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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
Teacher reflection and self-efficacy beliefs are two important teacher characteristics that influence different aspects of teaching jobs. The relationship between these two constructs is important, but the previous research has focused on the effect of reflection on self-efficacy. This mixed-methods study aimed at assessing the interrelationships between reflection and self-efficacy through surveying 330 Iranian English language teachers in the quantitative phase and interviewing 15 teachers in the qualitative phase. The quantitative data were analyzed through a Partial Least Square approach and the qualitative data through a conventional content analysis. Results show the two variables are closely interwoven, but reflection components were better predictors of self-efficacy. Metacognitive, cognitive, and affective reflection were significant predictors of self-efficacy and its components, but critical reflection did not predict any aspect of reflection. Efficacy for classroom management could predict practical and cognitive reflection, and efficacy for student engagement could predict practical, affective, and critical reflection. These findings imply that metacognitive, affective, and cognitive reflections need to be encouraged in English Language Teaching preservice and inservice teacher education programs, and workshops need to be enriched and focus on practical teaching issues and classroom management strategies, and learner engagement techniques.
Volume 0, Issue 0 (Articles accepted at the time of publication 2024)
Abstract
Despite extensive research on factors influencing Critical Pedagogy (CP) from a positive psychology perspective, the interplay between Emotion Regulation (ER), Psychological Well-Being (PWB), and Cultural Identity (CI) remains underexplored among Iranian English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers. This study investigates the mediating role of CI in a novel model linking ER to PWB, with CP as the dependent variable. It addresses how these variables contribute to advocating for social justice in Eastern educational contexts. Using the quantitative design and Path Analysis (PA), 243 Iranian EFL teachers completed four electronic questionnaires: the CP scale (Roohani & Haghparast, 2020), the CI scale (Taheri, 2013), the PWB scale (Dagenais-Desmarais & Savoi, 2012), and the ER Sscale (Gross & John, 2003). Data analysis via AMOS 26 software revealed strong fit indices indicating robust model fit. Findings indicated that CI partially mediated the relationship between PWB and CP. Both direct (ER to CP) and indirect (PWB to CI to CP) effects were significant, contributing to a significant total effect of ER on CP. It is implied that integrating CI into teacher development programs can promote CP globally by enhancing educators' emotional resilience and commitment to social justice initiatives. This approach supports policymakers seeking inclusive learning environments that advocate for equity in diverse settings.
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 accepted at the time of publication 2024)
Abstract
Teachers constantly experience job-related stress, placing them at serious risk of experiencing burnout syndrome. Investigating the factors that influence EFL teachers' wellbeing provides invaluable insights into how their wellbeing can be improved and maintained when confronted with challenges. Accordingly, the current research made a new contribution to the study of teacher burnout by investigating the relationships between time perspective, self-efficacy, and teacher burnout within the context of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in Iran. For this purpose, a sample of EFL teachers (N = 527) completed three questionnaires related to the variables under investigation (i.e., time perspective, self-efficacy, and burnout). Indices of structural equation modeling (SEM) revealed that time perspectives can directly cause teacher burnout. Additionally, they can indirectly affect burnout by leading to a lack of self-efficacy, which subsequently increases burnout. The results also highlighted the potential direct and indirect role of self-efficacy in reducing teacher burnout. It was found that self-efficacy can function as a mediating variable that would reduce the adverse effects of negative perspectives of time (i.e., past negative and present fatalistic) on teacher burnout. Ultimately, this study contributed to a more nuanced model of psychological processes affecting teacher well-being. The identification of self-efficacy as a significant mediating variable indicated that interventions aimed at strengthening teachers’ beliefs in their capabilities could mitigate the detrimental effects of maladaptive time perspectives. This highlights the potential value of psychological training and support programs, targeting self-efficacy enhancement, and time perspective awareness as effective strategies for preventing teacher burnout.
Volume 0, Issue 0 (Articles accepted at the time of publication 2024)
Abstract
Learning French as a foreign language presents unique challenges that may sometimes reduce students' motivation and academic performance. This study aimed to examine the relationship between cognitive and metacognitive strategies, mental vitality, and academic buoyancy among French language students. A mixed-method approach (quantitative and qualitative) was employed in two phases. In the quantitative phase, data were collected using standardized questionnaires on academic buoyancy, mental vitality, and cognitive and metacognitive strategies. The statistical population included all 61 French language students at Hakim Sabzevari University, who participated in the study through a census sampling method. In the qualitative phase, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 French language professors from Iranian universities to explore their perspectives and experiences regarding academic buoyancy and its influencing factors. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods, while qualitative data were examined through inductive content analysis. The quantitative findings revealed that the use of cognitive and metacognitive strategies, along with mental vitality, positively influenced students' academic buoyancy. Furthermore, qualitative results indicated that various factors, including social variables, family, educational emotions, learner goal-setting, learning strategies, cognitive functions, communication skills, cognitive and emotional skills, academic behavioral motivators, educational content, teacher-related personal variables, teaching skills and techniques, and the teacher's motivational approach, significantly impact students' academic buoyancy.
Volume 1, Issue 1 (4-2013)
Abstract
Comparative mythology partly is a one of the modern courses, which have been used broadly from the second mid-nineteenth century. On the one hand, the relation of this approach has become firm in the comparative literature, and fixed in the mythical critic, on the other. Though at first, the necessity recognition of world's nations myths was introduced widely and comparatively by the European’s and broad researches were done by them, especially in the field of European nations (Rome and Greek's) myths, but the extent of this approach in the Islamic nation's myths did not progress, except of some small and separated surveys on myth motives. In 2000 AD, Hossein Mojib Al-Mesri, by understanding this poverty research, in “Comparative research in Arab, Iran and Turk's myths”, took the first step in comparison of Iranian, Arabic and Turkish's myths. It is wonderful that, even after a decade, researches did not refer to this. Mojib Al-Mesri, in this comparative research, has studied every Iranian, Arabic and Turkish's myths in three separate parts. However, this book does not operate according to the twentieth century mythical critic approach, but in Iran's myths study, it exhibits modern conclusions and achievements in comparative mythology and in this way, compares unfamiliar Arabic and Turkish's myths with similar Iranian samples that have not been studied in any research so far. This paper has tried firstly to clarify the myth relation and functioning of mythology in comparative literature and then introduce Hossein Mojib Al-Mesri's achievements. Then in a more limited scope, it reviews his theories that he received from Iran's myths. In the end, it shows the existing common points between Persian myths with Arabic and Turkish samples in two sections of religious and historical myths. The purpose of this essay is revealing the potential capabilities of Islamic nations' myths. It also recommend the necessary changes, which must occur in one-sided and unilateral views of Iranian or Non Iranian mythologists.
Volume 2, Issue 1 (4-2014)
Abstract
This article first studies the process of the formation of the art of emulation by examining its development and evolution in both Arabic and Persian literature. Then the article would compare and contrast the emulated poetry in Arabic and Persian. The hypothesis is that Persian emulation, like many other poetic forms, comes from Arabic literature. Thus the fundamental question is “How to examine the nature and quality of the similar and common features and issues of Persian and Arabic emulation?”. Thus the literal and literary senses of emulation are first studied, and then its representative examples in Arabic and Persian poetry and prose are listed. In this section, such subjects as echo, parody, burlesque, takhmis, and tadhmin are relevant examples that are introduced as the common devices in both literary traditions. In the manner of a conclusion, an analytical treatment of these writings is conducted, taking into consideration their positive and negative implications and effects.
Volume 2, Issue 1 (Spring 2018)
Abstract
Ganoderma lucidum is one of the best-known medicinal mushrooms in the world. It contains substantial amounts of intra- and extracellular secondary metabolites and polysaccharides each with its own specific medicinal and medical uses. The chitin-glucan complex (CGC) is considered one of the important polysaccharides of this fungus. Among the 10 various culture media that were studied, the one containing PDB at 24g/l, peptone at 1g/l, and with the dry weight of cells of 11.6 g/l, the produced CGC of 3.2g/l, and with 27.6 percent CGC in the dry weight of the cells was selected as the suitable culture medium. FTIR analysis was performed for characterization of the produced CGC and its antibacterial properties were studied. The obtained time profile for CGC growth and production was 20 days and, using the logistic growth model and the Lodding-Pipet equation, the calculated specific growth rate of Ganoderma lucidum (μm) and the volumetric productivity for the product were 2.85 g CGC L-1day-and 0.5274 day-1, respectively. The calculations indicated there were high degrees of conformance between the model and the laboratory data related to kinetic characteristics of cell growth (R2= 0.9679) and to CGC production (R2=0.9901). Therefore, the introduced kinetic model can serve as an effective guide to control the fermentation process in industrial production of the valuable CGC polymer.
Volume 2, Issue 1 (Winter 2022)
Abstract
One of Hakim Sabzevari's arguments on the reasoner and reasonable union of "matter and form" is the argument, in which he considers the ontological principles of matter, form, and soul on the one hand, and on the other hand, he has put the view of Sadra's psychology as the basis for the completion of this argument. In order to distort all the arguments of Hakim Sabzevari, a published article accusing Hakim of "gross confusion" in recognizing the basic contents of philosophy. In this regard, in refuting the argument of matter and form, that article has turned to two major accusations. On the one hand, Hakim has been accused of using allegorical syllogism instead of argumentative syllogism, and on the other hand, it has condemned Hakim for the objection of confiscation. The analysis shows that this argument is based on total unity and that article has been distorted both in terms of reporting and in judgment, it has deviated to adopt illogical positions.
Volume 2, Issue 2 (Summer 2018)
Abstract
Fiber production in nanoscale prepares high surface contact for fibers and leads to the improvement of their properties with respect to other fibers. A convenient and effective method for nanofiber production with different diameters is electrospinning. Various effective parameters on electrospinning processes, including environmental, equipment, and solution variables can produce fibers with different morphologies. PVA has been used in various fields of applied research because of its high thermal stability, biocompatibility, non-toxic and solubility in water. The published reports indicated that properties of the PVA are improved with the addition of bentonite. In this research, to prepare PVA/nano-bentonite nanofiber membrane, the optimum amounts of three effective variables on the above-mentioned processes were determined. According to the obtained results, the voltage of 11 kV, the feeding rate of 0.5 mL/h and bentonite concentration of 3% w/w were optimum conditions for the process of PVA/nano-bentonite nanofiber composite production. In this condition, the average diameter of produced nanofibers was 243 nm with the standard deviation of 0.0551 and the tensile strength of 7.64 MPa. The results showed that the addition of bentonite to PVA increase intensity of nanofibers and decrease the diameter of nanofibers from 308 nm to 243nm.Therfore, the produced PVA/bentonite nanofiber composite is a good membrane for water treatment.
Volume 2, Issue 2 (Summer 2018)
Abstract
Methyl Tert-butyl Ether(MTBE) has been used as a booster in gasoline octane numbers in many countries, but after a short time due to the high absorption in water and the possibility of entry into groundwater, its use in developed countries is prohibited. In this work, for the first time, to reduce the adverse environmental effects, MTBE was encapsulated, and release control was considered. For this purpose, the inverse mini-emulsion polymerization of monomer methylmethacrylate(MMA) was performed in the presence of MTBE and in the cyclohexane medium by oil/water/oil. Poly methyl methacrylate/MTBE nanocapsules were synthesized in 0.5, 1, 2 ratios of MTBE to methyl methacrylate (R = MTBE / MMA).
The effect of changing R values on conversion polymerization, on encapsulation efficiency of MTBE and on the morphology of capsules was investigated. For this purpose, TGA and TEM were used. Changing the R ratio from 0.5 to 2 allowed the capsule to be controlled in the range of 50-500 nm. The start of the MTBE degradation range of 130 ° C increased to 250 ° C due to the presence of the MTBE inside the capsule, and it was possible to start controlling the release of the nucleus by heating and starting at a temperature of 250 ° C. By addition of 1.5% of the capsules to the gasoline, the octane number increased by 5 units.
According to the results inverse mini-emulsion polymerization is a suitable method for encapsulating and reducing the environmental effects of MTBE by limiting its contact with the environment.
Volume 2, Issue 4 (12-2014)
Abstract
Aim: The present study aimed at surveying the relationship between spiritual quotient and human relationships among the principals of elementary schools of Esfarayen City in Iran.
Methods: The sample group consisted of 100 randomly selected managers. Data gathering was carried out through spiritual quotient and human relationships’ tests. Descriptive statistics and the Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient were used for data analysis.
Findings: The results showed that there was a significant and positive relationship between spiritual quotient and its elements including communication, self-awareness, trust, and motivation, on the one hand, and human relationships of the participants on the other. In addition, there was a positive and significant relationship between Transcendental Awareness, Conscious State Expansion, Personal Meaning Production, and Critical Existential Thinking, and human relationships among the participants.
Conclusion: Spirituality at work may result in increasing creativity, honesty, trust, sense of personal perfection, organizational commitment, job satisfaction, participation at work, morality and professional conscious, motivation, and performance. Therefore, a spiritual manager leads the organization toward success in a way that the customers, employees, and society members enjoy the benefits.
Volume 2, Issue 4 (Winter 97 2019)
Abstract
In this study, phenolic compounds-coated ZnO@HAP nanocomposite (Ph.ZnO@HAP) was synthesized and used to improve the physical and chemical properties of chitosan hydrogel for biological application. At first, the phenolic compounds were extracted from walnut green hulls. The synthesis of Ph.ZnO@HAP nanocomposite was performed with the assistance of extracted phenols using a hydrothermal method. Chitosan hydrogel was also prepared using NaHCO3 at 37°C. Hybrid hydrogels based on chitosan and Ph.ZnO@HAP nanocomposite were prepared in a similar way and then characterized by fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The antioxidant property, cytotoxicity, and osteogenesis of hybrid hydrogels were measured using DPPH radical scavenging method, MTT, and alkaline phosphatase enzyme assay, respectively. The FTIR spectra, FESEM images, EDX spectrum, and Zeta potential data showed that Ph.ZnO@HAP nanocomposites synthesized successfully with rod-like morphology, phenolic compounds coated on the surface and a negative particle surface charge. The results of DPPH experiment showed that the antioxidant property of the nanocomposite material increased in a concentration-dependent manner. The FESEM images of chitosan hybrid hydrogels with different concentrations of embedded Ph.ZnO@HAP nanocomposite showed that hybrid hydrogels have a more uniform porous structure, compared to the chitosan hydrogel. Moreover, by an increase in the nanocomposite concentration in the structure of hybrid hydrogels, the antioxidant property augmented. The results of the biological studies showed that the cytotoxicity of hybrid hydrogels on osteoblast-like cells (Saos-2) is lower than that of chitosan hydrogel. Also, hybrid hydrogels showed the higher potential in induction of osteogenesis than chitosan hydrogels.
Volume 2, Issue 4 (3-2018)
Abstract
There are many similarities in the ups and downs of social and literary life of Nizar Qabbani, Arabic poet, and Ahmad Shamlu who is Iranian poet. This article examine concept of freedom in the poems of these two poets to consider differences and similarities of thought of the poets in this issue. People and rulers share in the acquisition and preservation of liberty, which these two poets have focused on both of them, using the symbol and the combination of lyrical concepts and political and social concepts, have presented their subject. Shamlu praises the freedom-loving people and defines “poverty” as lack of freedom. Qabbani tries to summon the people of the Arab lands to reform their affairs. he blames the heads of Arabic countries more, but does not name a certain person and notes the danger of the Jews. Ahmad Shamlu and Nizar Qabbani believe that gunfight is one of the ways which can be achieved freedom through it. So, they loathe silence of people against cruelty, autocracy and injustice, and they blame or chide and sometimes humiliate people for that. Both poets condemn autocracy and additionally they show their unique talent and genius in describing “freedom”. Clarity and simplicity of Nizar’s poems and mysterious and elusive words in Shamlu’s poesies are the characteristics of these two poets in the concept of freedom.
Volume 2, Issue 5 (Spring 2021)
Abstract
This study investigated the structural model of the effect of perception and attitude on social responsibility, organizational identity, and organizational citizenship behavior in sports and youth departments. The methodology was a descriptive survey that was conducted in the field. The statistical population was all employees of sports and youth departments of Khorasan Razavi province (180 people). The sampling method was counting. The research tool was Barrantes's (2012) research questionnaire. Twelve professors of sports management confirmed the face and content validity of the questionnaire. Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the whole questionnaire was 0.83, which indicates the appropriate reliability of the measurement tool. A structural equation modeling approach with PLS 2 software was used to analyze the data. Based on the results, the perception of social responsibilities has a positive and significant effect on social responsibility, organizational identity, and organizational citizenship behavior. Also, the attitude towards social responsibilities positively affects organizational identity, which has a positive and significant effect on employee citizenship behavior. According to the results, performing social responsibility and creating a positive perception and attitude towards it in employees can effectively strengthen the organizational identity of employees and their organizational citizenship behavior.
Volume 2, Issue 8 (Winter 2022)
Abstract
This study aimed to identify and investigate the factors affecting women's participation in mountaineering activities on Binalood Mountain. The method of the present study was descriptive and surveyed kind. The statistical population of this study included 150 women who were members of mountaineering groups in Neishabour. The research measurement tool is a researcher-made questionnaire whose face and 12 sports management experts confirmed content validity. Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the questionnaire was calculated to be 0.84. In this questionnaire, factors affecting women's greater participation in mountaineering activities were categorized in the form of three indicators: personal-family, social-cultural and managerial factors. Based on the findings, among the investigated indicators in the participation of women in mountaineering activities, the most important personal and family factors, then socio-cultural and managerial factors, have been obtained, as well as among the factors affecting women's participation in mountaineering activities. There is a significant difference between the mountains of Binaloud based on age and education, but there was no significant difference based on marital status and employment.
Volume 4, Issue 1 (9-2016)
Abstract
In Comparative studies, poem of Saadi and Motenabbi are comparable in many ways. One of the common parts of these poets is Proverbial method , this method has brought forth Saadi has followed Motenabbi in aspect to motif and poetic method. This article tries to analyze proverbial method in the poem of Saadi and Motenabbi and examined cultural base and mobility poetry and imagination in these poets. Vocabulary and imagination of Saadi are wider than Motenabbi and "I" Sadi especially has become human "I". Cultural base of Saadi is more powerful than Motenabbi and powerful culture and imagination are developed through both sides of the proverbial method, diversity and dynamic style.
Volume 4, Issue 2 (spring 2022 2022)
Abstract
Iraq's geographical location is such that many seasonal and permanent rivers of the surrounding countries flow into it. Iraq itself lacks sufficient sustainable water resources to meet its development and infrastructure needs. Hence, the future of Iraq's security and development depends on the hydropolitical approach of the surrounding countries. Over the past decade and a half, Iran has controlled the outflow of water from the western borders of the country as part of a plan to organize and develop water and soil resources in the west of the country, which has reflected on the volume of water entering Iraq have been. The present article is of a practical nature, the methodology of descriptive- analytical text and data- based theory method is used and the required input is used by the library method and the use of data-based theory is based on the hypothesis that hydropolitics is policy-oriented. Iraqi foreigners will be more reflected in their interaction with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The results showed that with regard to the increasing limitation of water resources, increasing water consumption and reducing the inflow of Iranian border rivers to Iraq, which is associated with a threat to part of the country's water and food security, hydropolitics in the form of tension in the direction of Iraq's foreign policy in dealing with the Islamic Republic of Iran will be more reflected.
Volume 5, Issue 1 (11-2014)
Abstract
Laccase enzymes are polyphenol oxidase that catalyze the oxidation of wide range of phenolic components including phenols, polyphenols, aromatic amines and non-phenolic substitution with molecular oxygen as electron acceptor. So these enzymes have biotechnological application such as wastewater treatment system, bioremediation of soil pollution and etc. Result from previous studies showed an increase in thermal stability of bacterial laccase from Bacillus sp. HR03 using site directed mutagenesis and the effect of E188 residue on the surface regions at the interface between domain 1 and 2 in stability was confirmed. The aim of the present work was to investigate the effect of this amino acid substitution on enzyme activity in the presence of dimethyl sulfoxide and dimethylformamide as organic solvents. Compression of kinetic parameters including Kcat / Km ، ∆∆G‡, C50 showed significant increases in the mutant enzyme than wild type enzyme, that industrial application of the enzyme will be easy.