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This article examines the growing relationships between China and North African countries, focusing on the economic, diplomatic, and security aspects of these interactions. The primary research question is how China has managed to expand its presence in North Africa and what impact this expansion will have on these countries' relationships with their traditional Western partners. The research hypothesis is that while the development of China's relations with North Africa creates new economic opportunities for these countries, it may also lead to challenges in their relations with Western countries. The findings indicate that although China's relationships with North Africa provide numerous economic and infrastructural opportunities, they could lead to tensions with these countries' traditional Western partners. Additionally, regional security issues such as the Western Sahara conflict and the Libyan war may require more active Chinese participation. Therefore, the research aims to describe, analyze, and interpret the collected essential information considering the sensitivity and fluidity of the topic, assessing the impact of the variables on each other. The study is applied in nature and adopts a descriptive and analytical approach with a documentary-library collection model and a case study method for the mentioned countries. It aims to provide a thorough examination of the grand strategies to better understand the dynamics of China-North Africa relations and their implications for the global order.

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Understanding the environment and geopolitical analysis of neighboring border cities are the most important factors that should be taken into account to establish security and expand bilateral relations, which are sought after by countries, especially cities in Southwest Asia. In recent years, some actions of neighboring countries or trans-regional countries have led to insecurity in urban areas. By understanding this concept, the characteristics of the eastern borders of Iran and the relations between Iran and Pakistan, including the cities of Zahedan and Quetta, will be studied in detail by employing a descriptive-analytical research method.

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Field experiment was conducted at the agricultural experiment station of Shiraz Uni-versity at Kushkak in 1996 to quantify the competitive ability of pinto beans (Phaselus vulgaris L. var. Daneshjou) with a naturally occurring population of weeds. An attempt was made to increase the competitive ability of the plants by altering row and plant spac-ings. An uncontrolled population of weeds reduced pinto bean yields by 75%. The ability of plants to reduce weed dry weight was further enhanced in medium and narrow rows compared to wide rows. Row and plant spacing combinations which maximized leaf area index when grown under weedy conditions also had significantly less weed dry weight. However, row and plant spacings did not reduce weed density. A significant negative cor-relation was observed between weed dry weight with leaf area index and final yield of pinto bean. For each kg ha-1 increase in weed dry weight, the corresponding pinto bean yield loss averaged 260 g ha-1. Season-long weed competition significantly reduced total number of pods per plant, number of seed per plant, and 100-seed weight.

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Settlement of benthic community depends on environmental conditions and interspecific reactions. The effect of substrates on the surface cover by the soft coral, Zoanthus sansibaricus, and the brown algae, Iyengaria stellata and their computational condition, was compared in the Hormuz Island by estimating of coverage area in 40 quadrates (50×50 cm). Z. sansibaricus is a dominant soft coarl (Zoanthid) species in Hormuz island coasts in the other side I. stellata considered as dominant macroalgea, most of year in area. Significant negative correlation (p<0.01; r = -0.607) revealed competition between two species in settlement on the two substrates. Soft coral with 61.7% coverage was dominant vs. 16.8% for brown algae on muddy-Rubble substrate, but on sandy-Rubble substrate, the brown algae was dominant with 37.8% coverage vs. 19.5% for the soft coral. It seems that better compitiunal conditions in settlement on unconsolidated substrate have some advantages for Z. sansibaricus on Muddy-rubble substrate.

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Iran plans to export natural gas (NG) to Western Europe using a system of pipelines running through Iran, Turkey, and Western Europe. International gas pricing is usually undertaken through negotiations between buyers and sellers on a bilateral basis. Currently, Russia is the only exporter of gas from the Former Soviet region. So, Russia competes strongly with Iran to export NG to Western Europe. This paper develops a bargaining model to study natural gas pricing and analyze competition between Iran and Russia as gas suppliers to Western Europe. In this model, it is assumed that NG pricing is usually linked to the prices of alternative fuels as competing energy sources. Therefore, in light of previous evidence, it is reasonable to consider that there is a long-run relationship between NG price and price of alternative fuels. Initially, a regression model is specified to investigate unlagged relationship among variables. This relationship is estimated using the Johansen cointegration technique and then we forecast margins of the Iranian NG price. Finally, a VECM model is identified and used to forecast the lower and upper bounds of future NG price.

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This article analyzes the rate of electoral participation during ten periods of presidential election in Iran within 1979-2009. The rate of electoral participation in Iran’s presidential elections has been problematic and not based on a regular pattern of change. Having proved this claim, the theory of democratic political system was chosen as the theoretical foundation of the paper in order to find a solution to the problem. The problem was related logically to the theory and inspired by the theory, the research question was formulated. On the theoretical level, it was argued that there is a relationship between party competition and electoral participation such that by an increase in the extent of party competition, the electoral participation will also increase. This argument was put through a regression analysis. Available evidence indicates that there exists a 45% positive correlation between electoral participation and party competition.  

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At the present time that our country is passing through a critical period, the role of the administrative, industrial and educational organizations is inevitable in the economic operation and development of the country. But the fact whether all of them have been successful in making an effort to obtain the given aims is really questionable, because some of them seem to have performed a lot better than the others. Viewing the success of some of these organizations, we can find out about some common and key factors which have played important roles in their efficient performance. An important factor is the existing powerful and overruling culture in which these organizations operate. Certainly, getting to know such factors and supporting them would be a useful step in leading these organizations to achieve their ideal goals successfully. In this Article, first a theoretical analysis of culture and organizational culture is presented, then labor productivity and finally the existing theories concerning the relationship between organizational culture and labor productivity are explained. Also, in this investigation, using variance test analysis, the rank of Management Colleges of such academic institutions like Higher Education Confederate of Ghom, Tehran University, Allameh - Tabatabaei University and Shahid Beheshti University have been determined on the basis of the impact of organizational culture on the rate of productivity. By applying the correlation coefficient of Spearman, the relation of organizational culture with productivity of colleges has been analyzed with regard to the criteria explained for productivity. Finally, using Friedman’s test the criteria and characteristics of organizational culture have been ranked.

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Aim: This study investigates the intraspecific competition, for food and density amongst larvae of Anopheles stephensi (main malaria vector in south Iran). Material & Methods: The effects of 4 selected food quantities (1x,2x,4x,6x) and 5 larval densities (0.1 to 3 larva/cm2) were tested individually or in combination on 7 biological indexes of the vector and the results were statistically analyzed. The competition starts when the food quantity decreases from 6x to x and the larval density increases from 0.1 up to 3 larva/cm2. Results & Discussion: The biological indexes that showed significant alterations at competing conditions (reduced food quantity and increased larval density) were as follows. Increasing of the larval, pupal and total mortality, alteration of the sex ratio in favor of male production, and decrease of the speed of larval development and survival rate. However, body sizes did not show any significant difference among individuals of both sexes. Conclusion: So, reducing the food quantity and increasing the larval density make a decrease in abundance and activity of An. Stephensi and it may provide a useful method for control of this mosquito population.

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Crop rotation is one of the essential practices in sustainable agricultural systems, be-cause of its effects on soil fertility and other benefits including a reduction in weed compe-tition. A field experiment was conducted at Chaparsar Rice Research Station, Tonekabon, Iran, from 2002 to 2003 to assess the influence of crop rotation, time of planting, and till-age depth on rice (Oryza sativa L.) yield and density and the biomass of three important paddy weeds. Treatments included the crop rotations of continuous rice and rice-soybean-rice, in combinations with planting times and no tillage, minimum tillage, and chisel plow-ing. Crop rotation had a significant effect on the growth of barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli), arrowhead (Sagittaria sagittifolia), and water plantain (Alisma plantago-aquatica) weeds. Continuous rice planting produced the highest density of barnyardgrass, arrowhead, and water plantain weeds, compared with a rice–soybean-rice rotation. Weed biomass and weed densities were lower in the rice-soybean-rice rotation than in continu-ous rice. There were a 62.5 and 80% reductions in the weed density and weed biomass re-spectively, in the rice-soybean-rice rotation compared with continuous rice planting. Fewer barnyardgrass, arrowhead and water plantain growth were observed in no-tillage treatments than in minimum tillage and chisel. Therefore, rice yield in rotation treat-ments increased by 17 and 21% in 2002 and 2003, respectively, compared to continuous rice planting.

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The current study assessed the effects of common herbicides produced by different companies on broadleaved and grass weed control and quantitative traits of irrigated wheat. A two-year experiment (2013-2014 and 2014-2015) was designed as an RCBD with three replications. Experimental treatments included two control treatments (weedy and weed-free) and 15 herbicides produced by three Iranian companies (Ghazal, Golsam-Gorgan, and Gyah) and three international companies (BASF, Nufarm, and Syngenta). The results showed that H13 (bromoxynil + MCPA from BASF tank-mixed with clodinafop propargyl from Golsam Gorgan) and H14 (bromoxynil + MCPA from BASF tank mixed with clodinafop propargyl from Ghazal) treatments in 2014 and H5 (tribenuron methyl from Gyah) and H9 (clodinafop propargyl tank-mixed with tribenuron methyl from Golsam Gorgan) in 2015 almost completely controlled broadleaved and grass weeds. In 2014, H4 (2,4-D + MCPA from Nufarm) and H13 treatments with the averages of 7505 and 7338 kg ha^-1 ranked first and second in grain yield, while H9 and H12 (bromoxynil + MCPA from BASF tank-mixed with clodinafop propargyl from Gyah) with the averages of 7966 and 7917 kg ha^-1 were known as superior treatments in 2015. Averaged by years, the grain yield was 3185 kg ha^-1 at weedy treatment (H17). Although there were no significant differences between herbicides, the grain yield (averaged by years and herbicides) was boosted by 88% compared with the weedy treatment. It was concluded that more rainfall and desirable air temperature positively affected the efficacy of the herbicides.
 

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The importance of productivity has made it to be one of the most serious discussions in industrial organizing. In economic literature, however, there are some arguments on the role of market structure in productivity changes. While some theorists point out that more competition leads to higher productivity, others believe that monopoly environment would be more efficient. This study examines the effect of competition- that is measured by the number of firms- on labor productivity in the Iranian industries. Using the panel data from the firms hiring 10 employees or more, the results suggest that monopoly and private ownership provide a more suitable environment for reaching higher productivity.

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The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of market structure on innovation and R&D in Iran’s manufacturing sector. To do this, first, statistical data for Iran’s manufacturing sector has been gathered in International Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC) format, then mutual effects of concentration, innovation and R&D, advertising and profitability in different industrial activities have been analyzed using simultaneous equations system and Error Component Tow Stage Least Squares (EC2SLS) during 1996-2007. The results show that industrial concentration has a significant and inverted U-shaped relationship with innovation and R&D. In addition, R&D expenditure declines with increases in profitability. The investigation of the factors affecting manufacturing structure indicates that although innovation and R&D has no effect on manufacturing structure, but profitability and performance of top firms affect their concentration. Our findings exhibit the ineffectiveness of concentration and innovational behavior on industries performance; whereas increasing market concentration results in advertising expenses and innovational behavior of firms raises advertising expenses. Similarly, the lagged and accumulated effects of R&D confirm the existence of an inverted U-shaped relationship between concentration and R&D

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A two-year field experiment was carried out in semi-arid region of southern Iran (Shiraz), during 2007-2008 and 2009-2010 growing seasons using various mixtures of an early- (cv Falat) and a middle-ripening (cv Shiraz) winter wheat cultivar to evaluate the beneficial effects of inducing temporal growth heterogeneity on reduction of intra-specific competition during post-anthesis moisture stress conditions. Treatments were composed of five combination ratios of the two cultivars (1:0; 2:1; 1:1; 1:2, 0:1), and two levels of post-anthesis moisture conditions i.e. equal to Field Capacity and 50% FC. The results showed that the equal ratio (1:1 mixed cropping of early and middle-ripening cultivars) was superior in grain yield components as well as post-anthesis water use efficiency (PWUE) among the mixture treatments. It appeared that mixed cropping of early- and middle-ripening cultivars had the potential for altering the intensified competition under deficient moisture conditions and may improve PWUE. Additional research for determining the best choices of cultivars, mixing ratios, sowing date, phenological differences, input requirements, and management practices for each regional environment are essential to achieve the maximum benefits.

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The increasing global realization of natural gas as a relatively abundant energy is evident from available data on increasing share of natural gas in meeting world energy requirements. India is one of the countries whose dependence on imported gas are constantly increasing. With large population and growing economy, this country is a main natural gas importer. In this paper, game theory is used to model how to enter Iran, Russia and Qatar into the natural gas market in India. Due to information available for all players, each player guesses his rival strategy, and does not wait for his action. Thus, this game is assumed to be of static nature with perfect information. Nash equilibrium solution was applied to the game among the three countries. Each player has two strategies: (1) to maintain the current market strategy and (2) the market development strategy (to enter Indian natural gas market). Due to rational behavior of three players, the equilibrium is obtained through the market development strategy. In equilibrium, players do not get the best outcome (Nash equilibrium is a balanced equilibrium, which is not established necessarily in a situation where the players have the greatest outcomes.

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      Non-competition agreement as a protective tool for certain legitimate interests has special aspects, which have not been attended and analyzed in Iranian law. This paper, regarding the particular rules of American and European countries in this framework, provides a brief notion of the ongoing non-competition agreement is going to bring up detailed issues on its dissolution and clarify the principles on modification of non-competition agreement. The arguments and results of this article not only challenge the inflexible and traditional rules of Iranian law on this subject and make clear the necessity of revising in them, but also provide some patterns and solutions in confront of dissolving and adjusting of non-competition agreement for law.              
  *  Corresponding Author 's Email: Rahbarionlaw@gmail.com  

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Exchange rate in Iran has been facing fluctuations for many years, and has been affected the economic structure. Therefore, studying the changes in Exchange rate is of great importance. In this regard, the present paper studies the effects of exchange rate shocks on investment and employment within a systematic multi-regional computable model using GTAP.8 in 2007. To assess the impact of these changes, two scenarios of a 10% increase and reduction in the exchange rate are considered. The results confirm the same movements of price and exchange rate. Increase in the exchange rate in agriculture, industry and mining sectors has caused a reduction in production and employment, but has caused an increase in both variables in the service, oil and gas sectors. The decline in the exchange rate has resulted in fall of production and consequently and employment in the service, oil and gas, sectors, but it has caused an increase in both variables in agriculture, industry and mining sectors. The total investment in all areas examined is in line with exchange rate changes. Therefore, positive exchange rate shocks can increase overall employment rate. The issue is important because the share of employment in the service, oil and gas sectors is more than its share in agriculture, industry and mining ones. In addition, the positive exchange rate shock results in an increase in investment, regarding the structure of exports and imports.  

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         The relationship between the competition law and intellectual law might be considered from different directions. There are many discussions about the interaction or conflict between these fields of law. Some schollars are believe that the rules, which are applicable in these fields are in conflict; because one of them has formed for preventing the monopolies and supervising on the economic agents’ activities to prevent the harm that can be imposed to competition in the market, and the other supports the exclusive rights arising from the intellectual properties. On the other hand, but some scholars believe that there are no conflicts between these fields. But the evidence of the last theory might be challengeable, because some scholars consider the competition law over the intellectual property law due to its features, although others believe that there is an interaction between these fields. Assuming the interaction theory or conformance of intellectual property law from the competition law, some questions will arise, and we have to find suitable answers for them: "What is the effect of domination of competition law over the intellectual property law on the general rules of contracts and their principles?" Do the general rules of contracts follow the mentioned law? Is the interaction between intellectual property law and compeptition law considered as conspiracy against the last principles?" and If it was necessary for supporting the competition, can we force the owner of exclusive right to transfer the right or to accept other's usage, of it?      
*  Corresponding author’s E-mail: rkhoshnodi@yahoo.com

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Commitment decision as a new and efficient tool has recently assisted competition authorities in dealing with competitive concerns quickly, conveniently and crucially. Unfortunately, Iranian competition law has ignored such suitable enforcement. Accordingly, having regarded the notion and functional advantages of commitment decision, the present research, in comparative study of legal approaches of EU, US and some other eminent countries, is going to provide the most suitable and favored solutions about the procedure and formalities of making commitment decision and its content, the possibility and conditions of reviewing and appealing such decisions and sanctions imposed in non-compliance, which consistent with our particular competition framework, give rise to best results.  

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The purpose of this study was to investigate dairy processors market power in Iran. For this purpose, the dynamic imperfect competition model, in which processors are allowed to exert market power in both downstream (selling dairy products) and upstream (buying raw milk from dairy farmers) was applied. Market power parameters, dairy products demand, and raw milk supply elasticities were jointly estimated in a system of equations including market margin, dairy demand, and raw milk supply equations by none linear estimation technique. Data for the period 1992 to 2012 on the industry level were used for estimating an empirical version of the model. The result indicated that conjectural elasticities values were a departure from zero, which reflected non-competitive behavior in dairy market and in raw milk market specifically. Among three dairy products including pasteurized milk, yogurt, and cheese, the conjectural elasticity was the highest for the pasteurized market and the lowest for yogurt. The result suggests that dairy industries processors exercise marketing power in the downstream and upstream market in the dairy products supply chain. Therefore, policymakers must make appropriate policy for facilitating entrance conditions for new dairy processors and improve farmers’ marketing cooperative so as to have more competitive raw milk price.

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Following the victory of the Islamic revolution, especially with the end of the war and considering macro-policies of the system based on the reduction of control of the state, competition law has appeared more than past in the area of the legislative. Besides, if the people acknowledge that the rules coincide with their beliefs, they show more commitment to it. Considering that according to the Constitution, regulations must be based on the Islamic criteria, to determine the rules governing the behavior of economic actors, they must be justified based on the Islamic criteria. The principle of 'no harm' is among the most important rules under discussion in the Islamic law, and several theories have been formulated for the provision of this principle. We explain the concepts of principle of “no harm”, and attempt to demonstrate that firstly the government (like every individual of the society) is affected by the concept of this principle, and secondly, if the provisions of the principle of "no harm" imply that the issue that a verdict has been rendered for it, if its primary effect causes harm to others, such award is declared null.  In other words, it is improbable that the legislator enacts a law that will harm others; therefore, by relying on this principle, the validity of the said rule will not be recognized.