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Showing 8 results for Divergence


Volume 2, Issue 3 (9-2013)
Abstract

Various molecular techniques are available to make differences and to study the genetic divergences among species and populations, of which the most efficient ones are PCR-based markers. One of these methods, molecular fingerprinting, enables the distinction of closely related populations. ISSR-primers are universal primers that can be used for such studies. The utility of these primers was tested for threepopulations of Eretmocerus mundus Mercet (Hym, Aphelinidae), a primary parasitoid of the whiteflies. Of the 60 ISSR primers, that were checked, as many as 64 bands were obtained from 16 primers. The band sizes ranged from above 200 to 1000 bp for different primers. The rate of divergence among the bands was strong enough to make a clear difference among the studied specimens; however the intricacy of using these primers is very much for studying the divergence among several populations. Therefore, sequencing of specific regions of DNA could bring more success to find out divergence among populations of these tiny parasitoids.    

Volume 4, Issue 1 (12-2021)
Abstract

The growing trend of local conflicts within the national space of countries and between the political-administrative realms raises this issue that on what factors and foundations are such conflicts and tensions are based and what mechanism do they follow? Although fundamental differences and contradictions in various spatial -geographical, social, cultural and ethnic, historical, political, etc are the basis of many internal tensions and conflicts in countries, the method of management and political organization of the space in the form of civil divisions is one of the most important factors intensifying or reducing these conflicts. Therefore, in this research, using the descriptive-analytic method and relying on library resources, the most important causes and sources of tension and conflict among political-administrative realms within countries are discussed. The results showed that factors such as the pattern of political management of national space, changes in borders and boundaries of the administrative divisions, natural and cultural heterogeneity in divided units, unbalanced development of political -administrative units, the geography of power and support participation, local competitions, electoral constituency, place senses of units and the resulting identity effects, unbalanced shapes and sizes of divided units, border disputes and environmental issues are the most important factors in creating tension and conflict among political -administrative realms. All of these factors are in a systematic relationship and their interactions will intensify conflicting interests and diverge and eventually create tensions and conflicts among the political -administrative realms.

Volume 4, Issue 1 (12-2021)
Abstract

The present study seeks to answer the following question: 'why Turkey and Iran have been failed to use the critical junctures of recent decades as a starting point for national development and shaping regional development?' To answer the research question, new institutionalism was used as a theoretical approach to understand regional development. Acemoglu and Robinson's theory of Critical Junctures was also used to explain the reasons for the failure or success of countries in achieving development. In terms of research method, the present study is a case-oriented historical comparative study. The unit of analysis of this research is the country and global, international, regional and national events and conditions are selected and analyzed in relation to it. According to the study, Iran and Turkey have experienced two critical junctures since the 1990s, one as a result of internal processes and national elections and the other as a transnational event such as the military occupation of Iraq or the Arab Spring. It seems that Iran and Turkey have chosen the path of national development in the first critical juncture, but in the second critical juncture, both countries have entered into internal and regional tensions and conflicts and the process of national development have been encountered with several obstacles. In addition, the two countries have not been able to move institutionally and sustainably toward economic convergence over the past two decades. This inability has prevented the emergence of a developed region in the Middle East. The Middle East identity -based conflicts, exacerbated by foreign interventions and confrontational politics, have shifted the region's environment to militarization and security, making the space conducive to economic growth and prosperity leaving the region in poor economic growth and prosperity.

Volume 5, Issue 2 (6-2016)
Abstract

Cicada orni Linnaeus, 1758 is an abundant and common cicada across Europe, North Africa, and western Asia including Iran. The male cicada produces a loud calling song for attraction of females from a long distance. The calling songs are known often to be species-specific and to function in part for species recognition. The present study compares variations in calling song of C. orni in Iran with those reported from other areas and also signifies the importance of calling song in species identification. C. orni were collected in Mazandaran, Iran during summer 2010. Four features were used: echeme duration, echeme period, interecheme interval, number of echeme/s and dominant frequency. Findings of present study showed some resemblance in time and frequency domains in the calling song among the populations of C. orni from Iran and those investigated in Greece, Iberian Peninsula and Turkey. The parameters of calling song showed maximal resemblance with species of Kosmas (Greece). The present results do not support C. orni from Iran as an independent subspecies. Thus, it is concluded that every feature of calling song can be effective in species recognition as is the case for several other parameters.  

Volume 8, Issue 4 (12-2022)
Abstract

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Insect caste development and their morphological divergence are not yet studied well, especially in ants. However, the role of developmental and genetic integration in evolution is contentious. In our study, we tried to reveal the quantitative genetics selection responses, phylogenetic signal, and evolutionary origin of weaver ant female castes (queen, major and minor). The widening and lengthening of the head region, as well as the well-developed mandibular process, are the major heritable characteristics found in the major worker ants. We hypothesized that these conserved and heritable characteristics may help the major worker ants for defense, foraging purposes and other nest-building function aspects. However, in the case of minor worker, small heads and the reduced mandibular process are the more heritable characteristics. Compared to worker ants, in queen, the highly heritable and conserved morphological character is well-developed thoracic regions and large-sized abdomen. It is interesting to note that there is no detectable phylogenetic signal across the female cast of the Asian weaver ants, which suggests that the caste development and morphological divergence are environmentally modulated not evolutionary conserved. From this study, we concluded that caste-specific morphological shape and size are highly conserved traits and these traits are modulated by their niche preferences.

Volume 14, Issue 6 (3-2023)
Abstract

Education’s pivotal role in shaping cultural and identity elements is evident in its influence on both individuals and elites. This study explores sapioemotionality, referring to the emotional responses experienced by junior high school students when encountering elites. Persian language textbooks are considered crucial for cultural awareness. This study examines the portrayal of elites in these textbooks. Sapioemotionality, encompassing positive and negative convergence and divergence at individual and social levels, focuses on emotions elicited by elites’ presence. A total of 917 junior high students from various disciplines and levels participated in the study, completing the Sapioemotionality Questionnaire. The findings indicate significant gender disparities, with girls exhibiting higher sapioemotionality and a specific fascination with female elites. Tenth-grade students exhibited higher levels of sapioemotionality, which varied depending on their field of study. Mathematics-physics students demonstrated lower levels of sapioemotionality compared to literature and humanities, and experimental sciences students. A qualitative analysis of Persian Language textbooks, suggesting a shortfall in addressing sapioemotionality, with 76% of students perceiving a lack of attention to elites. These necessities textbook revisions that align with students’ emotional responses and cultural values, ensuring a more engaging and culturally relevant educational experience.

1. Introduction
The Curriculum Development Council prioritizes integrating Iranian identity into language and Persian literature textbooks, viewing them as key tools for cultural communication and motivation. Improving these textbooks, particularly in terms of cultural and identity elements, is a top priority for educational authorities. Additionally, individuals’ attitudes toward elites and celebrities, integral to national identity, can be shaped through textbooks that highlight their achievements.
Acknowledging the significance of investigating attitudes towards elites, the concept of “sapioemotionality” assesses emotions at individual and societal levels. The challenge of identity formation during adolescence further highlights the significance of socialization in shaping attitudes, emphasizing the critical role of textbooks in this process.
This study aims to examine Persian textbooks in grades ten to twelve as an effective tool for introducing Iranian culture, across various disciplines of literature and humanities, experimental sciences, and mathematics-physics. Initially, students’ sapioemotionality levels are assessed to gain insights into their emotional responses to elites. Additionally, students’ satisfaction with the portrayal of elites is evaluated. This is then compared with their sapioemotionality levels to assess the alignment between textbook content and students’ emotional responses.

1.2. Research Questions
  1. Is there a significant difference in sapioemotionality between individual and societal levels among junior high school students?
  2. Is there a significant difference in sapioemotionality between female and male junior high school students at individual and societal levels?
  3. Is there a significant difference in sapioemotionality among junior high school students enrolled in different academic disciplines?
  4. Is there a significant difference in sapioemoionality among junior high school students pursuing different academic disciplines?
5-  How have elites and celebrities been portrayed in Persian textbooks (1) , (2), and (3) for junior high school?

2. Literature Review
2.1. Sapioemotionality
Sapioemotionality, introduced by Pishghadam et al. (2021), focuses on individuals’ attitudes toward elites in shaping societal culture and national identity. This constructivist concept explores emotional responses to elites, considering positive/negative convergence and positive/negative divergence at individual and societal levels.
Positive Convergence: High sapioemotionality at both levels indicates high societal value and appreciation for elites.
Negative Convergence: Low sapioemotionality at both levels implies societal indifference or negativity toward elites.
Positive Divergence: High individual, low societal sapioemotionality suggests personal inclination toward elites not shared by society.
Negative Divergence: Low individual, high societal sapioemotionality indicates societal encouragement despite individual disinterest.
These nuances provide insights into emotional responses to elites, especially in academic settings. The study aims to understand sapioemotionality convergence and divergence across different dimensions, illustrated in Figure 1 (Pishghadam et al., 2021).

Figure 1
Sapioemotionality Dimensions


The results of the study by Pishghadam et al. (2021) indicate a positive divergence trend in Iranian society, where individuals aspire to interact with elites amidst a lack of societal support. This imbalance has contributed to a decline in the value placed on knowledge and academic achievement in the academic environment. If this persists, despite efforts to foster elitism, the study suggests a decline in possible elitism among adolescents, as evidenced in educational textbooks, particularly Persian ones. The content analysis of these books is critical for introducing Iranian culture to students, emphasizing the focus of the present research.

3. Methodology
This research adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining a qualitative analysis of Persian textbooks for the second year of secondary education alongside a concurrent quantitative investigation of sapioemotionality among tenth to twelfth-grade students across various disciplines of literature and humanities, experimental sciences, and mathematics-physics.
3. 1. Participants
The study encompasses 917 students (627 females, 290 males) aged 15 to 19, distributed across tenth (n = 413), eleventh (n = 257), and twelfth grades (n = 247) in literature and humanities (n = 509), experimental sciences (n = 309), and mathematics-physics (n = 99). Participants responded to the Sapioemotionality Questionnaire.

3.2. Research Tools
The quantitative data were collected by Sapioemotionality Questionnaire, developed by Pishghadam et al. (2021), who established the validity and reliability of the scale (Cronbach's alpha 0.88). This 10-item questionnaire measures sapioemotionality at individual and social levels.
In the qualitative phase, student satisfaction with how elites are portrayed in Persian textbooks for junior high schools is assessed. These textbooks, across various disciplines, contribute to the national identity of being elite. The content of the textbooks is subjected to a qualitative analysis, involving a comparison of different chapters and lessons.

3.3. Data Collection Procedures
Quantitative data were collected online through the distribution of the Sapioemotionality Questionnaire to students nationwide. The data were analyzed in SPSS (Ver. 21) using a one-way ANOVA for statistical evaluation.

                                                                                   4. Results
The paired sample t-test revealed that among junior high school students, sapioemotionality at the individual level exceeded the social level (t(916) = 31.13, p = 0.00). An independent t-test showed that female students had higher sapioemotionality than males at the individual level (t(915) = 3.45, p = 0.001). In comparison, female students exhibited higher sapioemotionality than males at the social level (t (915) = 3.88, p = 0.00).
Regarding sapioemotionality across grades, a one-way ANOVA indicated a significant difference (F(2, 914) = 6.92,  p = 0.001). Pairwise comparisons revealed higher sapioemotionality in tenth-grade students (36.63), compared to eleventh-grade (35.55) and twelfth-grade students (35.07). No significant difference was found between eleventh and twelfth-grade students. One-way ANOVA showed significant differences among literature and humanities, experimental sciences, and mathematics-physics students (F(2, 914) = 6.92, p = 0.001). Pairwise comparisons revealed lower sapioemotionality in mathematics-physics students (34.21), compared to literature and humanities (35.87) and experimental sciences students (36.17). No significant difference was observed between students of literature and humanities and students of experimental sciences.
After analyzing the textbooks, it was found that attention to elites was limited. This prompted a qualitative question in the Sapioemotionality Questionnaire. In fact, 76% of students believed that there was little attention, 19% felt there was moderate attention, and only 5% believed there was significant attention. This lack of attention raised concerns given the potential impact on students’ behavioral and performance models during the identity crisis period.
Considering the emotional weight of language, it is crucial to align educational content with students’ interests. The research suggests tailoring attention to elites in textbooks based on gender characteristics and age to cultivate cultural values. The study emphasizes the need for future research on “emolings” related to elites in educational content, aiming for a more nuanced discourse and positive sapioemotionality.

Volume 26, Issue 2 (3-2024)
Abstract

Larvae of numerous Noctuidae and Nolidae species have significant annual economic losses in agriculture. DNA-based diagnostics have been proposed as an effective way to accelerate the identification and discovery of new species. This study aimed to determine the utility of up to 642 bp Cytochrome c Oxidase subunit I (COI) barcodes for identifying 12 major Iranian Noctuidae and Nolidae crop pests and confirming morphological identifications based on classical taxonomy. We combined molecular and morphological analysis to identify 53 specimens collected from populations throughout Iran. The results indicated the presence of a distinct barcode gap for different pest species. The mean interspecific sequence divergence (Kimura 2-parameter) was an order of magnitude (10.0%) greater than the mean intraspecific sequence divergence (0.29%). This combination of DNA and morphological analyses identified 13 species, one of which was previously unknown and may represent a new previously overlooked Earias species. There were no, or very few, sequences from Iran in international databases for some of the test species. Here, we increase the number of specimens from Iran and aid in taxonomic interpretation. The current study will aid in the identification of the most common Noctuidae and Nolidae major pest species in Iran, regardless of the observer’s taxonomic skills, developmental stage of the vouchers, as well as sex, or insect preservation condition. Our data enables researchers and practitioners involved in the bio-surveillance of insect pests to identify taxa based on simple DNA sequence comparisons quickly. DNA barcoding in conjunction with morphological identifications can provide secondary evidence supporting morphological identifications and improve taxonomic resolution.
Iran Kuroush Salehi, Iran Hamid Balochi,
Volume 30, Issue 4 (10-2023)
Abstract

After losing the Battle of Chaldiran, the Safavid administration had a difficult time in integrating the al-Tawaifi court system under the central authority. Feudalism of Shah Ismail was able to subjugate the local authorities and unify a portion of Iran's territory with the help of the Qizilbash force. Due to territorial and theological disputes, the Safavids and two Ottoman and Uzbek kingdoms engaged in several conflicts as a result of making Shīʿīsm as official faith in Iran. Following the Safavids' loss at Chaldiran, centrifugal (local) forces became more powerful and eclipsed the influence of numerous rulers. The Safavid era turned out to be significant historically. The study's findings indicate that the central Safavid government faced a significant challenge in concentrating power following the defeat at Chaldiran, and this challenge persisted with only a minor variation during later kings until the end of Mohammad Khodabande's reign.

 

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