The study effect agency theory and signaling theory on the level of voluntary disclosure of listed companies in Tehran Stock Exchange

This study investigates the effects of agency theory and signaling theory on the level of voluntary disclosure . empirically the research data is collected from 45 firms in the Tehran Security Exchange (TSE) during 2008-2013.multiple regressions technique is used for examining the stated hypotheses. It is used for, two models. The first model is based on agency theory and the second model is based on signaling theory.The relationship between ratio of fixed assets, Leverage, ROE, Liquidity on the level of voluntary disclosure.. In order to examine the hypotheses, data is collected from the annual reports of the companies using official bulletins of the Tehran stock exchange, mainly, through Novin software, ................. Keywords:agency theory,   signaling theory,  voluntary disclosure

Antagonistic effect of isolated probiotic bacteria from natural sources against intestinal Escherichia coli pathotypes

Background: Probiotics are live microorganisms which are beneficial bacteria that are normal flora of the digestive system which, in determined amounts, show beneficial effects on host health, and can balance gastrointestinal microflora. Digestive tract diseases such as diarrhea are one of the major causes of child mortality in developing countries. Different pathotypes of Escherichia coli cause diarrhea that affects children, therefore reduction of these colonization strains in humans or animals can decline gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the antimicrobial effect of probiotic bacterial strains isolated from different natural sources against 4 pathotypes of pathogenic E. coli using disk and well diffusion methods. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2013 to July 2014 on Martyr Chamran University in Ahwaz city. A total of 13 probiotic colonies isolated from 20 samples of traditional dairy products including yogurt, cheese and milk, and 20 samples of vegetables including carrots and cabbages (red and white), of which 5 isolates were selected to determine the antimicrobial effect against 4 Escherichia coli pathotypes, randomly. The antimicrobial effect was evaluated using two methods: disk diffusion and well diffusion tests and measuring growth inhibition zones of probiotics against 4 pathotypes of pathogenic E. coli. Results: Obtained results showed growth inhibition effects of all 5 probiotic strains against Escherichia coli pathotypes in both used methods. But in comparison Lactobacillus plantarum had higher growth inhibitory effects in both methods. Conclusion: results of this study demonstrated high antimicrobial effect of probiotic bacteria against pathogenic Escherichia coli strains. It indicated a positive and beneficial role of probiotics in human health and prevention of illness

Assessing Language Learners’ Knowledge of Speech Acts: A Test Validation Study

Veryfew attempts have been made in the past to develop instruments to measure pragmatic knowledge of second language (L2) learners. The absence of such instruments in the literature of English language teaching (ELT) underscores the need for the researchers to develop new tests that are specifically designed to assess this crucial but less explored aspect of language learners’ (LLs) knowledge. In line with this objective, the present study was conducted to develop and validate four tests of pragmatic knowledge that measured LLs’ knowledge of speech acts. The following steps were taken in this study to develop the written discourse completion tests (WDCTs) and the multiple-choice discourse completion tests (MCDCTs) that respectively measured the test takers’ ability to produce and comprehend request speech act. During the “prototype step” the researchers identified the content and the number of items for each designated test battery. At the “test construction step” the sociolinguistic variables of power (P), social distance (D), and absolute rank of imposition (R) were inserted into the content of the test items. Finally, at the “validation step” the reliability of the tests was examined. The finding of the study showed that the constructed test batteries were sufficiently reliable and valid for measuring pragmatic knowledge of L2 learners

The Reliability of Classification of Terminal Nodes in GUIDE Decision Tree to Predict the Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Tree structured modeling is a data mining technique used to recursively partition a dataset into relatively homogeneous subgroups in order to make more accurate predictions on generated classes. One of the classification tree induction algorithms, GUIDE, is a nonparametric method with suitable accuracy and low bias selection, which is used for predicting binary classes based on many predictors. In this tree, evaluating the accuracy of predicted classes (terminal nodes) is clinically of special importance. For this purpose, we used GUIDE classification tree in two statuses of equal and unequal misclassification cost in order to predict nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), considering 30 predictors. Then, to evaluate the accuracy of predicted classes by using bootstrap method, first the classification reliability in which individuals are assigned to a unique class and next the prediction probability reliability as support for that are considered

Phototherapy motivates protein and lipid oxidation in jaundiced term and late term neonates

Background: Hyperbilirubinemia is one of the most important complications encountered in neonatal units. It has been proposed that phototherapy yields oxidative stress. Therefore, this study was undertaken to survey the levels of antioxidant and oxidative stress in the serum of neonates before and after phototherapy. Methods: This study was performed on thirty-five healthy, late preterm (>35 weeks) and term newborns aged 6-10 days, who underwent phototherapy due to hyperbilirubinemia (>14.00 mg/dL). Infants with a congenital malformation, birth asphyxia, sepsis, signs and symptoms suggestive of severe illness, and receiving phototherapy before recruitment to the study were excluded. Blood samples were taken to determine total serum bilirubin, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of serum, malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) as markers of the intensity of oxidative stress and inflammation with photometric methods, reduced and oxidized glutathione (GSH) by HPLC-UV as well as the ratio of them before and after phototherapy. Results: TAC, GSH and bilirubin levels were significantly lower after phototherapy than before it, but reversely about levels of MDA, AOPP and oxidized GSH in addition to the ratio of reduced to oxidized GSH (p<0.05-0.001). AOPP and MDA showed a high negative correlation with bilirubin (respectively R=-0.985 and -0.986, p<0.001)) while vice versa about TAC and GSH (R=0.975 and 0.988, P<0.001). Conclusion: Phototherapy induces oxidative stress and inflammation not only due to the elevation of protein and lipid oxidation but also with reducing of antioxidant markers of serum

Strategically Mediated Reflective Practice Framework In Terms of Task, Meaningful Learning, and Interaction

It is widely accepted that reflective teaching in its purely cognitive and introspective sense cannot be responsive to the dilemmas and the problems with which teachers encounter during their teaching practice. Thus, the present study believes that the very tentative solution to this problem is introducing teacher education in general and reflective practice in particular from a sociocultural perspective where any sort of knowledge is dialogically constructed as a result of interaction among individuals. Although the shift in paradigm, i.e. moving from a cognitive position to a more situated and social epistemology in teacher education, has already been acknowledged and addressed by scholars such as Johnson (2006, 2009), Johnson and Golombek (2003), Golombek (2011), Freeman (2004), and Hawkins (2004), the current literature on teacher education reveals of no direct or serious attempt as a framework in which such a view has been put into practice in teacher education. As a result, the present study proposed a tentative framework under the rubric of ‘Strategically Mediated Reflective Practice’ (henceforth SMRP) framework that treats reflective practice largely as an interactive process rather than an individualistic and demonstrates how reflective practice is strategically mediated with the help of more knowledgeable others and new insights emerge resulting from dialogical thinking, highlighting the Vygotskian notion of Concept development. More importantly, examining the SMRP framework with four participants, the present study evidently reports the affirmative and constructive outcome of this framework on the utilitarian ground language teaching.

The effect of high-intensity Interval training and L-arginine supplementation on serum level of Irisin and body fat percentage in overweight and obese men: A Randomized Clinicai Trial

Background and Objectives: Irisin, as a myokine, has been known in reducing obesity and converting white to brown adipose tissue. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of high-intensity interval training and L-arginine supplementation on serum level of Irisin and body fat percentage in overweight and obese men. &nbsp; Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 40 young healthy overweight and obese men (mean age, 24.5&plusmn;6.5 years and body mass index, 29.4&plusmn; 3.6kg/m2), were randomly assigned to 4 groups of high-intensity interval training, L-arginine supplementation, high-intensity interval training+L-arginine supplementation, and placebo. The training program consisted of 3 sessions/week high-speed interval running for 6 weeks. L-arginine supplement was consumed orally 6gr/day. Blood sampling and measurement of body fat percentage, was performed 24 hours before and 48 hours after training program and supplementation. Data were analyzed using ANCOVA and post-hoc Bonferroni tests (p<0.05). &nbsp; Results: The serum level of irisin significantly increased following 6 weeks of high-intensity interval training and high-intensity interval training+L-arginine supplementation (pvalues= 0.017 and 0.019, respectively). While L-arginine consumption did not cause any significant changes in the level of irisin (p=0.19).&nbsp; Body fat percentage had no significant changes following 6 weeks of high-intensity training and L-arginine consumption (p>0.05). &nbsp; Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, 6 weeks of high-intensity interval training and high-intensity interval training accompanied by L-arginine supplementation can be an effective step in facilitating the activation of brown adipose tissue through increasing the serum level of irisin. Thus, high-intensity interval training can be used as a method in the treatment of obesity. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp

Effect of high intensity interval training and L-Arginine supplementation on serum levels of fibroblast growth factor 21 and atrial natriuretic peptide in overweight and obese young men

Background and Aim: Activation of brown adipose tissue can be a new approach in reducing obesity and related complications. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of high intensity interval training (HIIT) supplemented with L-Arginine (L-Arg) .on serum levels of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in overweight and obese men. Materials and Methods: In this semi experimental study, 40 overweight and obese men ( with mean age 24.58&plusmn;6.52 years and mean body mass index 29.43&plusmn;3.66 kg/m2) were selected through&nbsp; purposive sampling method and were randomly divided into 4 equal groups of HIIT, supplementation with L-Arg, HIIT+ L-Arg ,and placebo. The training program consisted of 6 weeks of HIIT training (3 days.per week). L-Arg supplementation (6 gr/day) was taken orally. Blood sampling was done 24 hours before and 48 hours after intervention and the blood serum was used for the measurement of FGF21 and ANP levels. The obtained data was analyzed using ANOVA, ANCOVA and post -hoc Bonferroni tests at a significant level of P<0.05. Results: It was found that the serum level of ANP significantly increased in L-Arg and HIIT+L-Arg groups (P values wwere 0.02 and 0.01, respectively), but HIIT did not cause a significant change in the level of ANP. The serum level of FGF21 had no significant changes after HIIT and use of L-Arg. Conclusion: It seems that L-Arg supplementation and HIIT together with L-Arg supplementation with increased level of ANP can be considered as an effective step to activate brown adipose tissue

Comparison of Designed Slippers Splints with the Splints Available on the Market in the Treatment of Hallux Valgus

Hallux valgus or the lateral deviation of the great toe is a complex disease. If it is not treated, it will cause the deviation of other toes. Hallux valgus is three times more common in females and may cause uncomfortable deformity of the foot, problems in putting on unsuitable and narrow toe box shoes, and pain on the medial side of the first metatarsophalangeal joint; therefore, patients seek medical services. Untreated hallux valgus may cause the hammer toe deformity of the second toe. In this cohort study, 30 patients referring to the Orthopedic Clinic of Shohada Ashayer Hospital of Khorramabad, Iran, with a complaint of hallux valgus were randomly divided into two groups. The splints designed by the researches (slippers splints) were given to the case group, and the splints on the market including night splints and interdigital pads were given to the control group. The patients were followed every three months for a year and every time the weight bearing anteroposterior radiography of both feet were taken and hallux valgus and inter-metatarsal angles were measured. The data was analyzed by the SPSS software using repeated measure tests. In the case group that used the designed splints regularly, hallux valgus angles decreased more dramatically than in the control group (P&lt;0.001). This study showed that, despite controversies over the nonoperative treatment of hallux valgus, if hallux valgus angle in patient is mild to moderate, the splint can be used as a nonoperative treatment

Antagonistic effect of isolated probiotic bacteria from natural sources against intestinal Escherichia coli pathotypes

Background: Probiotics are live microorganisms which are beneficial bacteria that are normal flora of the digestive system which, in determined amounts, show beneficial effects on host health, and can balance gastrointestinal microflora. Digestive tract diseases such as diarrhea are one of the major causes of child mortality in developing countries. Different pathotypes of Escherichia coli cause diarrhea that affects children, therefore reduction of these colonization strains in humans or animals can decline gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the antimicrobial effect of probiotic bacterial strains isolated from different natural sources against 4 pathotypes of pathogenic E. coli using disk and well diffusion methods. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2013 to July 2014 on Martyr Chamran University in Ahwaz city. A total of 13 probiotic colonies isolated from 20 samples of traditional dairy products including yogurt, cheese and milk, and 20 samples of vegetables including carrots and cabbages (red and white), of which 5 isolates were selected to determine the antimicrobial effect against 4 Escherichia coli pathotypes, randomly. The antimicrobial effect was evaluated using two methods: disk diffusion and well diffusion tests and measuring growth inhibition zones of probiotics against 4 pathotypes of pathogenic E. coli. Results: Obtained results showed growth inhibition effects of all 5 probiotic strains against Escherichia coli pathotypes in both used methods. But in comparison Lactobacillus plantarum had higher growth inhibitory effects in both methods. Conclusion: results of this study demonstrated high antimicrobial effect of probiotic bacteria against pathogenic Escherichia coli strains. It indicated a positive and beneficial role of probiotics in human health and prevention of illness