Task types and learners’ performance in collaborative virtual learning environments

This study was conducted to examine how various  task types affect the extent to which learners engage in form-related changes(FRC)  and meaning-related changes(MRC).To this end,15 Iranian language learners (9 female and 6 male) participated in instruction sessions  in which they learned how to self-correct and peer-correct three writing tasks ,namely ; argumentative, informative , and analytical. Etherpad package was used to facilitate the communication among the learners as they shared their responses and feedback on each other’s writings. Data analysis indicated more instances of peer-correction (54%) compared to those of self-correction (46%) in the three task types. The results of a Chi-square analysis illustrated that the difference in the instances of corrections produced was statistically significant (X2=10.890, p=0.00).In this regard, the results indicated that the number of corrections produced in the analytical task was higher than that of other tasks. Another Chi-square test (Chi-Sq = 6.754, DF = 2, P-Value = 0.034) proved that the participants in all task types made statistically significant changes in meaning-related aspects compared to the changes they made to the formal ones in their written products.  A t-test analysis revealed that learners’ focus between form and structure was not significantly different whether they worked individually or collaboratively. (P-value = 0.3 for argumentative task, P-value = 0.26 for analytical task). However the analysis showed that the emphasis of accuracy and meanings (p-value =0.031 for argumentative task, P-value = 0.033) increased when they worked in groups. The findings of an interview revealed that most of the interviewees agreed that the writing and editing in collaboration with peers were a positive and useful experience

Application of Grey-Taguchi method for simultaneous optimization of multiple quality characteristics in lead-slag radiation shielding concrete

Utilization of wastes and by-products as concrete aggregate has received increasing attention in the last few years. Lead slag extracted from recycling of the spent batteries, is one of these waste materials which have high potential and can be utilized as substitute of raw materials in construction of radiation shielding concrete. For utilization of lead slag as Radiation-shielding concrete aggregate, we should consider different criteria. Therefore, It is necessary to find an optimal mixture to produce Lead Slag radiation shielding concrete (LSRSC) with desired quality characteristics. In the present work, Taguchi method in combination with grey relational analysis is applied to find the optimal mixture of LSRSC with multiple responses. In the application of this method, water/cement ratio, cement quantity, volume ratio of lead slag aggregate and Silica fume were selected as control factors with responses of slump, Unit weight, compressive strength and gamma attenuation coefficient to assess the optimal mixture of LSRSC. Results demonstrated that the optimal mixture of LSRSC has a water/cement ratio of 0.42, cement quantity of 390 kg, a volume fraction of lead slag aggregate of 60% and silica fume-cement ratio of 0.15

Environmental and chemical study of the applying treated sewage on irrigating urban forested areas

Using treated sewage for irrigation can be a good source of food for plants and enriching agricultural lands due to the presence of fertilizing materials in treated sewage in addition to saving in water consumption. Nitrogen, phosphor and potassium are some of the essential nutrients for the growth and reproduction of plants. This research aims to evaluate the effect of irrigation with urban treated sewage on the chemical characteristics of soil and on the growth of three plant species namely Sempervirns, Buxus Cupressus Arizonica and Pinus Nigra used in green spaces and also on the aggregation of nutritional elements in different parts of plant species in the urban green space of Ghods Town in Tehran. In order to conduct the research, the green space area of Ghods Town in Tehran was selected as the sample area a part of which is irrigated with well water and another part irrigated with waste water. After the precise determination of the geographical and topographical characteristics of the control and experimental areas in this research, three 20x20 cm plots were implemented in a random systematical way. Three sample pieces were selected in each sample with a random systematical transmission. About 70 to 80 sample leaves as well as well water and waste water samples were collected in four repetitions for analysis. The results of this research show that irrigating green spaces with waste water causes a significant increase in some elements (N, P, K) in the leaf and in the growth of trees in green space

An Investigation of the Factors Affecting Performance Improvement of Public Libraries based on Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between factors affecting the performance of libraries and the components of customer relationship management (CRM). Method: The research uses a survey method. The study population was patrons of public libraries in Mazandaran province, Iran. The data collection instrument was questionnaire. Findings: The results showed that the correlation coefficient for the focal point variables for specific subjects, proper organization of processes, knowledge management, and technology were 0.682, 0.927, 0.900, and 0.810 respectively, indicating that the linear relationship between these variables is to improve the performance of libraries. In other words, the results of the research indicated that there is a direct linear relationship between CRM and library performance levels. Discussion and Conclusion: Customer relationship management elements seem to play a significant role in improving the level of library performance. Given the identification of the weaknesses and strengths of libraries with respect to these components, it is imperative that public library managers and librarians provide innovative ideas for improving and improving the level of services

Comparison of Blood Glucose Levels, Physical Activity and Blood Pressure between Medical Sciences University Employees and General Population

Background: Diabetes is the 5th cause of mortality among women and the 16th cause of mortality among men. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate and comparison of blood glucose levels, physical activity and blood pressure between medical sciences university employees and general population. Methods: In across-sectional study using clustered sampling method, 238 subjects were enrolled, while 150 were Shiraz University of Medical Sciences employees and 88 were general population. A detailed standardized form was completed for all participants including demographic data, anthropometric measurements, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, diabetes and hypertension history and medication, physical activity, dietary habits, and nutrition. Results: The employees’ abdominal circumference was 90.68±9.52 centimeter and that of general population was 78.18±26.9 centimeter (P<0.001). The systolic blood pressure of employees and general population were respectively 11.75±1.72 mmHg and 12.73±1.87 mm Hg and their diastolic blood pressure were 7.43±1.1 mmHg and 8.39±1.22 mmHg, respectively (P<0.001). Diabetes frequency in employees and general population was 9.9% and 41.8%, respectively (P<0.001). Conclusion: The frequency of diabetes in medical personnel was less than general population which may reflect the impact of various factors on the physical activity; personal and social differences in different societies could explain the differences in the prevalence of physical inactivity and also proper control of blood glucose as well as appropriate and regular monitoring of blood glucose by medical staff

Evaluating the level of professional moral courage of pre-hospital emergency staff in the management of patients with COVID-19

Background. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are an important part of the healthcare system. Decision making is the most important part of their profession, as they often have to make a quick decision and act upon it, despite the critical conditions of the patient. They are often the first to deal with COVID-19, and they experience severe physical, mental or moral stress. Objectives. The aim of this study was to determine the level of Professional Moral Courage (PMC) of Pre-Hospital Emergency (PHE) staff in the management of patients with COVID-19. Material and methods. This descriptive, analytical study was conducted in 2020. A total of 200 PHE staff entered the study, recruited by the census sampling method. Data collection was undertaken using a validated moral courage questionnaire. The data was analyzed using SPSS version/21 with descriptive and analytic tests. Results. The mean age of the participants was 34.42 +/- 7.14, and mean of their work experience was 10.29 +/- 6.59 years, of the mean moral courage score was 90.77 +/- 2.97. There was a significant relationship between the mean score of moral courage and age, type of employment and participation in disaster exercises and training courses (p < 0.001). Conclusions. The findings of the study showed a significant relationship between various variables and level of moral courage in PHE staff. Awareness of the moral courage of PHE staff is the first step to improve their preparedness. This study provides evidence of the need and potential positive impact of moral education opportunities for healthcare team

Evaluation of anxiety and professional competence of prehospital emergency medical personnel in COVID-19 pandemics

INTRODUCTION: Emergency medical services (EMS) are an important part of the health care system. Decision-making is the most important part of their profession because they often have to make quick decisions and act on them despite critical situations. They are often the first to deal with a Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patient and experience severe physical, mental, or moral stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the level of anxiety and professional competence of prehospital emergency medical personnel in the COVID-19 epidemics. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This descriptive-analytical study was performed in 2021. A total of 200 prehospital emergency medical personnel were included in the study. Sampling method was census using a valid questionnaire of Corona Anxiety Scale and professional competence. Data analysis was performed using SPSS statistical software version 21 via descriptive statistics and analytical tests. RESULTS: Mean and standard deviation of professional competence and anxiety of emergency medical staff were reported as 82.37 ± 65.13 and 98.17 ± 11.11, respectively. The results of the study on the relationship between the scores of the studied variables showed a significant relationship so that the level of anxiety with competence was remarkably related (p &lt; 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The stress and anxiety of the COVID-19 epidemic might have adverse effects on the professional competence of prehospital emergency medical personnel as well as their mental health. Applying strategies to reduce anxiety and attending disaster-related courses could help the quality of EMS by improving professional competence

A theoretical scheme for generation of Gazeau-Klauder coherent states via intensity-dependent degenerate Raman interaction

A theoretical scheme is presented for generating Gazeau-Klauder coherent states(GKCSs) via the generalization of degenerate Raman interaction with coupling constant to intensity-dependent coupling. Firstly, we prove that in the intensity-dependent degenerate Raman interaction, under particular conditions, the modified efective Hamiltonian can be used instead of Hamiltonian in the interaction picture, for describing the atom-field interaction. We suppose that the cavity field is initially prepared in a nonlinear CS, which is not temporally stable. As we will observe, after the occurrence of the interaction between atom and field, the generated state involves a superposition of GKCSs which are temporally stable and initial nonlinear CS. Under specific conditions which may be prepared, the generated state just includes GKCS. So, in this way we produced the GKCS, successfully.Comment: 12 pages, 1 figures, Optics Communications, Article in Pres

Consequences of stenting and endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation in treatment of large and multiple common bile duct stones

BACKGROUND Although stenting for the treatment of large and multiple common bile duct stones has been acceptable to everyone, its efficacy and outcome have not been studied in comparison with other endoscopic procedures. The purpose of this study was to compare the consequences of stenting and endoscopic papilla balloon dilatation for the treatment of large and multiple common bile duct stones. METHODS In a double-blind clinical trial, of 431 patients with bile duct stones referred to the treatment center, 64 patients with multiple common bile duct stones (≥ 3) and more than 15 cm were selected for the study, then by random allocation rule the participants were allocated in two groups. They were entered into two different endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation (EPBD) and common bile ducts stenting treatments so that both procedures were performed by a person. Both groups were assessed from the point of views therapeutic outcomes such as duct cleaning, pancreatitis, isolated pain, and duct rupture. Data were collected by a self-made questionnaire that was used before and after the procedure to obtain the needed information. Then data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22 and descriptive and analytical tests were used as appropriated. RESULTS Although the duct cleaning and the complete removal of the stones in the stenting treatment procedure was 93.8%, and in EPBD was 78.3%, no significant difference was observed between the two groups (p = 0.14). Pancreatitis significantly increased after the first and second endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the stent group compared with EPBD (p = 0.02). Also, the most frequent cases of isolated pain were in the endoscopic group EPBD (p = 0.0). However, the occurrence of perforation after first ERCP and EPBD was zero, but in the second stage of ERCP, 3.3% of the patients had perforations (p = 0.99). The results indicated that the shape of the stone (circular and angled) was not effective in the result of treatment in the two groups. CONCLUSION The results of this study indicated that in case of experience and skill in conducting the ERCP, common bile duct stenting is still the first line of treatment for large and multiple stones of the common bile ducts

Machine Learning for Mathematical Software

While there has been some discussion on how Symbolic Computation could be used for AI there is little literature on applications in the other direction. However, recent results for quantifier elimination suggest that, given enough example problems, there is scope for machine learning tools like Support Vector Machines to improve the performance of Computer Algebra Systems. We survey the authors own work and similar applications for other mathematical software. It may seem that the inherently probabilistic nature of machine learning tools would invalidate the exact results prized by mathematical software. However, algorithms and implementations often come with a range of choices which have no effect on the mathematical correctness of the end result but a great effect on the resources required to find it, and thus here, machine learning can have a significant impact.Comment: To appear in Proc. ICMS 201