Showing 684 results for Action
Volume 0, Issue 0 (2-2024)
Abstract
This analysis explores the two discourse systems of Shushi and action in the story "Ali Misha-Za," one of the most renowned epic tales of Bakhtiari. Each of these systems possesses its own distinctive characteristics and structures, significantly influencing the creation of meaning and the experiences of the characters. The Shushi discourse system particularly focuses on the impact of emotions and the emotional states of Shushis. This system employs a nonlinear and indirect approach to examine how meaning is formed through the interaction of Shushis with their environment and surrounding elements. In this context, two major subcategories—sensory-perceptual and tension-emotional—are introduced as key components of this system.This research aims to examine and analyze the transition from the action system to the Shushi system in the epic story "Ali Misha-Za." This study is conducted using a descriptive-analytical approach and relies on library resources. Within this semiotic framework, utilizing Shushi, action, and tension patterns, the research elucidates relevant topics for the reader. By examining various sections of the story, it analyzes the sensory-perceptual and emotional underpinnings that lead to diverse actions within the narrative. The findings of this study indicate that the discourse system of this story is not solely dependent on the actions of the characters, and the meaning of the text is interpreted through the various dimensions of the interaction between Shushis and actors with the environmental elements of the story.
Volume 0, Issue 0 (2-2024)
Abstract
Classroom interaction improves the learning process by enhancing opportunities for learning since both instructors and learners are involved in various speech acts. Speech act refers to a functional unit in the form of an act assisting individuals to perceive or promote things with words in interaction. Thus, the current study investigated classroom interaction in terms of types and functions of speech acts performed by Iranian English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers and learners. The data for the study came from audio-recording of twelve 90-minute sessions taught by six experienced Iranian teachers. To analyze the conversational data, Finocchiaro and Brumfit’s (1983) model was used to examine various types of speech acts and Walsh’s (2006) SETT was employed as a framework to explore the functions of speech acts. Following the data analysis, it was unfolded that directives were the most frequent speech acts, including suggestions, requests, warning, and giving instruction, accompanied by interpersonal and personal ones. As to the functions of speech acts, the most frequent mode was the materials mode (42%), followed by skills and systems mode (34%), classroom context mode (16%), and managerial mode (8%). The overall findings indicate the central role of the teacher in teacher-fronted classes in Iran as the most speech acts, i.e. about 79%, were performed by teachers in the form of requestive, suggestive, and advisory to control and promote the learning process. By carrying out the current study, it is hoped that readers gain more insight regarding the pragmatics territory, most notably speech acts.
Volume 0, Issue 0 (2-2024)
Abstract
The purpose of the semiotics of discourse approach is to communicate between semantic layers and differentiating units of the linguistic, social and intertdiscursive conext at the macro level in order to achieve meaning with the help of cognitive tools of text and discourse. This research interprets and explains how to produce, understand and receive meaning in the context of discourse systems in "Wuthering Heights" within the framework of the semiotics of discourse approach. Discourse systems include two categories, either they are based on Speech-Action and Movement-Action (Behavior) which create cognitive discourse systems or they are based on Sense-Action which are the generators of emotional discourse systems. In this research, the representation of Speech-Action, Movement-Action (Behavior) and Sense-Action and their feedback in the participants within the text and discourse of the novel has been discussed. Discourse analysis in the text and situational context of the novel based on the semiotics of discourse approach of Greimas is rooted in cognitive perspectives, because Speech-Action and Movement-Action build the infrastructure and a platform for the motivation of Sense-Action in the audience of the discursive context. Heathcliff and Catherine are two main characters of the novel who depict the Sense-Action of love along with the behavior and Speech-Action of revenge in the textual and intertextual semantic layers. Heathcliff gains the necessary mental, physical and financial competences and performs the action by going through the first stage of Sense-Action
Volume 0, Issue 0 (2-2024)
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to examine the interrelationships between the perception of social and teaching presences and the satisfaction of basic psychological needs, persistence, intrinsic motivation, and negative emotions of Iraqi EFL learners in online courses. To this end, 200 intermediate Iraqi university students studying English were recruited to participate in the study. Then they were asked to complete self-report questionnaires on their perception of social and teaching presence, satisfaction of basic psychological needs, intention to persist, intrinsic motivation, and negative emotions. SEM analysis showed that the students’ perceptions of social and teaching presence had a positive relation with their satisfaction of basic psychological needs, persistence, and intrinsic motivation. The results, however, showed that there was a negative relationship between the students’ perceptions of social and teaching presences and boredom, anxiety, and shame. The results imply that providing opportunities for students to interact effectively with their instructors and peers in online classes in a socially supportive environment can lead to positive outcomes. The implications of the study are discussed, and suggestions for further research are proposed.
Volume 0, Issue 0 (2-2024)
Abstract
Although faculty members’ job satisfaction has received remarkable attention over the last two decades, there has been a long-lasting lack of a questionnaire to measure it in the Iranian context. Thus, the present study purported to develop and validate a questionnaire with adequate psychometric properties to measure Iranian English faculty members’ job satisfaction. To this aim, two samples of faculty members for the first pilot study (n = 62) and the second pilot study (n = 254) were selected from Ayatollah Borujerdi University and Lorestan University through a random sampling method. Based on the past literature, a pool of items (n = 74) was extracted and subjected to an eleven-step systematic procedure: content analysis and sampling; creating an item bank; running the first pilot; creating item pool one; expert judgment to evaluate the sub-scales; running an interview and think-aloud protocol; running Cronbach’s alpha; running the second pilot; running exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and Cronbach’s alpha; creating item pool two; and expert review. Results yielded a 60-item questionnaire with 6 sub-scales: 1. payment and rewards (10 items); promotion (7 items); supervision and interaction (17 items); job security (7 items); facilities of universities (7 items); and work nature (10 items). The hope is that the present questionnaire can be used for research and educational purposes in the future.
Volume 0, Issue 0 (2-2024)
Abstract
The historical novels The Golden Falcon and The Flares of the City of Otrar narrate the life of Jalal al-Din Khwarazmshah. Unlike ancient historical texts in which the simple and predictable process of action by the central actor of the hero takes place, in these works, by creating active and anti-active characters, the actions deviated from their main stream, leading to the actions of deviation, substitution, action error and ... have become. The purpose of this research is to investigate how actions deviate within the narrative and damage such as action error, action change or even action collapse. For this purpose, the theory of action-discourse system of Greimas has been used to examine the action narratives related to the character of Jalal al-Din in the two historical novels The Golden Falcon and The Flares of the City of Otrar. In The Golden Falcon's novel, the deviation of action is seen as the transformation of action and the destruction of action by actors; A place where efforts have been made to reach Jalal al-Din's valuable object and save his life. In this novel, according to the value object "Beloved" and "Homeland" Jalal al-Din is depicted as a "lover" and "patriot". In The Flares of the City of Otrar, deviation of action can be seen as transformation of action and replacement of action. Most of the characters in the story and Jalal al-Din himself play the role of antagonists and try to distance Jalal al-Din from his valuable object and destroy him.
Volume 0, Issue 0 (2-2024)
Abstract
Over the past decades, research on language teacher engagement in action research (AR) has received a surge of interest. However, little research is available on how teachers’ experience contribute to their development of agency and professional performances through their participation in an AR program. Accordingly, this study explored the role of experience in five novice and five experienced language teachers’ development of agency and practice before, during, and after their engagement in an action research engagement program (AREP). To this end, we collected data via semi-structured interviews, reflective journals, and classroom observations. The findings revealed that novice and experienced teachers’ development of their agency and professional practice undergo similar trajectories. Moreover, the study argues that although experience affects teacher-researchers’ agentive role and performances, novice and experienced teachers go through similar paths as they engage in AR. However, the novice teachers became more oriented towards reflection-in-action during and after their engagement in AREP. Moreover, the novice teachers chose more AR tools and drew more on their AR experience which, in turn, facilitated their professional growth through tool transformation. We conclude the paper with implications for teacher education to better understand the role of AR in teachers’ agency development and professionalism.
Volume 0, Issue 0 (2-2024)
Abstract
Sport has its own discourse which bears discursive features as sport spreads through body and language.. In sport discourse, we can see cultural indexes which have clear impact on sport discourse. Sport is like a medium for culture. When we learn sport knowledge we learn implicitly cultural patterns of the society in which that sport is popular. The cultural indexes are reflected in sport discourse in form of situation, social behaviors, customs, norms and values of the community. Performative discourses have three main key elements of act, value and change which are also present in sport discourse. In this paper, we intend to explain we could not remove all the cultural indexes of sport educational discourse just due to their differences with our cultural patterns and how they are efficient in improving discourse of sport. In this research with random selection among women trainers of body building and fitness sport, 15 women trainers were questioned orally with questionnaires on the impact of cultural indexes on their training. Results show all indexes are involved effectively in the educational discourse of sport.
Volume 0, Issue 0 (1-2024)
Abstract
Rural handwoven carpet weavers, particularly in the context of handmade silk carpet production, grapple with significant challenges concerning recognizing all stakeholders and establishing timely connections. These challenges have a substantial impact on the adoption of innovation in carpet production and the overall enhancement of productivity. This research was conducted to scrutinize the communication network of carpet weavers within the Knowledge and Innovation System (KIS) of handmade silk carpet production in rural areas. Data were gathered through interviews with 270 rural households in Zanjan province, specifically in the Tarom, Khodabandeh, and Zanjan counties, utilizing a structured questionnaire. Social Network Analysis (SNA) in UCINET was employed to examine the interactions among these actors, and graphical representations were created using Net Draw. The results revealed that the network's density varied across different levels, showing weakness in some cases, moderate strength in others, and strong connections in select instances. The connections of carpet weaving families with other actors within the KIS were predominantly localized. Among these families, those utilizing the home-based wage production method exhibited the most extensive interactions. The individuals designated as "FMs" (likely referring to family members) and "WNVKRs" (possibly local experts) demonstrated the highest degree of connection and influence within the network of weavers' interactions
Volume 0, Issue 0 (1-2024)
Abstract
Smallholder farmers in northern Punjab struggle to adopt sustainable practices like essential oil extraction, despite their potential to improve livelihoods. Core elements from theory of planned behavior, technology acceptance model, and innovation diffusion theory are amalgamated to develop an adoption model, which is subsequently analyzed using structural equation model. The results unveil significant mediating effects involving attitudes (perceived usefulness, easiness), normative concerns (social influence), and indicating maximum variation (R2) regarding by-product preparation (0.76) and steam distillation (0.65). The model successfully accounts moderating effects of socioeconomic variables, indicating a robust association among latent variables. Hence, improving the adoption behavior among smallholders necessitates a focus on socio-psychological and socioeconomic factors.
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Volume 0, Issue 0 (8-2024)
Abstract
Despite the particular importance of the subject of soil-structure interaction, unfortunately, this issue has received little attention from engineers, and seismic codes have not given much recommendation to consider its effects. Seismic wave frequencies vary continuously, and the stiffness of springs and damping of dampers connected to structural supports also vary with the loading frequency. To simplify time-domain numerical analysis, a constant target frequency can be used to keep stiffness and damping values constant. In the substructure method proposed in this study, the optimal target frequency is the one that yields results that most closely match those of a more accurate nonlinear 3D model analyzed using a direct method. A common simplification is to ignore the foundation’s non-linear response, justified by design requirements to prevent permanent deformation and the complexity of frequency-dependent soil behavior. Though not fully precise, this approach (considering soil heterogeneity and optimal target frequency) offers a forward-looking analysis and a basis for future nonlinear studies. This study presents a three-dimensional (3D) numerical model for analyzing the seismic response of soil-foundation-structure systems embedded in granular soil (with different relative densities) considering the effects of soil heterogeneity (With varying shear modulus with depth and compatible with the practical HSsmall model). The model is capable of accounting for the effects of loading frequency along with the radiation damping of the soil system and can integrate with the widely-used substructuring method considering an optimal target frequency. After verifying the proposed model, the dynamic equilibrium equations of the substructuring system were solved in the time domain using Matlab software. The target frequency was determined using i) Case 1: the fundamental frequency of the soil (or the dominant frequency of the excitations), ii) Case 2: the fundamental frequency of the structural system, iii) Case 3: the fundamental frequency of the soil-foundation-structure system; iv) Case 4: the fundamental frequency of structure with static stiffness and damping support (Case 4); and v) the fundamental frequency of fixed base structure and modified stiffness, and the results were compared together. A comparison of the impedance (dynamic stiffness and damping) of foundations situated on homogeneous and heterogeneous soil, as well as an investigation of the structural response in both cases, is another objective of this research. The analysis results demonstrated the accuracy of the proposed model and the acceptable calculation speed for estimating the dynamic response of structures located on heterogeneous soils under frequent operational earthquakes. The results also showed that with an increase in soil relative density, the seismic behavior of structures on homogeneous and heterogeneous granular soils converges. For instance, the response of the foundation on homogeneous soil bed with relative densities of 55%, 75%, and 95% is on average 23%, 19%, and 15% lower than that of heterogeneous soil, respectively. Additionally, for determining the target frequency, the use of frequency‐independent Kelvin–Voigt models (i.e., Cases 1-5) provides acceptable responses. According to the data presented in Table 4 and Figs. 9 and 10, the following conclusions can be drawn: 1) The soil's fundamental frequency (Case 1) yielded the least precise results. 2) While Case 3 offered the most favorable response, closely matching the direct method, determining the soil-structure system's fundamental frequency through complex integration in numerical software is often impractical. 3) Employing the target frequency in Case 2 produced more satisfactory results than Case 1. 4) Cases 4 and 5 generated nearly identical frequencies. Compared to Case 2, these cases enhanced response accuracy, bringing them closer to the best response (i.e., Case 3). Therefore, for practical applications, it is recommended to utilize the fundamental frequency from either Case 4 or Case 5 instead of the soil-structure system's fundamental frequency (Case 3) to establish the optimal target frequency.
Volume 1, Issue 1 (3-2013)
Abstract
Aims: Evaluation of Patient Satisfaction (PS) is one of the most essential factors in improving the quality of healthcare systems. The aim of this study is to determine the norms and to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Najmiyeh Outpatients Satisfaction Questionnaire (NOSQ). Methods and Materials: This study has been conducted on 240 outpatients in Najmiyeh subspecialty hospital (Tehran-Iran) in 2011. They were selected using the proportional simple random sampling method. Following the confirmation of the content validity, we considered the construct validity and reliability applying Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Explanatory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Cronbach's Alpha. Also, SPSS and AMOS version 18 were used for data analysis. Findings: The sample population consisted of 240 subjects, including 132 females (55.1%) and 108 males (44.9%). The EFA reported three important factors in this regard, with a variance of 54% and Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin index of 0.82, all approved by the CFA (RMSEA= 0.04, CFI= 0.96). The outpatients' satisfaction factors were: “hospital information system, treatment and conditions”. The reliability of the questionnaire was reported at %71 based on the Cronbach's alpha. Conclusions: Both validity and the reliability indexes of the NOSQ have been reported at a desirable level; therefore it can be used as a valid and reliable instrument to measure the outpatients' satisfaction.
Volume 1, Issue 1 (11-2009)
Abstract
In this paper it is argued that the idea of “from socio-political to supported by Habermas has raised much theoretical and practical challenges. One of these challenges concerns with Habermasian trilogy of between facts and norms, communicative action, and discursive ethics. In the present paper the author, instead of liberal law-ethics theories, has concentrated on discursive law-democracy theory as an alternative to the first ones. To support this argument the writer has attempted to show and explain both the normative analytical merits of the chosen and supported theory and its limitations.ethical-legal
Volume 1, Issue 1 (12-2017)
Abstract
In this research,nanocomposite coatings based on epoxy containing pristine graphene oxide and starch-modified graphene oxide are prepared and characterized by Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy, andtheir crosslinking behavior is studied using nonisothermal differential scanning calorimetry.These nanocomposites, because of having platelet-like nanomaterials inside and their organic origin, can be applied as coating on metal surface in diverse industries.The reason behind using starch was its natural basis and abundance of hydroxyl groups in its structure which can take part in crosslinking reaction with epoxide. Neat epoxy systems having amine curing agent, and nanocomposites containing epoxy, amine curing agent, andpristine or starch-modified graphene oxide nanosheets were cure at different heating rates to assess their curing behavior. Change in hearing rate of test caused change in onset and peak temperature of the exotherm curves and consequently heat of reaction changed. It was observed that the presence of the graphene oxide nanosheets hindered the crosslinking reactions, while surface modification of them with starch natural polymer compensated for such a hindrance via catalytic role of starch, and increased crosslink density of system.
Volume 1, Issue 2 (2-2009)
Abstract
Abstract
In this article has been studied the effect of parents economic capital, social capital, cultural capital and communicative action within the family on youth Social capital. The statistical population is pre-university boys and girls of Tehran city. The sample size calculated was 302 people, selected at two stages by random proportional stratified sampling. Regression analysis and path analysis methods were used for the judgment of the hypotheses. Experimental findings indicated that the correlation coefficient of the social capital of children and the linear combination of independent variables was equal to /71. Weight of communicative action within the family was more than the other independent variables in explaining the social capital of children.
Volume 1, Issue 2 (2-2009)
Abstract
The identity of a society is a tool for distinguishing different nations from each other based on a common concept or predetermined concepts. The strong sense of identity can be considered as a social capital. In addition, social capital and social identity are the result of tangible social relationships, which are understandable by the society. They Also have strong affects on each other. With respect to this relationship, this paper verifies the relationship between identity and social capital. The data were gathered from the world values data of 70 countries according to the definitions of the variables. The results by logistic regression showed that there is a positive and significant relationship between social identity and social capital.
Volume 1, Issue 2 (6-2013)
Abstract
Aim: Patients' satisfaction (PS) is a dominant concept in medical care, due to the gap in the literature on Persian version of PS instruments, this study has conducted with aim to analyze the validity and reliability of self-designed Najmiyeh Inpatient Satisfaction Questionnaire (NISQ). Methods: This study was carried out on 247 inpatients that came in Najmiyeh subspecialty hospital in Tehran (the capital city of Iran) during year 2011 who were selected by proportional stratified sampling method. Statistical analysis used: In this study, after checking content validity we used confirmatory and explanatory factor analysis and Cronbach's Alpha in order to examine construct validity and reliability, respectively. SPSS (version18) and AMOS (version 20) programmer were used to analyze data. Findings: Samples consisted of 247 subjects (222 women (90%) and 25 men (10%)). The explanatory factor analysis showed 5 factors with 64% total variance and 0.91 Kaser-Meyer-Olkin Index, the result also confirmed with confirmatory factor analysis (PNFI=0.71, RMR=0.03, PCFI=0.76). Extracted factors consisted of: “satisfaction from nursing services and their behaviour”, “satisfaction from one’s doctor”, “satisfaction from inpatient department”, “companions’ satisfaction”, “satisfaction from one’s room”. Also the questionnaire’s reliability was 0.96 using the Cronbach's Alpha method. Conclusions: Because validity and reliability indexes of NISQ were reported in suitable range, we can confirm that this questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool for measuring inpatient satisfaction.
Volume 1, Issue 2 (9-2011)
Abstract
Introduction of modern technologies such as internet has had some downsides as well. The aim of the present study is to investigate some disadvantages of the integration of modern technology in organizations. The main body of the investigation will concentrate on the effect of different influential factors on cyber-loafing among the members of an organization. Regarding the literature on the subject matter, one of the leading factors that causes cyber-loafing is organizational justice. First, the influence of organizational justice, as the independent variable, on the distributional justice, procedural justice, and interactional justice is be discussed in details. Later on, the moderating role of perception of the organizational control in relation to organizational justice and cyber-loafing will be talked over. For testing the first hypothesis of the study, which focuses on the negative influence of organizational justice on cyber-loafing, the Lisrel software was used in through path analysis and structural equation modeling. The results obtained from 152 questionnaires distributed, among the employees of an automobile company, confirmed the credibility of the first hypothesis. Also the findings did not confirm the idea that the perception of organizational control plays a moderating role with regard to organizational justice and cyber-loafing.
Volume 1, Issue 2 (9-2011)
Abstract
The mainly key to succeed in knowledge-based economy where competitive advantage makes the distinction is human capital. In managing the worthy capital, job satisfaction plays the important role. This prompted the researchers for measuring and improving these aspects of organizational behavior in Kalle Company. The purposes of this study aer distinguishing effective factors and their levels and quantity on job satisfaction of the selling staff of Kalle ice-cream factory. In other words, this research is to distinguish effective factors on job satisfaction of the selling stuffs of Kalle firm in the two groups of selling - marketing staff and other staff including financial, organizational and supporting staff. Importance, and influence intensity of groups will be determined and compared. Also the most important effective factors on job satisfaction of staff will be ranked according to their priority. A combined model of various aspects is provided and used according to the scientists’ opinion on behavioral field and job satisfaction. This research is a kind of descriptive stay according to data collection and objectives. The findings of this study on six effective indexes effecting on job satisfaction and marketing indicate that the three indexes of salary and wages, promotion rules and welfare facilities are in partly infavorable status, but the indexes of job nature, supervising and relationship with cooperatives are in partly favorable status. Comparison of selling and marketing staff with other staff indicates no significant differences in the studied variables of two the groups. Keywords: Knowledge worker, Human capital, Job satisfaction, Nature of job.
Volume 1, Issue 2 (3-2018)
Abstract
Presence of filler in the polymeric materials changes the mechanical, dynamic-mechanical, rheological properties and even the swelling behavior of rubber composite due to mechanisms such as hydrodynamics, polymer-filler and filler-filler interactions. Swelling in rubber composites directly affects the polymer chains, also can affect indirectly other structures in composites such as the filler network and reduce mechanical properties suddenly. In this study, the nitrile rubber-nanosilica composite containing different concentrations of modified nanosilica was prepared and the composite structure was studied through rheological, mechanical, dynamic-mechanical tests. Also it was found that the filler network containing over percolation threshold 13phr of filler concentration has a significant contribution to the mechanical properties of composites. To determine the swelling effect on the prepared composite structure, with different degrees of solubility were used. The mechanical properties of the samples were measured in equilibrium swelling state for each of the solvents The decrement of the mechanical properties between the dry samples and swelled ones containing 14.4, 20 and phr 6.25 silica in solvent with 15% toluene is significant. These intensive changes in mechanical properties that happen at the low degree of swelling are attributed to the removal of the filler network. Therefore, controlling the swelling of rubber parts in adjacent to the solvent, plays the fundamental role in their performance.