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Volume 0, Issue 0 (Articles accepted at the time of publication 2024)
Abstract
I aim to explore whether there are similarities and differences between the ethical virtues and vices in Nahj al-Balāghah in terms of cognitive-linguistics and based on the image schemas of Evans and Green's Model piety, perseverance, expenditure are the ethical teachings, described in Nahj al-Balāghah, chosen and analyzed based on image schemas. And the vices described in Nahj al-Balāghah are Secularism, greed, and jealousy. Studying the descriptive-analytical approach, I investigate and compare the virtues and vices discussed in sermons and short sayings of Nahj al-Balāghah in terms of cognitive semantics. Finally, the findings reveal that the general types of image schemas of Evans and Green’s model (schemas of Force, Balance, Unity/ Multiplcity, Existence, Identity, Locomotion, Containment, Space) have almost similar frequencies for both the virtues and vices. Among all, the schemas of force are the most repetitive in virtues and vices. And the balance is on the second level. The research finding is significant because it shows the similarity of the virtues and vices in using the different types of schemas in Nahj al-Balāghah. Their main difference lies in the way of using the subsets of the general concepts.
Volume 0, Issue 0 (Articles accepted at the time of publication 2024)
Abstract
The human experience is shaped through effective collaboration with forces. Johnson (1987) initially highlighted the significance of force schemas in conceptualizing events. Thus, this research seeks to explore this topic using a library-based approach, focusing on the force schemas presented in Johnson's cognitive semantics model and their application in Quranic verses related to infaq (almsgiving). In this inquiry, I seek to identify which force schemas are most commonly used in these verses and how they contribute to the understanding of the concept of infaq. In the analysis of the research data on the ethical concept of infaq in the Holy Quran, the concept of force image-schemas based on Johnson's model was used. The importance of the topic of infaq and the presence of force image-schemas in it were the reasons for choosing this ethical concept. In this regard, I examined the seven types of power in the context of infaq in the Holy Quran. The results showed that the force image-schema of obligation has the most frequency. In figurative language, the divine revelation's imperative and prohibitive commands, exert a pressure that functions as a force of compultion. After the force schema of compultion, the force schema of blockage has the highest frequency. In the Holy Quran, factors such as greed, hypocrisy, disbelief, and denial are introduced as obstacles to infaq. The force schema of "deviation from the path" does not exist in the interpretation of the verses of infaq.
Volume 0, Issue 0 (Articles accepted at the time of publication 2024)
Abstract
One of the challenges and important dimensions of assessment and evaluation in language teaching is test fairness, a broad concept that includes several factors and components. In the standards of educational and psychological assessment, test fairness means that there is no bias and advocacy and the same treatment with all subjects regardless of their race, religion, gender and age. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perception and attitude of Persian language instructors to non-Persian speakers about the definition of the concept of test fairness, essential components for a fair test and the general concept of test fairness. This research has been done by field and combined methods (quantitative and qualitative). 58 Persian language instructors for non-Persian speakers were selected by available sampling and participated as a statistical sample from the Persian language instructor’s community. Homayouni standard questionnaire (2015) was used to collect data, and SPSS version 23 were used for analysis of descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. In the qualitative part of the research, 9 semi-structured interviews were conducted with the instructors and the opinions of the instructors were extracted based on the content analysis of Krippendorff (2004). The analysis of descriptive statistics findings showed that experienced instructors have a better and deeper understanding of the general concept of test fairness, the definition of the concept of test fairness and the components necessary to conduct
Volume 0, Issue 0 (Articles accepted at the time of publication 2024)
Abstract
The Quranic word "raht" is associated with two semantic domains: kinship and community, and it encompasses various meanings. The present study seeks to address the issue of why the word "raht" has multiple meanings and what its primary meaning is. Commentators and linguists have not provided any answer to this issue. These meanings are believed to have originated from potential twin roots in the Afroasiatic language family and the reasons behind the polysemy of this word by examining the processes of semantic construction of the word, along with its usages in Arab culture. This will be achieved by utilizing historical sources and then analyzing the word in the context of relevant Quranic verses, using a descriptive-analytical method. In the end, it has been established that the origins of this word can be traced back to two possible root meanings in ancient languages, one related to "combining" and "hand" and the other associated with "digging." These meanings have evolved over time and have shaped the various interpretations of the word. The association of common concepts of "group" and "collective" in classical Arabic and genealogy texts is derived from the concurrent meanings of "combination" and "symbol of the hand" in one branch of the word's historical roots and Considering the historical and cultural context of this word and its usage in the context of Quranic verses, it becomes clear that "Raht" is the smallest group within a tribe, often associated with unity and cooperation in facing or dealing with turmoil and challenges.
Volume 0, Issue 0 (Articles accepted at the time of publication 2024)
Abstract
Teachers’ Continuous Professional Development (T-CPD) is of utmost importance for language teachers. T-CPD is the stimulation for updating teachers’ subject knowledge and their teaching skills. Therefore, the predictive power of Psychological Well-being, L2 Teacher Grit, Grit-s, and Perceived Organizational Support (POS) on T-CPD was investigated through the mediating role of Work Motivation. Those who have participated in this study were 189 L2 teachers, who were from Khorasan Razavi Province, Iran. They took part in an online questionnaire. The collected data was analyzed using Path Analysis. Before running path analysis, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was run to estimate Cronbach’s Alpha. Based on the CFA, two items (one from L2 Teacher Grit and one from POS) that did not have good loadings were removed from the scales. Then, the authers used path analysis to check the causal relationship among the variables in the proposed model. The fitness indices showed good fitness. Moreover, the more domain-specific L2 Teacher Grit performed better than the Gris-s scale. These insights can inform strategies for enhancing T-CPD and improving the overall quality of education. In addition, the results put light on the design of teacher training programs and organizational policies that aim to improve teacher quality and student outcomes.
Volume 0, Issue 0 (Articles accepted at the time of publication 2024)
Abstract
With the increasing prevalence of online education, the significance of students’ self-regulation skills has never been more pronounced. Yet, many students struggle to develop and apply these skills (Bylieva et al., 2021). This transcendental phenomenological study investigates the self-regulation strategies employed by highly self-regulated university students in fully online learning environments. Participants were recruited online based on purposive and criterion sampling procedures. Data were collected through guided journals and semi-structured in-depth interviews, transcribed with Voxtab, and analyzed using Peoples' (2020) phenomenological framework and NVivo 10 software. The result revealed four major themes: meta-affective and affective practices, metacognitive and cognitive practices, socio-affective features, and tech-enhanced learning strategies. The study's trustworthiness was ensured through member checks, purposeful sampling, inter-rater agreement, and debriefing. The findings offer profound insights into students' experiences with online self-regulation. They present students with practical and effective online self-regulation strategies and provide educators with insights into course designs fostering self-regulation.
Volume 0, Issue 0 (ARTICLES IN PRESS 2024)
Abstract
The surge in biogas energy production has resulted in an accumulation of liquid digestate, a byproduct with possible agricultural utility. To discern its benefits and shortcomings, a field trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of different doses of liquid digestate on maize yield, soil salinity, leaf and grain nitrogen (N) content. The study included both single-year and consecutive two-year applications of liquid digestate at doses of 10, 30, 50, and 70 t ha-1. Based on maize N requirements, any N deficit was supplemented with chemical fertilizers. For the one-year experiment, the highest grain yield was obtained from the chemical fertilization treatment and 70 t ha-1 dose of liquid digestate. In the two consecutive years, 70 t ha-1 dose gave the highest grain yield. Liquid digestate provided N to the soil as effectively as chemical fertilization and stabilized the soil pH within approximately 1 month. However high doses of digestate resulted in increased soil salinity and decreased N use efficiency (NUE). Consecutive two-year application increased electrical conductivity (EC) and pH stabilization in the soil to a greater extent than single-year applications. However, there was no difference in the N content of the plant between single-year and two consecutive applications. In summary, liquid digestate provides significant agricultural benefits such as pH stabilization and increased inorganic N levels. However, our findings indicate that overuse can lead to soil salinity and N losses, underscoring the importance of balanced application to maximize its benefits while minimizing potential drawbacks.
Volume 0, Issue 0 (ARTICLES IN PRESS 2024)
Abstract
Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss. is a medicinal plant used in various industries due to its high health benefits, antioxidant activity, attractive flavor and aroma. Commercial yield and phytochemicals can be enhanced by cultivation management like suitable plant density. This study investigates the impact of planting density (50×40, 25×40, 12.5×40 cm caused to 5, 10, and 20 plants m-2) on the morpho-physiological traits, yield, trichomes, and phytochemicals profiles of D. kotschyi, based on a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in the Saravarsu region, Guilan province, Iran (2021-2022). The findings reveal a notable fourfold increase in various traits in 20 plants m-2 (12.5×40 cm). The highest values for parameters such as plant height (34.66 cm), branch number (14), branch length (9.34 cm), leaf number (138.33), leaf area index (105 mm2), fresh weights of leaves, and stems, as well as total fresh weight (105.1, 98.5, and 203.6 g m-2 respectively), dry weights of leaves, stems, total dry yield (26.1, 24.675, and 50.775 g m-2 respectively), chlorophyll a, b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoid content (1.038, 0.653, 1.691, and 0.898 mg g-1 FW, respectively), secretory trichomes density (14 mm-2), essential oil content and yield (0.633% and 0.322 g m-2, respectively), PAL activity (10.221 nmol g-1 FW min-1), antioxidant activity (82.85%), total phenol (1.253 mg g-1 DW), and total flavonoid (2.781 mg g-1 DW) were observed in 20 plants m-2. In conclusion, a planting density of 20 plants m-2 (with spacing 12.5×40 cm) is recommended for achieving optimal commercial yield, and phytochemical production of D. kotschyi in the Saravarsu region.
Volume 0, Issue 0 (Articles accepted for Publication 2024)
Abstract
Aim and Introduction
Economic and social instability, insecurity, and poor governance significantly increase transaction costs and investment risks while reducing incentives for productive economic activities. Institutional conditions and the political environment are fundamental factors influencing economic growth, as they affect the motivations of economic agents and thereby influence investment decisions, production organization, and overall economic performance. Macroeconomic instability, as an undesirable phenomenon, imposes both economic and social costs on society. Its persistence disturbs the national economic structure and diminishes household welfare by undermining financial security and increasing economic uncertainty.
Furthermore, effective economic policy-making and national development planning require a comprehensive understanding of the economy’s formal and informal sectors. The informal or underground economy includes activities outside the scope of official oversight, such as unregistered income, tax evasion, and operations beyond legal, social, and economic regulations. These activities are typically excluded from official GDP calculations but represent a significant share of economic production.
Modern definitions of economic growth encompass not only increases in GDP but also broader improvements in societal economic well-being. Notably, economic production occurs in both formal and informal sectors; thus, a thorough analysis of both is essential for developing effective and inclusive growth strategies. This study aims to evaluate the influence of political and economic risk, instability, and governance quality on both sectors of Iran’s economy over the period 1370–1401 (1991–2022). To achieve this, relevant indices were constructed to measure risk and instability in economic, financial, and social domains, as well as Iran’s governance performance, with the goal of identifying key determinants of formal sector strengthening and informal sector reduction.
Methodology
This research employs an endogenous growth model to investigate the factors influencing economic growth in Iran. Data on the underground economy are drawn from estimates produced using the Multiple Indicators and Multiple Causes (MIMIC) model. The methodological framework combines econometric techniques, notably Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model.
PCA is applied to construct composite indices where multiple explanatory variables are involved, particularly in capturing instability and governance indicators. ARDL is used to examine relationships among variables, given the mixed order of integration in the time series data. This dual approach enables the study to assess the impact of governance, risk, and economic instability on both the formal and informal economic sectors.
Results and Discussion
The results show that within the economic growth function, property rights and political management exert a positive influence, while economic instability and international sanctions negatively affect Iran’s economic growth. Specifically, an increase of one unit in the political management index results in a 3.0033% increase in economic growth, whereas a one-unit rise in the economic instability index leads to a 0.1935% decline in growth.
In analyzing the informal (underground) economy, the study finds that increased risk and instability, unemployment, government size, tax revenues, and sanctions all contribute to the expansion of the informal sector. Conversely, improvements in political management reduce informal economic activities. Notably, the risk and instability index shows a high impact, with a coefficient of 3.99, signifying its strong correlation with the growth of Iran’s underground economy.
Conclusion
Improved political management enhances formal economic activity while suppressing informal sector expansion. Specifically, advancements in governance indicators—such as political participation, accountability, and rule of law—help reduce the size of the underground economy and promote formal sector growth. On the other hand, economic and social instabilities, including financial market volatility, inflation, speculation, and societal insecurity, incentivize informal economic behavior, thereby undermining the formal structure of the economy.
To address these challenges, the study recommends implementing comprehensive governance and economic reforms. On the governance side, strategies should include corruption control, enhanced oversight, legal enforcement, public trust-building, and increased legitimacy of political institutions. On the economic front, stabilizing inflation, exchange rates, and market speculation—as well as improving social cohesion through targeted policies—can mitigate the growth of informal economic activities. A balanced, multi-pronged approach will foster sustainable economic development and enhance the resilience of Iran’s formal economy.
Economic and social instability, insecurity, and poor governance significantly increase transaction costs and investment risks while reducing incentives for productive economic activities. Institutional conditions and the political environment are fundamental factors influencing economic growth, as they affect the motivations of economic agents and thereby influence investment decisions, production organization, and overall economic performance. Macroeconomic instability, as an undesirable phenomenon, imposes both economic and social costs on society. Its persistence disturbs the national economic structure and diminishes household welfare by undermining financial security and increasing economic uncertainty.
Furthermore, effective economic policy-making and national development planning require a comprehensive understanding of the economy’s formal and informal sectors. The informal or underground economy includes activities outside the scope of official oversight, such as unregistered income, tax evasion, and operations beyond legal, social, and economic regulations. These activities are typically excluded from official GDP calculations but represent a significant share of economic production.
Modern definitions of economic growth encompass not only increases in GDP but also broader improvements in societal economic well-being. Notably, economic production occurs in both formal and informal sectors; thus, a thorough analysis of both is essential for developing effective and inclusive growth strategies. This study aims to evaluate the influence of political and economic risk, instability, and governance quality on both sectors of Iran’s economy over the period 1370–1401 (1991–2022). To achieve this, relevant indices were constructed to measure risk and instability in economic, financial, and social domains, as well as Iran’s governance performance, with the goal of identifying key determinants of formal sector strengthening and informal sector reduction.
Methodology
This research employs an endogenous growth model to investigate the factors influencing economic growth in Iran. Data on the underground economy are drawn from estimates produced using the Multiple Indicators and Multiple Causes (MIMIC) model. The methodological framework combines econometric techniques, notably Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model.
PCA is applied to construct composite indices where multiple explanatory variables are involved, particularly in capturing instability and governance indicators. ARDL is used to examine relationships among variables, given the mixed order of integration in the time series data. This dual approach enables the study to assess the impact of governance, risk, and economic instability on both the formal and informal economic sectors.
Results and Discussion
The results show that within the economic growth function, property rights and political management exert a positive influence, while economic instability and international sanctions negatively affect Iran’s economic growth. Specifically, an increase of one unit in the political management index results in a 3.0033% increase in economic growth, whereas a one-unit rise in the economic instability index leads to a 0.1935% decline in growth.
In analyzing the informal (underground) economy, the study finds that increased risk and instability, unemployment, government size, tax revenues, and sanctions all contribute to the expansion of the informal sector. Conversely, improvements in political management reduce informal economic activities. Notably, the risk and instability index shows a high impact, with a coefficient of 3.99, signifying its strong correlation with the growth of Iran’s underground economy.
Conclusion
Improved political management enhances formal economic activity while suppressing informal sector expansion. Specifically, advancements in governance indicators—such as political participation, accountability, and rule of law—help reduce the size of the underground economy and promote formal sector growth. On the other hand, economic and social instabilities, including financial market volatility, inflation, speculation, and societal insecurity, incentivize informal economic behavior, thereby undermining the formal structure of the economy.
To address these challenges, the study recommends implementing comprehensive governance and economic reforms. On the governance side, strategies should include corruption control, enhanced oversight, legal enforcement, public trust-building, and increased legitimacy of political institutions. On the economic front, stabilizing inflation, exchange rates, and market speculation—as well as improving social cohesion through targeted policies—can mitigate the growth of informal economic activities. A balanced, multi-pronged approach will foster sustainable economic development and enhance the resilience of Iran’s formal economy.
Volume 0, Issue 0 (Articles accepted for Publication 2024)
Abstract
Aim and Introduction
Asset bubbles arise when the prices of assets – such as real estate or stocks –significantly exceed their intrinsic value due to excessive speculation and investor euphoria. These bubbles are typically characterized by rapid price escalations that become disconnected from fundamental economic indicators, driven more by market psychology than by real economic value. Although asset bubbles may generate short-term economic benefits, they pose serious risks to financial stability, as their eventual collapse often results in sharp market corrections, financial crises, and broader economic downturns.
Monetary policy, primarily executed by central banks, plays a critical role in influencing macroeconomic conditions through liquidity management, credit accessibility, and interest rate adjustments. On the one hand, expansionary monetary policies—characterized by low interest rates and increased liquidity—can stimulate speculative investment and contribute to the formation of asset bubbles. On the other hand, central banks can use contractionary policies—such as raising interest rates or reducing liquidity—to dampen excessive market exuberance and promote financial stability.
The complex relationship between asset bubbles and monetary policy underscores a significant challenge for economists and policymakers, who must balance the goals of economic growth and financial stability. A nuanced understanding of this relationship is crucial for designing effective regulatory frameworks and policy interventions capable of mitigating harmful boom-and-bust cycles and fostering sustainable economic development.
Methodology
This study examines stock market bubbles and the influence of monetary policy in five D-8 countries, Iran, Turkey, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Egypt, over the period 2009–2023. Two key analytical approaches are employed:
Log-Periodic Power Law Singularity with Confidence Interval (LPPLS-CI) for detecting stock price bubbles, and
Asset bubbles arise when the prices of assets – such as real estate or stocks –significantly exceed their intrinsic value due to excessive speculation and investor euphoria. These bubbles are typically characterized by rapid price escalations that become disconnected from fundamental economic indicators, driven more by market psychology than by real economic value. Although asset bubbles may generate short-term economic benefits, they pose serious risks to financial stability, as their eventual collapse often results in sharp market corrections, financial crises, and broader economic downturns.
Monetary policy, primarily executed by central banks, plays a critical role in influencing macroeconomic conditions through liquidity management, credit accessibility, and interest rate adjustments. On the one hand, expansionary monetary policies—characterized by low interest rates and increased liquidity—can stimulate speculative investment and contribute to the formation of asset bubbles. On the other hand, central banks can use contractionary policies—such as raising interest rates or reducing liquidity—to dampen excessive market exuberance and promote financial stability.
The complex relationship between asset bubbles and monetary policy underscores a significant challenge for economists and policymakers, who must balance the goals of economic growth and financial stability. A nuanced understanding of this relationship is crucial for designing effective regulatory frameworks and policy interventions capable of mitigating harmful boom-and-bust cycles and fostering sustainable economic development.
Methodology
This study examines stock market bubbles and the influence of monetary policy in five D-8 countries, Iran, Turkey, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Egypt, over the period 2009–2023. Two key analytical approaches are employed:
Log-Periodic Power Law Singularity with Confidence Interval (LPPLS-CI) for detecting stock price bubbles, and
- Panel Vector Autoregression (P-VAR) for assessing the dynamic impact of monetary policy variables.
The LPPLS-CI model enhances traditional LPPLS techniques by incorporating confidence intervals, thus improving the accuracy and robustness of bubble detection. This model identifies unsustainable asset price growth and log-periodic oscillations—signals typically preceding bubble collapses. Its predictive capacity offers early warning signals that are valuable for financial market monitoring.
To evaluate the effects of monetary policy on these bubbles, the study employs the P-VAR model. This econometric framework captures interdependencies between multiple time-series variables—including stock prices, interest rates, inflation, and liquidity—by analyzing their lagged interactions. This comprehensive approach facilitates a dynamic understanding of how monetary policy decisions shape speculative trends and bubble formation. The effectiveness of this analysis depends on key methodological considerations, including appropriate model specification, lag length selection, and rigorous validation techniques.
Results and Discussion
The LPPLS-CI analysis confirms the presence of stock price bubbles across various time scales (short-, medium-, and long-term) in the selected countries throughout the 2009–2023 period. These bubbles were characterized by rapid price increases fueled by speculative behavior and optimistic market sentiment, ultimately followed by sharp corrections.
The P-VAR results demonstrated that high inflation, increased liquidity, and low interest rates were key contributors to bubble formation. These conditions encouraged capital inflows into financial markets, driving up stock prices beyond sustainable levels. However, as monetary policy conditions tightened or external economic shocks emerged, these bubbles burst, resulting in significant financial losses and increased market volatility.
The findings underscore the dual nature of monetary policy: while accommodative policies can promote growth and investment, they also risk inflating asset bubbles. The study emphasizes the need for balanced and proactive policy responses to prevent systemic instability. Regulatory oversight, timely monetary adjustments, and enhanced early warning mechanisms are crucial in minimizing the risks associated with speculative excesses.
Conclusion
Monetary policy in the examined D-8 countries significantly influences the formation and trajectory of stock market bubbles. Expansionary policies may exacerbate bubbles, leading to financial shocks, economic contractions, and capital flight when the bubbles burst. The study underscores the imperative for central banks in emerging markets to carefully manage accurate interest rates, control inflation, and stabilize liquidity to safeguard financial markets.
Key components of monetary policy affecting asset bubbles include:
To evaluate the effects of monetary policy on these bubbles, the study employs the P-VAR model. This econometric framework captures interdependencies between multiple time-series variables—including stock prices, interest rates, inflation, and liquidity—by analyzing their lagged interactions. This comprehensive approach facilitates a dynamic understanding of how monetary policy decisions shape speculative trends and bubble formation. The effectiveness of this analysis depends on key methodological considerations, including appropriate model specification, lag length selection, and rigorous validation techniques.
Results and Discussion
The LPPLS-CI analysis confirms the presence of stock price bubbles across various time scales (short-, medium-, and long-term) in the selected countries throughout the 2009–2023 period. These bubbles were characterized by rapid price increases fueled by speculative behavior and optimistic market sentiment, ultimately followed by sharp corrections.
The P-VAR results demonstrated that high inflation, increased liquidity, and low interest rates were key contributors to bubble formation. These conditions encouraged capital inflows into financial markets, driving up stock prices beyond sustainable levels. However, as monetary policy conditions tightened or external economic shocks emerged, these bubbles burst, resulting in significant financial losses and increased market volatility.
The findings underscore the dual nature of monetary policy: while accommodative policies can promote growth and investment, they also risk inflating asset bubbles. The study emphasizes the need for balanced and proactive policy responses to prevent systemic instability. Regulatory oversight, timely monetary adjustments, and enhanced early warning mechanisms are crucial in minimizing the risks associated with speculative excesses.
Conclusion
Monetary policy in the examined D-8 countries significantly influences the formation and trajectory of stock market bubbles. Expansionary policies may exacerbate bubbles, leading to financial shocks, economic contractions, and capital flight when the bubbles burst. The study underscores the imperative for central banks in emerging markets to carefully manage accurate interest rates, control inflation, and stabilize liquidity to safeguard financial markets.
Key components of monetary policy affecting asset bubbles include:
- Interest Rates: Low rates can stimulate borrowing and speculation, while higher rates can curb overheating but may suppress growth.
- Quantitative Easing (QE): Although QE enhances liquidity and asset values, prolonged implementation can fuel speculative bubbles.
To prevent crises, Policy recommendations include:
- Regulatory Oversight: Strengthen financial regulations to enhance transparency and mitigate systemic risks.
- Macroprudential Tools: Implement counter-cyclical capital buffers and risk-weighted asset requirements.
- Monetary Policy Adjustments: Implement forward guidance and timely rate changes to manage expectations.
- Early Warning Systems: Monitor key financial indicators to detect signs of market overheating.
- Investment Diversification: Encourage asset diversification to reduce systemic exposure.
Implementing these strategies can help minimize the occurrence and adverse consequences of asset bubbles, contributing to more resilient financial systems and sustainable economic growth in the D-8 member countries.
Volume 0, Issue 1 (5-2011)
Abstract
Several models have been developed to estimate land degradation rate and evaluate desertification severity. This study attempts to apply the MEDALUS (Mediterranean Desertification and Land Use) model by considering existing conditions in the Hamoun wetland, located in south-eastern Iran. At first identification of the main factors affecting the desertification phenomenon was attempted, based on field survey. These factors include climate, soil, vegetation and management practices. Results showed that land management and extreme climate are the most important factors affecting the desertification process. In addition, in some land uses, lack of vegetation accelerates the prevalent wind intensity in the study area (known as “the 120Rozeh” (means 120 days and refers to the wind, with high speeds that blow from the North to the South during summer time) – the most famous Iranian winds) which continues its path without any barrier, and erodes the land surface. Results also indicated that the study area is mostly located in the critical desertification class. Based on the results, it is known that 14% of whole region (12,273 ha) is in the low-critical class, 48.2% (42,251 ha) in the medium-critical class, and 37.8% (33,134 ha) in the high-critical class.
Volume 1, Issue 1 (NO. 1- 2011)
Abstract
Empowerment has high impact managerial and organizational efficiency and effectiveness. On the other hand, the role of entrepreneur people to create competence advantages is undeniable. The advantages of the workplace spirituality (innovation, organizational commitment and so on) can make our organization an effective organization. So relationship between psychological empowerment, workplace spirituality and entrepreneurial behavior is the aim of this research. The conceptual model of research has been designed using these three variables. For this purpose, six hypotheses were tested. It was concluded that there is a significant relationship among three variables (psychological empowerment, workplace spirituality and entrepreneurial behavior).
Volume 1, Issue 1 (NO. 1- 2011)
Abstract
According to the resource based attitude, the capabilities of information systems improve firms’ performance and competitive advantages through three ways: 1) inside-outside capabilities, 2) outside-inside capabilities and 3) spanning capabilities. Because of the importance of systematic study on the relationship between these capabilities and firms’ performance this paper was aimed at investigating this relationship using fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP). We utilized the FAHP because of existing several indices, complexity of decisions and uncertainties that are intrinsically involved in the evaluation of these capabilities. The results imply that among the criteria, return on sales and cost of sold goods are two key criteria that facilitate firms’ success. Moreover, inside-outside capabilities regard a good stimulus for improving firms’ performance. Then, firms’ internal capabilities are more important in responding to market than outside-inside capabilities.
Volume 1, Issue 1 (NO. 1- 2011)
Abstract
Remarkable progresses of science and extensive development of modern technologies have led academic ability to become one of the tools of power. Accordingly, governments are trying to promote their higher education system in such a way that their position would improve on the basis of its performance. One of the most effective ways is to develop a comprehensive and integrated model for evaluation and ranking of universities and higher education institutions. Reaching such a model needs identifying factors and criteria that are related to evaluating the universities performance, choosing compatible factors with Iran’s higher education system, classification of the criteria and finally, representing them in a model. In this research, according to the literature review and expert’s point of view, eight factors were presented as the basic parts of the model as follows: educational, research, cultural, student, management and human resource, information technology, quality assurance and educational and research space factors. By using factor analysis, the extracted criteria were classified according to these eight factors and the final model was presented. The use of this model will cause integrating the system of performance evaluation of universities and higher education institutions. It will further help them to pursue their competition in such a way that consequently help the country to reach the desired scientific capability.
Volume 1, Issue 2 (Summer 2008)
Abstract
When the elements and different components of a literary work are studied and their relation to each other and to the totality of the work is made clear,a reader can claim that she/he has had a formalistic reading of the work.Such a reading facilitates commenting on how the elements and components of the work are interrelated( vertically and horizontally). In this paper,the form and structure of a Ghazal( sonnet) of Bidel Dehlavi are re-read, using the intratextual signs.The first line reads: YEK TAARE MU GAR AZ SARE DONYE GOZASHTEI SAD KAHKESHAN ZE OJE SORAYYA GOZASHTEI The theme of this Ghazal which is continuously repeated all through the poem is "advice to return to oneself and put under observation one’s inner self in the bed of the hastening and transitory time".The subject matters of movement,passing,transition and transformation are spread all through the Ghazal .However the link between the lines of the Ghazal is not the sort of link to create a "bodily structure",rather each line of this Ghazal is a separate bead,related to the other beads by a string( the subject matters of movement and passing of time) creating a necklace( a Ghazal).
Volume 1, Issue 4 (12-2013)
Abstract
Vetiver grass is known to survive under diverse soil and water conditions. In order to test its potential of salinity and aridity tolerance ability, the effect of salinity and aridity stress on the growth of the Vetiveria zizanioides was studied by growing plants in arid soils that receiving salinity stress. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, arrangement in a completely randomized design using 5 replications. Salinity levels of 4 (as control), 20, 30 and 40 dS m-1; Aridity levels of field capacity irrigation (as control), -6 and -10 bars were applied. There was no significant effect on growth, yield, water content and chlorophyll concentration with 20 dS m-1 salinity level. There was significant effect on Mentioned parameters with 30 and 40 dS m-1 salinity levels. The root and length weight in -6 bar were significantly greater than those in control. The water content and chlorophyll concentration were highest in 40 dS m-1 and -10 bars salinity-aridity. Water content and chlorophyll concentration were lowest in 4 dS m-1 and FC salinity-aridity treatments. Our results suggest that in EC between 20 to 30 dS m-1 with -6 to -10 bars water content Vetiveria zizanioides could be used for soil rehabilitation.
Volume 2, Issue 1 (4-2002)
Abstract
In this paper, the effects of reflected waves of the facets on the internal optical intensity of semiconductor DFB lasers are investigated. The uniformity of optical intensity along the cavity length is evaluated with flatness parameter. The dependence of this parameter on coupling coefficient, reflectivity and grating phase at the facets is also studied. This investigation shows that in some structures reflected waves of the facets cause optical intensity along the cavity length to have more uniformed distribution than a DFB laser with anti-reflective facets. It is also shown that flatness parameter is very sensitive to grating phase .Thus it is necessary for designing a DFB laser to consider the effects of reflected wave and grating phase at both ends of cavity in order to increase the stability of the laser against SHB (Spatial Hole Burning) effect. The effects of reflectivity and grating phase on longitudinal distribution of photon and carrier density above threshold are investigated, too.
Volume 2, Issue 1 (4-2014)
Abstract
This article attempts to show the similarities and differences between epideictic genre in ancient western rhetoric, and the principles of praising and blaming in Islamic rhetorical textbooks. Epideictic genre is one of the three main rhetorical genres – along with deliberative and forensic genres- and its basic features may be traced in two kinds of textbooks: 1- Official rhetorical textbooks such as Aristotle’s, Cicero’s, Quintilian’s and others; 2- Sophistical textbooks such as Progymnsmata and Menander’s “Division of Epideictic Speeches”, and the treatise falsely attributed to Dionysius of Halicarnassus, namely “On Epideictic Speeches”. The aim of this article is to show that both of these approaches have some counterparts in the Muslim world. The rhetorical Islamic textbooks are somehow the counterpart of official approach, and anthologies such as “Al-yavighit fi ba’z al-mavaghit”, “Tahsin al-ghabih va taghbih- al hasan” and many others reflect the sophistical approach to praising and blaming. Finally, the article concludes that although western and Islamic cultures differ fundamentally from each other, however, when it comes to praising/blaming, they are mostly on the same track.
Volume 2, Issue 2 ((Articles in Persian) 2011)
Abstract
Music is one of the effective factors in the global poem and literature. Particularly, if the poet’s work is composed based on the conscience truth and humanitarianism, and is far from any artificiality and artifice as well as is replete with various types of musical additives. Sadi Shirazi and Shamsuddin Kufi have made their odes more musical through selecting the two Tavil and Kamel meters (as the best models of expressing the man’s heartfelt feelings) and applying such various kinds of imagery as pun, symmetry, antithesis as well as appropriate words and the musical satire, in a accordance with the meaning and musical atmosphere of ode. The musical atmosphere of these two odes represents the increasing strangulation and the heavy atmosphere of Mugul attacks. In these two odes, the atmosphere is filled with anxiety, grief, internal blast, severity and violence, and one can observe these points in each rhythm of their ode letters. In addition to these advantages, Sheikh Shirazi’s being a non-Arab and the downfall governing the then Arab society following Mugul attack, have triggered some problems as the prosodic error of Esraf and Ejazeh in the music of these two worthwhile poets’ odes. An attempt has been made in this work to investigate the musical atmosphere of Sadi Shirazi and Shamsuddin Kufi’s odes through library research and by using structure analysis method.