Pragmatic Failure in Cross-Cultural Communication: Scrutinizing the Causes and Challenges Involved in Iranian EFL Context

Pragmatic failure is an issue usually occurring in cross-cultural communication when L2 learners cannot express themselves appropriately. This study aimed to discern the factors leading to cross-cultural pragmatic failure (CCPF) and the challenges EFL learners face in trying to overcome miscommunication problems. Following a qualitative research design, in the first study phase, one of the researchers observed 10 EFL teachers’ classes for 90 minutes each, twice a week during the term to take the required field notes for further analysis. To obtain more in-depth information, in the second phase, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 EFL teachers and learners, and the data were collected. The EFL teachers were from private English language institutes, and the student participants were EFL learners studying either in state-run universities or private language centers. The results of the thematic analysis revealed that EFL classroom context, time and budget, assessing pragmatic knowledge, ELT textbook, and teacher education were perceived as the causes of CCPF by the interviewees. Moreover, the extracted themes associated with learners’ challenges included linguistic incompetency, investing insufficient time and effort, psychological factors, cultural and sociocultural differences, inappropriate teaching methodology, and teachers’ pragmatic competence

Simulation study of two chambers soft actuators using MARC

The Flexible Actuator (FA) is a type of pneumatic or hydraulic actuator that can bend, stretch, and twist in any direction by controlling the pressure in chambers of the actuator. This project aims to design and compare the thickness of several possible two chambers of soft actuators. The soft actuator is composed of two semicircular chambers and reinforced with fiber from P1-silastic silicon RTV material. The best actuators among these designs will be used to simulate the two actuators. The two actuators will be constructed by connecting two links of actuators in parallel with a thin membrane between links. Finite Element Method (FEM) software - MARC will be used, in which geometrical and material non-linearity are considered, to validate the simulation result. Using MARC, three types of two chambers actuators design will be compared to select the best actuator with biggest bending angle. Next, two links of these actuators will be simulated

A maximum flow network interdiction model in fuzzy stochastic hybrid uncertainty environments

Uncertainty is an inherent characteristic of a decision-making process. Occasionally, historical data may be insufficient to accurately estimate the probability distribution suitable for an unknown variable. In these situations, we deal with fuzzy stochastic variables in solving a problem. As a result, decision-makers, particularly those in the military, are confronted with numerous issues. This article discusses the maximum network flow interdiction under fuzzy stochastic hybrid conditions. The capacity of arcs has been treated as a fuzzy stochastic variable in this problem. The primary objective of this paper is to propose a model to the decision-maker that can be used to manage unknown factors in the network. Since this topic is explored concurrently in a stochastic and fuzzy environment, it is impossible to solve it directly. Consequently, three probability-possibility, probability-necessity, and probability-credibility techniques are utilized to transform it into a deterministic state. Eventually, the proposed model’s efficacy is demonstrated by presenting a numerical example

The influence of magnetic field on nanoparticle transport in a micro channel

Gefördert im Rahmen des Projekts DEA

Stress distribution of maxillary first molar PDL with highpull headgear traction; A finite element analysis

Statement of the problem: Headgear is most commonly used to correct anteroposterior discrepancies. Headgear can also be used to make more space for teeth to come in. In this instance the headgear is attached to the molars, via molar headgear bands and tubes, and helps to draw these molars backwards in the mouth, opening up space for the front teeth to be moved back using braces and bands. Stress on PDL of molars teeth and soreness of teeth when chewing, or when the teeth touch, is typical. Adults usually feel the soreness 12e24 h later, but younger patients tend to react sooner. Purpose: Application of heavy forces to maxillary dentition during treatment with headgear, induces high concentration of stresses in periodontal tissue. Quantification of this stress is of great concern in orthodontics. This study was designed to investigate the quantity and quality of stress response in the PDL of maxillary first molar which was subjected to highpull headgear traction using Finite Element Method. Materials and method: In an experimental study, a three-dimensional finite element model of maxillary dentition, consisting of 17096 elements & 23013 nodes, was developed based on a young human skull. The forces were applied to the maxillary first molar in the stabilized arch by means of a rectangular full size arch wire in (022) slot bracket. Mechanical properties of this model were based on previous studies. A 350 g force was used for high pull headgear to affect the dentition (þ30) and stress distribution was investigated in buccal, palatal, mesial and distal side and in cervical, middle, apical sections of the PDL. The quantity of stresses were expressed as principal stresses, while the negative and positive signs indicated compressive and tensile stresses respectively. Results: The buccal surface of PDL of mesiobuccal root and the buccal, palatal, and distal surface in cervical regions of PDL of distobuccal root and the distal surface of the PDL of palatal root had received a great deal of stresses, in addition, the over all stress distribution in roots of molar had intrusive nature. Conclusion: The distribution of high stress concentration areas observed after using high pull headgear is limited to some root surfaces specially the distobuccal root

Maximum Flow Interdiction Problem in Multi-Period Dynamic Networks in Fuzzy Stochastic Hybrid Conditions

Undoubtedly, the best tool to help military decision-makers and commanders choose the appropriate strategy is to formulate models that are as close to the real world as possible. This is possible when these problems are presented in conditions of uncertainty. In this research, a multi-period dynamic interdiction problem in fuzzy stochastic conditions is investigated. In general, interdiction problem, scarce resources are allocated to degrade the enemy, whose behavior is formatted by the network optimization problem. In this problem, the defense forces in the role of interdictor try to minimize the maximum flow during the period so that at each stage the interdictor and the enemy are fully aware of the performance of the other side. Edge capacities in this model are considered as fuzzy stochastic variables. To solve the proposed model, first, the fuzzy stochastic dynamic interdiction problem is transformed into the deterministic dynamic interdiction problem with the help of the concepts of probability measure, credibility measure and chance constraint programming. Then, by creating the crisp two-level problem created by duality, it is transformed into a single-level problem, and then it is solved by using the generalization of Banders decomposition algorithm. Finally, the validity of the problem is evaluated by providing a numerical sample

Efficiency of Modified Zeolite with Cationic Surfactant Hexadecyltrimethylammonium Bromide in Removal of Diazinon from Aqueous Solutions

Background and purpose: Diazinon is one of the most widely used pesticides in agricultural pest control that pollutes water resources. The aim of this study was to evaluate the adsorption of diazinon from water by zeolite modified with cationic surfactant hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (HDTMA). Materials and methods: The amount of HDTMA surfactant used to modify the zeolite was one-fold External Cation Exchange Capacity (ECEC) of zeolite (0.53 mmol/g). Modification was performed by contacting zeolite and surfactant for 24h on the shaker. Unmodified and modified zeolite were tested as adsorbent. Experiments were conducted in batch mode in acidic (pH=3), natural (pH=7), and alkaline conditions (pH=11). Results: The optimal contact times for adsorption of diazinon were 10 and 5 minutes on unmodified zeolite and HDTMA-modified zeolite (HMZ), respectively. According to the Freundlich model, the amount of diazinon absorbed by the HMZ was about 8 times more than that of the unmodified zeolite. By using 1gl-1 of HMZ at pH= 3, the maximum adsorption was 97.6%. Pseudo second order kinetics and Freundlich isotherm model well describes the absorption of diazinon on HMZ. Conclusion: Modified zeolite has high capacity, so, the method used here, can be used to increase the efficiency of diazinon adsorption in wastewater treatment plants

Study of capability of nanostructured zero-valent iron and graphene oxide for bioremoval of trinitrophenol from wastewater in a bubble column bioreactor

Background: Bioremoval of phenolic compounds using fungi and bacteria has been studied extensively; nevertheless, trinitrophenol bioremediation using modified Oscillatoria cyanobacteria has been barely studied in the literature. Results: Among the effective parameters of bioremediation, algal concentration (3.18 g·L−1), trinitrophenol concentration (1301 mg·L−1), and reaction time (3.75 d) were screened by statistical analysis. Oscillatoria cyanobacteria were modified by starch/nZVI and starch/graphene oxide in a bubble column bioreactor, and their bioremoval efficiency was investigated. Modifiers, namely, starch/zero-valent iron and starch/GO, increased trinitrophenol bioremoval efficiency by more than 10% and 12%, respectively, as compared to the use of Oscillatoria cyanobacteria alone. Conclusions: It was found that starch/nano zero-valent iron and starch/GO could be applied to improve the removal rate of phenolic compounds from the aqueous solution.How to cite: Bavandi R, Emtyazjoo M, Saravi HN, et al. Study of nano-structure zero-valent iron and graphene-oxid capability onbioremoval of trinitrophenol from wastewater in a bubble column bioreactor. Electron J Biotechnol 2019;39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2019.02.003. Keywords: High bioremoval, Trinitrophenol, Oscillatoria cyanobacteria, Starch/nano zero-valent iron, Starch/GO/Oscillatoria, Phenolic compounds, Bioremediation, Cyanobacteria, Bioreactor, Bubble colum