Abstract: Food supply chain is one of the most complex supply
chain networks due to its perishable nature and customer oriented
products, and food safety is the major concern for this industry. IT
system could help to minimize the production and consumption of
unsafe food by controlling and monitoring the entire system.
However, there have been many issues in adoption of IT system in
this industry specifically within SMEs sector. With this regard, this
study presents a novel approach to use IT and tractability systems in
the food supply chain, using application of RFID and central
database.
Abstract: Operation enhancement in an air cooler depends on
rate of heat transfer, and pressure drop. In this paper for a given heat
duty, study of the effects of FPI (Fin Per Inch) and fin type (circular
and hexagonal fins) on heat transfer, and pressure drop in an air
cooler in Iran, Arvand petrochemical. A program in EES
(Engineering Equations Solver) software moreover, Aspen B-JAC
and HTFS+ softwares are used for this purpose to solve governing
equations. At first the simulated results obtained from this program is
compared to the experimental data for two cases of FPI. The effects
of FPI from 3 to 15 over heat transfer (Q) to pressure drop ratio
(Q/Δp ratio). This ratio is one of the main parameters in design, and
simulation heat exchangers. The results show that heat transfer (Q)
and pressure drop increase with increasing FPI steadily, and the Q/Δp
ratio increases to FPI=12 and then decreased gradually to FPI=15,
and Q/Δp ratio is maximum at FPI=12. The FPI value selection
between 8 and 12 obtained as a result to optimum heat transfer to
pressure drop ratio. Also by contrast, between circular and hexagonal
fins results, the Q/Δp ratio of hexagonal fins more than Q/Δp ratio of
circular fins for FPI between 8 and 12 (optimum FPI)
Abstract: This paper investigates the effectiveness of two
natural zeolites in reducing expansion of concrete due to alkali-silica
reaction. These natural zeolites have different reactive silica content.
Three aggregates; two natural sands and one crushed stone aggregate
were used while preparing mortar bars in accordance with accelerated
mortar bar test method, ASTM C1260. Performances of natural
zeolites are compared by examining the expansions due to alkali
silica reaction. Natural zeolites added to the mixtures at 10% and
20% replacement levels by weight of cement. Natural zeolite with
high reactive silica content had better performance on reducing
expansions due to ASR. In this research, using high reactive zeolite at
20% replacement levels was effective in mitigating expansions.
Abstract: The Multiple Intelligences theory characterizes human
intelligence as a multifaceted entity that exists in all human beings
with varying degrees. The most important contribution of this theory
to the field of English Language Teaching (ELT) is its role in
identifying individual differences and designing more learnercentered
programs. The present study aims at investigating the
relationship between different elements of multiple intelligence and
grammar scores. To this end, 63 female Iranian EFL learner selected
from among intermediate students participated in the study. The
instruments employed were a Nelson English language test, Michigan
Grammar Test, and Teele Inventory for Multiple Intelligences
(TIMI). The results of Pearson Product-Moment Correlation revealed
a significant positive correlation between grammatical accuracy and
linguistic as well as interpersonal intelligence. The results of
Stepwise Multiple Regression indicated that linguistic intelligence
contributed to the prediction of grammatical accuracy.
Abstract: In this paper, we present a four-step ortho-rectification
procedure for real-time geo-referencing of video data from a low-cost
UAV equipped with a multi-sensor system. The basic procedures for
the real-time ortho-rectification are: (1) decompilation of the video
stream into individual frames; (2) establishing the interior camera
orientation parameters; (3) determining the relative orientation
parameters for each video frame with respect to each other; (4)
finding the absolute orientation parameters, using a self-calibration
bundle and adjustment with the aid of a mathematical model. Each
ortho-rectified video frame is then mosaicked together to produce a
mosaic image of the test area, which is then merged with a well
referenced existing digital map for the purpose of geo-referencing
and aerial surveillance. A test field located in Abuja, Nigeria was
used to evaluate our method. Video and telemetry data were collected
for about fifteen minutes, and they were processed using the four-step
ortho-rectification procedure. The results demonstrated that the
geometric measurement of the control field from ortho-images is
more accurate when compared with those from original perspective
images when used to pin point the exact location of targets on the
video imagery acquired by the UAV. The 2-D planimetric accuracy
when compared with the 6 control points measured by a GPS receiver
is between 3 to 5 metres.
Abstract: Waste Load Allocation (WLA) strategies usually
intend to find economic policies for water resource management.
Water quality trading (WQT) is an approach that uses discharge
permit market to reduce total environmental protection costs. This
primarily requires assigning discharge limits known as total
maximum daily loads (TMDLs). These are determined by monitoring
organizations with respect to the receiving water quality and
remediation capabilities. The purpose of this study is to compare two
approaches of TMDL assignment for WQT policy in small catchment
area of Haraz River, in north of Iran. At first, TMDLs are assigned
uniformly for the whole point sources to keep the concentrations of
BOD and dissolved oxygen (DO) at the standard level at checkpoint
(terminus point). This was simply simulated and controlled by
Qual2kw software. In the second scenario, TMDLs are assigned
using multi objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) method
in which the environmental violation at river basin and total treatment
costs are minimized simultaneously. In both scenarios, the equity
index and the WLA based on trading discharge permits (TDP) are
calculated. The comparative results showed that using economically
optimized TMDLs (2nd scenario) has slightly more cost savings rather
than uniform TMDL approach (1st scenario). The former annually
costs about 1 M$ while the latter is 1.15 M$. WQT can decrease
these annual costs to 0.9 and 1.1 M$, respectively. In other word,
these approaches may save 35 and 45% economically in comparison
with command and control policy. It means that using multi objective
decision support systems (DSS) may find more economical WLA,
however its outcome is not necessarily significant in comparison with
uniform TMDLs. This may be due to the similar impact factors of
dischargers in small catchments. Conversely, using uniform TMDLs
for WQT brings more equity that makes stakeholders not feel that
much envious of difference between TMDL and WQT allocation. In
addition, for this case, determination of TMDLs uniformly would be
much easier for monitoring. Consequently, uniform TMDL for TDP
market is recommended as a sustainable approach. However,
economical TMDLs can be used for larger watersheds.
Abstract: Evapotranspiration is one of the most important
components of the hydrological cycle. Evapotranspiration (ETo) is an
important variable in water and energy balances on the earth’s
surface, and knowledge of the distribution of ET is a key factor in
hydrology, climatology, agronomy and ecology studies. Many
researchers have a valid relationship, which is a function of climate
factors, to estimate the potential evapotranspiration presented to the
plant water stress or water loss, prevent. The FAO-Penman method
(PM) had been recommended as a standard method. This method
requires many data and these data are not available in every area of
world. So, other methods should be evaluated for these conditions.
When sufficient or reliable data to solve the PM equation are not
available then Hargreaves equation can be used. The Hargreaves
equation (HG) requires only daily mean, maximum and minimum air
temperature extraterrestrial radiation .In this study, Hargreaves
method (HG) were evaluated in 12 stations in the North West region
of Iran. Results of HG and M.HG methods were compared with
results of PM method. Statistical analysis of this comparison showed
that calibration process has had significant effect on efficiency of
Hargreaves method.
Abstract: Reticence is a prominent and complex phenomenon
which occurs in foreign language classrooms and influences students’
oral passivity. The present study investigated the extent in which
students experience reticence in the EFL classrooms and explored the
underlying factors triggering reticence. The participants were 104
Iranian freshmen undergraduate male and female EFL students, who
enrolled in listening and speaking courses, all majoring in English
studying at Islamic Azad University Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch and
University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran. To collect the data, the Reticence
Scale-12 (RS-12) questionnaire which measures the level of reticence
consisting of six dimensions (anxiety, knowledge, timing,
organization, skills, and memory) was administered to the
participants. The statistical analyses showed that the reticent level
was high among the Iranian EFL undergraduate students, and their
major problems were feelings of anxiety and delivery skills.
Moreover, the results revealed that factors such as low English
proficiency, the teaching method, and lack of confidence contributed
to the students’ reticence in Iranian EFL classrooms. It can be
implied that language teachers’ awareness of learners’ reticence can
help them choose more appropriate activities and provide a friendly
environment enhancing hopefully more effective participation of EFL
learners. The findings can have implications for EFL teachers,
learners and policy makers.
Abstract: Students' academic achievement, along with the
effects of different variables, has been a serious concern of educators
since long ago. This study was an attempt to investigate the interplay
of Locus of Control (LOC), academic achievement and biological
variables among Iranian online EFL Learners. The participants of the
study included 100 students of different age groups and genders
studying English online at Iran Language Institute (ILI), Isfahan,
Iran. The instrument used was Trice Academic LOC questionnaire
which identifies orientations of internality or externality. The
participants' Grade Point Averages (GPAs) were used as the measure
of their academic achievement. A series of independent samples ttests
were performed on the data. The results of the study showed that
(a) there were no significant differences between male and female
participants in LOC orientation, (b) there was no relationship
between LOC and academic achievement among internal males and
females, (c) external females were better achievers than external
males, (d) and the age had no significant relationship with LOC and
academic achievement. It can be concluded that the social, cultural
patterns of genders have changed. This study might help sociologists
and psychologists as well as applied linguists in that they reflect the
recent social changes and their effects on the LOC and their
consequent implications in teaching languages.
Abstract: Any variation in environmental characteristics of
geomorphosites would lead to destabilisation of their geotouristic
values all around the planet. The Urmia lake, with an area of
approximately 5,500 km2 and a catchment area of 51,876 km2, and to
which various reasons over time, especially in the last fifty years
have seen a sharp decline and have decreased by about 93 % in two
recent decades. These variations are not only driving significant
changes in the morphology and ecology of the present lake
landscape, but at the same time are shaping newly formed
morphologies, which vanished some valuable geomorphosites or
develop into smaller geomorphosites with significant value from a
scientific and cultural point of view. This paper analyses and
discusses features and evolution in several representative coastal and
island geomorphosites. For this purpose, a total of 23 geomorphosites
were studied in two data series (1963 and 2015) and the respective
data were compared and analysed. The results showed, the total loss
in geomorphosites area in a half century amounted to a loss of more
than 90% of the valuable geomorphosites. Moreover, the comparison
between the mean yearly value of coastal area lost over the entire
period and the yearly average calculated for the shorter period (1998-
2014) clearly indicates a pattern of acceleration. This acceleration in
the rate of reduction in lake area was seen in most of the southern
half of the lake. In the region as well, the general water-level falling
is not only causing the loss of a significant water resource, which is
followed by major impact on regional ecosystems, but is also driving
the most marked recent (last century) changes in the geotouristic
landscapes. In fact, the disappearance of geomorphosites means the
loss of tourism phenomenon. In this context attention must be paid to
the question of conservation. The action needed to safeguard
geomorphosites includes: 1) Preventive action, 2) Corrective action,
and 3) Sharing knowledge.
Abstract: The concept of national security in Iran is a
permanently effective factor in acceptance or rejection of many
international obligations. These obligations had been defined
according to the type of legislation of Iran in many aspects.
Therefore, there are several treaties at international level which
requires Iran’s security to come in contact with obligations in these
treaties in a way that an obstacle to join to them and their passage in
parliament. This issue is a typical category which every country pays
attention to be accepted in treaties or to include their national
security in that treaties and also they can see the related treaties from
this perspective, but this issue that 'what is the concept of Iran’s
national security', and 'To what extent it is changed in recent years,
especially after Islamic Revolution' are important issues that can be
criticized. Thus, this study is trying to assess singed treaties from the
perspective of Iran’s national security according of the true meaning
of treaty and to investigate how the international treaties may be in
conflict with Iran’s national security.
Abstract: Waste load allocation (WLA) policies may use multiobjective
optimization methods to find the most appropriate and
sustainable solutions. These usually intend to simultaneously
minimize two criteria, total abatement costs (TC) and environmental
violations (EV). If other criteria, such as inequity, need for
minimization as well, it requires introducing more binary
optimizations through different scenarios. In order to reduce the
calculation steps, this study presents value index as an innovative
decision making approach. Since the value index contains both the
environmental violation and treatment costs, it can be maximized
simultaneously with the equity index. It implies that the definition of
different scenarios for environmental violations is no longer required.
Furthermore, the solution is not necessarily the point with minimized
total costs or environmental violations. This idea is testified for Haraz
River, in north of Iran. Here, the dissolved oxygen (DO) level of river
is simulated by Streeter-Phelps equation in MATLAB software. The
WLA is determined for fish farms using multi-objective particle
swarm optimization (MOPSO) in two scenarios. At first, the trade-off
curves of TC-EV and TC-Inequity are plotted separately as the
conventional approach. In the second, the Value-Equity curve is
derived. The comparative results show that the solutions are in a
similar range of inequity with lower total costs. This is due to the
freedom of environmental violation attained in value index. As a
result, the conventional approach can well be replaced by the value
index particularly for problems optimizing these objectives. This
reduces the process to achieve the best solutions and may find better
classification for scenario definition. It is also concluded that decision
makers are better to focus on value index and weighting its contents
to find the most sustainable alternatives based on their requirements.
Abstract: The grain quality of chickpea in Iran is low and
instable, which may be attributed to the evolution of cultivars with a
narrow genetic base making them vulnerable to biotic stresses. Four
chickpea varieties from diverse geographic origins were chosen and
arranged in a randomized complete block design. Mesorhizobium sp.
cicer strain SW7 was added to all the chickpea seeds. Chickpea seeds
were planted on October 9, 2013. Each genotype was sown 5 m in
length, with 35 cm inter-row spacing, in 3 rows. Weeds were
removed manually in all plots. Results showed that Analysis of
variance on the studied traits showed significant differences among
genotypes for N, P, K and Fe contents of chickpea, but there is not a
significant difference among Ca, Zn and Mg continents of chickpea.
The experimental coefficient of variation (CV) varied from 7.3 to
15.8. In general, the CV value lower than 20% is considered to be
good, indicating the accuracy of conducted experiments. The highest
grain N was observed in Hashem and Jam cultivars. The highest grain
P was observed in Jam cultivar. Phosphorus content (mg/100g)
ranged from 142.3 to 302.3 with a mean value of 221.3. The negative
correlation (-0.126) was observed between the N and P of chickpea
cultivars. The highest K and Fe contents were observed in Jam
cultivar.
Abstract: The aim of this research is to identify the key factors in shipping company’s port selection in order to providing their requirement. To identify and rank factors that play the main role in selecting port for providing the ship requirement, at the first step, data were collected via Semi-structured interviews, the aim was to generate knowledge on how shipping company select the port and suppliers for providing their needs. 37 port selection factors were chosen from the previous researches and field interviews and have been categorized into two groups of port's factor and the factors of services of suppliers companies. The current study adopts a questionnaire survey to the main shipping companies' operators in Iran. Their responses reveal that level of services of supplying companies and customs rules play the important role in selecting the ports. Our findings could affect decisions made by port authorities to consider that supporting the privet sections for ship chandelling business could have the best result in attracting ships.
Abstract: This study attempts to identify the factors influencing
on women empowerment of rural area in Sri Lanka through micro
finance services. Data were collected from one hundred (100) rural
women involving self-employment activities through a questionnaire
using direct personal interviews. Judgment and Convenience Random
sampling technique was used to select the sample size from three
Divisional Secretariat divisions of Kandawalai, Poonakari and
Karachchi in Kilinochchi District. The factor analysis was performed
on fourteen (14) variables for screening and reducing the variables to
identify the influencing factors on empowerment. Multiple regression
analysis was used to identify the relationship between the three
empowerment factors and the impact of micro finance on overall
empowerment of rural women. The result of this study summarized
the variables into three factors namely decision making, freedom to
mobility and family support and which are positively associated with
empowerment. In addition to this the value of adjusted R2 is 0.248
indicates that all the variables extracted can be explained 24.8% of
the variation in the women empowerment through microfinance.
Independent variables of these three factors have positive correlation
with women empowerment as well as significant values at 5 percent
level.
Abstract: Family has a crucial role in maintaining the
physical, social and mental health of the children. Most of the
mental and anxiety problems of children reflect the complex
interpersonal situations among family members, especially parents.
In other words, anxiety problems of the children are correlated
with deficit relationships of family members and improper
childrearing styles. The parental child rearing styles leads to
positive and negative consequences which affect the children’s
mental health. Therefore, the present research was aimed to
compare the parental childrearing styles and anxiety of children
with stuttering and normal population. It was also aimed to study
the relationship between parental child rearing styles and anxiety
of children. The research sample included 54 boys with stuttering
and 54 normal boys who were selected from the children (boys) of
Tehran, Iran in the age range of 5 to 8 years in 2013. In order to
collect data, Baum-rind Childrearing Styles Inventory and Spence
Parental Anxiety Inventory were used. Appropriate descriptive
statistical methods and multivariate variance analysis and t test for
independent groups were used to test the study hypotheses.
Statistical data analyses demonstrated that there was a significant
difference between stuttering boys and normal boys in anxiety (t =
7.601, p< 0.01); but there was no significant difference between
stuttering boys and normal boys in parental childrearing styles (F =
0.129). There was also not found significant relationship between
parental childrearing styles and children anxiety (F = 0.135, p<
0.05). It can be concluded that the influential factors of children’s
society are parents, school, teachers, peers and media. So, parental
childrearing styles are not the only influential factors on anxiety of
children, and other factors including genetic, environment and
child experiences are effective in anxiety as well. Details are
discussed.
Abstract: Entrepreneurs face different sort of difficulties
especially with customers, organizations and employees. Emotional
intelligence which is the ability to understand and control the
emotions is an important factor to help entrepreneurs end up
challenges to the result they prefer. So it is assumed that
entrepreneurs especially those who have passed the first challenging
years of starting a new business, have high emotional intelligence. In
this study the Iranian established entrepreneurs have been surveyed.
According to Iran Gem 2014 report the percentage of established
entrepreneur in Iran is 10.92%. So by using Cochran sample formula
(1%) 96 Iranian established entrepreneurs have been selected and
Emotional intelligence appraisal questionnaire distributed to them.
The SPSS19 result shows high emotional intelligence in Iranian
established entrepreneurs.
Abstract: The flora of Bozdağ (Konya) and its surroundings
were investigated between 2003 and 2005 years; 700 herbarium
specimens belonging to 482 taxa, 257 genera and 57 families were
collected and identified from the area. The families which have the
most taxa in research area are Asteraceae 67 (14.0%), Fabaceae 60
(12.6%), Lamiaceae 57 (11.9%), Brassicaceae 34 (7.1%), Poaceae
30 (6.3%), Rosaceae 24 (5.0%), Caryophyllaceae 23 (4.8%),
Liliaceae 19 (4.0%), Boraginaceae 17 (3.6%), and Apiaceae 13
(2.7%).
The research area is in the district of Konya and is in the B4
square according to the Grid System. The phytogeographic elements
are represented in the study area as follows; Irano-Turanian 91
(18.9%), Mediterranean 72 (14.9%), Euro-Siberian 21 (4.3%). The
phytogeographic regions of 273 (56.6%) taxa are either multi-regional
or unknown. The number of endemic taxa is 79 (16.3%).
Abstract: The present study is an attempt to provide a relatively
comprehensive preview of the Iranian English translators’ perception
on Machine Translation. Furthermore, the study tries to shed light on
the status of implementation of Machine Translation among the
Iranian English Translators. To reach the aforementioned objectives,
the Localization Industry Standards Association’s questioner for
measuring perceptions with regard to the adoption of a technology
innovation was adapted and used to investigate the perception and
implementation of Machine Translation applications by the Iranian
English language translators. The participants of the study were 224
last-year undergraduate Iranian students of English translation at 10
universities across the country. The study revealed a very low level of
adoption and a very high level of willingness to get familiar with and
learn about Machine Translation, as well as a positive perception of
and attitude toward Machine Translation by the Iranian English
translators.
Abstract: This paper presents two techniques, local feature
extraction using image spectrum and low frequency spectrum
modelling using GMM to capture the underlying statistical
information to improve the performance of face recognition
system. Local spectrum features are extracted using overlap sub
block window that are mapped on the face image. For each of this
block, spatial domain is transformed to frequency domain using
DFT. A low frequency coefficient is preserved by discarding high
frequency coefficients by applying rectangular mask on the
spectrum of the facial image. Low frequency information is non-
Gaussian in the feature space and by using combination of several
Gaussian functions that has different statistical properties, the best
feature representation can be modelled using probability density
function. The recognition process is performed using maximum
likelihood value computed using pre-calculated GMM components.
The method is tested using FERET datasets and is able to achieved
92% recognition rates.