Search published articles


Showing 244 results for Pan


Volume 0, Issue 0 (Articles accepted at the time of publication 2024)
Abstract

The present study aimed to examine the use of different levels of syntactic architecture in written personal and fictional narratives in both Persian and English across three discourse communities, namely Persian native speakers, English native speakers, and Iranian EFL learners. To this end, the participants of the study were selected based on convenience sampling and were asked to write one of their happiest memories. Also, an English fable from Aseop's fables and a Persian story, chosen based on comparative literature and having the similar plot, were given to them to read and write whatever they remembered; there was no limit on the number of words and paragraphs. To analyze the data, the Berman and Nir-Sagiv's (2009) model was followed. The findings showed that in fictional narratives written by both Persian and English native speakers, isotaxis, asymmetric parataxis, complement (CMP), and parataxis levels were frequently employed; however, personal narratives in Persian were dominantly isotactic, paratactic, and asymmetric paratactic, CMP, while isotactic, hypotactic, and paratactic levels were frequent in English written personal narratives. Also, after receiving explicit instruction on different types of English sentences, the use of adverbial and relative clauses (hypotaxis level) increased in Iranian EFL learners' written narratives. It can be concluded that explicit teaching of syntactic levels enabled EFL learners to arrange their sentences correctly to express their intended meaning. Teachers can benefit from the results to gain a more comprehensive understanding of narrative connectivity and help EFL learners elaborate clause linkage in their written narrative tasks.
 

Volume 0, Issue 0 (Articles accepted at the time of publication 2024)
Abstract

Despite the abundance of research on the language teachers’ pedagogical knowledge base (PKB), there is a scarcity of studies probing into the teachers’ individual differences and how they relate to the teachers’ instructional effectiveness. To address this gap, we investigated the association of language teachers’ pedagogical knowledge and their instructional efficacy, shedding light on the similarities and differences in the knowledge base of the teachers. Through administering a context-specific self-efficacy test, eight teachers were selected based on their scores and put into two groups. Afterwards, a 90-minute instructional session of each teacher was video-recorded and later used in a stimulated-recall interview with the teacher. The verbal reports were transcribed verbatim and subjected to thematic content analysis to identify the teachers’ pedagogical thoughts. The results indicated significant differences between the groups, with the high efficacy group reporting an average of 4.18 thoughts-per-minute in contrast to 2.85 thoughts-per-minute reported by the low efficacy group. Five of the dominant knowledge categories were common between the two groups, though with varying frequencies and ranking. The findings offer implications for attending to the construct of self-efficacy and its sources in teacher professional development, as well as the socio-cognitive and emotional side of teacher preparation and development.

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

Sweet potato is one of the most important root crop worldwide. This study aimed to compare agro-morphological characteristics of four sweet potato varieties (Martina, Janja, Lučka, Purple Speclet) from organic farming with additional information about their genetic background. A total of 26 agro-morphological traits were evaluated during vegetation. Pre-grown seedlings were planted in organic fields during the 2021 growing season using the soil ridge cultivation method. The study showed significant differences between varieties in quantitative (except for the extent and intensity of anthocyanin colouration on abaxial veins) and qualitative traits (except for the number and length of primary shoots and internode diameter). The varieties Lučka and Martina proved to be significantly higher yielding compared to the other two varieties. The genetic background of the varieties was evaluated on 8 SSR loci using allele polymorphisms with a total number of 34 different alleles and an average polymorphic information content of 0.60. The favourable informativeness of the selected markers was confirmed by the global genetic diversity of 0.68. The assignment of each genotype to two genetic groups agrees well with the varietal distribution in the phylogenetic tree and the results of the analysis of the genetic structure (Martina/Janja and Lučka/Purple Speclet). The present study contributes to a better knowledge of the sweet potato varieties considered and their agro-morphological and genetic diversity.

 

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

This study aimed to identify the optimal red currant cultivars for mechanized harvesting by evaluating the bush's morphological structure and the berries' mechanical parameters. Fourteen red currant cultivars were assessed during the 2021-2022 season, and their berry quality indicators and mechanical parameters, including separation force (Fs) and crushing force (Fc), were measured. The results showed that the cultivar plays an important role on the bush's morphological structure, while the berries' mechanical parameters impact the efficiency of harvesting process. The high correlation between Fs and Fc allowed for predicting the optimal harvesting periods of the cultivars. Among the cultivars, 'Rolan', 'Jonkheer Van Tets', 'Rovada', 'Red Lake', 'Asya', 'Vika', and 'Niva' were considered as technological cultivars and suitable for mechanized harvesting. This study emphasizes the importance of considering genetic and morphological factors when selecting red currant cultivars for mechanized harvesting and provides valuable insights for breeding and developing new cultivars adapted to mechanized harvesting.
 

Volume 1, Issue 1 (12-2010)
Abstract

Lentiviruses are considered one of the most effective recombinant viruses for gene transfer to mammalian cells and tissues. In this study, the potential of HIV-1-based lentiviral vector to deliver transgenes into avian cells was examined. We co-transfected human embryonic kidney cell line HEK-293T with three lentivirus vectors called transfer, packaging and envelope vectors. We collected the supernatant from transfected cells 24 and 48 hours post-transfection and filtered them immediately. Then we subjected the filtered supernatant to Amicon protein columns for concentration purposes. Centrifugation removed a larger part of the supernatant presumably free of viruses and left behind a small volume of darken solution full of virions. We thereby produced a 500-µl-volume of virus stock. Various dilutions of this stock were added to chicken liver cell line LMH. The initial sign of infection appeared within 48 hours and by 96 hours post-infection 100% the LMH cells positively expressed transgenes. Our results indicated that the human HIV-1-based lentivirus vectors are capable of transducing and transferring foreign genes into chicken cells. Given the need for a high-titer virus stock for successful target cell transduction, our results indicate that the filtration method of virus concentration is able to produce high virus titer and is cost-effective and less time consuming than ultracentrifugation or other traditional methods.

Volume 1, Issue 1 (2-2016)
Abstract

Background: Low back pain is the most common cause of disability and absence from work among young and middle-aged people. As there is limited knowledge regarding this problem among Iranian students, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of low back pain and its ‘related socio demographic factors among students of Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. Material and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study in which 200 students of Islamic Azad University were selected purposively. Demographic questionnaire and Ronald-Morris Disability Scale were used to collect data regarding characteristics and disability caused by back pain. Data were entered SPSS16 and analyzed through descriptive and analytic statistics. Results: In total, 190 students including 78 (41%) men and 112 (59%) women were assessed. Of all studied students 113 individuals 65.9% were suffering from low back pain and 91 students
(47.8%) were suffering from pain related disability. Body mass index (BMI) was normal in most participants. There was significant negative relationship between low back pain and physical activity (P = 0.006). Conclusion: To sum up, the results of this study verified a significant relationship among low back pain and disability. Moreover, the students who were more active and were living in good socio-economic status were less probably to suffer from low back pain and disability.

Volume 1, Issue 2 (6-2016)
Abstract

Introduction: Quality of life plays a considerable role in individual and social health. Low back pain is the most common musculoskeletal disorders and cause negative impacts on various aspects of life. The aim of study was to compare the quality of life of students with and without low back pain.
Methods and Materials: This was across-sectional study performed among students at the Faculty of Humanities, Islamic Azad University, and west branch in Tehran., Iran. 200 students took part in the study and the SF-36scale was used to assess the quality of life of the participants.
Findings: The mean score of overall quality of life, physical, and mental health of the participants were 67.87 ± 19.07, 72.36 ± 21.53, and 63.20 ± 21.34 respectively. There was a significant relationship between quality of life and socio-economic status (p = 0.007), physical activity (p = 0.002) and smoking (p = 0.007). About %60/3of all participants (N = 114) reported back pain history. There were significant relationship between quality of life and low back pain (p = 0.0001).
Quality of life in students with back pain was less than those without back pain.
Conclusion: Considering the underlying factors affecting the quality of life of students, this study showed low back pain could also diminish the quality of life of the students.

Volume 1, Issue 3 (3-2004)
Abstract

The word hemmat in Farsi conveys the meaning of will, endeavor, effort and high-mindedness while in the view point of the wise it is one on the spiritual wayfaring level. In other words it is the wings for spiritual flying of the wayfarer to reach to the high end. Hemmat is the factor for working and reaching the God’s benevolences and it also will promote the patience and tolerance against the difficulties. The nature of the wayfarers’ high-mindedness is not only ignoring the worlds but it is the destination of the wayfarers. Although some of the wayfarers may reach the end without making any efforts and only by the God’s mercy but, it is necessity as it directs their willing and promote the accomplishments and confirmations by God and accelerate reaching to the end. High Hemmat is not limited to the affairs within the capability but, it covers the affairs more beyond the capability.       
 

Volume 1, Issue 4 (10-2016)
Abstract

Background: Back pain is one of difficulties in communities that has negative effect on various aspect of life. The purpose of this study is to assess the aspects of life quality and its relationship with disability due to low back pain among students.
Methods and Material: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 200 eligible students were enrolled through purposive available sampling. Data was obtained based on demographic data questionnaire, the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire and SF-36 inventory. All data were entered into SPSS version 19 and analyzed.
Results: Results of this study showed that 60.3 percent (114 people) of students were living with low back pain. Based on Roland-Morris disability questionnaire, 80 percent (91 people) of those with low back pain were suffered from disability. The chi-square test showed there was a significant relationship between quality of life (QOL) (mental health and social function) and disability due to low back pain,. It also was shown that indirect relationship between all aspects of QOL and disability due to low back pain was existed.
Conclusion: This study indicated low back pain could affect not only on students' physical aspects of quality of life but also psychological and social aspects of quality of life could be decreased. Considering these effects of low back pain among students, multidimensional interventions regarding bio- psychosocial dimensions recommended to improve the quality of life of this target group.

Volume 2, Issue 1 (5-2012)
Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the impact transformational leadership on knowledge workers' organizational behavior citizenship in Iran’s National Oil Company. The research method was descriptive-correlative. 97 experts working at staff Units of Iran’s oil Company were selected, using census method. In order to collect data, two questionnaires were used.1- Bass and Avalio’s transformational leadership questionnaire (a=. /78), 2- Podsakoff’s OCB questionnaire (a=. /89). To analyze data, Pearson’s correlation and structural equation model were used. The finding showed that there was a positive relationship between organizational behavior citizenship with transformational leadership and its components: Idealized Influence, Inspirational Motivation, Intellectual Stimulation, and Individualized Consideration. The findings also showed that there was a positive relationship between all components of transformational leadership (i.e., Inspirational Motivation, Intellectual Stimulation, and Individualized Consideration) and components of organizational citizenship behavior (i.e., conscientiousness, courtesy, sportsmanship and altruism). The finding structural equation model showed that transformational leadership impact on organizational behavior citizenship in Iran’s National Oil Company. key word: transformational leadership , organizational behavior citizenship, Idealized Influence, Inspirational Motivation, Intellectual Stimulation, Individualized Consideration, Iran’s National Oil Company key word: transformational leadership , organizational behavior citizenship, Idealized Influence, Inspirational Motivation, Intellectual Stimulation, Individualized Consideration, Iran’s National Oil Company key word: transformational leadership , organizational behavior citizenship, Idealized Influence, Inspirational Motivation, Intellectual Stimulation, Individualized Consideration, Iran’s National Oil Company

Volume 2, Issue 1 (1-2017)
Abstract

To determine the occurrence of Work related Musculoskeletal Disorder (WMSD), its prevalence and risk factors among school teachers in India. 100 questionnaires was passed out and sent to teachers of different schools ranging from primary school to higher secondary schools across Kolkata and Aizawl. 72 percent of the teachers responded. A standardized Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (DMQ) was used. Neck pain was the most prevalent musculoskeletal complaint, reported by 53.52% of the respondents while chronic neck pain was not reported by the teachers. Shoulder and back pain were less prevalent than neck pain but the prevalence of chronic pain in these body sites were higher. Furthermore wrist/hand and knee pain were less prevalent than the other complaints. Working with hands above the shoulder was the highest reported risk factor (62.27%). School teachers are susceptible to WMSD with a significant prevalence for neck, shoulder, back, wrist/hand and knee pain. Prolonged working nature like bending the neck forward/backward or holding the neck in a Forward/backward posture, same movements with arms, hands or fingers many times, hands above the shoulder level, reaching with arms or hands and standing are important factors which affect the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders.

Volume 2, Issue 1 (1-2017)
Abstract

Since back pain is the most common pregnancy-related symptom, this study aimed to determine the effect of exercise training on disability due to low back pain in pregnant women.
In this interventional study 120 pregnant women referring to the health centers in Karaj, were randomly assigned into two intervention (n = 60) and control (n = 60) groups, respectively. The demographic questions and standardized Quebec questionnaire were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using SPSS software ver. 21 and appropriate statistical tests.
Totally 120 pregnant women (60 participants in each group) took part in this study. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of disability due to low back pain before the intervention (P > 05). However, after intervention, the disability score in intervention group was less than the control group significantly (1.4 ± 0.86 in intervention group compared to 2.23 ± 1.12 in control group with P < 0.0001).

Volume 2, Issue 3 (Autumn 2019)
Abstract

In graded structure aerogels, change of pores diameter through the thickness affects the effective thermal conductivity. As the pores diameter is reversely correlated to the density, the effective thermal conductivity of aerogel is often normalized to the density and it is expressed as the B parameter. Lower values of B would be the optimum conditions for the resulting aerogel. The objective of this work is to simulate the heat transfer of the homogenous structures and to compare it with structures that pore diameter vary through the thickness. For this purpose, the structure characteristics and properties of silica aerogel along with the effect of coupling thermal conductivity have to be taken into consideration. Using the COMSOLMultiphysics®software, the heat transfer was modeled for a number of cases, including homogenous structures with minimum density (L), maximum density (H) and for an optimum structure (OPT) having a minimum value of the B parameter. The results were compared to thestructurally graded aerogels in which the density was varied in two fashions, from higher values to lower (HtL) and from lower to higher values (LtH). The change of temperature with time was tracked for all the cases. Results indicated that the minimum value of heat transfer was obtained for the structurally graded aerogel of the type of LtH (a 2-percent increase of efficiency for LtH when compared to the optimum structure (OPT)). Therefore, this structure introduce as the best candidate for producing a thermal insulator.

Volume 3, Issue 1 (3-2014)
Abstract

Six belonolaim species were collected from grasslands of Sabalan region. The found species belong to genera Amplimerlinius, Merlinius, Nagelus, Neodolichorhynchus, Paramerlinius and Tylenchorhynchus. Among the found species, Neodolichorhynchus judithae is reported for the first time from Iran and is characterized byhaving offset head, cuticule with 16 longitudinal ridges, delicate stylet 21-23 µm long, presence of post intestinal sac and tail with annulated terminus.

Volume 3, Issue 1 (Number 1 - 2001)
Abstract

Many investigations have demonstrated that arid regions display ideal conditions for remote sensing applications such as, land cover/land use detection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the capability of Thematic Mapper (TM) thermal band in land cover/land use mapping in the Ardakan region of Yazd province, an area of desert with severe salinity conditions, and the Mook region in the Farse province, an area of mountains, forests, dry farming and orchards. Landsat TM imagery recorded on September and October, 1990 were used for land cover/land use classifications of Ardakan and Mook areas respectively. Maximum likelihood classifications were used by including TM thermal band (TM6) in band combinations. The results of image classifications showed that TM6 has improved the accuracy of classification in Ardakan, while no meaningful role was found in Mook region. Based on the results obtained it may be concluded that the effectiveness of TM bands for classification is highly dependant on land cover type, climatic, and geographic conditions. Based on the results obtained it was also concluded that TM6 plays a key role in separating urban and dark colour salt crust classes as in Ardakan area. In other words, in climatic and geographic conditions represented by dry surface and sparse vegetation, thermal band data may prove more useful.

Volume 3, Issue 2 (9-2013)
Abstract

  Managerial researches emphasize an organizational contingency elements rule at improving the performance. Although, few theorical and empirical researches were implemented upon the influencing elements at organizational performance. This paper is an effort to fill gaps of corresponding issue. For this, exploration and searching the literature and expert interviews (DELPHI) resulted in formulation of 14 contingent elements which impact the military organization performance. Then, an importance- performance analysis technique based on experts needs and expectations was used to prioritize the elements performance. This technique also presents weakness and strength of influencing performance elements. In this paper, to improve the validity and practical aspects of importance- performance analysis technique, experts and personnel of mentioned organization were interviewed. Then, two quantitative and qualitative techniques multiple regression and DEMATEL final values as integration of implicit and explicit importance respectively are used to extract the importance rates. Finally, the performance rate extracted through interviews based on likert values as well as importance rate applied to build the importance- performance matrix in four quadrants which based on two axes (importance, performance) to analysis the feature of located elements in each quadrant.    

Volume 3, Issue 2 (Number 2 - 2001)
Abstract

To use remote sensing data effectively, one must understand the spectral characteristics of the particular features under investigations. To study the relationship between soil salinity and soil reflectance, four MultiSpectral Scanners (MSS) and seven Thematic Mappers (TM bands) over the Ardakan playa located on the Central Iranian Desert margins were selected. In this study soil map, soil salinity observations, an interpolated soil salinity map and 13 images in all, including 7 TM, 4 MSS and 2 Normalised Difference Vegetation Indices (NDVI) images were used. After smoothing the imagery using a 3× 3 kernel, and delineating the bare soil from vegetated areas, the correlation coefficients between soil salinity (Electrical Conductivity) and related Digital Number (DN) values from TM and MSS bands on different soil types, such as gypsiferons and saline soils, were calculated. The results obtained demonstrate the trend of the correlation coefficients between soil salinity and the related DN values of MSS and TM bands. Based on the results obtained, we may conclude that the presence of gypsum in soil plays a significant role in lowering the correlation coefficients between soil salinity and surface reflectance -further studies are required to draw more general conclusions. From the results obtained we may also conclude that the behavior of band 6 of TM on gypsiferous soil is completely different from that on saline soil and, therefore, we may generally conclude that Landsat TM imagery with six reflective bands, on the one hand, and the TM thermal band as complementary information to the TM reflective bands, on the other hand, contained some useful information that may play an important role in soil salinity studies and also the detection of gypsiferous soils in desert areas.

Volume 3, Issue 2 (9-2014)
Abstract

The early morphological development and allometric growth pattern of Caspian kutum (Rutilus frisii kutum) during early development (from 0-35 days post hatch=dph) was studied. Morphological data were obtained using ImageJ software from 2D pictures and allometric growth patterns were computed based on Log10 y = Log10 α + βLog x function. Based on inflexion point of morphological traits and body shape changes, the early developmental of kutum were divided into Eleuthero-embryo, Propterygio-larval, Pterygio-larval” and younger juvenile phases, each of which included vital developmental events. Rapid and intense changes occurred during Eleuthero-embryo and Propterygio-larvae stages such as development of gills, depletion of yolk-sac and exogenous feeding, development of feeding apparatus, sense organs and organs related to swimming performance. The results also revealed that developmental changes occurred in agreement with the inflexion points of morphological characters and their developmental priority imply on functional importance of feeding, respiration and swimming related structures.

Volume 3, Issue 2 (summer 2022)
Abstract

Background: Part of the current issues related to mobility in urban spaces goes back to the definition and measurement of mobility. Mobility is the capacity to be mobile. Regarding that capacity relates to the individual's mind or the built environment, mobility is defined differently.
Objectives: This study aims to review the theories related to mobility and thus provide a theoretical and operational framework for measuring mobility in urban spaces.
Method: In this regard, the Content analysis method has been used to analyze the data in phases of Preparation, Organization, and classification.
Results: The results of content analysis show that these theories can be divided into three categories of subjectivist, environmentalist, and pluralist theories; Subjective theories focus on the mental nature of mobility and regard mobility as a function of individuals' habits, attitudes, motivations, and norms; In contrast, environmentalist theories pay special attention to the impact of environmental factors such as density, land use mix, and accessibility on the mobility of individuals. Pluralist theories consider citizens' differences according to their personal characteristics and situation, and therefore consider diversity and difference effective in mobility and involve them in the evaluation and measurement process.

Conclusion: The study of the factors affecting mobility shows that mobility is a complex and multilevel concept that is influenced by many factors; therefore, if urban planners want to improve the urban mobility system, they must pay special attention to the role of all these factors and the relationships between them.

Volume 3, Issue 3 (9-2014)
Abstract

In 2010- 2012 surveys, witches'- boom disease of tomato was observed in Borazjan area (Bushehr province, Iran). Agent of the disease was transmitted from tomato to tomato and eggplant by grafting and to Madagascar periwinkle via dodder inoculation, inducing phytoplasma-type symptoms in inoculated plants. Presence of phytoplasma in naturally affected tomatoes and all symptomatic graft and dodder inoculated plants was confirmed by direct and nested polymerase chain reactions (PCR) using primer pairs P1/P7 and R16F2n/R16R2. BLAST search and phylogenetic analysis of 16SrDNA showed that detected phytoplasma belonged to peanut witches'- broom (16SrII) group. Phylogenetic analysis, percent homology and virtual RFLP indicated that, as a member of 16SrII group, Borazjan tomato witches’- broom (BTWB) phytoplasma together with Bushehr eggplant and alfalfa witches’- broom (BEWB and BAWB, respectively) phytoplasmas were classified with Candidatus Phytoplasma australasia, a phytoplasma related to 16SrII-D subgroup. Based on the same analysis, BTWB, BEWB and BAWB phytoplasmas were differentiable from three other Iranian 16SrII related phytoplasmas associated with alfalfa witches'- broom diseases in Yazd and Fars provinces and lime witches'- broom disease in southern Iran.This is the first report of tomato witches'- broom disease and characterization of its associated phytoplasma in Iran.

Page 1 from 13    
First
Previous
1
...