Sharif Digital Repository

Energy subsidies are one of the most challenging issues for many countries in the world, specially oil and gas exporting countries. Iran is one of the countries that has lost more than ten percent of its GDP due to energy subsidies in recent years. In this thesis, we are going to analyze experiences of different countries and try to provide policy makers with generalizations about this problem so they can implement reform policies more successfully. We have used Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) methodology. This method can provide modest generalizations by using systematic cross-case comparison between a small number of cases. Details of this method and reasons behind choosing it are... 

Many regulations around the world use the Newmark method, directly or indirectly, in the design spectrum. Research on the Newmark design spectrum shows that this spectrum sometimes significantly differs from the earthquakes response spectra that have occurred; therefore, it is necessary to develop and introduce new design spectra by modifying the Newmark method to be more compatible with reality. The developed design spectra in seismic regulations around the world are directly affected by the records involved in their development. Thus, the appropriate design spectrum should be prepared based on the seismic characteristics of the faults of each country. Evaluation of the Iranian Seismic...