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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.
 

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Nowadays, entrepreneurship and knowledge-based companies are highly considered. This study aimed to investigate the factors affecting Psychological Capital (PSyCap) in two groups of agricultural and non-agricultural knowledge-based companies from Science and Technology Park (STP) of Fars province, Iran. The population included the companies located in the STP incubators in Fars province. The data were collected from 238 participants (100 from agricultural and 138 from non-agricultural companies) as a sample through a questionnaire. Regarding the effect of services and facilites provided by STPs on the performance of companies at incubators, it is suggested that such services and facilities become more specialized and reinforced. In addition, it is emphasized to consider the necessity of educational and operational strategies in order to strengthen the entrepreneurial orientation, social capital, and PsyCap among members.

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Background: Differentiation ofmesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to hepatocyte-like cells could be associated with development of liver function factors. The impact of differentiation-dependent changes on DNA integrity is not well understood. In this study, hepatocytes and their progenitor stem cells were treated with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and amplification of selected genes linked to DNA damage was examined. Methods: MSCs and CD34+ cells isolated from umbilical cord blood (UCB) were treated with AFB1 (0, 2.5, 10 and 20 µM) in selective media supporting the hepatocyte differentiation. After 24 htreatment the DNA damage (Comet assay) and amplification rates ofP53 and β-globin genes were measured using real time polymerase chain reaction (QPCR). Results:The results show that AFB1 treatments resulted in a concentration- dependent increase in the DNA damage and suppression of the specific gene amplification. The extent of DNA damage was significantly greater in hepatocytes differentiated from MSCs when compared to those obtained from CD34+ cells. The effects of AFB1 on the rate of selected gene amplification in QPCR showed that the lesions (expressed as lesions/10 kb) in P53 and β-globin genes was significantly greater in hepatocytes derived from MSCs as compared to the cells derived from CD34+ cells. Conclusions: These data together with the results of cytochrome P450 (CYP3A4) expression in the cells suggest that the non-differentiated stem cells are probably less vulnerable to genotoxic agents as compared to hepatocytes differentiated from them.

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Background and Objectives:HBV and HTLV-I are life threatening infectious agents in patients who receive blood and blood products. Although serological methods have been proved to be useful, detection of these viruses has remained a challengingissue due to the many obstacles. By the advent of Nucleic Acid Testing methods, especially in multiplex format, more precise detection is possible.The objective of this study was to develop a reliable, rapid and cost- effective method tosimultaneously detect HBV and HTLV-I. Materials and Methods: We have developed a multiplex Real time-PCR assay for simultaneous detection of HBV and HTLV-I. Primer sets were designed for highly conserved regions of genome of each virus. Using these primers and standard plasmids, we determined the limit of detection, clinical and analytical specificity and sensitivity of the assay. Monoplex and multiplex Real-time PCRs were performed. Results: Analytical sensitivity was considered to be 1000 and 100 copies/ml for HBV and HTLV-I, respectively. High concentration of one virus had no adverse effect on detection of t low concentrations of the other one. By analyzing 30 samples, clinical sensitivity of the assay was determined to be 87% and 96% for HBV and HTLV-I, respectively. Using different viral and human genome samples, the specificity of the assay was verified to be 100%. Conclusions:We have developed a reliable, rapid and cost effective method tosimultaneously detect HBV and HTLV-I.Our results indicatedthe high capability of this simple and rapid method for detecting these viruses in clinical samples.

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Considering the vast changes in different aspects of life and various ways of earning livelihood, flexibility in contemporary housing design can be regarded as an appropriate solution in order to prevent from discreteness in interactions within the society and environment and among people. That is because a residence must be designed according to the changing needs of modern human. Traditional houses in Iran have already contained this concept, in modern era however, such viewpoint towards housing cannot be seen so often. Flexibility refers to the idea of adaptation throughout the time. Therefore it can be said that a flexible settlement is a house that can be adapted with the needs of the users and will lead to understanding the users’ expected demands with their own cooperation. Peoples’ cooperation in this process will increase the possibility of adaptation of housing with their needs which will eventually increase the general satisfaction of the housing. This research discusses the issue of flexibility and the related concepts in the field of housing with emphasis on some residential projects. Every settlement is depended on its user and the ground for its adaptation. Therefore, in terms of general design, we can say that settlement is dependent on both the environment and the user. Since human beings normally demand variety and  monotonous environmental conditions make human beings unsatisfied and bored; they usually have a favorable and positive view towards changes in their living environment. These varieties can range from some minor changes up to basic ones such as a change in the residential house itself. Flexibility in architectural design indicates variety. Such variety includes the possibility of adjustment and compatibility of a residential unit throughout time. It will eventually lead the building to show new varieties of its own. In order to demonstrate flexibility, the architects have to put the probable needs of the users into consideration in the process of designing. In other words, a “long-term thought” is required in designing.Flexibility in housing can be investigated from two points of views: first, from users’ point of view and secondly the innovative construction. Designing consists of four main issues: (1) structural system; (2) servicing spaces; (3) architectural design; and (4) facilities for environmental flexibility. The present study tries to express the concept of flexibility as a “new form of challenging architecture”. This is done using some examples and instances. From such viewpoint, the goal this study tries to attain is to survey the limitations and boundaries of flexible designing. This is done by analyzing the selected items. This way, the architect can turn flexibility into an opportunity and produce creative options in his/her work and design. The present study was conducted using library-based method and case study with the aim of studying and discussing the conceptual and operational grounds of housing design in different countries. The structure and main framework of the present study stands on the idea that flexibility can be used for  housing development in all eras and periods as a general concept and includes different types itself.

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Human's knowledge in each era and regarding the paradigm of that era divides the knowledge into different categories. One of these categories, which was identified in the 19th century, is the field of comparative sciences. This kind of knowledge, having specific properties, separates itself from comparative studies and different types of pure knowledge. This research is to study comparative sciences and particularly their philosophy of existence. Unfortunately the scientific society in Iran lacks such macro-approach. Not having a general view is one of the disadvantages of studying comparative sciences like comparative literature or comparative art. This research investigates a general view about this kind of sciences and their genesis.  

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The views of the great poets on the essence of poetry and its constituent elements, expressed implicitly within the lines of their poetry, offer invaluable points that are often missed by literary critics. These critical views, which are sometimes expressed in a pseudo-philosophical statements, and are often wrapped in artistic expressions, are based in their actual experiences.  These views are usually expressed in brief, or wrapped in imagery, or even in an elegant indirect language, which may be extracted and, through analysis, may lead to our deeper understanding and invaluable views on poetry. These conclusions, we realize, are sometimes confirmed by the bulk of criticism. It is worth noticing that such conclusions were already preceded by great poets who were apparently the best critics themselves. The classification and the analysis of these poets’ views on poetry are considerable, and can constitute a new branch of study in the field of history of literary criticism in Persian Literature, and subsequently change the traditional system of evaluation of poetic styles.

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To compare the seed characteristics in accessions of Atriplex canescens under exclosure and non-exclosure conditions, two even-aged sites were selected with an area of 400 ha as the exclosure and 1000 ha as non-exclosure area. To conduct the study, 30 species were randomly selected in autumn 2009 in reference area of the sites and seeds were collected. Some important seed characteristics were studied in the laboratory. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 17 software and mean comparisons were performed by Duncan's Multiple Range Tests. Results showed that the winged seeds did not germinate under all studied treatments in both sites. Moreover, maximum seed germination was recorded for the seeds soaked in cold water for 24 hours and placed in the shade for 48 hours. According to the results of the independent t-test, no significant differences were observed for germination percentage, germination rate, and vigor index in both sites at both 1 and 5% probability levels. In other words, the seeds collected from the exclosure and non-exclosure areas were similar in terms of the mentioned characteristics. However, seed yield, 1000-seed weight and seed moisture content showed significant differences at 1% probability level with higher amount in exclosure area.

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Conceptual models are representations of a system that easily show us the abstract concepts of the relationships between objects in the system. In fact, no matter how systematic and meaningful the drawing of models in the field of science, can improve the understanding of issues and topics. Meanwhile, the region of Southwest Asia is of special geopolitical importance due to its privileged geographical facilities and locations, as well as its rich resources. But the developments in this region have caused the involvement of various actors. These actors, with different and even contradictory goals, ideologies, and behaviors, have caused the crisis in the region to continue. In other words, no matter how much the geographical source of power is geopolitically appropriate if there is a basis for more attractiveness to log in and the role of actors too large and large. If you are currently presenting a new tariff on geopolitics and dividing geopolitical actors into three groups: main and focal actors, semi-peripheral actors, and peripheral actors, in the next step you have tried to systematically present the geopolitical relations of Southwest Asia by presenting a conceptual model. Because accurate knowledge of the geopolitical relations between these actors allows geopoliticians to formulate the best strategy for the volatile region of Southwest Asia.

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In this study, first using documentary research method, the nature of language in the web-based electronic communication, besides different methods of improving communicative and linguistics competence in teaching languages online, were investigated. Then considering the importance of language faculties' familiarity with the role of computer-based teaching in the development of linguistic competence and communicative skills necessary for translating or teaching all foreign languages (esp. Persian to non-natives), a descriptive survey method was used to investigate the familiarity of foreign language faculties with the strategies and technologies used in e-teaching-learning process applied in teaching languages online. The results of the 68 questionnaires filled in by English, French, German and Persian faculties of seven universities offering classical and virtual programs indicated that most of language faculties are not familiar with web-based strategies and techniques in teaching or learning foreign languages. Considering the need of our country for the experts who are able to communicate with the scientific scholarly networks in the world to obtain or transfer related knowledge and those who are able to use at least one international language of their fields thoroughly, planning an online faculty training program can be an essential measure to improve teaching or translating foreign languages at the academic level and also lead Persian language to find its proper position in the cultural, educational and scientific world networks.

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Morphological changes of the chloride cells and the α_1b subunit gene expression of Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase in triploid rainbow trout (70.6 g average weight) were studied upon direct transferring to 6, 12 and 18 ppt salinities. Changes in abundance, distribution pattern, and the sectioned area of the chloride cells was studied through classic histology and Na⁺ K⁺-ATPase localization was performed through immunofluorescence light microscopy using a mouse monoclonal antibody IgGα5. Gene expression of Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase α_1b subunit was studied by semi-quantitative gene expression methods.No mortality occurred among the fish in all salinities during the 10-days experimental period and treated fish kept their plasma osmolality at standard physiologic levels. All the fish also showed similar distribution pattern in their chloride cells that were distributed on filaments, between and over lamella. Histological studies confirmed some abnormal morphological changes such as lamella interruption. Immunohistochemical studies showed the highest number of the chloride cells on lamella and between lamella in 18 ppt and the maximum sectional area of the chloride cells in freshwater. Gene expression of Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase α_1b subunit had direct correlation with increasing trend of salinity. In conclusions, triploid rainbow trout was found to be adaptable to the various experimented salinities and could be recommended for rearing in brackish water.

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Constructionof underground dams is a practical solution to save groundwater in alluvium watersheds, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where surface water scarcity is an environmental challenge. Considering socio-economic and environmental benefits of underground dams, the accurate locating is the primary consideration for dam construction. The new technologies and methods are a step toward the proper locating to reduce the risk of underground dam construction. In this study, two methods,decision making and geographic information system (GIS) were used for locating suitable places for underground dam construction in Hamedan-Bahar watershed where water shortage has been a serious problem during the last decade. In the first step, the effective factors in locating and construction of the dams underground were identified, and then their GIS information layers were created. The primary selection maps of suitable sites were provided using Boolean logic method in ArcGIS software. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was then applied in EXPERT CHOISE. In the next step, the results of Boolean logic and AHP methods were overlapped to provide the final selection map. A consistency rate of 0.06, showed a relatively high accuracy of weighting process. Considering the normal weights, geology and distance of well, springs and qantas were found to be the most and the least effective criteria, respectively. Furthermore, the final selection map suggested the surrounding area and the outlet of the plain as the most suitable sites for dam construction.

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The representation of kinship relationships in Persian proverbs has been studied in this research. Method of the research is descriptive-analytic and during that some proverbs were extracted from the Great Dictionary of Persian Proverbs and those proverbs which were from non-Persian languages and dialects were deleted. Finally, 3332 Persian proverbs relevant to kinship relationships have been received. The proverbs were firstly classified based on kinship mentioned on them and abundance of the proverbs of each kinship received. Then based on Murdock Theory, kinfolks were classified and compared according to the kind of kinship, marriage kinship, blood or half-blood kinship, the degree of kinship, first, second and third degree and far kinship. Gender, generation and decent of kinfolk, gender of self and kind of family were also considered and were set as the basis for comparison of the mentioned kinship in the proverbs. Those proverbs related to the woman (as the wife) are more than the other kinfolks, while those proverbs related to marriage kinship are more than blood and half-blood kinship. After the woman, father has the second place and the child has the third one. Female kinfolks were mentioned more than male kinfolks in the proverbs, but at the same time, the abundance of those proverbs relevant to men kinfolks are more than women kinfolks.

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This paper deals with the role of the Theatre of the Absurd in the evolution of the history of Iranian dramatic literature. In the modern art everyone in a way is involved in the question of modern technology. Mechanization has made its way into everyday life and has affected all its aspects.This effect is so immense that everyone is in way occupied with the same subject. One of the concepts evident in the works of European authors and playwrights is absurdity and inefficiency of the modern time and the people. This article investigates how the concept of the absurd is reflected in the plays of Gholam HosseinSaedi. It has been tried to present an analysis of how Theater of the Absurd and its pioneershave influenced Saedi’s plays.

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Ethics is the most important discussion of each religion. To build a society based on Islamic ​​and ethical values, it is essential for ethics to be considered by society. One of the most important issues in modern organizations management is institutionalizing ethics in organizations. This study is conducted to identify factors influencing the institutionalization of organizational ethics in organizations. To satisfy this purpose, existing literature were reviewed and an interpretive structural modeling were applied to define the relationships between affecting factors of institutionalizing ethics in organizations. To define these relations, opinions of 16 experts at Islamic Management and having at least 5 years work experience as managers at different Public organizations were used. These expert were chose using Snow ball sampling. The results show that the model includes seven factors: culture, code of ethics, selective system, educational system, performance evaluation system, management support and individuals' psychological contract. Creating a code of ethics have a fundamental role because of high driving power and low dependency. Other factors of selective system, educational system, management support and individuals' psychological contract to be high driving power of other factors and are also less dependent on other factors. The performance evaluation system is at the third level and culture is located at the fourth since it has lowest driving power and highest dependency.

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Research subject: In recent years, several studies have been performed for improving the adhesion properties of polyurethane and acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs). Generally, polyurethane PSAs are of higher shear strength, while acrylic PSAs have higher tack. This research is a feasibility study of exploiting the properties of both of these adhesives through a simple blending method, and the adhesion properties were evaluated.
Research approach: First, acrylic copolymer (Ac) consisting of 82 vol. % butyl acrylate and 18 vol. % methyl methacrylate was solution polymerized. On the other hand, a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) containing 17.5 wt. % hard segment was prepared by bulk polymerization. Blending of these two polymers was performed by solution mixing. Solutions of the pure polymers and their blends at different contents were cast on polyethylene terephthalate backing and dried at room temperature. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, and differential scanning calorimetry were used to identify TPU and Ac. Loop tack, static shear strength, dynamic mechanical behavior, contact angle of sessile drop, morphology, and haze of the PSAs were evaluated.
Main results: Tack of the acrylic PSA was higher than TPU PSA. Tack of the blend PSAs containing 20, 40, and 60 wt. % TPU was higher than the pure components and that of the blend containing 40 wt. % TPU was maximum. This blend demonstrated the lowest water contact angle compared to the other blends and the shortest relaxation time compared to the pure polymers, which resulted in better wetting and higher tack. The shear strength of the PSAs increased with increase in the content of TPU to higher than 40 wt. % in the blends compared to the acrylic PSA; so that the pure TPU showed the highest modulus at various frequencies and hence exhibited high-shear PSA characteristics in the Chang’s viscoelastic window and the highest adhesion strength. The immiscibility of the blends was confirmed by measuring the haze and calculating the Hansen solubility parameter.

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Apology is an important social-pragmatic phenomenon in politeness field of study. This paper explores the apology strategies in Kurdish language by qualitative and quantitative methods. It sheds light on analyzing the data collected with the discourse completion task from 120 Kurdish subjects, supported by 24 interviews during 2016. The participants are divided by gender into 60 males and 60 females in the DCT data; 12 males vs 12 females. The results show use of similar apology strategies by both gender groups over situations, but with proportionally different frequencies, except in certain situations due to gender differences. In addition to gender as a striking social variable in Kurdish culture, the study also explores the significance of age and social status of subjects in conceptualizing apology acts. The study also displays the effect of the apology recipient’s social features on the subjects’ conceptualization and their obligation to apology. The clear significance of the apology supporting sub-strategies is also revealed in the study. The findings of the study are not consistent in many cases to those of other researchers, mainly western ones, with regard to the effect of gender and the use of responsibility strategy as an essential strategy other cultures. the study shows the collective features of the Kurdish culture which make them apologize differently, in certain situations, from other cultures. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that the diversity of the apology strategies is based on the nature and severity of offence that can vary according to social norms prevailing in Kurdish culture.

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The effect of Spirulina powder at levels of 0 (control), 3, 7, and 10%, of food ratio on growth, survival, and total carotenoids of dwarf gourami fry (Trichogasterlalius) of 3.6 g average weight as well as its larval stage was investigated for a period of 8 weeks. Carotenoids was significantly increased with increase in spirulina level up to 7% (p<0.05), but not significantly different from 10% level (p> 0.05). Survival showed no significant difference (p> 0.05). In larvae, survival, total carotenoids and total length increased significantly with increasing spirulina powder (p<0.05). Overall, the spirulina powder at 3% improved the growth and total carotenoids factors in pre-adult gourami and 10% level for larval stage as the best treatments in this study.