(Dis)agreements in Iranians’ internet relay chats

The present study on politeness is an attempt to examine (dis)agreeing strategies utilized by EFL learners while chatting on the internet. Subjects of the study were forty male and thirty-three female Iranian natives whose internet relay chat (IRC) interactions, composed of 400 excerpts, were collected between December 2007 and September 2008. Data analysis was based on the general taxonomy of politeness strategies suggested by Brown and Levinson (1987) which is the baseline of many politeness studies today. The results indicate that IRC is a mode of communication whose characteristics are typically different from face-to-face and real-life conversational settings. Some common face threatening acts (FTAs) like ‘direct disagreements’ are performed widely in chat channels. Furthermore, gender-oriented differences were found not to be statistically significant on the internet

The effects of combined magnesium and zinc supplementation on metabolic status in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and coronary heart disease

Background: The present research aimed to analyze the impacts of magnesium and zinc supplements on glycemic control, serum lipids, and biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation in patients suffering from coronary heart disease (CHD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: According to the research design, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial has been implemented on 60 subjects suffering from CHD and T2DM. Therefore, participants have been randomly divided into 2 groups for taking placebo (n = 30) or 250 mg magnesium oxide plus 150 mg zinc sulfate (n = 30) for 12 weeks. Results: Magnesium and zinc significantly decreased fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (β - 9.44 mg/dL, 95 CI, - 18.30, - 0.57; P = 0.03) and insulin levels (β - 1.37 μIU/mL, 95 CI, - 2.57, - 0.18; P = 0.02). Moreover, HDL-cholesterol levels significantly enhanced (β 2.09 mg/dL, 95 CI, 0.05, 4.13; P = 0.04) in comparison to the placebo. There was an association between magnesium and zinc intake, and a significant decrease of C-reactive protein (CRP) (β - 0.85 mg/L, 95 CI, - 1.26, - 0.45; P < 0.001), a significant increase in total nitrite (β 5.13 μmol/L, 95 CI, 1.85, 8.41; P = 0.003) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (β 43.44 mmol/L, 95 CI, 3.39, 83.50; P = 0.03) when compared with placebo. Furthermore, magnesium and zinc significantly reduced the Beck Depression Inventory index (BDI) (β - 1.66; 95 CI, - 3.32, - 0.009; P = 0.04) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) (β - 1.30; 95 CI, - 2.43, - 0.16; P = 0.02) when compared with the placebo. Conclusions: In patients with T2DM and CHD, the 12-week intake of magnesium plus zinc had beneficial effects on FPG, HDL-cholesterol, CRP, insulin, total nitrite, TAC levels, and BDI and BAI score. This suggests that magnesium and zinc co-supplementation may be beneficial for patients with T2DM and CHD. Further studies on more patients and lasting longer are needed to determine the safety of magnesium and zinc co-supplementation. Trial registration: Current Controlled Trials http://www.irct.ir: IRCT20130211012438N31 at 11 May 2019 of registration. This study retrospectively registered. © 2020 The Author(s)

The Influences of Chromium Supplementation on Metabolic Status in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Coronary Heart Disease

This investigation was conducted to determine the effects of chromium supplementation on metabolic status in diabetic patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed in 64 diabetic patients with CHD between October 2017 and January 2018. Patients were randomly divided into two groups to obtain either 200 μg chromium (n = 32) or placebo (n = 32) for 12 weeks. Chromium supplementation significantly reduced body weight (� 0.9 ± 1.6 vs. + 0.1 ± 0.8 kg, P = 0.001), BMI (� 0.4 ± 0.7 vs. + 0.1 ± 0.3 kg/m2, P = 0.002), fasting glucose (β � 11.03 mg/dL; 95 CI, � 18.97, � 3.09; P = 0.007), insulin (β � 1.33 μIU/mL; 95 CI, � 1.90, � 0.76; P &lt; 0.001), and insulin resistance (β � 0.44; 95 CI, � 0.62, � 0.25; P &lt; 0.001) and significantly increased insulin sensitivity (β 0.007; 95 CI, 0.003, 0.01; P &lt; 0.001) compared with the placebo. In addition, taking chromium led to a significant reduction in serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (β � 0.49 mg/L; 95 CI, � 0.91, � 0.06; P = 0.02) and plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (β � 0.22 μmol/L; 95 CI, � 0.35, � 0.10; P = 0.001); also, a significant rise in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (β 84.54 mmol/L; 95 CI, 31.05, 138.02; P = 0.002) was observed in comparison with placebo. Additionally, chromium administration significantly reduced diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (β � 5.01 mmHg; 95 CI, � 9.04, � 0.97; P = 0.01) compared with the placebo. Overall, the 12-week supplementation of chromium to diabetic patients with CHD had beneficial impacts on weight, BMI, glycemic control, hs-CRP, TAC, MDA, and DBP. Trial Registration www.irct.ir: http://www.irct.ir: IRCT20170513033941N30. © 2019, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature

Effect of reinforced audit and feedback intervention on physician behaviour: a multifaceted strategy for targeting medical record documentation

We investigated the effects of reinforced audit and feedback on the medical record documentation (MRD) of 35 surgical residents at a tertiary university hospital. In three phases (pre intervention, 3 and 9-month post intervention), 525 medical records were assessed. An educational guideline assisting residents to record more accurate MRD was developed. The MRD rate in the pre-intervention and immediate post-intervention phases had changed significantly. The MRD rate in the pre-intervention and 9 months after cessation of intervention was not statistically significant. Reinforced audit and feedback had only a short term effect on MRD. To achieve long lasting change, we suggest residents’ MRD behaviour must be integrated in their periodic clinical performance evaluation and reinforced through positive feedback including incentive mechanisms

The Effects of Synbiotic Supplementation on Carotid Intima-Media Thickness, Biomarkers of Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress in People with Overweight, Diabetes, and Coronary Heart Disease: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Synbiotics are known to exert multiple beneficial effects, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of synbiotic supplementation on carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), biomarkers of inflammation, and oxidative stress in people with overweight, diabetes, and coronary heart disease (CHD). This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted and involved 60 people with overweight, diabetes, and CHD, aged 50�85 years old. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups to take either synbiotic supplements containing three probiotic bacteria spices Lactobacillus acidophilus strain T16 (IBRC-M10785), Lactobacillus casei strain T2 (IBRC-M10783), and Bifidobacterium bifidum strain T1 (IBRC-M10771) (2 � 10 9  CFU/g each) plus 800 mg inulin or placebo (n = 30 each group) for 12 weeks. Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and after the 12-week intervention period to determine metabolic variables. After the 12-week intervention, compared with the placebo, synbiotic supplementation significantly reduced serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (� 3101.7 ± 5109.1 vs. � 6.2 ± 3163.6 ng/mL, P = 0.02), plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) (� 0.6 ± 1.0 vs. � 0.1 ± 0.3 μmol/L, P = 0.01), and significantly increased nitric oxide (NO) levels (+ 7.8 ± 10.3 vs. � 3.6 ± 6.9 μmol/L, P &lt; 0.001). We did not observe any significant changes of synbiotic supplementation on other biomarkers of oxidative stress and CIMT levels. Overall, synbiotic supplementation for 12 weeks among people with overweight, diabetes, and CHD had beneficial effects on serum hs-CRP, plasma NO, and MDA levels; however, it did not have any effect on other biomarkers of oxidative stress and CIMT levels. © 2017, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC

Going beyond audit and feedback: towards behaviour-based interventions to change physician laboratory test ordering behaviour

Studies indicate there are a variety of contributing factors affecting physician test ordering behaviour. Identifying these behaviours allows development of behaviour-based interventions. Methods Through a pilot study, the list of contributing factors in laboratory tests ordering, and the most ordered tests, were identified, and given to 50 medical students, interns, residents and paediatricians in questionnaire form. The results showed routine tests and peer or supervisor pressure as the most influential factors affecting physician ordering behaviour. An audit and feedback mechanism was selected as an appropriate intervention to improve physician ordering behaviour. The intervention was carried out at two intervals over a three-month period. Findings There was a large reduction in the number of laboratory tests ordered; from 908 before intervention to 389 and 361 after first and second intervention, respectively. There was a significant relationship between audit and feedback and the meaningful reduction of 7 out of 15 laboratory tests including complete blood count (p = 0.002), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (p = 0.01), C-reactive protein (p = 0.01), venous blood gas (p = 0.016), urine analysis (p = 0.005), blood culture (p = 0.045) and stool examination (p = 0.001). Conclusion The audit and feedback intervention, even in short duration, affects physician ordering behaviour. It should be designed in terms of behaviour-based intervention and diagnosis of the contributing factors in physicians’ behaviour. Further studies are required to substantiate the effectiveness of such behaviour-based intervention strategies in changing physician behaviour

Perceptions of teachers and directors about the factors that promote or constrain environmental education in schools of Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires, Argentina

El trabajo aborda las percepciones de docentes y directores de escuelas acerca delos factores que promueven u obstaculizan una educación ambiental compleja, generadora de conocimientos, con dispositivos participativos y orientados a la equidad en instituciones educativas del Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires (Argentina). Como resultado se observaron experiencias heterogéneas y voluntad de instalar nuevas prácticas, pero con factores que limitan el cambio: pautas culturales arraigadas; deficiencias en la capacitación docente, en cuanto a las políticas públicas; poca claridad en las definiciones sobre los objetivos de la educación ambiental, su abordaje curricular y los dispositivos pedagógicos. Prevalecen enfoques fragmentados, naturalistas y la ausencia de una visión crítica. A nivel institucional, se discute lapertinencia de implementar prácticas sustentables en el aula. Las propias percepciones también operan como obstáculos. Todo esto dificulta la adopción de nuevas acciones de educación ambiental con el ímpetu necesario para sostenerlas en el tiempo.The paper examines the perceptions of teachers and directors regarding the factors that promote or constrain complex environmental education, which generates knowledge, with participatory devices and oriented to equity in educational institutions in Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires (Argentina). As result, we detected heterogeneous experiences and willingness to set new practices up. But there are factors limiting the change: deep-rooted cultural customs; shortcomings in terms of teacher training; in public policies a lack of clarity about environmental education objectives, curricular approach and pedagogical devices. Fragmented and naturalists approaches, and lack of a critical perspective prevail. At the institutional level, the relevance of implementing sustainable practices in classroom is discussed. Perceptions also operate as obstacles. All this hinders the adoption of new environmental education actions and the momentum needed to sustain them over time.Fil: Saidon, Mariana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Claverie, Julieta Andrea. Universidad Nacional de Tres de Febrero. Nucleo Interd de Formación y Est P/e/des D/l/educ; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentin

The Effect of Time and Wetting-Drying Cycles on Durability of Mulches in Soil to Control Wind Erosion

Introduction Wind erosion is one of the important processes of soil degradation in arid and semi-arid regions. Increased soil surface resistance is a key factor to prevent wind erosion. Mulch can increase the resistance of soil surface against erosive agents by creating a coating on the soil surface. The effectiveness of mulch on wind erosion control is on the quantity, type, and durability of the used in dust sources of Iran for stabilizing soil surface against wind erosion. In recent decades, petroleum mulch has been broadly used for stabilizing soil surface against wind erosion in dust sources of Iran. Bio-polymers (e.g. cellulose hydrogel and biochar) and naturally accessible materials (e.g. nanoclay) as environment-friendly mulches can be an alternative to chemical polymers and petroleum mulches. In arid and semi-arid regions, wetting-drying cycles play a crucial role in soil aggregate formation and strength. However, there have been limited studies assessing the impact of wetting-drying cycles on the durability of applied mulches. The main objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of different types of mulches, including inorganic montmorillonite nanoclay, chemical polyvinyl acetate polymer, and biological biochar and cellulose hydrogel, at various time intervals. The study aimed to improve the physical and mechanical properties of soil, as well as control wind erosion in a loamy sand soil using a wind tunnel. Additionally, the durability of these mulches was evaluated over time after subjecting them to four wetting-drying cycles.Materials and Methods A factorial experiment was conducted based on completely randomized design with three replications. The factors including mulch type (four levels: nanoclay montmorillonite, polyvinyl acetate polymer, biochar and cellulose hydrogel), mulch concentration (Nanoclay montmorillonite: 0, 16 and 32, Polyvinyl Acetate polymer: 0, 8, and 16, biochar and cellulose hydrogel: 0, 65 and 200 g/m2) and duration (21, 42, 63 and 126 days). The soil used in the wind tunnel experiments was collected from a dust source in the southeast of Ahvaz (Site Number 4). Trays measuring 50×30×5 cm were filled with this soil. The soil surface was then uniformly sprayed with an emulsion of Nanoclay and Polyvinyl Acetate. Additionally, biochar and cellulose hydrogel were mixed uniformly with the soil. Water was sprayed on the soil surface to maintain a constant moisture content of 75% of field capacity. After a specified period, soil properties such as mean weight diameter of aggregates, fractal dimension, penetration resistance, and shear strength were measured. The trays were then placed in a wind tunnel, and a wind erosion test was conducted at a wind speed of 20 m/s for a duration of 5 minutes. The amount of soil loss was measured using the weight method. Then, at each time, the best treatment from each mulch (in terms of reducing wind erosion) was selected and subjected to wet and dry cycles (four cycles).Results and Discussion The results showed a significant interaction effects (p<0.01) of mulch type, mulch concentration and time factors on soil aggregate stability and fractal dimension, penetration resistance, shear strength were significant (p<0.01). Soil loss decreased in soils amended with biochar and cellulose hydrogel and increased in the case of montmorillonite and polyvinyl acetate polymer over the time. The amount of soil loss in soil amended with cellulose hydrogel decreased by 99.3%. The highest amount of soil penetration resistance and shear strength was observed in cellulose hydrogel mulch at the fourth time which were equal to 1038 and 123 kPa, respectively. Over time, the mean weight diameter of aggregates increased in the soil treated with cellulose and biochar hydrogels, but decreased in the polyvinyl acetate and montmorillonite nanoclay treatments. There was a negative correlation between aggregate stability and the fractal dimension of aggregates. In terms of soil loss, at the fourth measurement time, soils modified with cellulose hydrogels, biochar, polyvinyl acetate, and montmorillonite nanoclay experienced reductions of 99%, 71%, 84%, and 85% respectively, compared to the control. After four wet and dry cycles, the soil loss further decreased by 98%, 64%, 76%, and 81% in the respective treatments, compared to the control.Conclusion In general, it can be concluded that cellulose hydrogel presented the greatest effect on reducing soil loss and controlling wind erosion. In the soils amended with biochar and cellulose hydrogel, the effect of mulches on reducing soil loss increased over the time. However, the opposite results were found in the case of polyvinyl acetate and montmorillonite nanoclay polymers. Therefore, biochar and cellulose hydrogel in the long term and polyvinyl acetate polymer and montmorillonite nanoclay in the short term can control wind erosion. Wet and dry cycles at all durations increased soil loss. But their effect remained on soil loss reduction until the end of the fourth cycle. The results revealed that environmentally friendly biopolymers synthesized from biomass components can be considered as sustainable sources to reduce wind erosion. Bio-polymers are a new window into the use of sustainable biomaterials instead of synthetics in wind erosion control

Investigation of the Possibility of Phytoremediating a Soil Contaminated with Anthracene

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are one of the most important organic pollutants<br />frequently found in the environment. In this experiment, the effect of phytoremediation as a cost effective<br />method was studied on the concentration of anthracene (C14H10) which is one of PAHs. The effect of sorghum<br />(V1), hairy vetch (V2) and oat (V3) was studied under four concentrations of anthracene (S1, S2, S3 and S4) in<br />soil. In S1 level which pollution was the lowest, the three plants had the highest reduction rate. The reduction<br />rate was decreased by increasing the pollution level (S2 and S3),; the lowest reduction rate was observed in S4<br />level which had the highest pollution level. There was significant difference between the three plants and the<br />fallow. Generally, hairy vetch had the highest phytoremediating capacity and resistance compared with the<br />other plants