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Learning could not be thought of as unrelated to cognitive processes and cognitive processes are not unrelated to affective ones; thus, the current study tried to empirically examine the influence of Emotion Based Language Instruction (EBLI) in fostering teaching oral skills to EFL learners. An IELTS test was utilized to measure the progress of both control and experimental groups at the beginning of the research and also at the end. The content of the material chosen to be taught for experimental group was selectively written based on the Metric of Emotioncy designed by Pishghadam (2016). The differences in scores of pre and posttest of IELTS were statistically calculated to observe the effect of EBLI. The results revealed a significant change in speaking skill in experimental group and a change in listening skill, though it was not statistically significant. The results of the current investigation can increase the knowledge on applying EBLI in teaching foreign/second languages.

The current study was conducted to investigate whether test scores of Iranian English as Foreign Language (EFL) learners were equivalent across CBT and PBT modes, with 58 intermediate learners studying at a private language academy located in Behshahr city in northern Iran. Moreover, test takers' computer familiarity, attitudes, aversion, and testing mode preference were regarded as the potential issues to influence CBT test scores. Data were collected using CBT and PBT versions of Nelson Proficiency Multiple-Choice Tests and Computer Aversion, Attitudes, and Familiarity Index (CAAFI) questionnaire as well as a simple testing administration mode preference question. The participants produced similar scores across modes, although they insignificantly outperformed on the CBT version. Additionally, analysis of the overall scores on the CAAFI and mode preference question obtained from CBT testing session indicated no statistically significant correlation between computer familiarity, attitude, aversion, and mode preference variables and test takers' CBT scores. The qualitative findings of this study obtained by semi-structured interview revealed that most of the participants showed high preference and more advantages for CBT over PBT to rationalize why they preferred this mode of testing.

The study aims to examine the relationship between art education and government policy towards sustainable urban development in Tehran. The mixed approach of quantitative and qualitative was adopted as the study design. Stratified sampling technique coupled with simple random sampling was used to sample 300 respondent for this study. Students, as well as development partners, were targeted. Both questionnaire and interviews for literate and non-literate respondents were used respectively. Likert scale questions were used to obtain the required data for the study. The study found that there is a strong relationship between art education and sustainable urban development in Tehran and hence more collaboration is required from the government and development partners to train engineers and Urban planners based on art education.

Affective factors play a role in learning in general and language learning in particular. The current study tried to empirically examine the influence of one of these factors namely 'Emotional Intelligence' to check its influence on Speaking Skill. Participants were Intermediate level students who took the IELTS test (International English Language Testing System), so that the researchers could evaluate their proficiency in speaking skill at the beginning of the project. Next, the Emotional Intelligence of them was calculated and afterwards Emotional Intelligence (EI) was taught. After a one-educational-year course of simultaneously teaching EI and Speaking skill, the same IELTS along with the Emotional Quotient (EQ) questionnaire was administered in experimental and control group. To observe the development in each category, the difference in scores of both EQ and IELTS test (pre-test and post-test) were calculated. Ultimately, it was found that both EQ and speaking skill of the learners in treatment group were developed in a significant way whereas only speaking skill of control group progressed but it was not significant. The findings of the study can contribute in the promotion of the knowledge on the effect of EI in language learning.

English language is an important international language and a considerable part of time and expenses is devoted to learning it. Since many academicians and common people invest a lot of time on learning it, an increase in learning speed is certainly an urgent need. The current study tried to empirically examine the influence of an affective factor namely Emotional Intelligence on Reading Skill as affective factors play a role in learning in general and language learning in particular. Intermediate EFL learners in Iran were given an IELTS test for evaluating their reading proficiency. Next, the Emotional Quotient of the subjects were calculated and after that teaching Emotional Intelligence was started. The subjects received instructions for one year on both Emotional Intelligence and Reading Skill. The difference in scores of both Emotional Intelligence and IELTS tests were then statistically calculated to observe the progress in each issue. The findings of the study showed a significant progress both in Emotional Intelligence and Reading Skill of the subjects in the experimental group, but no significance was observed in the control group. The results of the present research could help develop the knowledge on Emotional Intelligence enhancement and its possible effect(s) on language learning.

The current study tried to empirically examine the influence of enhancing Emotional Intelligence on writing skill. The method of doing the study was giving an "Interchange Placement Test" to the university students who majored in English (EFL learners) in Iran. After selecting intermediate level students for participating in the study, an IELTS test was administered to evaluate the proficiency of the participants at the beginning of the project. Next, the Emotional Quotient (EQ) of the subjects was measured and afterwards, teaching Emotional Intelligence (EI) was started. At the end of a one-educational-year course of simultaneously teaching EI and writing skill, the same EQ and IELTS test was given to the learners. The difference in scores of both EQ and IELTS test were statistically calculated to observe the progress in each issue. The results revealed a significant change both in EQ and in writing skill. The findings of the study could help further the knowledge in the related field.

Purpose: To investigate the odds and associations of pregnancy outcomes with exposure to biopsy-confirmed celiac disease (CD) in Northeast Iran. Methods: In this regional retrospective cohort study, pregnancy records of all women with celiac disease who visited Celiac Disease Clinic of Imam-Reza Hospital from 2017 to 2023 (exposed group) and a sample of women without CD (unexposed group) were extracted using the Electronic Health Record of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences called "Sina". The unexposed group was randomly selected of the database and matched to exposed group on age, location of residence, socioeconomic factors. Our exclusion criteria included age ≥ 45, presence of concomitant disorders, history of non-obstetric uterine surgery, induction of pregnancy through assisted reproductive technology, and any concurrently ongoing pregnancy at the time of study. Pregnancy outcomes evaluated in this study included normal delivery, miscarriage, preterm labor, preeclampsia, and stillbirth. Adjusted odds ratios were calculated using logistic regression adjusted for confounders. Results: Ninety pregnancy records of women with CD and 270 pregnancies of women without CD were included in this study. Low neonatal birthweight (i.e. under 2500 g) had no significant association with CD (aOR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.92–1.06), as well as postpartum hemorrhage (aOR = 1.12, 95%CI = 0.91–1.38), fetal anomaly (aOR = 0.89, 95%CI = 0.69–1.15), miscarriage (aOR = 1.00, 95%CI = 0.91–1.10), ectopic pregnancy (aOR = 0.94, 95%CI = 0.73–1.20), preterm labor (aOR = 1.00, 95%CI = 0.92–1.10), gestational diabetes mellitus (aOR = 1.07, 95%CI = 0.98–1.16), gestational hypertension (aOR = 0.99, 95%CI = 0.89–1.11), and gestation hypothyroidism (aOR = 0.95, 95%CI = 0.82–1.11). However, we found significantly lower odds of preeclampsia in pregnancies affected by CD (aOR = 0.83, 95%CI = 0.69–0.99). Conclusion: Celiac disease was not associated with increased odds of low neonatal birthweight, postpartum hemorrhage, fetal anomaly, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, preterm labor, gestational diabetes mellitus, gestational hypertension and gestational hypothyroidism. Preeclampsia had significantly lower odds in pregnancies affected with CD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research aims to identify new combined genetic algorithm methods to solve complex problems. The researcher has analyzed the results and findings of the previous researchers using a systematic reviewing approach and has identified the effective factors by implementing the 7 steps of Sandelowski and Barroso’s method. Among 4320 articles, 54 articles were selected based on the CASP method. In this manner, in order to evaluate reliability and quality control, the Kappa index was used, and its value was deemed to be in high compatibility regarding the identified factors. The results of the analysis of the collected data in ATLAS TI software led to the identification of 9 categories and 33 primary codes of new combined genetic algorithm methods to solve complex problems. Based on the coding, 9 categories, and 33 initial codes were identified. The identified categories are layout design, supply network, programming, Anticipation, inventory control, information security, imaging, medical imaging and wireless network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study investigated the association between multiple intelligences and language learning efficacy expectations among TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) university students. To fulfill the aim of the study, 108 junior and senior TEFL students were asked to complete the "Multiple Intelligence Developmental Assessment Scales" (MIDAS) (Shearer, 1996) and the "Learners' Sense of Efficacy Survey" (Gahungu, 2009). Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and regression analysis were employed to analyze the data. The findings of correlation analysis indicated that, among the different types of intelligences, Linguistic and Intrapersonal intelligences had strong positive correlations with learners' self-efficacy beliefs. The results of regression analysis showed that Linguistic and Intrapersonal intelligences were positive predictors of learners' efficacy beliefs, whereas Mathematical intelligence was the negative predictor of students' self-efficacy beliefs. All in all, the findings of the present study contribute to the understanding of the interplay between students' multiple intelligences and their language learning self-efficacy beliefs; furthermore, they convey some implications for university teachers, material and curriculum developers and language testers.

One of the first biological fields to achieve a formal chemical wing is believed to be immunology, and in the early twentieth century, many investigators have studied this field in terms of chemical reactions. Hsien Wu was one of China’s outstanding biochemist leaders during the first half of the twentieth century, an influential immunology scientist. By introducing his academic and scientific background, I elaborate on Hsien Wu’s achievements in the immunochemical period. Wu has solved one of the most serious issues on the accurate perception of immunology, and he made quick and universal attention in this regard. Hsien’s most fundamental contribution to this field is his concentration on quantitation, chemical approaches, and physicochemical, opening a new window for other scientists to find out more about the chemical approaches and theories.

Background: Tissue staining is pivotal in histology and histopathology, shouldering a noteworthy role in identifying and classifying tissues and diseases. Due to their non-production of toxic effluents, the utilization of plant-based dyes aligns harmoniously with environmental sustainability and the well-being of laboratory personnel and the general public. Furthermore, this approach is highly cost-effective, further enhancing its appeal. Objectives: This research study explored the feasibility of staining various tissues in mice, such as the liver, kidney, intestine, and cartilage, utilizing a dye extracted from black carrots. Methods: An ethanol extract of 200 g of fresh black carrots (Daucus carota L.) was prepared using 95% ethanol saturated with two different solvents in 200 mL of distilled water. Subsequently, the prepared sections of mice tissue were immersed in the extracted dye solution for 20 minutes, followed by assessment using a light microscope. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used as a control. Results: The dye extracted from the black carrot using alum and acetic acid successfully stained the cartilage, kidney, intestine, and liver tissues, giving them a bluish-gray coloration. Phytochemical screening further confirmed the presence of anthocyanins in the black carrot extract. Conclusion: The dye derived from black carrots exhibits natural tissue staining capabilities, making it an alternative to hematoxylin-eosin in histology and histopathology laboratories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces a groundbreaking approach to demand response management, aiming to empower consumers through innovative strategies. The key contribution is the concept of "acquiring flexibility rights", wherein consumers engage with power aggregators to curtail energy usage during peak-load periods, receiving incentives in return. A flexibility right coefficient is introduced, allowing consumers to tailor their participation in demand response programs, ensuring their well-being. Additionally, a lighting intensity control system is developed to enhance residential lighting network efficiency. The study demonstrates that high-energy consumers, adopting a satisfaction factor of 10, can achieve over 61% in electricity cost savings by combining the lighting control system and active participation in demand response programs. This not only reduces expenses but also generates income through the sale of flexibility rights. Conversely, low-energy consumers can fully offset their expenses and accumulate over USD 33 in earnings through the installation of solar panels. This paper formulates an optimization problem considering flexibility rights, lighting control, and time-of-use tariff rates. An algorithm is proposed for a distributed solution, and a sensitivity analysis is conducted for evaluation. The proposed method showcases significant benefits, including cost savings and income generation for consumers, while contributing to grid stability and reduced blackout occurrences. Real data from a residential district in Tehran validates the method's effectiveness. This study concludes that this approach holds promise for demand response management in smart grids, emphasizing the importance of consumer empowerment and sustainable energy practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purification is an important step in the production of viral vaccines that strongly affects product recovery and subsequent immune responses. The present study was carried out with the aim of improving the purification of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) by the tangential flow filtration (TFF) method. Then, the effect of the purified virus on the induction of immune responses against IBDV in specific pathogen free (SPF) chickens was investigated. The IBD07IR strain was propagated in embryonated SPF eggs. The virus was purified using a 100 kDa cassette. The quality of the recovered viruses was evaluated by titration. A total number of 60 SPF chickens were randomly divided into three groups (n = 20) and received the concentrated viral antigen, commercial live IBDV vaccine and phosphate-buffered saline at the age of 3 weeks by eye drop method. The bursa of Fabricius was examined histopathologically for possible changes. Sera were collected at 1-week intervals from day 0 until the end of 6 weeks after vaccination. The IBDV-specific antibody levels, induction of cell-mediated immunity and mRNA expression levels of cytokines were evaluated. The results showed that despite a relative raise in virus titer from 7.66 to 8.17 embryo infectious dose (EID)50 mL-1 following purification, both the purified IBDV and commercial vaccine are able to induce strong immune responses against the virus. Within a context of egg-based IBDV vaccine production, a single-step TFF can be applied for the relatively purification. This platform requires a further study in the selection of multiple membranes to optimize the operating conditions and final product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitraria schoberi L. is a medicinal plant with antioxidant, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and, anti-viral properties. This plant is also tolerant to salinity and drought. The main aim of this study was to perform elicitation in cell suspension culture of N. schoberi to detect the production of total phenolic and flavonoid contents. In order to accomplish this study, hypocotyls and cotyledonary leaves of N. schoberi were cultured in different callus induction treatments. At the next step, the calli from the best callus induction treatment were transferred to cell suspension cultures containing sodium chloride (NaCl) and salicylic acid (SA) alone or in combination. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents in treatments were measured using a spectrophotometer (absorbance at 765 nm and 430 nm, respectively). According to the results, although callus induction was observed in all treatments, the maximum fresh weight (FW) (7.6 g) and dry weight (DW) (3.7 g) were obtained by culturing hypocotyl explants in MS medium supplemented with 2, 4-dichrolophenoxyacetic acid (2, 4-D) at 0.5 mg/L. The highest total phenolic content (62.2 mg/g) and total flavonoid content (48.24 mg/g) were detected in suspension culture containing 100 millimolar (mM) NaCl and 50 micromolar (µM) SA. Elicitation in suspension culture of N. schoberi can be an effective method for increasing the production of secondary metabolites (phenolic and flavonoid compounds). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Newcastle disease (ND) is a highly contagious viral infection affecting poultry production in many countries. Strict biosecurity and the administration of live attenuated vaccines against the ND virus (NDV) are the main implements of controlling programs. This study evaluated the efficacy and potency of the Razi Clone12IR Newcastle vaccine in specific pathogen-free (SPF) chickens. Chickens were vaccinated with either the Razi Clone12IR vaccine (group A1, n=20) or an imported Clone vaccine (B1, n=20) in the first week of life and boosted in the second week via eye drop, while negative control chickens received PBS (C1, n=20). Half of the birds in each group were challenged with the virulent NDV strain in the third post-vaccination week (A2, B2, and C2 groups). Specific antibody responses were determined in the collected sera by the hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay for up to eight weeks. Cell-mediated immunity (CMI) was determined by the lymphocyte proliferation assay three and six weeks after the second vaccination. Sections of the tissues and organs, including the trachea, lungs, cecal tonsils, spleen, the bursa of Fabricius, liver, and small intestine, were subjected to histopathology. The immunized groups A1 and B1 showed significantly higher HI antibody titers before the challenge than the control group. In addition, lymphocyte proliferation responses significantly increased in the peripheral blood of the vaccinated groups. After the challenge, the A2 and B2 groups conferred good protection and drastically reduced virus shedding. No main lesions were noted in the tissues or organs of the vaccinated group in histopathology. In a few cases, mild microscopic lesions were observed, including the infiltration of inflammatory cells, which was related to the effect of the vaccine virus. These results indicate that the Razi Clone12IR vaccine is safe and can be an efficient tool for NDV infections by inducing protective humoral and CMI responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today it has been proven that creating job opportunity to support the increase in income level is an important factor for rural development. This study investigates the socioeconomic dimensions of rural infrastructure and rural development in Iran. The study was conducted based on a descriptive surveying method that uses field and documentary data. The target population was N= 2800 and by the sampling population is estimated n=250 rural resident in Behbahan Township, located in Khozestan Province, Southwest Iran. The reliability of the questionnaire was calculated using a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (alpha >0.7) for different sections after conducting a pilot study. The result of research showed that although the rural areas of Iran have been provided with infrastructure such as schools, health centres, market places, etc., today it has been proven that creating job opportunities is an important factor for rural development.

In recent years, information and communication technology in the field of e-commerce has reduced many of the challenges of business development. E-commerce can be used to develop the agricultural sector and to market agricultural products. This research is a survey aimed at evaluating the adoption of greenhouse owners to Affecting the use information and communication technology in managing greenhouse units in Isfahan Township. The type of research is descriptive-analytic. The statistical community is about 460 and 197 number of sample units are accidentally chosen using Cochran formula with possible precision. The research method was library and field based. After determining the indices and variables of the research, a researcher-made questionnaire was used to collect the required statistical data in the study area. The main tool of the research is questionnaire and its processing is done in the software Spss21. The reliability of questionnaire has been gained through using cronbach alpha also the validity of the research was also calculated using the KMO coefficient higher than 0.7. Results of this research showed that 10 percent greenhouse owners have started accepting the use information and communication technology in managing greenhouse units. The results of the research show that the there was a correlation between the level of education, job satisfaction and income level with the components of adopting, decision, persuasion, and knowledge of meaningful and positive. The results of regression analysis also show that variables such as age, job, experience and communication channels, psychological factors and decision describe 46 percent of the dependent variable of accepting the use of the internet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the beginning of life on earth, mankind has always used animals and plants for its nutrition and has continuously trained and developed them for their benefits and social, cultural, and economic needs. In the past, livestock and crop breeding were done by traditional farmers and ranchers. It improves the performance of livestock and crops, they performed the selection, which is one of the principles of plant breeding and livestock breeding. They made this choice with the help of information that was passed down to them from successive generations. It is a participatory plant breeding and production of crops with the help of researchers alongside farmers. Farmers work with researchers, scientists, and other stakeholders -even consumers-to improve crops and develop resilient plant varieties. Farmers are aware of their needs and have a conscious understanding of their agricultural land in terms of soil type, seed type, weather conditions, surface water, underground water conditions, etc. Therefore, they can play an important role in making decisions about the implementation of plant breeding and the type of planting pattern in the cultivated microclimates. In other words, farmers determine their cultivation goals based on their environments, conditions, tastes, and local cultures. The seed that is obtained in this way by the breed researchers with the help of the leading farmers, actually contributes significantly to the food governance of the people of that region and that country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In severe COVID-19 cases, a hypercoagulable state may occur. Antiphospholipid syndrome-related auto-antibodies (APSRAs) contribute to coagulopathy, but their role in COVID-19 remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of positive APSRAs and their effect on clinical outcomes in confirmed COVID-19 patients. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, severe hospitalized COVID-19 cases were enrolled. Demographic and clinical data were obtained from the day of admission. APSRAs including IgG and/or IgM anticardiolipin (aCL) and anti-ß2-glycoprotein1 (anti-ß2GP1) as well as lupus anticoagulant (LAC) were measured. Results: In this study, 54 severe COVID-19 cases with positive RT-PCR and chest CT scans were recruited. Positive APSRAs were found in 7 (12.9%) patients. Positive LAC was a more prevalent marker as compared to other tests (11.1%). The prevalence of positive aCL (IgM or IgG) and anti-ß2 GPI (IgM or IgG) w as 1.8% (in an elderly woman). Lower oxygen saturation was found in the positive APSRAs group as opposed to the negative APSRAs group (70.3±9 vs. 84.8±9.7%). The mortality rate in the positive APSRAs group was significantly higher relative to the negative APSRAs group (83.3% vs. 27.1%; Pvalue: 0.01). Likewise, the mechanical ventilation requirement in the positive group was also higher (50% vs. 27.1%, P-value: 0.28). Conclusion: This study indicated that LAC might be associated with critical cases and high mortality of COVID-19. Nonetheless, the mortality was not related to macrothrombotic incidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla (Thunb). Ser.), an ornamental plant, has good marketing potential and is known for its capacity to change the colour of its inflorescence depending on the pH of the cultivation media. The molecular mechanisms causing these changes are still uncertain. In the present study, transcriptome and targeted metabolic profiling were used to identify molecular changes in the RNAome of hydrangea plants cultured at two different pH levels. De novo assembly yielded 186,477 unigenes. Transcriptomic datasets provided a comprehensive and systemic overview of the dynamic networks of the gene expression underlying flower colour formation in hydrangeas. Weighted analyses of gene co-expression network identified candidate genes and hub genes from the modules linked closely to the hyper accumulation of Al3+ during different stages of flower development. F3′5′H, ANS, FLS, CHS, UA3GT, CHI, DFR, and F3H were enhanced significantly in the modules. In addition, MYB, bHLH, PAL6, PAL9, and WD40 were identified as hub genes. Thus, a hypothesis elucidating the colour change in the flowers of Al3+-treated plants was established. This study identified many potential key regulators of flower pigmentation, providing novel insights into the molecular networks in hydrangea flowers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]