Search

The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of conceptual learning in Quran education based on the escape room game on the academic engagement of third-grade elementary school students. The research method was a semi-experimental pretest-posttest design with a control group. The statistical population of the study included all male third-grade elementary school students in Arak city during the academic year 2022-2023. The convenience sampling method was used to select the sample. Accordingly, 48 students from the third-grade elementary school were selected, and then the selected sample was randomly assigned to experimental (24 students) and control (24 students) groups. Data were collected using the Reeve Academic Engagement Questionnaire (2013). The experimental group received training on the third-grade Quran education using the escape room computer game in 6 sessions, while the control group received conventional training. Descriptive statistical methods (measures of central tendency and dispersion) and inferential statistics (independent t-test and analysis of covariance) were used for data analysis. The findings indicated a significant difference in academic engagement between the experimental and control groups after adjusting pretest scores. Therefore, the results of this study suggest the positive role of using innovative technologies in increasing students' academic engagement in Quran education, proposing the incorporation of gamified conceptual learning into the Quran curriculum in the elementary education department.

The digital world provides many opportunities for marketers to reach customers. However, in the fast-paced world, finding new and innovative ways to advertise and sell products and services is very important. Due to the advancement of artificial intelligence and its development in the field of advertising and sales, professionals now have the tools to completely redefine the current understanding of branding, marketing, advertising and sales. The growing popularity of the Internet and the increased use of mobile devices are generating massive amounts of consumer data that feed artificial intelligence-based systems. This research is a type of mixed research with a qualitative and quantitative approach, which is a survey descriptive study in terms of its purpose, application, and in terms of data collection. The statistical population of the research was managers and experts in the field of digital marketing and IT in the field of advertising and sales, who were selected using the snowball sampling method. In the qualitative part, the tools for collecting information were library and articles review, interviews, and in the quantitative part, questionnaires. In the qualitative part of the data analysis method, using the theme analysis that was compiled with MAXQDA software and using the coding method, and in the quantitative part, the analysis method was based on Kendall's correlation test. According to the results of the research, 7 main themes, 22 sub-themes and 44 codes were discovered, which included the consequences of using artificial intelligence and machine learning in advertising and sales

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of integrating reality-based instructional strategy (based on the Education for the Future project) on self-directed learning and academic motivation of mechanical engineering students at the Faculty of Engineering and Technology of Arak University. The research method was a quasi-experimental pre-test-post-test design with a control group. The statistical population of the study included all mechanical engineering students of Arak University in the academic year 2023-2024. 28 students who had taken the Pressure Vessels course in the second semester of the academic year were selected using the available sampling method and then the selected sample was randomly divided into experimental (14 people) and control (14 people) groups. To collect data, the Self-Directed Learning Questionnaire of Fisher and the Academic Motivation Questionnaire of Gunuc & Kuzu were used. The experimental group was trained in the Pressure Vessels course using a reality-based instructional strategy integrated with a reality-based instructional strategy for 26 sessions, and the control group was trained in the usual way and by attending university classes. To analyze the data, multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) was used. The findings showed that after adjusting the pre-test scores, there was a significant difference between the experimental and control groups in the variables of self-directed learning and academic motivation. Therefore, the results of this research indicate that considering the learning styles of new generation learners, if a reality-based instructional strategy is used for these people, it will play an important role in increasing self-directed learning and academic motivation of students and will facilitate the transfer of learning to other situations.

The convergence of information technology, media and communication has changed consumer behavior in terms of searching, obtaining, processing and responding to company information or services. A company's ability to plan, implement and manage digital marketing to increase its competitiveness in the eyes of consumers is called digital marketing capability. The purpose of this research is to design a model for improving marketing capabilities by emphasizing the indicators of using digital marketing in industrial companies. This research is a type of mixed research with a qualitative and quantitative approach, which is a survey study in terms of its purpose, application, and in terms of data collection. The statistical population of the research was managers and experts in the field of digital marketing of industrial companies and university professors who were selected using the snowball sampling method. In the qualitative part, the data collection tool was an interview, and in the quantitative part, a questionnaire was used to identify the categories, and a semi-structured interview was used, and a questionnaire was used to validate the model. In the qualitative part of the data analysis method, the Grounded theory approach was based on the Strauss and Corbin method, which was compiled using MAXQDA software and using the coding method, and in the quantitative part, the analysis method was based on Kendall's correlation test

Background and Aim: Physical activity has an effect on the prevention and control of diabetes and its complications. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of an incremental training period on cardiomyocyte fibrosis in streptozocin-diabetic male Wistar rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 40 male Wistar rats (6-8 weeks) weighing 200 to 250 gr were randomly assigned into four groups: diabetes (n=10), healthy (n=10), diabetes+exercise (n=10) and healthy+exercise (n=10). The diabetes+exercise and healthy+exercise groups participated in an endurance activity program (treadmill running) for 6 weeks, 5 days a week (30 sessions). In this study, 48 hours after the completion of the protocol, rats were anesthetized and under sterile conditions, their heart tissue was isolated to evaluate the expression of collagen and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) genes using real-time PCR. Results: At the end of the research protocol, a significant change was observed in weight (P₌0.0001), myocardial TGF-β level (P₌0.0001) and myocardial collagen level (P₌0.0001). Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that diabetes increases the expression of collagen and TGF-β genes in the heart tissue of male Wistar rats, while endurance activity reduces the increased expression of these genes.

The purpose of the present study was to enrich the learning environment based on mobile technologies and to investigate its impact on learning and academic engagement of second year high school students in chemistry. The research method was a semi-experimental pre-test-post-test type with a control group. The statistical population of the research was made up of all 10th grade students of the second year of high school in the 4th district of Tehran in the academic year of 1401-402, out of which 80 people were randomly selected in the experimental group (20 people) using the available sampling method. and the control group (20 people) were replaced. The participants of the experimental group were taught 6 sessions of 45 minutes (1 session per week) based on the learning environment based on mobile technologies, and the control group were taught in the usual classroom method. To collect data, Rio's standard academic engagement questionnaire (2013) and a researcher-made chemistry test were used. Data were analyzed through multivariate analysis of covariance. The findings showed that the learning environment based on mobile technologies in the chemistry lesson was effective in increasing students' learning and academic engagement. Therefore, according to this finding, we can conclude that if technology is used purposefully and intelligently in the chemistry curriculum, it plays an important role in increasing students' learning and academic involvement. Therefore, it is suggested to use technology-based approaches as an active and innovative educational method in school curriculum. IntroductionOne of the most important factors affecting the learning process is academic engagement. Academic engagement provides a background for the learner to enjoy learning more and increase their enthusiasm for learning (Fombona et al., 2020). Research on the dimensions of this concept shows that it encompasses behavioral, emotional, cognitive, motivational, academic, and social dimensions (Amerstorfer et al, 2021). There are several factors that affect academic engagement, one of the most important of which is enriching the learning environment. In fact, digital learning environments have provided interaction for learners and teachers through technological tools (VanOostveen et al., 2019). Technology-based learning is a learner-centered approach to integrating technology as a cognitive tool for effective learning, communication, interaction, collaboration, and the development of critical thinking skills (Watson et al., 2021). One of the manifestations of technology-based learning is mobile technology, which, like other communication technologies, has found its way into the field of education and learning (Qashou, 2021). In comparison with traditional classrooms, the high flexibility of mobile learning technologies provides favorable conditions for achieving educational goals (Alfalah, 2022). Given the changes that have taken place in technology, the integration of mobile technologies alongside face-to-face classes should be promoted due to the increase in flexibility in education, synchronous and asynchronous communication, and cost reduction.Therefore, the present study was conducted with the aim of enriching the learning environment based on mobile technologies and investigating its impact on the learning and academic engagement of secondary school students in chemistry. In line with the research objectives, the following hypotheses were raised:Enriching the learning environment based on mobile technologies is effective in the learning of students in chemistry. 2. Enriching the learning environment based on mobile technologies is effective in the academic engagement of students in chemistry. MethodologyThis study was a quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest control group design. The study population consisted of all high school students in the 10th grade of the second secondary school in the fourth district of Tehran in the academic year 2022-2023. Of these, 80 students were selected by the available sampling method and randomly assigned to the experimental group (20 people) and the control group (20 people).The experimental group received 6 sessions of 45 minutes (1 session per week) of chemistry instruction based on the mobile-based learning environment. The control group received traditional classroom instruction. Data were collected using the Reeve Academic Engagement Questionnaire (2013) and a researcher-designed chemistry learning test.Result: Before comparing the impact of the two instructional methods under study, the assumptions of covariance analysis were examined. Table 1: Results of covariance analysis to investigate the effect of a mobile technology-based learning environment on learningSource of VariationSum of Squares (Effect Size)Significance LevelF IndexDegrees of FreedomTotal Sum of SquaresChange SourcesPretest Effect0.870.00115.512111.431LearningGroup Effect0.460.00145.65110.55EffectError--84.7697.6397.63 Pretest Effect0.920.00101.838198.4509AcademicGroup Effect0.730.00198.201105.1087EngagementError--38.57600.35055200.350552 Based on the results of Table 1, the difference between the two groups under study was significant in the learning variable (F = 45.65, p < 0.001) and academic engagement (F = 98.201, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis of covariance results indicate a significant difference in the linear combination of academic engagement components between the two groups. Table 4: Summary of covariance analysis results of sub-scales of academic engagement in experimental and control groups in the post-test phaseSubscalesTotal Sum of SquaresMean SquaresDegrees of FreedomF IndexSignificance LevelEffect SizeActive Engagement4.384.38183.570.00144.0Behavioral Engagement40.3640.36153.270.00127.0Emotional Engagement43.2943.29155.440.00137.0Cognitive Engagement38.5238.52179.270.00127.0 Based on the results of Table 4, there is a significant difference in the adjusted mean scores of the behavioral, active, cognitive, and emotional engagement subscales between the experimental and control groups in the post-test phase. The adjusted mean scores of these subscales were higher in the experimental group compared to the control group. DiscussionThe results of the first hypothesis of the study indicated that designing a learning environment based on mobile technologies leads to an increase in students' learning in the chemistry course. To explain this finding, it is mentioned that in technology-based learning environments, learners have access to online resources in the real world through personal devices and wireless networks. In such an environment, learners and educators are not restricted to a specific time or place in the classroom and can utilize educational facilities. The features of mobile learning technologies, such as ubiquity, awareness of context, personalization and adaptability, interaction, and immediate feedback, facilitate learning (Karay et al., 2020).The results of the second hypothesis of the study showed that designing a learning environment based on mobile technologies contributes to the development of academic engagement in students in behavioral, active, cognitive, and emotional engagement components. To elaborate on this finding, it is stated that mobile learning technologies provide features and advantages that widely open up the educational system, attract learners in new ways, and make learning experiences more meaningful. This type of technology improves education and provides a richer learning experience; it also has a motivational effect, allowing students to enjoy the learning process and engage well in learning activities (McQuiggan, 2015). It is recommended that teachers and educational professionals incorporate mobile learning technologies, including laboratories and interactive simulations, in teaching various subjects. Furthermore, considering the research results, it is suggested that the integration of innovative technologies in education can increase students' interest in different subjects. It is also recommended to consider content-pedagogical-technological standards in the design of technology-based learning environments.

Background and Objective: Understanding the cellular signaling mechanisms involved in muscle hypertrophy is considered a scientific challenge. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is one of the regulatory factors in this process that increases protein synthesis in skeletal muscle through phosphorylation. This study aimed to determine the effect of six weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on phosphorylated mTOR protein in the quadriceps muscles of adult male Wistar rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 16 adult male Wistar rats (six weeks old and weighing an average of 190.93±4.97g) were used. The animals were randomly divided into two groups of control and training (n=8). The training group underwent six weeks of HIIT on a treadmill, with five sessions per week. The load was increased during the six weeks from repeating the interval of 30 meters per minute for 30 seconds in the first sessions to eleven repetitions of the interval of 35 meters per minute for 30 seconds at the end of the sixth week, with rest intervals between the intervals at a speed of 13 meters per minute for 60 seconds. The control group did not undergo any training. The mice were anesthetized, and the Vastus lateralis of the quadriceps muscle was extracted. The level of phosphorylated mTOR protein in the quadriceps muscle was measured using the immunohistochemical method. Results: HIIT significantly increased the levels of mTOR phosphorylation protein in male Wistar quadriceps femoris muscle compared to the control group (P

This study aimed to develop a preliminary questionnaire for the success of the Congregational Imam of the mosque based on Islamic sources. So, the research method was content analysis and survey method so that 50 successful imams were randomly selected by cluster sampling method. To evaluate the validity of the content, components, and items of the questionnaire the views of six experts in psychology and prayer were taken. The result of Kendall coefficient indicates the agreement degree of experts on items with Islamic data and the way of their implies. To evaluate the validity of this questionnaire, the correlation of each item with the total score was calculated and items with a high correlation of 0.3 with the total score were confirmed. Also, to check the validity of the questionnaire, Cronbach's alpha coefficient 0.83 and the correlation between the two sides of the questionnaire was calculated; the results show the high reliability of the questionnaire.

Background: The age of onset of obesity and its consequences have decreased, this study aimed to compare the effect of 12 weeks of aerobic activity with light and heavy intensities on fat burning in obese and overweight children. Materials and Methods: The statistical sample of this quasi-experimental study included 30 primary school male students with overweight and obesity (mean age 11±0.83 years and body mass index of 29.2±4.3 kg/m2). No diet control, they were randomly divided into three groups of light aerobic exercise (n=10), heavy aerobic exercise (n=10) and control (n=10). 24 hours after the first stage of blood sampling and fat assessment, the experimental groups performed aerobic activity (outdoor walking) with two intensities of light (40-50% HRmax) and heavy (80-70% HRmax) for 12 weeks. The control group did not perform any continuous physical activity. At the end of the 12-weeks exercise program, blood samples and fat assessment values were collected. Data were analyzed using paired t-test, one-way analysis of variance and Post hoc Tukey test using SPSS-24 software at P≤0.05. Results: The results showed that both light and heavy aerobic exercise protocols decreased cholesterol, fat triglyceride, and serum leptin, LDL, BMI and HDL. However, heavy intensity aerobic exercise was significantly more effective on the above variables. Conclusion: It seems intense aerobic exercise has a greater effect on fat burning in obese children.

This study was conducted to evaluate 18 different native and foreign sugar beet cultivars in terms of some important quantitative and qualitative traits under optimal and limited irrigation conditions in 2017 crop season in as a strip split plot design (normal and stress conditions) as main plots and cultivar factor as sub plots based on RCB design with six replications. The results of combined ANOVA of the obtained data showed that the interaction effect of the environment × cultivar was significant on sugar yield, white sugar yield, alkalinity coefficient, molasses sugar (p≤0.05), and root potassium content (p≤0.01) traits while it had no effect on other traits. Based on the obtained results from ANOVA, the effect of cultivar was not significant on α-amino nitrogen trait while it was significant on other assessed traits under normal condition. Also, under stress condition, the cultivar effect was significant at p≤0.01 on all of the assessed traits. In terms of root yield trait, Merak and Dorthea foreign cultivars had the highest value with 86.5 and 70.4 t ha-1 and Sharif native cultivar had the lowest value with 14.3 and 17.2 t ha-1 under normal and stress conditions, respectively. Under normal and stress conditions, the mean sugar contents were calculated 19.88 and 20.15%, respectively. Although the difference was not significant, the increase in sugar content (about 1.34%) under stress condition was as expected. Given that the decreasing and increasing effects of water deficit stress on most measured traits were not significant, it can be found that sugar beet crop has a good tolerance threshold for water deficit and, surely the finding should always be considered by beet farmers in West Azarbaijan province, especially in the current situation in which there are attempts to revive the drying Urmia lake.

Objective Export is considered as the driving force of economic growth for each country. Hence, identifying the effective factors of export performance is one of the most important measures for export success. Companies might encounter a variety of risks and uncertainties in international trade transactions much bigger than domestic trade which affect their performance during their international transactions. As a result, it generates additional transaction costs. Therefore, companies should take appropriate actions in order to face such risks. International trade is a form of international transaction that generates corporate profits through imports and exports. Because it is difficult to consider the environments of both exporting and importing companies, the researchers will just focus on exports and exporting companies in this research. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of characteristics of exporting companies, characteristics of export transactions and experience in trade claims through mediating role of trade risk management on export performance and to analyze the effects of characteristics of exporting companies, characteristics of export transaction and experience in trade claims on export performance in pharmaceutical exporting companies in Iran. Methodology The present survey study is applied in nature and descriptive in terms of purpose. The statistical population of the study consists of 48 pharmaceutical exporting companies in Iran. Joe and Pack’s (2017) questionnaire was used to collect the data; the content validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by the experts and it was localized afterwards. Besides, the convergence validity of the questionnaire was also confirmed using statistical methods. In addition, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was calculated for the reliability of the questionnaire. The research hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling in SPSS version 25 and SmartPls3 software. Findings The results showed that the characteristics of exporting companies, characteristics of export transactions and experience in trade claims have a direct and indirect significantly positive effect on export performance through the mediating variable of trade risk management. Moreover, the impact of trade risk management on export performance was positive and significant. Conclusion The characteristics of exporting companies have a significantly positive effect on export performance. Large companies can have high export performance due to the high division of labor in the organization and specialization. The characteristics of exporting companies have a significantly positive effect on trade risk management as well. Therefore, the second hypothesis of the research was confirmed. In fact, the larger the organization and the more experienced it is in exporting, the more likely it is to identify risks and react to them in a timely manner. Trade risk management has a significantly positive effect on export performance. Export performance can be expected to increase with the application of business risk management. The characteristics of exporting companies have a positive and significant effect on export performance through the mediating variable of trade risk management. In addition, characteristics of export transactions have a positive and significant effect on export performance. If the shipping methods are tailored to the type of goods as well as the distance and delivery time, the payment methods based on the factors such as economic and political conditions of the trading country, it is then expected to observe improvement in export performance. The characteristics of export transactions have a significantly positive effect on trade risk management. It is suggested that exporting companies choose appropriate transportation methods according to the type of export goods and time interval, and also consider the conditions to prevent failure or late receipt of transaction amounts in the international purchase and sale contract. Characteristics of export transactions have a positive and significant effect on export performance through the mediating role of trade risk management. To prevent failure in receipt of transaction funds, the use of export credit as a tool for trade risk management has a positive effect on export performance. Experience in trade claims has a significantly positive effect on export performance. If companies have experienced trade claims and disputes in international trade in the past, they can prevent such disputes from recurring with greater insight and awareness. Experience in trade claims has a significantly positive effect on trade risk management. In fact, the more business claims a company has, the higher their level of understanding of trade risks. It will, in turn, affect the trade risk management practices used by the company. Experience in trade claims has a positive and significant effect on export performance through the mediating variable of trade risk management. Therefore, if the company has experienced business disputes and lawsuits during its operation, it has the opportunity to timely identify potential and actual trade risks that could lead to disputes and take the necessary measures accordingly.

In this paper a solid-state pH sensor is proposed based on cobalt oxide nanoparticles electrodeposited on carbon ceramic electrode. The morphology of carbon ceramic electrode coated with cobalt oxide nanoparticles was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It showed that the particles were deposited in nano size and uniformly on electrode surface. The modified electrode showed Nernstian behavior with a slope of 74.04 mV/pH in the wide pH range of 1.5 – 12. The ion selectivity of the pH sensor with respect to Li+, Na+ and K+ were tested and the values of -11.9, -12.4 and -12.1 were obtained for 〖log K〗_(H^+,〖Li〗^+)^pot, 〖log K〗_(H^+,〖Na〗^+)^pot and 〖log K〗_(H^+,K^+)^pot, respectively. Some important parameters including repeatability, reproducibility, and response time of the sensor were studied. In order to evaluate the applicability of the sensor a number of acid–base titrations were done. Also, in order to evaluate the efficiency of the sensor for measuring the pH in complex matrixes some real samples were tested. Comparing statistical results of modified electrode with a glass pH electrode by using t-test indicated that there is no significant difference in concerning accuracy. The obtained results were in good agreement with a conventional glass pH electrode.

ntrodution: Neuropathic pain is one of the most important factors affecting the quality of life of people with diabetes mellitus; regular exercises may have a role in reducing the pain associated with diabetes. The purpose of this study was the effect of six weeks aerobic training on environmental neuropathic pain and expression of the NOTCH1 pathway in the spinal cord of diabetic male rats. Methods: 40 male Wistar rats (age: 8 weeks old; weight 220-250g) were randomly divided into 4 groups: diabetic neuropathy training (DNT), diabetic neuropathy control (DNC), healthy training (HT) and healthy control (HC).The diabetic groups were induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) and two weeks after induction of diabetes, behavioral pain tests were administered and endurance training protocol was performed for 6 weeks and 5 sessions per week. .The data were analyzed via SPSS software version 19 and one-way ANOVA with a significant level (P

Background: Sialic acid (SA) is presented in all cells membrane of vertebrates, and its level in the human brain is much higher than other body tissues. Studies have shown that, in addition to oxidative stress, increasing the amount of SA can also lead to the development of neurological diseases including Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate the effect of SA on malondialdehyde (MDA) production levels, as a lipid peroxidation product, in human astroglia. Methods: The human astroglias were cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), and cells were treated with different doses of SA. MDA was measured using thiobarbituric acid (TBA) protocol, and the results were analyzed using SPSS software. Findings: The production of MDA in treated cells with 200, 500, and 1000 μg/ml of SA significantly increased compared to the control group. It also significantly increased when the cells were treated with 200 μg/ml of SA at 12, 16, and 24 hours incubation. Conclusion: Many studies have been conducted on neurological disorders; however their mechanism of occurrence has not yet been fully elucidated. With regard to the role of SA in inflammation, our results suggest that SA can cause pathological conditions and oxidative stress followed by MDA elevation; which is effective in the development of neurological disorders like Alzheimer's. The role of SA and its effects need further studies.

Abstract The Ruteh Formation is the second sedimentary cycle in Alborz basin. The petrography and laboratory studies of these deposits led to the identification of 15 microfacies which were deposited in seven sub-environments including supratidal, intertidal, lagoon, shoal, open marine, middle ramp, and outer ramp. Since there were no turbidity deposits, the lack of marginal reef belt and the gradual changes of facies, it turned out that these sediments were deposited in a homoclinal carbonate ramp. The study of relative sea level changes was done according to vertical distribution of facies and their stacking patterns. These studies lead to identification of four depositional sequences. The petrography data and geochemical analyzes were used in order to identify the diagenetic processes and geochemical changes. The recognized diagenesis processes include micritization, cementation, compaction, stylolitization, silicification, ferrugenation and neomorphysm. These diagenetic processes took place in three diagenetic environments: marine-phreatic, meteoric-phreatic and burial. Geochemical analyzes confirms that the carbonate sediments of Ruteh Formation were originally composed of aragonite, which was eventually recrystallized to calcite during diagenesis. Plotting Sr/Ca versus Mn diagram approved that sediments was subjected to a meteoric diagenesis in a semi-closed to open diagenetic system. The results of this research can be used to provide a sedimentary model for these deposits which completes the palaeogeographical data for the Tethys Ocean. Introduction The geological observations indicating a coherent Iranian-Gondwanaland continental landmass during the Late Precambrian to Permian are consistent with palaeomagnetic data (Berberian and King 1980). Palaeomagnetic evidences from the Upper Precambrian rocks and iron ores of Bafq area in central Iran (Becker et al. 1973), the Lower Paleozoic rocks of kuh-e-Gahkom and Surmeh of the Zagros (Burek and Furst 1975), the Cambrian purple sandstone of the salt range of Pakistan (McElhiny 1970), the Upper Devonian–Lower Carboniferous of the Alborz Mountain in north Iran (Geiroud Formation; Wensink et al. 1978) and from the Upper Precambrian, Ordovician and Permian rocks of central Iran (Soffel et al. 1975; Soffel and Forster 1977) show similar geomagnetic poles with those of Afro-Arabia. These data and the widespread similarity of Paleozoic sedimentary succession indicate that during the Late Precambrian and Paleozoic, Central Iran, the Alborz in northern Iran and the Zagros in south Iran were parts of Gondwana (Berberian and King 1981). In the Late Carboniferous–Early Permian, continental rifting separated these lands from Gondwana due to the expansion of Neo-Tethys Ocean. Due to the glaciers growth and Hercynian orogeny movements in that time (Berberian and King 1981; Lasemi 2000), the Early Permian sedimentary facies in Iran are mainly siliciclastic (Dorud Formation in Alborz–Azarbaijan zone). In the Late Permian, after deposition of the Droud Formation, glaciers regression, tectonic tension activities and increasing volume of mid ocean ridges led to the sea progress and carbonate platforms restoring in the southern margin of Paleo-Tethys (Lasemi 2000). The carbonate rocks of the Upper Permian Ruteh (Asserto 1963) and Nesen (Glaus 1964) formationsin the Alborz–Azarbaijan zone and the Jamal Formation in central Iran, record the development of these carbonate platforms. The Ruteh Formation studied here is exposed about 15 km north of Mahabad city. Since no studies have been carried out on the Ruteh Formation in this area so far, this research aims to identify the sedimentary environment, sequence stratigraphy, diagenesis and geochemistry of this formation. Material & Methods After literature review and preliminary visits of the study area, for the most complete and appropriate succession in the field was selected. Then, its rock units were delineated by means of horizontal and vertical scrolling. Based on the geometric features of sedimentary units, stratigraphic planes, sedimentary structures and biotic and abiotic components, the existing sedimentary units were divided and separated into diverse facies. In order to determine the microfacies and sedimentary environment of the Ruteh Formation 101 rock samples were collected systematically, and by taking into account the changes in the facies. To analyze the microfacies, textures, depositional environments, the facies components, the ratio between its components and various diagenesis processes, the samples were sent to the laboratories, and a thin microscopic section was made from the collected rock samples. Thin sections were studied under polarizing microscopes. In order to determine the frequency of allochems, the comparison charts (Bacelle and Bosellini 1965) were used. The microfacies naming was done by means of Folk’s (1962) and Danham’s (1962) methods, environmental energy detection based on Flügel's method (2010), texture studies based on Tucker's (2002) method, diagenesis evidences, energy detection and sedimentary environments were done by means of Wilson’s (1975) and Flügel’s (2010) methods. To detect depositinal sequences, the models presented by Hunt and Tucker (1992) were also used. To study the early mineralogy of the Permian carbonate rocks in northern region of Mahabad, after thoroughly studying thin sections petrography, eight limestones samples with the highest micritic matrix and least alternation and lowest fossil contents were selected. Then they were subjected to elemental analysis using ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry) and alkali melting methods in laboratory of Zarazma Company (Tehran), then geochemical values plotted in geochemical diagrams for early mineralogy determination. Discussion of Results & Conclusions With regard to the identified microfacies, the process of the basin deepening from the carbonate platform towards the deep basin, the absence of oncoids, pisoid and aggregate grains, which are specific to carbonate shelf and rarely found in carbonate ramps (Flügel 2010), also, lack of re-deposited carbonate facies, sediments related to gravity flow processes in sediments of the Ruteh Formation indicates sedimentation of these sediments in a low-slope and approximately uniform gradient in the basin floor slope a homoclinal ramp profile can be predicted for the deposits of the Ruteh Formation in this study area (Wilson 1975; Read 1985; Lee et al. 2001; Flugel 2010). Due to the low expansion of the reefs in the carbonate ramp compared to the rimmed carbonate platforms, the lack of widespread barrier reef and the presence of patch reef in the Ruteh Formation is another reason for this fact that the sedimentary environment of this formation is a homoclinal carbonate ramp (Bastami 2016). On the other hand, by reviewing of distributed facies in sub-environments and their constituents it can be concluded that Ruteh Formation depositional environment is a bioclastic carbonate ramp similar to that introduced by Kolodka (2012) for Dalan Formation in Fars province. Based on the vertical distribution of facies, relative sea level changes these studies lead to identification of four depositional sequences. Early marine diagenetic processes like micritization and marginal micrite cements well represente transgression of sea level. During the sea level regression (sequence boundaries), sediments have been affected by meteoric diagenetic processes such as granular calcite cement, blocky calcite cement, syntaxial cement, ferrugination and neomorphism. Also the evidences of deep burial diagenetic process observed by physical compaction, druzy calcite cement, stylolization, poikilotopic calcite cement and silisification processes. Geochemical analyzes confirms that the carbonate sediments of Ruteh Formation were originally composed of aragonite, which was eventually recrystallized to calcite during diagenesis. Plotting Sr/Ca vs. Mn diagram approved that sediments was subjected to a meteoric diagenesis in a semi-closed to open diagenetic system.

The last two decades consisted of a steady decrease in timber production levels in Iran in order to preserve the Hyrcanian forest as the only source of industrial wood. Consequently, under the so-called “the Forests’ Breathing Plan” in 2017 the Islamic Parliament of Iran stipulated that any wood exploitation from Iranian forests will be prohibited beginning in 2020. In order to respond to increasing wood demand and the cessation of the domestic production of natural-forest wood, the future prospect for the production and trade of wood commodities must be assessed. The main objective of this study was to predict the monetary values of domestic production, imports, exports, and prices of wood products in Iran through 2030 under the Forests’ Breathing Plan. The assessment was performed using the Global Forest Products Model (GFPM) and for three categories of wood products: unprocessed wood, semi-processed wood products and pulp and paper. The GFPM is a partial equilibrium model that forecasts wood demand based on the growth rate of gross domestic product in each country and predicts price by establishing equilibrium between demand and supply. The results indicate that the growth of domestic production will be larger for the second category of wood products than for pulp and paper. The import of unprocessed wood will reach nearly USD 200 million in 2030 and the production and import values of semi-processed wood products will increase 2.2 and 2.6 times, respectively, compared to 2015. Nevertheless, the total trade balance of wood products will deteriorate by 91% for Iran. Compared to pulp and paper, the increase in the price of the unprocessed and semi-processed wood will be greater. Overall, the global position of Iran’s trade and production of wood products will not improve significantly except for the import of unprocessed and semi-processed wood during the period examined.

The purpose of the research is to examine the effect of nanoclay particles and compatibilization of oxidized polypropylene in molten phase on the mechanical and physical properties of wood-plastic composite made from polypropylene and phragmites ausralis flour. For this purpose, polypropylene in molten phase was oxidized in the vicinity of air oxygen and 1-dodecanol alcohol for 2 hours. Then Phragmites ausralis flour with the weight ratio 50% and the polymer phase was mixed with the compatibilizer at two levels (0 and 3%) and nanoclay particles at three levels (0,2, 4%) in an internal mixer for 6 min under the temperature 165 . Finally, the test specimens were prepared by using the hot press with the dimensions 150×150×2 mm. The mechanical and physical properties including tensile and flexural modulus and strengths, Non-izod impact strength, long term water absorption and thickness swelling were examined according to ASTM standards. The results showed that the using oxidized polypropylene as compatibilizer improves all physical and mechanical properties of the composite. They also showed that increasing nanoclay particles, the physical and mechanical properties of the wood-plastic composite improve, except the Non-izod impact strength. The structural studies of composite and the way the nanoparticles are distributed using x-ray diffraction spectroscopy and SEM images showed that the distribution of nanoclay particles in polymer matrix is of the type of intercalated structures.

The current paper examines the impact of export market orientationand marketing mix adaptation on export performance in Tehran's exports companies. The current paper pursues two major goals; first to figure out export market orientation and marketing mix adaptation strategy impact on export performance and second, to study the role of export market orientation in exports due to the contradictory results of previous studies. A sample of 311 export companies was used to test the hypothesis. Data collected was analyzed using Smartpls software and variance-based structural equation model. The results show export companies psychologically adapt their mix marketing plan best to meet the needs of foreign markets in turbulent environments and close competitive markets. Moreover, the results suggest a positive impact of export market orientation and negative impact of Marketing mix adaptation program on export performance. In addition, the export market orientation has dampened the relationship between the two variables, marketing mix adaptation and export performance with a protectionist role in strategic decision-making of export companies.

Introduction: Using e-learning in medical universities grows fast and the quality of its content is considered an important issue. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of e-learning content of Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. Methods: This descriptive study investigated all faculty members of Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery (n = 55) at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences in 2015-2016. Data were collected by a researcher made questionnaire. To determine the validity of the instrument, content validity was used and the reliability of the questionnaire with the Cronbach's alpha coefficient for its components was 0.73, 0.70, 0.85, 0.70, 0.72 and 0.65, respectively. To analyze the data, descriptive (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (One-Sample T test) were used. Result: The components of "importance", according to 80 percent significantly higher (t (54) =4/90). but other components of the components "interest learner" (t=(54)-4/17), the factor of "usefulness" (t(54)=-321/5) component "ability to learn" (t(249)=17/01), and the components of "flexibility" (t(54)= -1/54, P>0/05), the average of the sample mean hypothetical (16) were less significant than harm. Conclusion: Among the components of the quality of e-learning content; "interested learner", "usefulness", "ability to learn" and "flexibility" Not Favorable conditions, and only components of "importance" was eligible.

Among ecological communities, insects are important bio-indicators of wildfire disturbance due to their sensitivity to environmental changes and habitat requirements. In this research, we studied the relationship between the temporal effect of wildfire and macro-fauna abundance and biodiversity in an oak forest located in Sardasht, West Azerbaijan. We compared three sites differing in fire history as well as three control sites. Fifteen samples (0.5× 0.5× 0.3 m) were selected for each above-mentioned treatment along transects in both burned and control plots. Totally, 210 insect specimens belonging to 18 orders and 27 families were collected. We applied analysis of variance and Duncan test for the analysis of normal continuous data and chi-square test for the analysis of discrete data or abundance. Results indicated that the occurrence of fire reduced the richness of macro-fauna in the burned areas compared to the control areas, but the temporal effect of fire on the macro-fauna resulted in increasing of the richness of the macro-fauna in years after fire occurrence. Both Coleoptera and Diplura were also present in all study area and wildfire had no effect on Diplura. But the temporal effect of fire on Coleoptera was evident and the abundance of this order was added by passing the time of the fire. Diptera and Ants (Hymenoptera) also, over time, had been returned to the burned areas and their frequency has been increased. So the return of insects to their habitat needs over a period of time about 1 to 2 years by improving the microclimatic environment and the regrowth of plants.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to design and develop e-learning content for medical microbiology course based on Gagne’s model of instructional design and assess its impact on motivation and academic achievement among students of Aja University of Medical Sciences. Methods: This study was a quasi-experimental research with a pretest-posttest control group design. The population consisted of all male students of Aja University of Medical Sciences in 2015-16 academic years, of whom 60 students were selected by convenience sampling and randomly divided into control and experimental groups. Data were collected using a researcher-made academic achievement test and Harter’s standard questionnaire. The experimental group received e-Learning content for six 60-minute sessions and the control group received lectures. The data were analyzed by means of descriptive statistics and ANCOVA. Results: The results of ANCOVA demonstrates that the use of Gagne's model of instructional design in designing and producing electronic and educational content based on this method is effective on academic achievement of students (p

Introduction: In natural environments, plants are subjected to biotic (insects, bacteria, fungi, and viruses) and abiotic (light, temperature, water availability, nutrients, and soil structure) stresses that can have negative effect on growth, metabolism, and yield. Among these, drought is a major abiotic factor that limits agricultural crop production. Potato production has fourth rank in the world after rice, wheat, and maize with the production of 321 million tons from 19.6 million hectares. By about 3 percent of cultivation area, potato had 7.2 percent of total agricultural production (5.57 million tons) in our country (Iran). Limited studies have been conducted on the interactive effects of Zn and P on potato tubers quality under water deficit conditions. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted for evaluating the effects of soil moisture, phosphorus (P) and zinc (Zn) levels on the chemical composition and nutrients content of potato (Solanum tuberosum L. cv. Agria) as a factorial experiment based on randomized complete blocks design with three factors under greenhouse conditions. The study was performed with factors of Zn at three levels (0, 10 and 20 mg Zn per kg dry soil as ZnSO4.7H2O), P at three levels (0, 30 and 60 mg P per kg dry soil as Ca(H2PO4)2.H2O (monocalcium phosphate)) and soil moisture at three levels (0.5FC-0.6FC, 0.7FC-0.8FC and 0.9FC-FC) using three replications and 81 pots. The soil moisture levels were imposed three weeks from the flowering (64th day) until harvest (85th day after planting). After imposing of soil moisture levels and at the harvest, the yield and yield components, reducing sugars concentration in fresh weight by di- nitro phenol method (Mostofi and Najafi, 2005) and starch by Antron method (Mostofi and Najafi, 2005), N, P, K, Mg, Na, Fe and Zn concentrations in dried potato tubers were measured. Data were subjected to analysis of variance as factorial 3×3×3 with n=3 by using MSTATC software. Duncan's multiple range tests at p≤0.05 probability level was applied to compare the mean values of measured attributes. The Excel software was used to draw Figures. Results and Discussion: The results showed that water deficit significantly affected most of qualitative attributes and nutrients concentration of potato Tuber N, P and reducing sugar concentrations were significantly increased (p

Introduction: With 12 million tons production per year, garlic is the fourth important crop in world. In addition to its medical value, it has been used in food industry. The Hamedan province with 1900 ha cultivation area and 38 percent of production is one of the most important garlic area productions in Iran. Few studies on water use and management of garlic exist in the world. Garlic is very sensitive to water deficit especially in tubers initiation and ripening periods. The current research was done because of scarce research on garlic production under water deficit condition in Iran and importance of plant nutrition and nutrients especially nitrogen on garlic production under stressful conditions. Nitrogen is necessary and important element for increasing the yield and quality of garlic. Application of nitrogen increases the growth trend of garlic such as number of leaves, leaf length and plant body. Reports have shown that garlic has high nitrogen requirement, particularly in the early stages of growth. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted for evaluating the combined effects of nitrogen and irrigation on the yield and quality of garlic (Allium sativumL.). The study was performed as a split-block based on randomized complete blocks design with factors of irrigation at four levels (0-3(normal irrigation), 3-6 (slight water deficit), 6-9 (moderate water deficit) and 9-12 (sever water deficit) meters distance from main line source sprinkler system), nitrogen at four levels (0, 50,100 and 150 kg nitrogen per ha) using three replications and line source sprinkler irrigation system. The total water of irrigation levels was measured by boxes that were fixed in meddle of each plot. The statistical analysis of results were performed using themethod described by Hanks (1980). The chlorophyll index was measured using the chlorophyll meter 502 (Minolta, Spain). The chlorophyll a and bwas measured by the method described by Arnon (1946) and Gross (1991) in fresh leaf samples using spectrophotometer at 645 and 663 nm. Data were subjected to analysis of variance using MSTATC and SPSS softwares. Duncan’s multiple range test at p≤0.05 probability level was applied to compare the mean values of measured attributes. The Excel software (Excel software 2007, Microsoft Inc., WA, USA) was used to draw Figures. Results and Discussion: The results showed that, the application of nitrogen significantly affected most of measured attributes. The application of 150 kg N per ha showed highest stem height (40.5 cm), dry weight of stem (5.34 g),wet weight of stem (69.5 g), chlorophyll index (49.7),chlorophyll a (9.8 mg.g-1dw) and chlorophyll b (4.04 mg.g-1dw) and increased stem height, dry and wet weight of stem, chlorophyll index and chlorophyll a and b around 7, 6, 7, 12, 22 and 36 percent, respectively. The irrigation levels significantly affected most of measured attributes similar to the nitrogen levels. The application of 409 mm irrigation water per growing season resulted to maximum stem height (41.9 cm), leaf number (7.5), dry weight of stem (5.39 g) and wet weight of stem (70.1 g), chlorophyll index (50.5) and chlorophyll a (10.2 mg.g-1dw) and chlorophyll b (4.04 mg.g-1dw). The severe water deficit (application of 138 mm irrigation water per growing season) decreased stem height, leaf numbers, dry and wet weight of stem, chlorophyll index and chlorophyll a and b about 13, 36, 12, 12, 19, 42 and 44 percent, respectively. The two way interaction of nitrogen and irrigation was significant and mostly synergistic on wet and dry weight of stem. The highest amounts of stem wet weight (73.2 g) and stem dry weight (5.63 g) were resulted from application of 150 kg nitrogen per ha under full irrigated condition that increased dry and wet weight of stem 17 and 25 percent respectively comparing with without nitrogen application under sever water deficit condition. Application of 409 mm irrigation and 100 kg N per ha is suitable for condition that enough irrigation waterexists. However in water deficit condition, the application of 150 kg nitrogen per ha could be recommended. Conclusion: In general, to achieve the optimum growth of garlic in similar soils and climatic conditions, application of 100 kg nitrogen per ha would be recommended under normal irrigation conditions while at water deficit conditions the application150 kg nitrogen per ha could be recommended that had only two percent difference with the mentioned treatment and this difference was not significant.

This study, with aim of investigation the effect of Nano clay particles and amount of compatibilizer on the physical and mechanical properties of wood-plastic composites from the polypropylene- Haloxylon wood flour was done. For this purpose, Haloxylon wood flour with 50% weight ratio with polypropylene were mixed. Maleic anhydride modified polypropylene maple to compatibilizer at two levels and Nano clay at three levels to filler were used. Mixed process of materials in extruding machine was done and test specimens were fabricated by using the injection molding machine. Then, the mechanical tests include bending, tension and impact and physical tests include water absorption and thickness swelling according to the ASTM standards was done on the samples. For investigation to how operation of compatibilizer from Fourier Transfer Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used. Morphological study of Nano composites with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was done. The result showed that with addition of the amount of Nano clay particles to 4 percent, physical and mechanical properties were improved, but impact strength decreased. Also by adding the compatibilizer, physical and mechanical properties were improved. The results of Infrared spectroscopy showed that the amount of hydroxyl groups (OH) Due to linkage with Maleic Anhydride and the formation of ester groups decreased with adding the compatibilizer. Also, investigation the morphology of Nano composite by X-ray diffraction showed that the distribution of clay nanoparticles in polymeric matrix was intercalation and with adding of the amount Nano clay the distance between layers increases. The results of scanning electron microscopy was also showed improvement in the interface between the fibers and the polymer matrix with adding the compatibilizer.

Abstract Background: As dental solid waste are among the most important environmental pollutants due to its high contents of toxic and hazardous agents, suitable treatment and management of it are of great importance. The objective of this study was to quantity & quality analyses of dental solid waste and associated management practices in the general dentistry offices in the city of Arak. Materials and Methods: 15 samples of solid waste were taken from the 5 selected general dentistry offices, classified into 66 components and 4 fractions, and then the quantity & quality characteristics were evaluated. Management practices of the solid waste were also investigated by using a questionnaire. Results: According to the results, per capita and the average generation rate of each dentistry office were 66.71 g/day-patient and 1340.45 g/day, respectively. Potential infectious, domestic-type, chemical & pharmaceutical, and toxic wastes consisted of 54.25%, 35.14%, 8.19%, and 2.14% of the waste generated, respectively. 10 components including latex gloves, nylon & plastic, saliva & blood-contaminated kleenex, paper & cardboard, used ampoules, saliva ejector tubes, gypsum, food waste, saliva & blood-contaminated dental rolls, and nylon gloves were responsible for more than 80% of the total waste generated, respectively. Conclusion: Each fraction of dental solid waste (toxic, chemical & pharmaceutical, potential infectious and domestic-type wastes) should be separately collected and disposed of according to the related criteria.

In this study, the effect of nanoclay particles and coupling agent on the physical and mechanical properties of polypropylene / waste paper composites was studied. To meet this objectives, waste paper fibers with polypropylene in 50% by weight, nanoclay (0, 2 and 4%) and coupling agent (0 and 3%) were compounded in an internal mixer at 155°C and 60rmp and the samples were prepared by injection molding. The results showed that the physical and mechanical strength of composite improved in the presence of coupling agent. As well as water absorption, thickness swelling, flexural and tensile strength and flexural and tensile modulus, were improved by increasing of nanoclay particles content, however notched impact strength was reduced. Also, study on structural behavior of composite with x-ray diffraction showed that nanoclay distributed as intercalation structure in polymer matrix, and distance between layers were increased with increasing of nanoclay particles content.

The aim of this study was investigation of hydration behavior and mechanical properties of cement-bonded particleboard manufactured from different ratio of cotton stalk to poplar wood particle, sawdust content and CaCl2 as additive at different weight ratios. At the first, curing time of cement paste containing different amount of additive (CaCl2) and wood and cotton fines was determined. Besides, the effect of additive (CaCl2) content, weight ratio of cotton to poplar wood particles and percentage of sawdust on modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE) and internal bonding (IB) of cement-bonded particleboard was evaluated by response surface methodology (RSM). In order to optimize the properties of panels, a mathematical model equation (second order plan) was done by a computer simulation program. According to results, there is a good coincidence between predicted values and actual values (R2 for MOR, MOE and IB was 0.93, 0.90 and 0.95, respectively). This study showed that the response surface methodology (RSM) can be effectively used for modeling of panel properties. Results showed that using weight ratio of cotton to poplar particle 43:57 the MOR, MOE and IB of panels can be reached to maximum values (12.5, 2545 and 0.35 MPa, respectively). Simultaneously, application of 4.5% additive and 9% sawdust at had a positive effect on the properties of the panels.

The aim of this study was the evaluation of treatment effect of giant reed (Arundo donax) (untreated, heat-treated and hot-water-leached treatment) used in core layer of sandwich panel, and also the effect of weight ratio of almond shell powder to melamine/urea formaldehyde at three levels (3:97, 18:82 and 33:67 w/w) on the dry- and wet-pull off adhesion (after 2 hours immersion in boiling water) of sandwich panel. Statistical analysis and Duncan multiple range test showed that the type of treatment of core layer particle and the ratio of almond shell powder to melamine/urea formaldehyde statistically influenced the dry and wet-pull off adhesion. According to the FTIR spectra obtained from samples made from particle treated with hot-water, the hot-water treatment caused an increase in number of hydrogen bonds. Macroscopic photos, also, showed that hot-water treatment created the best surface quality in order to forming desirable bond. Generally, panel manufactured from hot-water-treated particles in core layer and 33% of almond shell powder in glue line had the highest pull off adhesion in dry (5.01MPa) and wet (2.86 MPa) conditions.

The price fluctuations due to adjustments to Iran's national milk pricing policy affect households’ welfare. This study examines the effect of milk price increases on the welfare of urban income groups using time series data during 1982-2009. The relationships among per capita demand for milk, average milk price and disposable per capita income were estimated for five income groups using Autoregressive Distributed Lags (ARDL) model. The results indicate that compensating variation and welfare are downside, this means that elimination of milk subsidies results in more welfare fluctuations in low income groups than that of high income ones. Therefore, it is difficult for groups at lower income levels to compensate for losses. If the government divides the cost of lost subsidies equally among households, financial losses resulting from price increases cannot be compensated for two groups, but higher income groups will benefit most from redistribution policy.

Iraq market is a suitable and valuable market for the Iranian companies considering its high facilities for exporting products. But no local model was offered to evaluate and promote the export performance of the companies. This research is done with the objective to “present local model for promoting the export performance of Iranian companies”. Using exploratory factor analysis, forty five criteria were known and categorized in seven classes, then the conceptual model was presented based on the results. The gathered data was analyzed by one sample T test to understand the current situation. Afterwards, the model was presented by using correlation, ANOVA, LSD, and path analysis tests for promoting the export performance of Iranian companies in Iraq. In the final model, the effect of strategy factor was 0.302, governmental supports factor was 0.059, marketing mix factor was 0.189, companies characteristics was 0.047, the hosts market characteristics factor was 0.023, and finally the organizational resources factor was 0.079. The presented model can forecast the export performance up to 70 percent.

The present study was an attempt to investigate the effectiveness ofeducationalcomputer games on the academic motivation in third grade elementaryschool students with math learning disability. Method: For this purpose,by implementing a quasi-experimental research, 40 students among all thirdgrade elementary boy schools of Khorramabad city were selected using availablesampling and were randomly assigned into experimental and control groups. Theresearch instrument was the 28-item Wolrend’s motivation questionnaire. Theconstruct validity of this questionnaire has been confirmed by Bagheri (2000)using factor analysis and its reliability has been reported to be 0.78 throughCronbach’s Alpha. The researcher administered academic motivation pretest inboth groups. In the experimental group, the teacher first presented the lesson(four main operations) and used computer games as a complement for the conceptof education. But the teacher in the control group used the conventional methodfor teaching mathematical concepts. Then, the researcher conducted educationalmotivation post-test. Results: The results indicated that there was asignificant difference in academic motivation of the experimental group incomparison with the control group (p≥ 0.001). Conclusion:Educationalcomputer games for teaching summation, subtraction, multiplication,and division lead to increased academic motivation in students with mathlearning disability, so it is suggested that modern educational technologies,especially computer games be used in teaching mathematical concepts.

This study was conducted to investigate the feasibility of using waste textile fibers and the effect of nanoclay content on the physical and mechanical properties of a composite made from wood flour and polypropylene. Therefore, wood flour and polypropylene with a weight ratio of 50 to 50 with the textile waste fibers in two levels (0 and 15%), nanoclay in three levels (0, 2 and 4%) and 3% compatibilizer were mixed in an extruder at temperature of 160°C. Afterwards, the specimens were made with injection molding thechnology. Mechanical properties including tensile and flexural strength, impact strength and physical properties such as water absorption and thickness swelling were measured. The overall results showed that addition of textile fibers significantly improves the mechanical and and weakens the physical properties of the studied composite. The results indicated that the physical and mechanical properties of wood plastic composites except impact resistance, improved with increasing nanoclay content. The results of morphological studies to study the distribution of nanoclay using a range of X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that the distribution of particles in the polymer matrix is the type of intercalation and by increasing the amount of nanoclay particles, layer to layer distance was increased.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of chemical treatment of wood material on functional properties of wood flour / polypropylene hybrid composite. For this reason, first of all, mixed hardwood were separately treated by acetic acid, sodium hydroxide and hot water and were compared with control (untreated) samples. After chemical treatment, wood flour and polypropylene with weight ratio of 50 to 50 and 3 phc of compatibilizer combines in the internal mixer and at last the WPC composite were made using injection molding. Then mechanical tests included bending resistance, tension and impact and physical examination, including water absorption and thickness swelling after 2 and 24 hours was performed on specimens according to (ASTM) standard. Also to study the morphology of the composites, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used. The results of this study showed that by chemical treatment the mechanical strength increased and physical properties such as water absorption and thickness swelling decreased. So that the highest flexural strength, tensile and flexural modulus is related to alkali treatment and the highest tensile modulus and impact resistance is related to the acid treatment. Also the lowest water absorption and thickness swelling was related to the alkali treatment. In order to ensure chemical treatments, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and weight percent gain (WPG) was used on wood flour.

The companies need to identify the factors affecting their export performance to survive and succeed in export activities. Identifying the interior items, as they are controlled by the companies, are very important for export promotion. To evaluate the impact of these factors on the export performance of companies, an applied and descriptive research (correlation - regression analysis) has been done for exporting pistachio companies in Tehran. According to the conceptual model, which is presented by combining the models in this case, questionnaires were used to collect field data from 135 companies engaged in exporting pistachio in Tehran. Regarding the limited and determined society size, formula for finite population sampling is used to calculate the sample size. The sample size in this study is 135 exporting pistachio companies in Tehran. The analysis of data shows that interior factors such as property management and access to resources have a significant positive impact on export performance. All but two of the eleven sub-hypotheses have been confirmed. Based on these results, recommendations are provided for improving export performance of exporting pistachio companies in Tehran.

Background & Objectives: Visual impairment included mild visual loss to total blindness that depends on the definitions different results achieved in various studies in all over the world. These kinds of studies will be helpful for social and health problems because some of the causes of blindness are preventable and curable at early stages. Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study. In this study, 300 patients older than 40 years with CF visual acuity or less had been surveyed, and information related to the patients recorded in questionnaires. The patients diagnosed by expert physician and recorded data were analyzedby descriptive statistical methods. Results: 57% of patients were male and 43% were female, and 41% were urban and 59% rural. The most common cause of visual impairment regarding to the definitions in this study was cataract (57%) and primary glaucoma (16%), uveitis (61%), corneal disease (6%), ARMD (4.33%), diabetic retinopathy (4%) and refraction disorder (myopia) were respectively after cataract and central retinal artery obstruction with 0.66% had the less prevalence. At all, retinal disease with 15% of prevalence was in third place of the major causes of visual impairment. Cataract was the cause of 43.9% of visual impairment in men and 74.4% in women. Glaucoma (24.6%) was the second cause in men and third common cause of visual impairment in women with 4.7% and comparing with men has lower prevalence. Conclussion: In this study cataract and glaucoma were the main causes of visual impairment, same as global studies, respectively. In this study prevalence of glaucoma in men was more than the prevalence in women and appears to be related to the fact that women are more sensitive to their health status comparing with men and they go to ophthalmologists sooner than men. With knowing that glaucoma will be controllable with appropriate treatments at the early stage and irreversible visual loss will be prevented.

Kajal kaolin deposit is located ~20 km northwest of Hashtjin, Ardebil province. Field evidence and laboratory investigations show that the deposit is an alteration product of ignimbrites, tuffs, and trachy-andesites of Eocene age. According to mineralogical data, the major rock-forming minerals include kaolinite, montmorillonite, polygorskite, orthoclase, zeolite (stilbite), quartz, and chalcedony. Mass change calculations of elements, with assumption of Ti as immobile monitor element, indicate that leaching and fixation are two prominent regulators for concentration of major, minor, trace, and rare earth elements in the deposit. The distribution pattern of REEs, normalized to ignimbrite, in kaolin samples illustrates a weak fractionation of LREEs from HREEs coupled with strong negative Eu anomaly during the evolution of the deposit. Calculations of correlation coefficients among elements show that there is a high intrinsic correlation between HREEs in the studied samples. According to geochemical indices, it can be inferred that the hypogene alterations are superimposed by supergene ones in the course of evolution of the deposit. In accordance with the mode of distribution of elements in the deposit, it appears that the behavior of elements during kaolinization of ignimbrites was affected by the function of factors such as pH, redox potential, temperature variations, high fluid to rock ratio, preferential adsorption by clays and iron oxides, discrepancies in the stability rate of minerals, abundance of complex-forming ions (CO32-, F־, Cl־, PO43-, and SO42-), and isomorphic substitution. The obtained results indicate that epithermal acid-sulfate solutions along with acidic supergene solutions originated from oxidation of hypogene pyrites played an important role in development of the deposit. Further geochemical considerations show that clay minerals along with secondary phosphates like monazite, rabdophane, and xenotime are the potential hosts for REEs in the deposit.

Very little work has been carried out exploring the factors influencing the decision making for hotel activities outsourcing. For this reason the current research, by focusing on TCE, seeks to understand and identify the factors that influence managers’ decision making about hotel activities outsourcing. From among the three dimensions involved in TCE, Specific Assets is selected as the focal point of the study. Each of the six types of assets, discussed by Williams, is investigated for its influence on the outsourcing decision making. Therefore, six hypotheses are defined to test the linkage between each type of the specific assets and activities outsourcing. The research method is survey, conducted by questionnaire and semi- structured interviews. Spearman’s bivariate correlation test is performed to explore existence of meaningful relationships among variables. Findings refute two hypotheses and approve four of them. Temporal and physical specific assets are found to have no meaningful relationship with activities outsourcing; and hotels prefer to perform these activities themselves. The other four types of assets may cause hotel managers to outsource their activities.

This study was aimed at determining the effective criteria for location selection of wood drying plants in Iran. For this purpose, after review and field visit of the industries, 35 key indicators were identified. These criteria were divided into five major groups as: materials, infrastructure, technical, economical and instructional indices. The priority rates of these criteria and sub-criteria were evaluated by AHP technique. The results indicated that among 35 effective sub-criteria in location selection of the plants, the sub-criteria of quality of raw materials(0.152), purchasing raw materials, land cost, profitability, reliability of supply, and sales had the highest priorities, which were rated as 0.118, 0.105, 0.067, 0.061 and 0.057, respectively

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to compare the hardiness and coping styles with stress in addicted and normal people in the city of Rasht. Method: The method of this study was causal comparative research. In sampling one hundred addicts were selected by multistage cluster sampling and one hundred normal ones selected by available sampling, then the Kobasa personal views survey and Moos and Billings coping styles questionnaires were administered among both groups. The Pearson correlation coefficients, independent samples t-test and regression analysis were used for data analysis. Results: The results showed that there were significant differences between the mean scores of hardiness and emotion focused coping style in addicted and normal people, but there was no significant difference on problem focused coping style. Regression analysis also showed that hardiness can be a significant predictor for emotion focused coping style. Conclusion: The findings of this research show the important role of some of the personality characteristics such as hardiness and coping styles with stress that may correlate with the tendency to addiction and substance abuse in people.

Introduction: Addiction Phenomenon among detoxified people is an important therapeutic problem for substance abusers. The aim of this research was the study of effectiveness of transactional behavior analytic group therapy on prevention of relapse of detoxified people. Method: the research design was quasi experimental with witness group. By using of available sampling of detoxified people who referred to government centers for maintenance therapy with Methadone, 24 subjects that divided to two control and witness groups (12 subjects for each group) selected of Bojnord city. Each subjects completed the write's relapse prediction scale as pretest. Post test administered after group therapy and after 5 months follow up test administered among two groups. Morphine test has done with follow up test simultaneously. Independent samples t-test and covariance analysis has run for analyzing of data. Results: The results of covariance showed that tempting of substance use was significantly differed in post test and follow up, but there was not significant difference in probability of substance use. Conclusion: Finding of this research showed, the transactional behavior analytic group therapy may be effective in tempting of substance use among detoxified people and it can considered by specialists.

"n Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE AR-SA MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} Background: Pulmonary resection is one of the most common thoracic surgeries Bronchial stump closure is important topic and still is controversy Bronchial stump closure with stapler is a new method that in addition to rapidity, lowering separation and dehiscence of suture line and lowering contamination of the operative site with bronchial secretions, and lowering the main complication after pulmonary resections which is sustained air leak- main factor in delaying discharge and patients dissatisfaction. "n"n Methods: Two groups of 16 patients in a randomized clinical trial compared. In one group bronchial stump closed with stapler and the other stump closed with hand sewn method. Bronchial closing time, Operative time, time of airleak, time of chest tube, time of discharge and complication recorded and compared. "n"n Results: In the stapler group time of bronchial closing was significantly shorter. Operative time was not different. time of air leak was not statistically different. No patients with long airleak, and the number of patients without airleak was greater. In the stapler group, time of having chest tube was statistically shorter and time of discharge in stapler group was shorter than hand sewn group. "n"n Conclusions: Bronchial closing with stapler in pulmonary resection is a safe method and in addition to rapidity, time of chest tube and time of discharge was shorter. Although Time of air leak was not statistically different but patients in stapler groups had less Days with air leak and long air leak was zero in this group.

"n Normal 0 false false false EN-GB X-NONE AR-SA MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} Background: Pleural malignant mesothelioma is an uncommon but extremely invasive tumor which originates from mesothelial cells and usually occures after prolonged exposure to asbestos. The aim of this study was to clinicopathologically evaluation of 40 patients with pleural malignant mesothelioma and the main factors influencing their prognosis. "n"n Methods: In this study patients with definitive diagnosis, who had been followed up for at least three years were studied based on gender, age presenting symptoms, and clinicopathological patterns."n"n Results: Male to female ratio of the study patients was three to one any the average age of them was 55 years. Chest pain was the most common symptoms in 34(85%) patients. Most of the study patients were in Buchard stage I (37/5%) and the epithelial form was the most common pathological pattern 25(62.5%). 19(47.5%) of cases received only radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Extrapleural pneumonectomy was performed on eight (20%) patients, seven (17.5%) patients underwent decortication and pleurectomy beside adjuvant therapy and 15% of the cases rejected any type of treatment. Surgical mortality occurred in one patient and the most common surgical complication was wound infection. The average survival rate was 12±1.2 months and the main factors influencing it were the patient's physiologic status, pathological form, stage of the disease and the pattern of pleural involvement. "n"n Conclusions: Because the low survival rate after multimodality invasive treatments in mesothelioma, aggressive therapeutic methods were recommended in selected patients

Sustainable management of a forest management unit requires adapting to international and national criteria and indices at the local level. In this study, criteria and indices of sustainability were determined and prioritized in Lirabi watershed of Ardal in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province. According to the local condition, 6 criteria and 30 indices from the initial 10 criteria and 48 indices were selected. The results of weighting criteria showed that economic and social, conservation and protection functions are of greatest weight amongst the others. Amongst the indices, the following were determined to be of greatest importance: livestock management and its contribution to reduce damages, strengthening of protective forces, economic development and participatory afforestation, increasing the non-wood forest products, involving and equal rights of local communities in the benefits of forest, training the locals for alternative jobs and developing mechanisms for resolving conflicts between people and the Department of Natural Resources. The results of this study can be used as a guide to develop local criteria and indices.

A case with bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax was presented. Etiology, mechanism, and treatment were discussed on the review of literature. Spontaneous Pneumothorax is a clinical entity resulting from a sudden non traumatic rupture of the lung. Biach reported in 1880 that 78% of 916 patients with spontaneous pneumothorax had tuberculosis. Kjergaard emphasized 1932 the primary importance of subpleural bleb disease. Currently the clinical spectrum of spontaneous pneumothorax seems to have entered a third era with the recognition of the interstitial lung disease and AIDS as a significant etiology. Standard treatment is including: observation, thoracocentesis, tube thoracostomy. Chemical pleurodesis, bullectomy or wedge resection of lung with pleural abrasion and occasionally pleurectomy. Little information has been reported regarding the efficacy of such treatment in spontaneous pneumothorax secondary to non bleb disease