Showing 690 results for Ke
Volume 0, Issue 0 (Articles accepted at the time of publication 2024)
Abstract
Abstract
Examining the meaning of a word with the approach of cognitive semantics, through the radial network, analyzes the change of the meaning of the word in different contexts in the form of a systematic pattern. In this view, the word has a central meaning, which is also seen in the secondary concepts. Based on this, the secondary meanings that are proposed for the word are somehow tied with the central meaning and a semantic network is formed. Due to the fact that this theory can explain the semantic development of the word and clarify how they came about, we decided to use it to explain the semantic network of zikr in the Qur'an with a descriptive and analytical method. Dealing with the word zikr according to this theory leads us to the following conclusions: The linguistic remembrance of Allah along with the presence of the heart is the central meaning of the word zikr. This meaning is the central core of the coherent semantic network, which consists of six radial meanings based on the first meaning.
Volume 0, Issue 0 (Articles accepted at the time of publication 2024)
Abstract
Critical Thinking (CT) which has been defined as the employment of cognitive skills or strategies for obtaining sound conclusions (Halpern, 2013) has been the subject of different Second Language (L2) studies at national and international levels. The aim of the present study was to provide a meta-analysis on the (quasi) experimental studies of critical thinking in second language education in Iran. To this end, from a total of 168 studies published between 2011 and 2020, 24 studies were selected based on the inclusion-exclusion criteria. The included studies were coded to calculate the mean effect size of the studies. The results show that 1) L2 teaching was positively effective for the CT development in Iran; 2) the most beneficial aspects of L2 teaching on CT promotion were related to teaching L2 speaking and L2 rhetorical strategies; 3) concerning L2 proficiency level, L2 instruction was most advantageous for advanced students’ CT developments; 4) regarding the age groups, L2 teaching contributed the most growth in CT levels for learners in the age group of 10-14 years, and 5) L2 teaching was most effective for the undergraduate students compared to other educational levels. The findings can be beneficial for pursuing the next moves in L2 research, education, and planning educational policies in Iran.
Volume 0, Issue 0 (Articles accepted at the time of publication 2024)
Abstract
The present study aims to investigate the distribution of meaning in the narrative space of Abu Torab Khosravi's novel "Rood Ravi" drawing on the views of Yuri Lotman (1922-1993), a prominent semiotician and founder of the Tartu-Moscow School of Semiotics. Lotman posits that active sign systems within specific social and geographical contexts derive their significative power from their interaction with a large body of signs present in the collective memory of the people of that context. In his book “Universe of the Mind” (Lotman, 1990), he refers to this conglomeration of signs as the "semiosphere," which he characterizes by features such as boundary, heterogeneity, and centrality. According to Lotman, significative density within the semiosphere is not uniform, and the density of meaning increases as one moves from peripheral regions to the center with cultural meta-structures charging more elements with meanings in the central regions. The study adopts a descriptive-analytical approach to investigate how temporal-spatial elements and character actions acquire meaning in the narrative space as the story progresses towards the center of Dar al-Miftah. The findings suggest that cultural meta-structures load more elements with signification in the central regions, resulting in a higher concentration of meanings in these areas.
Volume 0, Issue 0 (Articles accepted at the time of publication 2024)
Abstract
The positive role of reflective teaching and well-being as means of fostering teaching quality has mainly remained at the level of speculation and there is little empirical evidence to illustrate their impact on enhancing professional development. To fill this existing gap, this study examines the contribution of reflection and psychological well-being as predictors of professional development. Adopting a mixed-methods approach, 350 English language teachers were selected randomly and participated in a survey. Following that, six teachers through purposeful sampling participated in a focus group interview to investigate the relationship among the aforementioned variables. The correlational analysis confirmed the positive relationship among these three constructs and a structural equation modeling indicated that both reflection and well-being significantly predicted professional development; however, well-being was a stronger predictor compared to reflection. The qualitative analysis of data revealed four main themes contributing to professional development among teachers. The pedagogical implications are also elaborated and discussed.
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 0, Issue 0 (ARTICLES IN PRESS 2024)
Abstract
Entomopathogenic fungi, Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae are important and effective biocontrol agents against arthropod pests. Compared to chemical insecticides, insect pests do not easily develop resistance against these fungi. In this study, the mortality and phenol-oxidase activity of the Helicoverpa armigera 3rd instar larvae were evaluated after exposure to the B. bassiana and M. anisopliae. The LC50 values for B. bassiana and M. anisopliae were 0.795 ×106, and 5.972 ×107 spore ml-1, respectively. LC30 and LC10 of either entomopathogenic fungi were injected into body of larves, then, 24 and 48 hours after injection, their hemolymph was extracted. After 24 h the highest and lowest phenol-oxidase activity was observed in LC30 of M. anisopliae, and LC10 of B. bassiana, respectively. After 48 h of infection, phenol-oxidase activity increased in all treatments. At the LC30 of M. anisopliae, the highest phenol-oxidase activity was recorded, and other treatments also showed a significant difference compared to the control. Five types of hemocytes including prohemocytes, plasmatocytes, granulocytes, onocytoids, and spherulocytes were identified in the hemolymph of larvae. The highest total hemocytes count (THC) was recorded in LC30 M. anisopliae at 9 h after initial infection. Our results showed that both fungi have the ability to affect phenol-oxidase enzyme activity. These microbial insecticides exhibited high potential for controlling the pest.
Volume 0, Issue 0 (ARTICLES IN PRESS 2024)
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a class of organic pollutants, have been observed to exert deleterious effects on plant growth and various physiological processes. In this study, the effect of different concentrations of phenanthrene (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 ppm) on growth parameters, photosynthetic pigments, some antioxidant enzymes, and some biochemical compounds of the maize plant were investigated. The experiments were conducted as pot cultures of plants under controlled conditions using a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications for each treatment. Increasing phenanthrene concentration reduced all studied growth parameters and significantly increased photosynthetic pigment contents. Phenanthrene led to the increase in catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase activities in the roots but in shoots, only the peroxidase activity was increased. Moreover, higher phenanthrene concentrations were associated with elevated levels of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide, coupled with a marked reduction in soluble sugar content in both shoot and root tissues (p<0.05). Also, increase in phenanthrene concentration in the shoots decreased the total phenol and flavonoid contents compared to anthocyanin. Phenanthrene treatment led to a significant reduction in the concentrations of lauric acid, meric acid, palmitic acid, and oleic acid in maize shoots. In conclusion, it seems that high concentrations of phenanthrene induce oxidative stress in the maize, and plants improve their enzymatic antioxidant system to moderate the stress condition. In addition, damage of cell membranes by phenanthrene leads to weakening of plants root system as well as disordering in water and nutrient uptake and finally reduction in the plant growth.
Volume 0, Issue 0 (ARTICLES IN PRESS 2024)
Abstract
The Ministry of Agriculture Jihad in Iran implemented contract farming (CF) for wheat in 2021 to address marketing issues. This study compares agricultural sustainability for farmers participating in and not participating in CF. Agricultural sustainability was assessed by applying a combined index approach that considers economic, social, and environmental dimensions. The required data came from 620 wheat farmers in Golestan province, sampled using the multi-stage randomization technique. The data were evaluated using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and clustering methods. The findings indicated a significant difference in the performance of economic and environmental sustainability dimensions between two groups of wheat farmers. For the participants, 14.2% were deemed unsustainable, 47.7% were considered partially sustainable, and 38.1% were classified as sustainable. For non-participants, the figures were 38.7%, 47.7%, and 13.5%, respectively. Therefore, it is suggested to provide more opportunities for participation in this program and expand it to other key crops. Additionally, authorities should provide more information about the benefits of the CF plan.
Volume 0, Issue 0 (ARTICLES IN PRESS 2024)
Abstract
Climate change (CC) is one of the major challenges of our time that impacts rangelands regionally and globally. The rising vulnerability among pastoralists highlights the need to prioritize resilience thinking. Pastoralists' resilience refers to the ability of rangeland businesses to endure, adapt to, and remain flexible in the face of threats or challenges. This research was conducted with the primary goal of analyzing the factors that influence resilience from the perspective of pastoralists in Tehran province under CC conditions. This research was both goal-oriented and exploratory in methodology. The study sample consisted of 317 pastoralists selected through stratified random sampling. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire. Software SmartPLS was used for data analysis. The validity of the questionnaire was assessed using the average variance extracted, while its reliability was established by calculating composite reliability and Cronbach's alpha. Data were analyzed using the structural equation modeling technique with Smart PLS software. The structural equation modeling indicated that economic, institutional, ecological, physical, social, educational and extensional and individual factors had the greatest impact on Pastoralists' Resilience under Climate Change (PRCC) conditions. These factors explained 75.5% of the PRCC conditions.
Volume 0, Issue 0 (Articles accepted for Publication 2024)
Abstract
Aim and Introduction
One of the most critical criteria for assessing the development of the digital economy is financial deepening. Most analysts agree that financial deepening can accelerate economic growth. Economic policy orientations are increasingly aligned with the objectives of financial deepening, underscoring its growing significance. The digital economy is characterized by its large scale, rapid development, and strong connectivity—factors that demand more accurate and efficient financial support.
Financial deepening refers to the multi-dimensional strategy for establishing a market-oriented, multi-level financial system to foster economic growth. This approach includes the expansion and development of financial markets, the creation of innovative financial products and services, the reform of financial institutions, and the strengthening of financial supervision. The digital economy today extends beyond the realms of electronics, communication, and information industries, and has deeply integrated with the traditional economy. It no longer represents merely a part of the economy but increasingly defines it as a whole. Given its potential for growth and high profitability, the digital economy and its associated industries require substantial financial support.
Financial deepening enhances the stock of liquid assets, expands financing channels, and directs capital flows toward competitive, high-yield digital sectors—thereby promoting their rapid development. Financial institutions are increasingly supporting emerging industries through targeted credit policies and are actively facilitating the digital transformation of traditional sectors. Furthermore, regional financial deepening improves the accessibility of financial intermediaries—such as banks and venture capital firms—to real-time corporate information. This reduces financing constraints, broadens financing channels, lowers capital costs, and provides firms with more diverse financial options.
For digital economy enterprises, financial deepening improves resource allocation efficiency through the integration of advanced technologies such as big data. It enables the effective investment of funds in critical areas of the digital economy, thereby fostering its development. As the digital economy expands, it becomes essential to manage the associated financial risks. Financial deepening addresses these concerns by reinforcing the financial market infrastructure, enhancing the regulatory environment, and adopting comprehensive risk management strategies to ensure the sector's sustainable and healthy growth.
Moreover, financial deepening spurs innovation in digital payment systems, digital currencies, financial technologies, and other related fields, resulting in more efficient and accessible financial services that underpin digital economy growth. Overall, financial deepening plays an important role in reducing financial constraints, enhancing resource allocation, managing financial risks, and providing vital financial services to support the robust and sustainable development of the digital economy.
Methodology
This study employs a random dynamic panel model using the Spatial Generalized Method of Moments—Dynamic Panel Data (SGMM-DPD-SDM) framework with two-stage Arellano-Bond estimation and random dynamic coefficients. To evaluate the effects of financial deepening, economic openness, government size, and economic growth on digital economy development in MENA countries, spatial econometric techniques are applied. In this model, the development of the digital economy is the key dependent variable.
The selection of explanatory variables—namely financial deepening, economic openness, government size, and economic growth—is grounded in theoretical foundations. The inclusion of the lagged dependent variable in the model introduces autocorrelation between the explanatory variables and the error term, violating one of the classical assumptions of panel models. Consequently, the use of ordinary least squares methods in fixed and random effects models would yield biased and inconsistent estimates. Therefore, dynamic panel data techniques are employed to ensure robustness.
Findings
The results indicate that financial deepening significantly enhances digital economy development. Additionally, its spatial effects reveal that financial deepening in one country positively influences neighboring countries. According to the spatial lag estimation, the digital development of a given country is affected by the weighted average of digital development levels in neighboring countries, with an estimated effect of 0.82.
The estimated coefficients for economic growth, government size, and economic openness are all positive and statistically significant, confirming their direct contribution to digital development. Moreover, these variables exhibit spatial spillover effects, further validating the presence of regional interdependencies. All spatial proximity-related variables are statistically significant, underscoring the importance of spatial and regional dynamics in understanding the influence of these factors on digital development.
Discussion and Conclusion
To promote financial deepening and foster the growth of the digital economy, the following recommendations are proposed based on the research findings:
Gradual reforms in the financial system should be pursued, with an emphasis on improving the efficiency and quality of financial services through the establishment of a sound regulatory framework. Strengthening the capacity of financial services for the real economy and encouraging traditional financial institutions to enhance their service offerings will ensure robust financial support. Simplifying approval processes for digital economy enterprises and lowering funding thresholds are also crucial for enabling the rapid development of this dynamic sector.
Encouraging innovation in financial products and services tailored to the needs of the digital economy—such as those based on e-commerce platforms and blockchain technologies—will drive further progress. Additionally, promoting direct financing through the gradual liberalization of capital markets and increasing their share in the financial system can significantly stimulate economic growth.
Welcoming foreign investment and facilitating the entry of international financial institutions will bring in much-needed capital and advanced financial technologies. These measures will not only enrich the financial ecosystem but also accelerate the digital transformation process across the MENA region
Volume 1, Issue 1 (Winter 2023)
Abstract
Volume 1, Issue 1 (Spring and Summer 2024)
Abstract
The foreign policy of Saudi Arabia in the international system is, above all, the result of this country's competitive view of the Islamic Republic of Iran and security equations in the West Asian region. The present study, through documentary research and reflective analysis technique aims to explain how Saudi Arabia, in order to shape strategic depth, controls international waters, influences the political structure of African countries, and creates a stream of Salafi groups in Africa, and how it seeks to reduce Iran's power, pose a threat to Iran, and increase its offensive capacity. Saudi Arabia believes that Iran has a high offensive capability in the region and can easily become a country with aggressive and war-initiating power. By shaping the policy of expanding geopolitical and strategic depth, interventionism and dominating the cultural discourse of Saudi Arabia in Africa, it is trying to turn the security equations into acute security threats for the Islamic Republic with trans-regional balancing.
Volume 1, Issue 2 ((Articles in Persian) 2010)
Abstract
The Semantic Script Theory of Humor is the first complete linguistic theory on humor. This theory, that was in fact a radical departure from the traditionally taxonomic approach of puns and humor, was first introduced by Victor Raskin. He was the first linguist that analyzed the structures of humor from the semantic view point, and could identify the structure of joke. In Raskin’s view, a semantic theory must include two abstract concepts: a set of the whole scripts available to the speakers and a set of compositional rules.
The purpose of this article is to introduce this theory and to answer this question that which objections on the basis of Persian data may be made to this theory. For this purpose, we studied a number of Persian jokes published in Iranian Humor Press, and by the analysis of these texts, we could show some weaknesses of the theory.
The results of this study showed that the way of analysis in Raskin’s Semantic Scripts theory, which is based on listing all of the scripts involved in the words used in the humorous text, has some weaknesses in analyzing Persian Jokes; such as not being compatible with the linguistic processing realities and for having time-consuming redundant complexities, it is not applicable on long Persian jokes.
Volume 1, Issue 2 (7-2013)
Abstract
Abstract:
Relying on the dramatic effects and all cultural potentials of Iranian old and poular literature, this paper aims to deal with the possibilities to contemporarize them for new media productions. Literature is one of the most prominent icons of Iranian rich culture. A notable part of Iranian literature is composed of folklores and popular narratives, which are genuinely full of novel themes and authenticated knowledge to be adapted into film and TV series. The present research will show why exactly Iranian contemporary film-makers and play writers, despite the existing large culrual legacy, have failed so far to apply the potential capabilities. Using a pathological approach to the historical discontinuities happened during the evolution of dramatic functions of Persian old narratives, this study attempts to present a qualitative assessment of these literary art works. After reconsidering the most significant elements of Iranian popular narratives, the paper goes then to propund some common ignored challenges concerning the "adaptation" techniques for media productions. Finally, we would describe a typical narrative of Iranian folklore by which a practical method for new possible adaptation for Iranian TV drama might be provided.
Volume 1, Issue 2 (12-2015)
Abstract
A survey was conducted in fields of cucumber and watermelon in Bengaluru, India during April 2014 for dertermination of the common parasitoids (Hym.,Braconidae, Aphidiinae) attacking melon aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemi., Aphididae). Three species of Aphidiinae, including Aphidius platensis Brethes, 1913; Binodoxy sacalephae (Marshall, 1896) and Lipolexis oregmae(Gahan, 1931) were collected and identified, from which Aphidius platensis is newly recorded from India. The early evidence of Aphidius colemani in India can also be contributed to A. platensis. Diagnostic characters of three species with closely related species are briefly discussed.
Volume 1, Issue 2 (6-2016)
Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of disability and pain intensity among two groups of governmental employees and sellers who suffering from chronic low back pain.
Material and Methods: This descriptive–analytic study was performed from Dec 2015 to Mar 2016among employed staff members of education ministry (N = 50) and 40 sellers with chronic low back pain who were selected through non-random sampling method. The research tool was Oswetry inventory to inspect the pain intensity and level of disability of the participants. Statistical descriptive/analytic method was used to analyze data through SPSS V16.
Results: Totally, 90 participants included 50 employees with an average age of 45.14 ± .85 years and 40 sellers with an average age of 45.42 ± 0.98 years took part in this study. The variables as age, weight, height were the same in the two groups (P > 0.05). There were significant difference between the two groups in terms of BMI2.01 (3.42-.59), pain: 0.55 (0.18-0.92), lifting disability: 0.77 (0.28 to 1.25), walking 1.03 (0.56 to 1.49), sleeping-0.26 (-0.51 -0.002), sexuality 2.07 (1.32 to 2.82), social life. 0.43 (-0.82 -. 03), mean total score of functional disability in performing activities 4.35 (1.93 to 6.77) which were better in the employed group rather than the other group.
Conclusion: This study showed the functional disability and related effective factors were different between employees and sellers. Therefore, categorizing individuals who suffering from back pain into homogeneous groups and investigating the effective factors of disability in each group of people are recommended.
Volume 1, Issue 3 (9-2013)
Abstract
Fish larvae have a high requirement of amino acid (AA) for energy production and growth. This study was aimed to increase knowledge of AA profile during feral carp larval ontogeny and estimate larval AA requirements. Larvae were collected randomly at 1, 3, 7, 11, 15, 19, 26 and 33 days post hatch for growth and AA analysis. The composition of total AA changed significantly during ontogeny. The essential AA profile of marine carp showed low correlation with rotifers (R2=0.22). High correlation was found between dry food and early larval ages (R2≥0.7) but was lower in late stage (R2≥0.37). At day 7, when larvae were fed on rotifers, methionine seemed to be the limiting AA and when larvae were fed dry food at day 11, 15, 19, 26 and 33, arginine seemed to be the limiting AA. Larval indispensible AA profile can be used as index of the IAA requirements of carp larvae. Supplementation of larval diet used with limiting AA is one way for compensating the deficient amino acid.
Volume 1, Issue 3 (Summer 2021)
Abstract
The article’s main aim is to investigate the relationship between wonder and philosophical thoughts and between surprise and abductive thoughts. We critique the Platonic belief that philosophy begins from wonder and argue that the explanatory and normalizing function of knowledge in societies and naturalistic ontology neutralizes the astonishment and makes ineffective its impact on philosophical thoughts. In contrast, we argue that the genesis of philosophical thought is due to deep speculation and introspective temperament of the mind and skeptical exploration of the existing knowledge and beliefs. Abduction has been the recent research subject of various disciplines. Next, the paper is devoted to a new investigation of abductive inference, subjective abduction, and its relationship with the emotion of surprise and dramatic events. We explain this amazing mental ability regarding subjective estimation of probability and intuitive expectation. At last, some fallacies arising from abductive reasoning are discussed.
Volume 1, Issue 4 (12-2012)
Abstract
Biological efficacy of Trichoderma species may differ due to variations in ecosystems. This study was conducted to assess the biocontrol efficacy of some native Trichoderma isolates against Fusarium oxysporum, an important causal agent of potato wilt disease under laboratory and greenhouse conditions in Shahrood Agricultural Research Center, Shahrood, Iran during 2006-2007. Fourteen isolates were collected among which eight showed promising ability in inhibiting growth of the pathogen through dual culture and production of volatile and non-volatile metabolites but T. asperellum (T2) and T. atroviride (T3) were almost more efficient than other isolates in inhibiting the mycelial growth of the pathogen in comparison to control (P ≤ 0.01). Eight isolates were evaluated against the disease under green house condition. Potted plants treated with Trichoderma isolates + F. oxysporum showed lower disease incidence in comparison to Fusarium infested control (P ≤ 0.05). Best disease control was observed in potted plants treated with F. oxysporum + T. asperellum (T2) showing 2.5% disease incidence in contrast to Fusarium infested control, in which disease incidence was 73%.
Volume 1, Issue 4 (10-2016)
Abstract
Background: Sport and exercise therapy can be used for low back pain's prevention. This research was aimed to evaluate the level of functional disability, pain intensity difference between the two groups of patients with chronic low back pain.
Methods: this study was a cross-sectional-applied research conducted from December 2015 to March 2016 on the employed (N = 50) and nonemployee people (N = 40) suffering from chronic low back. Physical activity level and demographic properties in all subjects were measured by Baecke physical activity questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16.
Results: Totally, two groups employees (N = 50) with an average age of 45.14 ± 0.85 years old and the non-employee (N = 40) people with an average age of 45.42 ± 0.98 years old took part in the study. No significant differences was observed between both groups on such variables as age, weight, height (P > .05). Significant difference was observed between the mean body mass indexes between two groups so that among the employed group was more than the non-employed (p < .05). Significant difference was observed about the physical activity (p < .05) and exercise (p < .05) between two mentioned groups in free time.
Conclusion: This study revealed the different groups of people who have different jobs may be different due to physical activity.
