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Showing 203 results for Du

Nematullah Shomoossi, Mehrdad Vasheghani Farahani, Somayeh Ghaffari Heshajin, AbDurrashid AbDurrashid Khazaei Feizabad,
Volume 0, Issue 0 (Articles accepted at the time of publication 2024)
Abstract

Translation Studies seems to have succeeded to establish itself as an area of enquiry for scholars. Patterns of flourishing this discipline with its diverse audience is not well studied, though. The present study used scientometric and bibliometric analyses to identify and assess topics and trends of Translation Studies over time, as evidence of evolution over the course of time. Documents (from 1931 to 2021) were extracted from Scopus to examine relevant indicators; document types, top journals, authors’ networks, institutes/universities, organizational support, countries and interdisciplinary contributions. In addition, VOSviewer, network and cluster density visualization and word co-occurrences were utilized to analyze and evaluate the development of the field. Trend analysis was considered at three intervals. The analyses showed that over a 90-year time span (1931-2021), 13916 documents were published by 21509 authors from 16323 institutes/universities that contributed to the scientific mobility of Translation Studies. Authors’ cooperation from 124 countries emerged in four clusters led by the US, the UK, Spain and China. In its course of development, Translation Studies witnessed a remarkable proliferation of documents since the 2000s onward. Relevant topics were shown by keywords analysis, and interrelationships of Translation Studies with other disciplines were explored. The findings offer analyses of trends and topics in Translation Studies, as evidence of scientific evolution, attested by the interdisciplinary contributions and bibliometric findings.
 
Salman Hintaw AbDulhussein, Mohammad Amiryousefi, Manijeh Youhanaee,
Volume 0, Issue 0 (Articles accepted at the time of publication 2024)
Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to examine the interrelationships between the perception of social and teaching presences and the satisfaction of basic psychological needs, persistence, intrinsic motivation, and negative emotions of Iraqi EFL learners in online courses. To this end, 200 intermediate Iraqi university students studying English were recruited to participate in the study. Then they were asked to complete self-report questionnaires on their perception of social and teaching presence, satisfaction of basic psychological needs, intention to persist, intrinsic motivation, and negative emotions. SEM analysis showed that the students’ perceptions of social and teaching presence had a positive relation with their satisfaction of basic psychological needs, persistence, and intrinsic motivation. The results, however, showed that there was a negative relationship between the students’ perceptions of social and teaching presences and boredom, anxiety, and shame.  The results imply that providing opportunities for students to interact effectively with their instructors and peers in online classes in a socially supportive environment can lead to positive outcomes. The implications of the study are discussed, and suggestions for further research are proposed.
Anh Phuong Dang, Duy Khang Nguyen,
Volume 0, Issue 0 (Articles accepted at the time of publication 2024)
Abstract

This study investigates the instructional strategies Vietnamese EFL lecturers prefer to employ to teach productive skills of general English in online and face-to-face teaching environments. Thirty-eight lecturers from 6 Vietnamese universities participated and responded to a questionnaire with 29 close-ended questions detailing instructional strategies. Four of the participants were invited to join the semi-interview about the reasons for their preference for instructional strategies. The collected data were analyzed with descriptive statistics for Quantitative data and content analysis for qualitative data. The findings indicate that the most favored strategy in both teaching environments is describing pictures while opinion sharing and group discussion are much more favorable in the face-to-face than in the online teaching environment. Additionally, certain strategies are preferred in the face-to-face setting over instruction in the online setting and vice versa. Some primary reasons for lecturers’ preference for instructional strategies were identified and participants gave some recommendations of choosing appropriate strategies for teaching productive skills via interviews. These findings highlight EFL lecturers' preferences in selecting instructional strategies to teach English productive skills in the two teaching contexts and underscore implications for choosing proper instructional strategies.
Hisham Al-Shahri, Badri AbDulhakim Mudhsh,
Volume 0, Issue 0 (Articles accepted at the time of publication 2024)
Abstract

This study explores teachers’ readiness to implement generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in their teaching and learning processes, alongside the benefits and challenges related to its utilizations in the Omani context. The data analysis process involved analyzing responses from the 5-point Likert scale questionnaire using descriptive statistics. A sample of 61 teachers with different qualifications from different educational institutions in the Sultanate of Oman participated in the study. The findings revealed that teachers had a positive level of readiness to implement GenAI, highlighting a spectrum of readiness levels, such as attending training sessions about GenAI, and a significant willingness of utilizing GenAI tools in their classes. On the other hand, teachers reported a positive benefit and experience in improving their teaching, stating that GenAI enables them to save their time, improves their teaching experience and job satisfaction, and offers them adaptive learning and instant feedback. However, findings revealed number of challenges for teachers such as a lack of awareness about policies and ethics in implementing GenAI tools, and their cost. Moreover, teachers indicated a moderate concern regarding the challenges of integrating GenAI tools into their teaching practices. Based on the findings, the study provides significant insight for teachers, policymakers, and syllabi designers, stressing the significant importance of preparing teachers to efficiently integrate GenAI in their pedagogical duties to make the most educational potential while mitigating related risks.

Volume 0, Issue 0 (ARTICLES IN PRESS 2024)
Abstract

Effects of part replacement (20, 40, 60, 80 and 100%) of whole wheat flour by composite flour (based on foxtail millet, proso millet and buckwheat flours in equal proportions) on physical, nutritional, sensory and antioxidant properties of multi-millet cookies were investigated. Increase in the ratio of composite flour in the blend and formulated cookies resulted in increase in ash, fiber, fat and protein and decrease in moisture and carbohydrate contents. Increase in supplementation levels of composite flour added to the TPC, DPPH, reducing power and FRAP and decrease in metal chelating activity of cookies. Maximum gain in thickness and weight as well as loss in diameter, spread ratio and bake loss were observed with the highest composite flour substitution. Color values such as a* was found to be enhanced whereas L* and b* were found to be weakened, simultaneously NEB values got increased upon substitution. A 60% blend of composite flour with whole wheat flour was selected best used in the cookie’s formulation on the basis of sensory evaluation. Overall, this study demonstrates that millet based composite flour can effectively improve the functional values of formulated cookies, in addition to an option for the development of gluten free products for celiac patients. 

Volume 1, Issue 0 (In Press 2022)
Abstract

Aims A family history of obesity, physical inactivity, and an unhealthy lifestyle was associated with an increased risk of diabetes in young individuals. Most published studies had focused on single risk factors such as BMI, Physical activity, and dietary lifestyle, while the combined effect and existence of those factors were largely neglected.
Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 666 male students. Based on their family history of diabetes, their anthropometric measurements were also taken, and their BMI was calculated and categorised based on WHO standards.
Findings The results showed a significant correlation between obesity, family history, and diabetes, with a significant correlation between diabetes and obesity and also had a high positive correlation. While remaining correlations were also significant.
Conclusion The study concluded that a high proportion of students are at risk of diabetes and recommended an integrated intervention program to encourage healthy eating habits and physical activity and improve awareness.

 

Volume 1, Issue 1 (4-2014)
Abstract

Background:Estrogens play a substantial role in the proliferation, progression and treatment of breast cancer by binding with two estrogen receptors, alpha and beta (ERα and ERβ). Resistance to endocrine therapy is a major problem in the treatment of breast cancers and, in some cases, may be related to loss of ER gene expression. We have already showed that ERα methylation occurs in high frequency and may be one of the important mechanisms for ERα gene silencing in a subset of Iranian primary sporadic breast cancers. In the other hand, the CpG Island methylation status of ERβ and the relationship between clinicopathological features and the pattern of ERβ methylation in sporadic breast cancer are still unknown, especially in Iranian women. Methods: In this study, we examined the exact role of DNA methylation in the estrogen receptors, alpha and beta genes using Combined Bisulfite Restriction enzyme Analysis (COBRA) and Methylation specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP) methods in 34 tissue and 40 peripheral white blood cells in the breast cancers. Results and Conclusions: ERα promoter methylation was identified in 29(72.5%) tissue samples and 35(87.5%) peripheral blood. Among these ERα-methylated cases, the co-occurrentmethylation of ER promoter in peripheral blood and tissue samples was evident in 25 (71.4%) patient (P=0.56). Furthermore, ERβ promoter methylation was detected in 13(32.5%) tissue samples and 4(10.0%) peripheral blood specimens. Of these ERα-methylated cases, the co-ocurrent methylation of ERβ promoter in the peripheral blood and tissue samples was evident in 1(7.7%) patient (P= 0.11). Based on COBRA analysis the percentage of DNA methylation at methylation-sensitive BstUI restriction site of the ERα promoter A ranged from 1% to 91%. The percentages at promoters A region showed a borderline associations with lymph node involvement (P=0.079, r=0.55) and a significant correlation with the grade of tumors (p= 0.27, r=0.65). No significant relation was found between ERα promoter and ERβ promoter methylation (Odds ratio =2.82, 95%, CI =0.28–28.5, P=0.36). The methylation of promoter ON was observed in only a subset of tumors without ER by IHC. In addition, we did not find any significant correlationbetween the prognostic factors such as grade, tumor size, lymph node involvement, and methylation status of this promoter. Our results indicate that methylation of ERβ promoter ON is not responsible for the loss of gene expression in of all breast tumors.

Volume 1, Issue 1 (Winter 2023)
Abstract

Rice farmers in the study area as elsewhere in some developing parts of the world have been negatively affected by floods annually. There have been several solutions, some suggested and others implemented to mitigate the effect of these floods on the farmers. Different initiatives have been undertaken by various stakeholders in the food production chain. Providing a multidimensional approach to highlighting these initiatives is essential to an effective and efficient resolution. The prospects and challenges of incorporating technology, capacity development, business and government support have been evaluated. The solutions proposed in this paper would bring economic benefits to the rice farmers, private companies, and government, leading to the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2- Zero Hunger and the other 16 SDGs.
 

Volume 1, Issue 2 (10-2013)
Abstract

The present work is a comparative study of Aristotelian and narrative dramas with reference to “Oedipus Rex” by Sophocles and “Mother Courage and Her Children” by Bertolt Brecht. The basics of Aristotelian drama come from Aristotle’s Poetics, which was considered as an undisputed tradition in drama until the eighteenth century. The aim of this dramatic tradition is catharsis, which is achieved through pity, fear and empathy in the audience. Among the other main principles of Aristotelian drama are the observance of the three units: dramatic climax and peripetia, and the first and the last moments of excitement. The narrative drama is based on Bertolt Brecht's non-Aristotelian theories in drama. Brecht believes that we must create a critical distance from daily events through alienation so that the audience can reconsider them and develop a critical view. The duality of the actor's role, the inconsistency between the actor's thought and action, time leaps, musical interruptions of the story, strong lightening on the stage, a half-empty stage with a half open curtain, the use of titles at the beginning of the scenes, and putting placards that free the audience from illusions are some of the alienation techniques used in Mother Courage and Her Children. Aristotelian drama emphasizes the unity of sequences and coherence of events, and considers the play as a whole, which aims at involving the audience wholeheartedly and making the audience identifies himself with the hero of the play.  In contrast, narrative drama is a  montage of single  scenes, which causes pauses in the play. In this type of drama, the audiences, because of frequent interruptions, does not get involved in the play, gets distance from the scenes, and is persuaded to critically view the play, present solutions, and make decisions. In sum, the fundamental difference between these two types of drama lies in the effect they have on the audience. In this work, an attempt has been made to discuss the major difference between Aristotelian and narrative dramas with a number of examples taken from Oedipus Rex and Mother Courage and Her Children.  

Volume 1, Issue 3 (Summer 2023)
Abstract

This study focuses on determining the concentration of fluoride ions in selected hand-dug wells and investigating its health implications in Gwagwalada Area Council, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The necessity for this investigation arose from observed health issues, including dental and skeletal fluorosis among the residents in the area. Fifteen sampling points (well water sources) were chosen in the study area, and a total of forty-five samples (three per sampling point) were collected. The calorimetric water quality analysis method was employed to analyze these samples in the laboratory. Additionally, the Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) interpolation method was used to generate a spatial variation map for fluoride ion concentration using ArcMap. The results indicate a concentration range of 0.122 mg/L to 1.910 mg/L across the study area. When compared with the recommendations for fluoride ion concentration in the Nigeria Industrial Standard (NIS) for drinking water (0.1 – 1.0 mg/L), approximately 67% of the sampling points (10 out of 15) fall within the recommended values, while 33% fall outside. The areas with higher fluoride ion concentrations include Dupa 1, Dupa 2, Tunga Maje 1, Tunga Maje 2, and Old Kutunku 2. The study concludes that the observed dental and skeletal fluorosis in these areas can be attributed to the consumption of water with high fluoride concentrations. Consequently, the study recommends increased attention from both local and federal authorities to provide potable water for human consumption in these areas to address the associated health challenges.

Volume 1, Issue 3 (Summer 2023)
Abstract

Following years of contamination, rivers may experience sig­nificant levels of heavy metal pollution. Our research aims to pinpoint hazardous areas in these rivers. In our specific case, we focus on the floodplains of the Meuse River contaminated with zinc (Zn). Elevated zinc concentrations can lead to various health issues, including anemia, rashes, vomiting, and stomach cramping. However, due to limited sample data on zinc con­centrations in the Meuse River, it becomes imperative to gen­erate missing data in unidentified regions. This study employs universal Kriging in spatial data mining to investigate and pre­dict unknown zinc pollutants. The semivariogram serves as a valuable tool for illustrating the variability pattern of zinc. To predict concentrations in unknown regions, the model captured is interpolated using the Kriging method. Employing regression with geographic weighting allows us to observe how stimu­lus-response relationships change spatially. Various semivario­gram models, such as Matern, exponential, and linear, are uti­lized in our work. Additionally, we introduce Universal Kriging and geographically weighted regression. Experimental findings indicate that: (i) the Matern model, determined by calculating the minimum error sum of squares, is the most suitable theoret­ical semivariogram model; and (ii) the accuracy of predictions is visually demonstrated by projecting results onto a real map.

Volume 2, Issue 1 (3-2014)
Abstract

Water quality is a serious issue in tropical grasslands that must be addressed to ensure the continuity and sustainability of water resources. This study aimed to assess the stream water quality of tropical grassland under long-term moderate (2.7 animal unit ha-1 y-1 for 34 years) and short-term heavy (5 animal unit ha-1 y-1 for 2 years) grazing systems at catchment and farm scales in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Water samples were collected in the streams of both grazed and ungrazed grasslands monthly throughout the year. Samples were analyzed forpH, EC, DO, NH3-N, COD, TSS, BOD5, fecal coliform (FC) and E. coli. Harkins’ index was used to classify stream water quality status. Mean values of NH3 and FC were similar amongst the streams in both catchment and farm (P>0.05). Mean values of TSS, COD, BOD and pH of streams in grazed grassland were higher than those in streams of ungrazed grassland in both catchment and farm (P<0.05). DO concentration was similar amongst the streams in the catchment or farm(P>0.05). Water quality of the streams in grazed grassland wasclassified as class II, however, the streams in ungrazed grassland had water quality of class I in the catchment. Water quality was not affected by short-term heavy grazing in farm scale. The negative impact of grazing on water quality was prominent in long-term moderately grazed grasslands than short-term heavily grazed grassland.

Volume 2, Issue 1 (3-2016)
Abstract

  Background : Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune disease characterized by selective destruction of pancreatic beta cells.   Methods: The study included 80 children, 20 of them have T1DM, 40 children were selected from first degree relatives to the same child and 20 healthy children serve as control. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated, random blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (GHbA1c) were measured. The following biochemical markers were measured in sera of all subjects by ELISA kits: Human insulin ,C-peptide, human islet cell antibody (ICA), insulin auto antibodies (IAA) and antiglutamic acid decarboxylase (anti-GAD) antibodies. Results : This study showed that diabetic children had high level of ICA (65%), IAA (55%), anti-GAD antibodies (50%) and decrease in C-peptide (60%). Whereas the relatives showed high level of anti-GAD antibodies (30%), IAA(25%), ICA(2.5) and decrease in C-peptide (30%). Anti-GAD antibodies were significantly higher among the relatives of the diabetics compared to the healthy controls. Conclusions : The strongest predictors of diabetes were C- peptide and islets cell antibodies, which had odd ratio 4.7 and 3.1, respectively. Autoantibodies could distinguish T1DM patients from healthy control subjects and they may also identify individuals at high risk during progression from pre-diabetes to overt disease.

Volume 2, Issue 3 (Autumn 2019)
Abstract

One of the miniaturization of heat transfer equipment is enhancing the convective heat transfer coefficient. The main aim of this study is design and producing a kind of nanofluid based on water and ethylene glycol. Graphene was synthesized via electrochemical method and its successful production was confirmed with XRD, FTIR spectrum and, SEM and TEM images. By using different amount of graphene i.e. 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.25, and 1.5%, water/ethylene glycol/graphene nanofluid was produced. Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) was used as surfactant to improve graphene stability in the base fluid. The designed experimental setup was composed of spiral tube with constant wall temperature and equipped with flow meter and pressure and temperature indicators. Nusselt number and pressure drop were measured for pure water and compared with those obtained from theoretical relations and it was found that the setup works properly. Convective heat transfer coefficient, Nusselt number, and heat transfer rate were investigated for water/ethylene glycol (60/40 wt.%) and nanofluid with different amount of graphene using experimental setup. The results showed that by adding 1 wt.% graphene into the based fluid the convective heat transfer coefficient increased about 50% while pressure drop was also increased about 50%. Overall, the findings of this research work support the potential of water/ethylene glycol/graphene nanofluid for using in heating/cooling equipment.
 

Volume 2, Issue 4 (12-2014)
Abstract

Conflagration of forests and rangelands is one of the most frequent events in Iran. It is regarded as one of the most important parts of land degradation that occurred due to range destruction and desertification. This study was conducted in Boroujerd, Lorestan Province in west of Iran in 2013 to determine the fire risk model. The data prepared for the study area involved the vegetation types, land use, elevation, slope, aspect, standard topographic map and mean annual climatic data (evaporation, rainfall and temperature). Landsat ETM+ data were used for the image analysis. Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) model was applied to weigh and generate the fire risk map. Results showed that the highest weight of factors has been given to the land use because land use contribute to the maximum extent due to inflammability factor. The second highest weight was related to rainfall since it caused the biomass growth (fuel factor). Land use and rain played important roles in the modeling of fire risk zonation. The third one was attributed to the evaporation because of fuel drying and highly inflammability. The other variables comparatively had less impact on fire risk. Based on the statistics achieved for different weight classes, the map was reclassified into five classes as very low, low, moderate, high and very high in order to generate fire risk area map. Also, final map showed that most of the fires which occurred in the last year (5 fire control points about 4812.323 ha) might be put in the firing class of very high risk. Finally, about 42353.36 ha of the total area fell in the class of very high fire risk. The results indicated that 90% of burned areas were located in high risk class.

Volume 3, Issue 1 (3-2014)
Abstract

Xanthomonas campestris pv.musacrearum causes Banana wilt disease (BXW disease) which occurs at different epidemic phases in East and Central Africa (ECA). In the endemic areas, there are many banana fields with over 80% BXW disease incidence. This study aimed at rehabilitating banana fields heavily infected with BXW disease in Uganda, Kenya and DR. Congo. Farmer managed trials were established in BXW disease hotspots in western Kenya and DR. Congo, while in Uganda, similar trials were established at community level i.e. clusters of at least 200 heavily infected banana fields. The control options evaluated included single stem removal, suspension of pruning in affected fields, male bud removal and disinfection of tools with fire or Sodium hypochlorite. Data was collected on the proportion of affected fields (BXW disease prevalence), BXW disease incidence and the number of banana bunches sold at 3-month intervals. BXW disease incidence was reduced by over 80% in 11 months in Kenya and DR. Congo, resulting in yield recovery by up to 70% within one year. In Uganda, the proportion of farmers that effectively controlled BXW disease increased 5% to 60% within a year in some hotspots. Consequently banana sales recovered up to 30% in some hotspots. This study demonstrates that it is possible to effectively control BXW disease within 12 months in previously severely infected fields in various areas of ECA.  

Volume 3, Issue 2 (6-2017)
Abstract

The social vespid wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Vespinae and Polistinae) was studied in Bhutan during 2014-2016. A total of fifteen species were collected and identified that all of them are reported as new records from Bhutan: Vespa vivax Smith, V. velutina variana van der Vecht, V. fumida van der Vecht, Dolichovespula lama (du Buysson), Vespula flaviceps Smith, V. nursei Archer, V. vulgaris (Linnaeus), V. structor (Smith), Polistes (Polistella) nigritarsus (Cameron), Parapolybia varia (Fabricius), P. nodosa van der Vecht, Ropalidia artifex (de Saussure), R. stigma (Smith), R. ornaticeps (Cameron) and R. rufoplagiata gravelyi (Dover & Rao). Diagnostic characters and geographical distribution of all species are presented.

Volume 3, Issue 4 (2-2015)
Abstract

The effect of two salinity concentrations (35 and 40 ‰) on the daily feeding and burrowing activities of the sea cucumber, Holothuria parva was investigated, using the nutritional parameters (intestinal  indices, organic materials, and the absorption efficiency). Although no significant difference between the initial and final sections of the intestinal gut of sea cucumbers in two saline conditions was found, the maximum level of intestinal indices, organic material and absorption efficiency was associated with the 40‰ salinity. The survey results displayed that sea cucumber had better feeding activity in 40‰ than 35‰ salinity.  

Volume 3, Issue 11 (Autumn 2022)
Abstract

The current research aimed to provide a model of the social responsibilities of the table tennis federation. The method of the current study was a mixed method that used a mixed-exploratory strategy. The statistical population was sports management professors, social science professors, elite athletes and sports managers, and in the qualitative part, 14 people were selected by purposeful sampling. In the quantitative part, 387 samples were included in the study. The tool of the qualitative part was a semi-structured interview. In the quantitative section, a researcher-made questionnaire, which had 36 questions, was used. In this research, thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data. In the quantitative part, descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, frequency, frequency percentage, etc.) and inferential statistics (Cronbach's alpha coefficients, first- and second-order confirmatory factor analysis, one-sample t-tests, and Friedman's test) were used. The results showed that 53 subcategories were obtained from qualitative data analysis, which were placed in 12 main categories. Finally, from the obtained categories, five main concepts of sustainable development, diplomatic, social, health and organizational responsibilities were obtained. It was also found that the final research model has sufficient fit. According to the results, the social responsibility dimensions of the table tennis federation are prioritized as follows: sports, organizational, legal and economic, political, international, social-cultural, media, environmental, humanitarian, health and ethical. The results of this research can serve as a road map for the table tennis federation to fulfill its social responsibilities.


Volume 3, Issue 11 (Autumn 2022)
Abstract

Although creating special value in professional sports teams is popular, the process of shaping the brand equity of the sports team in the sports marketing literature is still relatively unknown and not fully understood. This study provides a dual identification model to examine how to build the brand value of a sports team. This study aims to investigate the role of team identity antecedents and team brand identity in constructing the brand equity of Traktor football team fans. The research method is descriptive-correlation and is applied based on the purpose. The statistical population is all the fans of the tractor manufacturing team. The sampling method is unlikely and available. The sample size was estimated based on sample power software. Two hundred and sixty-four people participated in this study. The face validity and content of the questionnaires were confirmed by a survey of 5 sports management professors, structural validity was confirmed using convergent and divergent validity, and reliability was confirmed by using α and CR. The results showed that market characteristics (including social experience, outstanding group experience, history, and fan etiquette) and symbolic stimuli (including similarity, distinction, and brand credibility) significantly correlated with team and brand identity. In addition, identification with the team identity and brand identity of the sports team are significant predictors of the brand equity of the sports team. These findings emphasize the dual identification study's importance in forming the brand equity of the sports team for sports team managers.
 

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