Showing 231 results for Path
Volume 0, Issue 0 (2-2024)
Abstract
Learners’ classroom involvement is thought to be highly influential in their academic success in that highly involved learners typically invest more time and energy in acquiring course content. For this reason, the predictors and determinants of learners’ classroom involvement have been highly attended to by educational researchers. Nonetheless, the predicting role of teachers’ emotional competencies like compassion and empathy has rarely been researched. Furthermore, to the best of the researcher’s knowledge, no theoretical review has looked into the concurrent impacts of teachers’ compassion and empathy on EFL (English as a Foreign Language) learners’ classroom involvement. To address this lacuna, the current theoretical review aimed to explicate the effects of these two emotional competencies on EFL learners’ classroom involvement. The desirable effects of teachers’ compassion and empathy on EFL learners’ involvement were demonstrated using theoretical and empirical evidence. The implications of the present review’s findings are thoroughly discussed.
Volume 0, Issue 0 (1-2024)
Abstract
The present research study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of six different entomopathogenic fungi and bacterial formulation against the third-instar grubs of a subterranean biennial white grub species, Lepidiota mansueta. All treatments proved effective, recording over 55 percent mortality of white grubs compared to the untreated control at 30 days after treatment (DAT). However, the highest cumulative mortality (76%) was observed in Beauveria bassiana (KR855715), followed by 72 percent in Beauveria brongniartii (BbUASB16) and 70.67 percent in Bio-Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) treated grubs. Metarhizium anisopliae-based formulation (Bio-Meta) exhibited the lowest mortality rate (58.67%). Overall, B. bassiana (KR855715) and B. brongniartii (BbUASB16) demonstrated higher virulence towards L. mansueta grubs, indicating their potential as biological control agents against these pests. The LT50 values varied from 12.15 to 23.05 days when L. mansueta grubs were treated with different entomopathogenic treatments. In case of KR855715 strain, the LT50 value recorded was 12.15 days (FL 11.15-13.11) which was the lowest and in Bio-Meta, the LT50 recorded was 23.05 days (FL 19.24-30.33) which was the highest. In conclusion, as chemical pesticides are not always the best option for controlling scarabs, entomopathogenic fungus can be incorporated into integrated pest management (IPM) strategies as biological control agents. This is especially useful for managing populations of early-season white grubs. Therefore, to keep the pest population in an environmentally balanced level and to provide long-term control for the grubs, these tested entomopathogens may serve as possible biocontrol agents against L. mansueta grubs.
Volume 0, Issue 0 (1-2024)
Abstract
Drastically concerned about no longer continuation of instructors to use the computerized learning management system (CLMS) in the post COVID-19, the ministerial and academic authorities in Iran are inclined to figure out about the determinants of instructors’ continuation of making use of the CLMS and how to incorporate the CLMS into the face-to-face education. Therefore, the research aimed to analyze drivers of agricultural instructors’ continuation of Using CLMS. Called instructors’ learning patterns as a knowledge gap, the present causal study surveyed 102 faculty members of two universities in Northwest Iran. To establish a theoretical framework, theory of planned behavior (TPB), technology acceptance model (TAM), and the Vermunt’s theory of learning model (VTLS) were used, the items of the questionnaire were designed accordingly. The results make known that the model has a good fit with the data set, the perceived usefulness (PU) of the CLMS has an impact on the attitude towards the CLMS and intention to continue using the CLMS (BI). The application-oriented learning pattern (AOLP) affects PBC positively. Other predictor variables that directly impinge upon instructors’ behavioral intention (BI) to continue applying the CLMS include attitude, PU, AOLP, and perceived student readiness (PSR). The estimated multiple correlation coefficients for the PBC, attitude, and BI were 0.17, 0.51, and 0.46, respectively. The results of the research can be useful and effective for agricultural higher education decision makers in using and replacing CLMS in specific situations instead of face-to-face education.
Volume 0, Issue 0 (1-2024)
Abstract
Education and research are fundamental pillars of educational systems, including agricultural higher education institutions. However, an inadequate balance between these components can lead to a deviation from the primary goals of these institutions. This study aimed to conduct a pathological analysis of the equilibrium between education and research in the higher education system of agriculture in Iran. “Three-pronged pathology model” was utilized, comprising components of “context” (including knowledge, moral, individual-psychological, satisfaction, and the thematic nature), “behavior” (including planning, coordination, control, and monitoring), and “structure” (including demonstrative, diversity, consequence, and political). This quantitative study is applied in purpose, non-experimental in design, retrospective in timing, survey-based in data collection, and descriptive-causal comparative in data analysis. The data collection instrument was a researcher-developed questionnaire, with face and content validity confirmed by experts. The reliability of the questionnaire was established using Cronbach's alpha for each variable (0.704 ≤ α ≤ 0.902). The statistical population comprised faculty members from agricultural departments of public universities in Iran (N=3335), with a sample of 307 selected. Results indicated a tendency among faculty members towards research activities. The greatest gap and imbalance between education and research were observed in the areas of context, followed by structure and behavior. This indicates that the existing context and structure push faculty members towards research activities for their sustainability and advancement in the agricultural higher education system. This poses a serious issue that must be addressed by policymakers and decision-makers.
Volume 0, Issue 1 (5-2011)
Abstract
Histopathological and pathomorphological effects of 15 ppb mercuric chloride on Persian sturgeon, Acipenser persicus, were investigated using histological and electron microscopy observations. Light microscopy showed that the gill epithelial hypertrophy, wrinkling and hyperplasia in lamellar epithelia and lamellae fusion occurred after 48 h of exposure. Gill epithelia also showed occasional necrosis, which had almost been completed and blood emerged from the capillaries. However, occasional necrosis in some regions of the filament, both with blood emerging and with no bleeding, was observed by using electron microscopy. These injuries were well observed in inter-lamellar regions of the filament and also wrinkling of the lamellar epithelium. Ultrastructural observations showed some cellular disorders in gill epithelium of the Persian sturgeon, A. persicus, fry. In addition, increase in apical vesicles of the chloride cells and necrosis in apical surfaces of some chloride cells, hypertrophy and necrosis of the chloride cells’ mitochondrion and endoplasmic reticulum also were some of the other cellular disorders observed through transmission electron microscopy. In conclusion, the gills of A. persicus fry were sensitive to low concentrations of inorganic mercury (HgCl2).
Volume 1, Issue 1 (3-2013)
Abstract
This research was carried out to investigate allelopathic effect of Peganum harmala on seed germination of Bromus tectorum. Aboveground and underground tissues of Peganum harmala in addition to its seeds were collected from Bijar rangelands. Collected materials of root, leaves, stem, seeds and a complex of mentioned parts were dried and powder. The research was performed at the greenhouse condition. The treatments included 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 weight percentage of above mentioned powders. Also a control treatment was used, too. A completely randomized design (CRD) was applied for 4 weeks. Germination seeds were counted and recorded daily. Germination properties included: germination percentage, mean germination time, germination speed, inhibitory percentage. At the end of study period, radicle and stem length were measured. Data were analyzed by ANOVA. The results revealed that allelopathic effect of P. harmala resulted in negative effects on germination properties of Bromus tectorum. The high concentration of P. harmala has strong Allelochemicals inhibitory effects on germination and initial growth characteristics of B. tectorum. It was found that the materials obtained from different tissues of P. harmala had different levels of inhibition on germination properties of B. tectorum, so that seeds were the most inhibitor tissues. The lowest germination percentage and seedling growth resulted from 12gr powder of seeds.
Volume 1, Issue 1 (4-2014)
Abstract
Background:Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a sight-threatening microvascular complication of diabetes in which the vascular endothelium is damaged due to oxidative stress and inflammation, and vitreous VEGF concentration becomes elevated. The aim of the present study was to assess the association of DR with genetic variations of the MnSOD, a major antioxidant enzyme, and VEGF, an important mediator of neovascularisation, in northern Iran. Methods: 70 patients with DR and 70 healthy control subjects matched for age and sex was recruited for this study. PCR-based RFLP assay was used to determine the genotypes of MnSODA16V and VEGF+405 C/G polymorphisms. Results and Conclusions:A higher frequency of the AV genotype (71.43%) of the MnSODA16V polymorphism was found in the patients compared with controls which had a 8.33-fold increase in risk of DR (OR= 8.33, 95% CI= 2.56-27.13, P= 0.0004). The frequency of GG, GC, and CC genotypes of VEGF +405 C/G polymorphism in controls were 42.86%, 45.71% and 11.43%, respectively, while in DR patients were 18.57%, 48.57%, and 32.86%, respectively.The +405C allele was considered as a high risk factor of DR (OR= 2.55, 95% CI= 1.57-4.14, P= 0.0001). In conclusion, It is suggested that the MnSODA16V and the VEGF+405 C/G polymorphisms may be associated with the risk of DR in northern Iran.
Volume 1, Issue 2 (10-2013)
Abstract
The present work is a comparative study of Aristotelian and narrative dramas with reference to “Oedipus Rex” by Sophocles and “Mother Courage and Her Children” by Bertolt Brecht. The basics of Aristotelian drama come from Aristotle’s Poetics, which was considered as an undisputed tradition in drama until the eighteenth century. The aim of this dramatic tradition is catharsis, which is achieved through pity, fear and empathy in the audience. Among the other main principles of Aristotelian drama are the observance of the three units: dramatic climax and peripetia, and the first and the last moments of excitement.
The narrative drama is based on Bertolt Brecht's non-Aristotelian theories in drama. Brecht believes that we must create a critical distance from daily events through alienation so that the audience can reconsider them and develop a critical view. The duality of the actor's role, the inconsistency between the actor's thought and action, time leaps, musical interruptions of the story, strong lightening on the stage, a half-empty stage with a half open curtain, the use of titles at the beginning of the scenes, and putting placards that free the audience from illusions are some of the alienation techniques used in Mother Courage and Her Children.
Aristotelian drama emphasizes the unity of sequences and coherence of events, and considers the play as a whole, which aims at involving the audience wholeheartedly and making the audience identifies himself with the hero of the play. In contrast, narrative drama is a montage of single scenes,
which causes pauses in the play. In this type of drama, the audiences, because of frequent interruptions, does not get involved in the play, gets distance from the scenes, and is persuaded to critically view the play, present solutions, and make decisions. In sum, the fundamental difference between these two types of drama lies in the effect they have on the audience. In this work, an attempt has been made to discuss the major difference between Aristotelian and narrative dramas with a number of examples taken from Oedipus Rex and Mother Courage and Her Children.
Volume 1, Issue 3 (9-2012)
Abstract
The dry bubble disease, caused by Lecanicillium fungicola, is an important fungal disease of white button mushroom in Iranian mushroom production farms. Twenty-three isolates of the pathogen collected in Iran and identified as L. fungicola var. fungicola, were compared for genetic polymorphism, diversity in growth rate and virulence. Ten Universal Rice Primers (URP) were used to evaluate the genetic diversity of L. fungicola var. fungicola. URP analysis showed that the genetic diversity of Iranian isolates was low (average 10 % over the 10 primers used) and that they were almost clonal. Relative correlations between geographical origins of isolates and molecular grouping were observed but there was no correlation between mycelial growth rate, virulence assays and URP patterns. Significant differences were observed between isolates based on mycelial growth rate and virulence assays. The high level of genetic homogeneity is attributed to the effect of fungicides used for control of the mushroom diseases which might have imposed a significant selection pressure on the fungal populations.
Volume 1, Issue 3 (12-2013)
Abstract
Aim: Level of physical activity as key determinant of healthy lifestyle is less than what is required in individuals particularly women. Applying theories of behavioral change about complex behaviors such as physical activity leads to identify effective factors and their relations. The aim of this study was to determine predictors of exercise behavior based on developed Theory of Planned Behavior with planning constructs in military personnel’s wives. Methods: We performed this cross-sectional study on 150 military personnel’s spouses residing in organizational houses, in Tehran, Iran in 2013. The participants were randomly selected with multi-stage cluster sampling. The validity and reliability of developed scale were evaluated before conducting the path analysis. Data were analyzed using SPSS.16 and LISREL8.8. Finding: The developed model predicted 48, 11, 12 and 35 percent of the variance in intention, action planning, coping planning and behavior, respectively. Subjective norms (Beta=0.35, p<0.01) and perceived behavioral control (Beta=0.28, p<0.01) were the predictors of intention. Determinants of behavior included action planning (Beta=0.40, p<0.01), coping planning (Beta=0.39, p<0.01), intention (Beta=0.23, p<0.01) and subjective norms (Beta=0.08, p<0.01). Instrumental and affective attitude had no significant path coefficient to dependent variables. The path of perceived behavioral control to behavior was non-significant. The developed theory fitted to data better than the original theory. Conclusion: This research demonstrated relative weights and relationships of Theory of Planned Behavior constructs with action and coping planning in physical activity behavior of military staffs' spouses. It is essential to consider these effective factors in designing of health education programs.
Volume 2, Issue 1 (4-2002)
Abstract
In this paper, a new propagation model based on UTD for multiple diffraction paths in cellular mobile radio communications in urban environments is proposed. Moreover, the most rigorous novel UTD-based expressions for multiple diffractions by buildings and excess path losses are d - rived and analyzed. For this purpose, building rows are supposed to have rectangular cross-sections with the same heights and spacings. In addition, in this analysis actual electrical
roperties of buildings are regarded.
Previous studies have been concentrated on the simplified models that approximated building rows as absorbing half-screens or perfectly conducting half screens (knife-edges) or 90 degrees wedges. In this work, buildings are assumed flat-roofed parallel rows of dielectric blocks and their actual relative permittivity and conductivity are applied.
Volume 2, Issue 1 (4-2002)
Abstract
In this paper we present a new method for tool-path generation and adaptive interpolation for a three-axis CNC milling machine. This method satisfied the force and / or the error conditions by using a variable-direction variable-feedrate strategy based on Maximum Feedrate Map. The proposed adaptive interpolator modifies the cutting path and the moving direction according to the actual instantaneous position error in real time. It also adaptively slows down the speed of the cutting tool if the position error exceeds a permissible threshold so as to decrease the error. As the cutting points on the spline at each cycle are not calculated beforehand, memory requirement for the interpolator drastically reduces. The significance of the proposed method on the reduction of the cutting error in the presence of disturbance is demonstrated via computer simulations.
Volume 2, Issue 1 (1-2016)
Abstract
The genus Pseudomonas consists of more than 120 species that are ubiquitous in moist environments such as water and soil ecosystems and are pathogenic to animals and humans. Within the genus of Pseudomonas, P. aeruginosa is most frequently associated with human infections. The bacterium is regarded as an opportunistic pathogen, primarily causing nosocomial infections in immunocompromised patients. The existing knowledge regarding the pathogenesis of P. aeruginosa has mainly been obtained through studying clinical isolates; particularly those involved in causing chronic lung infection in cystic fibrosis patients. Nosocomial infections commonly associated with P. aeruginosa include ventilator-associated pneumonia, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, wound infections in severe burn patients and septicaemia with their pathogenesis shown to be multifactorial. The bacterium is also capable of producing a number of toxins via the type III secretion system, as well as secreting enzymes and proteins including elastase, phospholipase C and siderophores. However, P. aeruginosa is also a waterborne pathogen, commonly found in environmental waters as well as in other sources such as sewage treatment plants. The public health implication of these bacteria whilst in the environment has not been fully investigated. Here we review our present knowledge about the pathogenesis of P. aeruginosa in clinical settings and the environment.
Volume 2, Issue 2 (9-2013)
Abstract
The acute toxicity and histopathology of Schizothorax zarudnyi (2±0.2 g body weight)exposed to diazinon was assessed statically in 22±2°C, following the OECD Guideline. The 96h LC50 value of diazinon for the fish was 14.70 mg/l, therefore making its MAC value 1.47 mg/l in natural waters. According to the table of insecticides sorting, the toxicity of diazinon was low for S. zarudnyi. Some clinical symptoms and abnormal reactions such as lordosis and neural paralytic syndrome, losing the balance and swimming in a half circle, expressive pigmentation mainly on the dorsal part and block of respiration movements in the fish exposed to this pesticide were observed. Histopathological evidence from the tissues of liver, kidney, gill, and gut revealed vascular tissue of the liver, sinusoids, hepatocytes vacuole degeneration, shrinkage and degeneration of some urinary cells, dilatation of Bowman's space, pycnotic nucleus of some kidney cells and increase in the number of interstitial kidney cells. Complications, such as hyperemia, telangiectasia, edema, shrinkage, clubbing and adhesion to the secondary gill filaments were also observed.
Volume 2, Issue 2 (6-2014)
Abstract
Soil characteristics is very important in water erosion processes. The present investigation was conducted in gully lands of Ardebil Province, Iran, to assess the role of soil texture and structure on aggregate stability using wet sieve method. To achieve the study purposes, mean weighted diameter of aggregates was calculated, and its relationships with lime and clay percentages, sodium absorption ratio and soil organic matter were then determined. The research results showed, in the first and second depth, the organic matter had the highest direct and positive effect on aggregate stability. In first depth, clay and lime had a direct and positive effect on aggregate stability. In both depths, sodium absorption ratio had the highest but negative effect on aggregate stability. Organic matter and clay had the highest direct and positive effect on aggregate stability in the second depth. The highest indirect effect of the parameters on aggregate stability was in second depth due to effect of clay and organic matter on each other. In second depth, lime had the direct and positive effect on aggregate stability. Sodium absorption ratio had a direct and negative effect on aggregate stability in both study depths.
Volume 2, Issue 3 (7-2016)
Abstract
Background: Masske is a traditional Iranian butter made from yoghurt. The first aim of this study was to isolate and identify the nonlactic pathogenic microflora by culture and molecular methods of identification, and the second purpose was to identify genetic similarity of the isolated bacteria in Masske.
Materials and Methods: In order to detect pathogenic dominant indicator microorganisms, a number of 150 bacterial isolates from three Masske samples, which may comprise the repetitive isolates and could grow on appropriate media for Staphylococci and E.coli, were classified into 8 groups according to their phenotypic characterization followed by chemical tests. Then 2approximately similar isolates from each group were chosen (total 18 isolates; we selected 3 isolates from 2 groups of eight), and the sequencing of 16S rRNA gene was done for subsequent analysis.
Results: Among 18 bacterial isolates, Staphylococcus hominis was the most frequently isolated species during the manufacture of Masske as the presence of this bacterium was confirmed in 14 out of 18 samples. Also, the presence of Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli was identical across the samples (for each one, 2 out of 18).
Conclusion: Our results based on cultural and molecular methods suggest making some improvements to the hygiene of Masske manufacture due to the high population of minor pathogens.
Volume 2, Issue 4 (12-2011)
Abstract
This paper examines the Quranic Iltifāt in the light of the structure of discourse information (SDI). The question is that how can Iltifat be justified through SDI? Firstly, it is referred to the literature review as well as the definition, categories and the kinds of Iltifat. Secondly SDI, topicalization, topic maintenance and point of view/focalization are analyzed. It seems that, through SDI, God turns the message into a new way (Iltifat) and gives it in a new package. This then results in the reader's empathy, which may change through the shift of point of view, hence, a change in Iltifat. Finally, the main findings read as follows: 1) in Iltifat, the reader receives information/ Quranic message in a new package via SDI, 2) Iltifat can be justified through topicalization and topic maintenance, 3) Iltifat is the innovatory use of language rather than a grammatical error, and 4) Iltifat and its kinds underscore the here and now of the Quranic oral discourse as well as the active role of the reader as the God's present audience.
Volume 2, Issue 4 (10-2016)
Abstract
Background: Salmonella typhimurium is one of the most important species of Salmonella that is intracellular parasite and attacks host mucus membrane. These bacteria can cause gastroenteritis, and their main transmission route is water, poultry, meat, egg, and raw food. The aim of this study was to detect three virulence genes associated with S. typhimurium named invA, STM4497, and fliC183 genes by Multiplex PCR method.
Materials and Methods: 183 samples of poultry were collected from food products in Zanjan (Iran) and cultured in BPW (Buffered Peptone Water) for 18 hr and at 37°C, and in RVS broth (Rappaport Vassiliadis Soya) for 6 hr at 41.5°C. After amplification of genomic DNA by Multiplex PCR method, occurrence of pathogen contamination was checked and compared with standard strain.
Results: From the total of 183 collected samples, 52(28.4%) samples were positive for S. typhimurium. The frequency of STM4497, fliC183, and invA genes were 49 (27%), 3 (2%), and 53 (29%), respectively.
Conclusion: Simultaneous detection of invA, STM4497, and fliC183 genes were recognized as a key for detection of S. typhimurium by Multiplex PCR method.
Volume 3, Issue 2 (6-2014)
Abstract
The aphid species, Cinara pini (Linnaeus, 1758) reported in our previous work as a new aphid on pinus trees for Iran, was described using the classic method and through analysis of COI gene sequence. In the next step, we addressed the efficiency of the entomopathogenic fungus, Lecanicillium longisporum (Zimm.) Zare and Gams strain LRC 190, on the aphid. The fungus was administered to the second instar nymphs and adults using topical application procedure. The results indicated that the entomopathogen caused 90% mortality in adults over seven days at a concentration of 108 spores/ml, while the same control level was achieved for nymphs by 8 × 107 spores/ml. The LC50 values were obtained as 1.2 × 106 and 6.9 × 105 spores/ml for adults and nymphs, respectively. The present study suggests that the entomopathogenic fungus, L. longisporum could be considered as a potential candidate in biocontrol programs of C. pini. This is the first report on the pathogenicity of L. longisporum on C. pini.
Volume 3, Issue 3 (9-2014)
Abstract
Samples of leaf, twig and fruit from ‘Mexican’ lime (Citrus aurantifolia) and grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) with symptoms of bacterial canker were collected from different provinces throughout Iran during spring and summers of 2010 and 2011. Yellow, gram-negative colonies were isolated from infected tissue samples. Results of pathogenicity assays indicated that some isolates incited tissue hyperplasia, hypertrophy and raised callus-like lesions typical of canker in hosts while other isolates stimulated flat necrotic and water-soaked lesions on leaves. Candidate samples of each group were identified according to morphological and physiological characteristics. Detections were also made using specific primers and partial sequencing of 16SrDNA for Pantoea group and gyrB for Xanthomonas group. Results showed that one group was characterized as the typical Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri strain while the other group containing most of the isolates was identified as Pantoea agglomerans. Samplings done frequently in different seasons revealed the presence of high populations of P. agglomerans with bacterial canker, especially in warmer and drier regions. These bacteria were able to incite canker-like symptoms on grapefruit seedlings and could be reisolated after two months.