems, ultimately benefiting academic research, education and overall information management in the field of medical sciences.
Details
Keywords
Mitra Valizadeh, Mojtaba Azizi, M. Reza Hosseini and Pegah Mahoor
This paper presents a pioneering investigation into the barriers impeding the adoption of reverse logistics (RL) in the Iranian construction industry, addressing a significant gap…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper presents a pioneering investigation into the barriers impeding the adoption of reverse logistics (RL) in the Iranian construction industry, addressing a significant gap in the current literature within the country.
Design/methodology/approach
Through a meticulous examination of the literature, complemented by 19 in-depth interviews, a battery of barriers to RL implementation was initially identified, distilled into a final set of 30 barriers, which served as the basis for the design of a structured survey questionnaire. Employing Partial Least Squares–Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), an analysis was conducted on a dataset that comprised of 80 responses. Subsequently, the barriers approved through the PLS- SEM were subjected to prioritization through the application of Fuzzy TOPSIS.
Findings
Findings reveal the critical inadequacy of contemporary technology and infrastructure, a foundation essential for the efficacious enactment of RL. This shortfall manifests in procurement and logistics processes plagued by inefficiency and ineffectiveness, as consequences of an immature information and technology ecosystem. Furthermore, the study underscores the dominance of traditional markets where the adoption of secondary materials/products remains sporadic, signaling a crucial area for further research and intervention.
Originality/value
This study offers original insights into the significant hurdles that hinder the adoption and integration of RL practices within the Iranian construction industry, an under-explored area within the RL research domain. For industry practitioners, findings point to recommendations for overcoming these barriers in the specific Iranian context while also offering broader insights and lessons that may be relevant to other countries and similar contexts.
Details
Keywords
Amir Norouzzadeh, Reza Ansari and Hessam Rouhi
It has been revealed that application of the differential form of Eringen’s nonlocal elasticity theory to some cases (e.g. cantilevers) leads to paradoxical results, and recourse…
Abstract
Purpose
It has been revealed that application of the differential form of Eringen’s nonlocal elasticity theory to some cases (e.g. cantilevers) leads to paradoxical results, and recourse must be made to the integral version of Eringen’s nonlocal model. The purpose of this paper, within the framework of integral form of Eringen’s nonlocal theory, is to study the bending behavior of nanoscale plates with various boundary conditions using the isogeometric analysis (IGA).
Design/methodology/approach
The shear deformation effect is taken into account according to the Mindlin plate theory, and the minimum total potential energy principle is utilized in order to derive the governing equations. The relations are obtained in the matrix-vector form which can be easily employed in IGA or finite element analysis. For the comparison purpose, the governing equations are also derived based on the differential nonlocal model and are then solved via IGA. Comparisons are made between the predictions of integral nonlocal model, differential nonlocal model and local (classical) model.
Findings
The bending analysis of nanoplates under some kinds of edge supports indicates that using the differential model leads to paradoxical results (decreasing the maximum deflection with increasing the nonlocal parameter), whereas the results of integral model are consistent.
Originality/value
A new nonlocal formulation is developed for the IGA of Mindlin nanoplates. The nonlocal effects are captured based on the integral model of nonlocal elasticity. The formulation is developed in matrix-vector form which can be readily used in finite element method. Comparisons are made between the results of differential and integral models for the bending problem. The proposed integral model is capable of resolving the paradox appeared in the results of differential model.
Details
Keywords
Argaw Gurmu, M. Reza Hosseini, Mehrdad Arashpour and Wellia Lioeng
Building defects are becoming recurrent phenomena in most high-rise buildings. However, little research exists on the analysis of defects in high-rise buildings based on data from…
Abstract
Purpose
Building defects are becoming recurrent phenomena in most high-rise buildings. However, little research exists on the analysis of defects in high-rise buildings based on data from real-life projects. This study aims to develop dashboards and models for revealing the most common locations of defects, understanding associations among defects and predicting the rectification periods.
Design/methodology/approach
In total, 15,484 defect reports comprising qualitative and quantitative data were obtained from a company that provides consulting services for the construction industry in Victoria, Australia. Data mining methods were applied using a wide range of Python libraries including NumPy, Pandas, Natural Language Toolkit, SpaCy and Regular Expression, alongside association rule mining (ARM) and simulations.
Findings
Findings reveal that defects in multi-storey buildings often occur on lower levels, rather than on higher levels. Joinery defects were found to be the most recurrent problem on ground floors. The ARM outcomes show that the occurrence of one type of defect can be taken as an indication for the existence of other types of defects. For instance, in laundry, the chance of occurrence of plumbing and joinery defects, where paint defects are observed, is 88%. The stochastic model built for door defects showed that there is a 60% chance that defects on doors can be rectified within 60 days.
Originality/value
The dashboards provide original insight and novel ideas regarding the frequency of defects in various positions in multi-storey buildings. The stochastic models can provide a reliable point of reference for property managers, occupants and sub-contractors for taking measures to avoid reoccurring defects; so too, findings provide estimations of possible rectification periods for various types of defects.
Details
Keywords
Arash Arianpoor and Seyed Abbas Borhani
This study aims to provide a framework for the interaction of blockchain technology, the audit process and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to provide a framework for the interaction of blockchain technology, the audit process and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
Design/methodology/approach
This study was conducted in three phases. In the first phase, a meta-synthesis method was used until 2020. Out of 87 papers, a total number of 15 were selected, and 72 were excluded after an initial screening. In the second phase, 11 interviews were held with experts with sufficient experience and expertise in blockchain technology, accounting and auditing. These interviews were held between 2020 and 2021. The sampling was purposive (targeted) in type, along with snowball sampling. In the third phase, a combination of questionnaire-based method and the fuzzy Delphi method was used. The research population for this phase consisted of accounting professors, members of the Iranian Association of Certified Public Accountants and accounting and technology professionals. Following the selection of the Delphi panel, 35 questionnaires were collected between 2021 and 2022 for analysis.
Findings
The results showed that in line with the interaction of blockchain technology, audit process and IFRS, 52 indicators were confirmed in eight components. Moreover, “Verifiability,” “Timeliness” and “Predictive value” were the most influential factors, respectively, according to the conceptual model. In addition, higher average scores of experts’ views were related to “Transparency audit reports” and “Increasing the quality of the auditor’s judgment”, respectively.
Originality/value
Blockchain is a complex subject, and there has been very little published research on the intersection of IFRS and blockchain technology. It is crucial for the audit profession and technology professionals to focus on the interaction of blockchain technology with the qualitative characteristics of information. This is an area that has not been thoroughly researched yet. The interaction of blockchain technology, improvements in the audit process and adherence to IFRS is a significant development in accounting and auditing.
Details
Keywords
Arefeh Davoodi, Taghi Azarsa, Mahnaz Shahbazpour, Zahra Sokhanvar and Akram Ghahramanian
This study aimed to determine the relationship between quality of nurse work life (QNWL) and caring behaviors among emergency nurses.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to determine the relationship between quality of nurse work life (QNWL) and caring behaviors among emergency nurses.
Design/methodology/approach
In this cross-sectional study, a total of 168 emergency nurses were selected from eight hospitals in the metropolitan of Tabriz, East Azerbaijan Province, Iran. Data were collected in the first six months of 2018 by Brooks' QNWL questionnaire and Wolf's Caring Behaviors Inventory. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to analyze the data.
Findings
The overall QNWL scores were low to moderate. The highest scores were related to the work design and home/ life dimensions. Nurses' care behaviors were focused on the physical aspect of care, so that the highest scores for dimensions of caring behaviors belonged to the professional knowledge and skill followed by the attentiveness to the others' experience and the lowest belonged to the positive connectedness. The results of the multiple linear regression analysis showed that the model with the three variables of work context, male gender, and age group 51–60 years was significant.
Research limitations/implications
This study used cross-sectional data for analysis, which limits the ability to establish causality. It is therefore suggested that future studies should use longitudinal designs to strengthen the acceptability of causality. Longitudinal designs will also help to assess changes of QNWL within units of observation over time. Moreover, this study was conducted in the educational treatment centers of Tabriz. Therefore, further studies should be carried out on nurses in the ED of East Azerbaijan and the northwestern provinces of Iran to allow generalization of the research results concerning macro-policymaking to improve the QNWL of these nurses and their caring behaviors.
Practical implications
For providing high quality care to patients, it is necessary to pay more attention to the communication and emotional aspects of patient care. Nurses' QWL, especially in the work context dimension, should be enhanced to improve the caring behaviors of nurses.
Social implications
Also considering that the work world dimension had the lowest score in QNWL, policymakers' efforts should continue for changing public attitudes toward the nursing profession and balancing the nurses' income based on their performance in the healthcare system to maintain the social prestige of the profession among the community. The media, political and public support can play a pivotal role in improving the image of nursing in society, increasing motivation among Iranian nurses and promoting the QNWL, which will result in higher levels of quality of care as well as greater patient satisfaction.
Originality/value
The results of this study show a positive correlation between the work context and caring behaviors and suggest that the use of strategies for improving the features of work context may be able to improve nurses' caring behaviors. In order to provide holistic care for our patients, we need changes in the conditions and work context of nurses so that nurses can like the physical aspect of care, pay attention to its psychological aspect.
Details
Keywords
Kapildeo P. Yadav, Sudipta Ghosh, Sujata Rajak and Amiya K. Samanta
One of the often-employed building constituents in the construction sector is concrete, which involves hydration of cement, leading to the generation of carbon footprints during…
Abstract
Purpose
One of the often-employed building constituents in the construction sector is concrete, which involves hydration of cement, leading to the generation of carbon footprints during its production. Also, massive amount of natural aggregate is illegally mined, which poses serious environmental issues along with ecological misbalance. Researchers are in continuous search of appropriate substitutes to mitigate those challenges and develop innovative concrete mix. Consequently, depletion of natural resources, the disturbances to the environmental and ecological imbalance will reduce. The purpose of this study is to develop a Portland Slag Cement based novel sustainable concrete incorporating Alccofine and Recycled Refractory Brick as fractional replacement of cement and fine aggregate, respectively and evaluate its destructive, non-destructive and microstructural properties.
Design/methodology/approach
M25 grade of concrete adopting 0.45 water-binder proportion, with diverse percentage of Alccofine as fractional substitution of cement and 20% of recycled refractory brick (RRB) as fine aggregate, has been cast and evaluated for diverse mechanical strength following a curing of 7, 14 and 28 days. Scanning electron microscopic analysis has been carried out to study the microstructural changes in the specimens.
Findings
Supplementary use of Alccofine enhanced normal compressive strength of sustainable concrete mix blended with Portland Slag Cement by a large amount at all levels of 7, 14 and 28 days of curing. Test results indicated development of a favourable high-strength sustainable concrete mix by substituting cement with Alccofine.
Originality/value
This manuscript has demonstrated the possibility of developing sustainable concrete blends by incorporating Alccofine 1203 and RRB as partial replacement of Portland Slag Cement and natural fine aggregate, respectively. The strength and potential of concrete incorporating RRB for wider and special application in adverse environmental conditions having higher thermal gradient, as RRB is a valuable waste from high temperature kiln and furnaces. Alccofine 1203 has been included in the concrete mix as an alternative to Portland Slag Cement to improve the mechanical strength properties and durability of concrete intended for adverse environmental application.
Details
Keywords
Maryam Ranjbar Zahedani, Mohammad Hassan Eftekhari, Mehran Nouri, Shohreh Alipour, Jafar Hassanzadeh and Majid Fardaei
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of methyl donor supplementation on anthropometric indices, body composition, glycemic control, lipid profile, homocysteine…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of methyl donor supplementation on anthropometric indices, body composition, glycemic control, lipid profile, homocysteine and appetite regulatory hormones in overweight and obese subjects.
Design/methodology/approach
This randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial was conducted on overweight and obese subjects in Shiraz, Iran, in 2018. The 25 participants in each intervention and control group were required to take methyl donor supplement and placebo, respectively, for eight weeks. A variety of measurements was collected at baseline and the end of the study. The data were analyzed using SPSS 21 software.
Findings
The results indicated a significant reduction in weight, body mass index, body fat and waist and hip circumference (p < 0.001 for all parameters) within both groups and a significant improvement in skeletal muscle (p = 0.005), fat-free mass (p = 0.006), visceral fat area (p < 0.001) and body cell mass (p = 0.004) in the intervention group. Also, the results showed a significant difference between the two groups regarding serum homocysteine concentration at the end of the intervention (p < 0.001).
Originality/value
The results demonstrated that methyl donor supplementation might have effects on the improvement of anthropometric indices, body composition, glycemic and lipid profile status and appetite regulatory hormones among obese and overweight individuals. These effects might be attributed to their roles in energy metabolism, protein synthesis and epigenetics regulation.
Details