Torbat Jam Research Articles

Epidemiological study of brucellosis (Malta fever) in the city of Torbat Jam from 2017 to 2022

Introduction: Brucellosis, a globally prevalent disease, affects both humans and animals, with notable significance in Iran. While the severity and mortality of this disease are rare, it poses a substantial economic burden due to reduced productivity and livestock abortion. Torbat Jam city has a high prevalence of brucellosis in the region, necessitating an investigation into its epidemiological aspects. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the epidemiology of brucellosis in Torbat Jam city. Materials and Methods: This study examined 5366 cases of brucellosis in the city of Torbat Jam from 2017 to 2022. A comprehensive checklist encompassing variables, such as age, gender, place of residence, occupation, season, history of contact with infected animals, consumption of unpasteurized dairy products, and vaccination history was used for data collection. The t-test was used to compare the means of two groups, while the chi-square test was employed to assess the relationship between categorical variables and grouped numerical variables. A significance level of 0.05 was considered in this study. Results: A total of 5366 cases of Malta fever were analyzed in this study, with male patients comprising 50.40% and female patients accounting for 49.60% of the cases. The mean age of the patients during the study period was 33.18±18.81 years. Brucellosis onset occurred at an average age of 35.39±18.03 years in males and 30.96±19.01 years in females, with a statistically significant difference (P value <0.01). The youngest reported case of brucellosis was 1 year old, while the oldest was 101 years old. The highest disease occurrence (60.8%) was observed in the age group of 15-50 years, with a higher prevalence observed in both genders within this age group. Conclusion: The city of Torbat Jam is considered a high-risk area in terms of brucellosis prevalence. Factors such as rural living, contact with animals and consumption of unpasteurized dairy products significantly contribute to the disease’s spread in these regions. The results underscore the insufficient public awareness regarding brucellosis transmission and prevention, highlighting the urgent need for educational programs to enhance knowledge and awareness among individuals in these areas.

Examining the Relationship Between Adolescent Perception of the Family Psychosocial Climate with Depression and Suicidal Tendencies in Adolescent Girls

Objective: Adolescence is a critical stage of psychological development, during which many psychological and personality disorders typically begin to manifest. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between adolescent perception of the family psychosocial climate with depression and suicidal tendencies in adolescent girls. Methods and Materials: The research method was quantitative and correlational. The statistical population included all high school female students in the city of Torbat-e Jam during the 2021-2022 academic year, from which 160 individuals were selected using cluster sampling. The research instruments in this study included the Adolescents' Perception of Family Psychosocial Climate Questionnaire by Rajayi, Khoei Nejad, and Toosi (2013), the Beck Depression Inventory (1961), and the Teenagers' Suicide Questionnaire by Keith (1984). Data analysis was performed using Pearson correlation coefficient and regression analysis with SPSS-25 software. Findings: The results of the study indicated that there is a significant negative relationship between adolescents' perception of the family psychosocial climate with depression (r=-0.55, p<0.01) and suicidal tendencies (r=-0.51, p<0.01) in adolescent girls. Furthermore, the results showed that the family autonomy and parental intimacy components predict adolescent depression, while the family security and agreement and consistency between parents and children components predict adolescent suicidal tendencies. Conclusion: The family psychosocial climate is an important variable that is associated with depression and suicidal tendencies in adolescent girls.

Factors Affecting the Selection of Survival Strategies for the Urban Poor: A Case Study of Residents of Disfunctional Tissues in Torbat-e Jam

Introduction: Urban poor use many initiatives to survive before they reach a real dead end in life and pose fundamental risks to themselves and the host community. There is a variety of strategies used by poor households in Iran and the world with different consequences depending on the type and extent of use. Method: This descriptive and analytical study has investigated the factors affecting the selection of survival strategies among residents of disfunctional urban tissues (marginal section). Due to the nature of the subject, the data were obtained in two ways, including qualitative (sample size of 30 households) and quantitative (survey of 300 households living in this area). The collected data were analyzed qualitatively based on the content analysis (according to Brown and Clark’S framework) and quantitatively in the form of logistic regression. Findings: The results showed that although the number of households that choose risky strategies is small, around 10%, the same number is very important and fundamental considering the border situation of the city in question and its cultural and social conditions. Quantitative investigations also show that households with little social capital are twice as likely to choose high-risk strategies as those who use social capital. Discussion: The development of social capital among the poor not only prevents them from remaining in this cycle but also helps them consider strategies that have the least social, family, and individual consequences even if they enter the cycle of poverty. To strengthen social capital, it is necessary to form cultural associations and connections among the inhabitants of disfunctional urban contexts.

An educational intervention based on family-centered empowerment model to modify high-risk behaviors of brucellosis via mother education

The relative contribution of a theory-based intervention to modify high-risk behaviors in training programs is a major priority that remains an open question. Here, we tested whether the family-centered empowerment model used in the educational intervention was effective to modify high-risk behaviors of brucellosis via mother education. A quasi experimental study was conducted on 200 women presenting to healthcare practices in rural areas of Torbat-e Jam, Iran, from April 2020 to February 2021. Four rural areas were randomly assigned to the control and intervention groups. The intervention group received the training program, which included four 2-h sessions and consulting support via social network and messaging service. The control group did not receive any training. SPSS16 was implemented to test multiple statistical analyses. Our finding showed in the intervention group compared with the control group, knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy, self-esteem, and behavior outcomes were significantly changed (P < 0.001) across time during baseline through follow-up. Likewise, there are no differences (P > 0.05) in the change in construct of the family-centered empowerment model and risk behaviors in the control group from baseline to follow-up. Intervention based on a family-centered empowerment model is possible and very acceptable to modify high-risk behaviors of brucellosis by increasing an individual’s knowledge, changing attitude, and promoting self-efficacy and self-esteem.Trial registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT), IRCT20160619028529N12. Registration date: 24/03/2020.

Comparing the Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy With Compassion-Focused Therapy on the Intensity of Resiliency and Worry in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

Background and Aim Given the increasing number of patients with multiple sclerosis and the psychological complications that affect this group, the present study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy and compassion-focused therapy for these patients Methods &amp; Materials This research was a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test-post-test design with a control group. A total of 45 patients with multiple sclerosis were selected from MS patients in Tehran Clinic, Tehran City, Iran, in 2020. They were randomly divided into three groups: the first group was under treatment based on acceptance and commitment therapy, the second group was assigned to the compassion-focused therapy, and the third group was the control. The participants completed the Connor and Davidson resilience questionnaire and the Pennsylvania concern questionnaire in the pretest and post-test stages. The first and second groups participated in eight sessions of acceptance and commitment therapy and ten sessions of compassion-focused therapy, respectively. The control group did not receive any intervention. The post-test was done at the end of the therapy sessions. Data were reported by analysis of covariance. Ethical Considerations This research was approved by the Torbat Jam Branch, Islamic Azad University (Cod: IR.IAU.TJ.REC.1399.012). Results The results of univariate analysis of covariance were obtained at the statistical level of P&lt;0.05. In this regard, F=5.88 for resilience and F=42.60 for anxiety intensity were obtained, which indicated the greater effectiveness of acceptance and commitment treatment. Conclusion Considering the effectiveness of both treatments, it is suggested that these treatments be given more attention to controlling patients’ psychological symptoms.

The Effect of Peer Education Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior on the Improvement of Behaviors Related to Oral Health in Primary School Students in Rural Areas of Torbat-e Jam

The Effect of Peer Education Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior on the Improvement of Behaviors Related to Oral Health in Primary School Students in Rural Areas of Torbat-e Jam

Comparison of the effectiveness of virtual reality and chewing mint gum on labor pain and anxiety: a randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveChildbirth pain and anxiety are often unnatural, as opposed to being one of the most practical ways to use non-pharmacological methods. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of virtual reality and chewing mint gum on childbirth pain and anxiety.MethodsThis is a single-blind, three-group clinical trial study on 93 mothers referred to Allameh Bohlool Gonabadi and Sajjadieh Torbate Jam Hospitals for natural childbirth in 2018–2019. Subjects were randomly divided into three groups of chewing gum, virtual reality, and control using six blocks. Chewing gum interventions in one group and virtual reality in the other group were performed twice in 4–5 cm and 7–8 cm dilatations for 20 min. In the control group, no intervention except routine care was performed. The research tools included Visual Analogue Scale of Pain and Spielberger’s Anxiety Inventory. Data were analyzed using SPSS) version 22(, ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis, Chi-square and Tukey tests. Significance level was considered 0.05 in this study.ResultsThe main result was differences in pain and anxiety before and after the intervention. There was no significant difference between pre-intervention pain and anxiety scores in the three groups, but there was a significant difference between pain and anxiety scores immediately and 30 min after the intervention.ConclusionThe results of this study showed that virtual reality and chewing mint gum intervention reduce pain and anxiety in the first stage of childbirth.Trial registrationIRCT20181214041963N1.

Sugar beet root rot loss: ANN and Regression models

Root rot diseases of sugar beet resulted by Rhizoctonia solani, Pythium aphanidermatum can arouse significant losses in sugar beet crops. Simple and accurate statistical techniques are essential to predict sugar beet yield loss as an industrial crop for agricultural management specialists. The objectives of the present study were to compare: (1) the prediction capabilities of different statistical models at several regions and cultivars, (2) the effectiveness of artificial neural network (ANN) models to predict root rot yield loss, and (3) the effectiveness of simple and multiple linear regression models compare to ANN models. In order to measure crop loss, during two consecutive growing seasons, eleven different sugar beet cultivars were planted in the infected fields in Qazvin, Torbate Jam, Urmia and Kermanshah regions in Iran. To calculate the crop loss, the correlation between Disease incidence (DI) and the important components was considered. The highest correlation (P ≤ 0.01) was observed between DI and Root yield (RY), so we developed different yield loss models. Consequently, the best-fitted simple regression model obtained for RC01 and Urmia with 94.51 % and 90.44 % R-squared, respectively. Then the proper parameters specified in the regression models considered to develop an ANN model using Matlab software to predict the yield loss. Interestingly, obtained ANN models resulted in R2, RMSE of 87.07 %, 5.01 and the lowest AIC vs. 86.78 % and 6.033 for final linear regression, respectively. Our results suggest that, based on the simplicity of the model, simple linear regression is the best model although the artificial neural network models are more accurate for prediction.

The Effects of Irrigation Levels and Soil Fertilizers on Yield Components and Quantitative and Quality Yield of Balangu (Lallemantia royleana Benth.) under Torbat-e Jam Climatic Conditions

بالنگوی شهری با نام علمی (Lallemantia royleana Benth.)، گیاهی دارویی از خانواده نعناعیان است که علاوه‌بر مصارف دارویی، کاربردهای فراوانی در صنایع غذایی و بهداشتی دارد. این آزمایش با هدف بررسی اثر سطوح آبیاری و کودهای آلی بر عملکرد دانه و برخی ویژگی‌های کیفی دانه بالنگوی شهری به‌صورت اسپلیت پلات بر پایه طرح بلوک­های کامل تصادفی با سه تکرار در مزرعه تحقیقاتی دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی تربت جام در سال زراعی 98-1397 انجام شد. عامل کرت اصلی چهار سطح آبیاری با استفاده از تشتک تبخیر (35 (به‌عنوان شاهد)، 53، 71 و 89 میلی­متر) و عامل کرت فرعی، چهار نوع حاصلخیزکننده­ خاک برابر با 10 تن در هکتار (بدون مصرف کود (شاهد)، کود دامی از نوع گاوی پوسیده، کمپوست قارچ و کمپوست زباله شهری) بود. صفات مورد مطالعه شامل ارتفاع بوته، طول ریشه، عملکرد بیولوژیک، تعداد دانه در بوته، وزن هزار دانه و عملکرد دانه در بوته، درصد موسیلاژ، فاکتور تورم (میلی‌متر) و عملکرد موسیلاژ بود. نتایج نشان داد که اثر سطوح آبیاری و مصرف حاصلخیزکننده­های خاک تأثیر معنی­داری بر صفات کمی و کیفی گیاه بالنگوی شهری داشت. بیشترین و کمترین عملکرد دانه بر اساس سطوح آبیاری به‌ترتیب مربوط به تبخیر روزانه 35 میلی­متر (20/2 گرم در بوته) و 89 میلی­متر (45/1 گرم در بوته) بود. در مقایسه حاصلخیزکننده­های خاک بیشترین و کمترین مقدار عملکرد دانه به‌ترتیب مربوط به مصرف کود گاوی (35/2 گرم در بوته) و شاهد (33/1 گرم در بوته) بود. همچنین بیشترین عملکرد موسیلاژ (72/33 گرم بر مترمربع) از تیمار تبخیر روزانه 35 میلی­متر و مصرف کود گاوی و کمترین مقدار (26/15 گرم بر مترمربع) از تیمار تبخیر روزانه 89 میلی­متر و بدون مصرف کود به‌دست آمد. بالاتر بودن عملکرد موسیلاژ در تیمار تبخیر روزانه 35 میلی­متر و مصرف کود گاوی مربوط به عملکرد دانه بالاتر در این تیمار می­باشد. بر اساس نتایج این مطالعه به‌منظور به‌دست آوردن حداکثر عملکرد کمی و کیفی در گیاه بالنگوی شهری در شرایط آب‌وهوایی تربت جام، سطح آبیاری بر اساس تبخیر روزانه 35 میلی­متر همراه با مصرف کود گاوی توصیه می­گردد.

Sand drift potential impacts within desert railway corridors: a case study of the Sarakhs-Mashhad railway line

Railways play a key role in the connection between urban and rural areas and enhance the economic sectors of many countries. However, little is known about wind regimes within the railway corridors, particularly in developing countries. The main aim of this research is to identify and analyze wind regimes and sand drift potential (DP) within the Sarakhs-Mashhad railway corridor based on 3-h wind speed data collected during the last two decades (1996–2016). Our results showed that the highest frequency of winds in the three monitored stations was from the northwest (NW) and north (N) for the Sarakhs (NW=21.5%, N=9.3%) and Torbat-e Jam (N=16%, NW=28.4%), and from the south (S) and east (E) for the Mashhad (S=13.49%, E=13.3%). Monthly analysis of wind regime showed that the mean frequency of calm winds increased from 26% in Torbat-e Jam to 46% in Sarakhs. Annual assessment of the sand rose graph showed that Torbat-e Jam registered the highest DP values (DP= 336, RDP= 211) and the Mashhad area the lowest (DP= 71, RDP= 22). Looking at the complete Sarakhs-Mashhad railway line corridor, summer months (particularly July) recorded the highest frequency of sand drift potential, while the autumn season recorded the lowest values. Some railway stations such as Sarakhs, Gonbadli, and Robate Sharif in the vicinity of Sarakhs Erg have the greatest threats of damage by sand movement. We recommend an increase in the stabilizing activities using biological methods of native plant species, especially planting perpendicularly to the erosive prevailing wind direction (north–northwest).

Effect of shared decision making on mode of delivery and decisional conflict and regret in pregnant women with previous cesarean section: a randomized clinical trial

BackgroundThe promotion of vaginal birth after cesarean section (VBAC) is the best method for the reduction of repeated cesarean sections. Nonetheless, the decisional conflict which often results from inadequate patient involvement in decision making, may lead to delayed decision making and regret about the choices that were made. The present study aimed to determine the effect of shared decision making on the mode of delivery and decisional conflict and regret in pregnant women with previous cesarean section.MethodsThis randomized clinical trial was conducted on 78 pregnant women with a previous cesarean section referring to community health centers in Torbat-e Jam, Iran, in 2019. They were randomly assigned to two groups of intervention and control. During weeks 24-30 of pregnancy, the Decisional Conflict Scale (DCS) was completed by pregnant mothers. Apart from the routine care, the experimental group received a counseling session which was held based on the three-talk model of shared decision making. This session was moderated by a midwife; moreover, a complementary counseling session was administered by a gynecologist. During weeks 35–37 of pregnancy, DCS was completed, and the Decision Regret Scale (DRS) was filled out for both groups at the 8th weeks postpartum and they were asked about the mode of delivery. Data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 19) using the Mann-Whitney, Chi-squared and Fisher’s exact tests. p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsAfter the intervention, the decisional conflict score was significantly lower in the shared decision making (SDM) group, compared to that in the control group (14.90 ± 9.65 vs. 25.41 ± 13.38; P < 0.001). Moreover, in the SDM group, the rate of vaginal birth was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.001). Two month after the delivery, the mean score of decision regret was lower in the SDM group, in comparison to that in the control group (15.67 ± 23.37 vs. 27. 30± 26.75; P = 0.007).ConclusionsBased on the results of the study, shared counseling can be effective in the reduction of decisional conflict and regret, as well as rate enhancement of VBAC. Therefore, it can be concluded that this counseling method can be used in prenatal care to reduce the rate of repeated cesarean section.Trial registrationIRCT20190506043499N1; Name of the registry: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials; Registered 10.August 2019. URL of registry: https://en.irct.ir/trial/39538. Date of enrolment of the first participant to the trial: August 2019.

Rainwater harvesting in residential areas of arid and semi-arid regions (case study: Torbat-e Jam, Iran).

Nowadays, rainwater harvesting systems, particularly on the roof of the buildings in residential areas could be considered as a managerial procedure to reduce water crisis. This efficient method is being investigated and implemented in different countries all around the world. This study was conducted on the estimation of rainfall, runoff coefficient, and the calculation of the optimized tank volume and the total harvested amount of rainwater on the roofs of the residential areas in Torbat-e Jam. It is noteworthy to mention that the roofs’ surfaces are covered by waterproofing. This study aimed to estimate the amount of the harvested rainwater in the study area, and to apply this method in different areas of Torbat-e Jam, Razavi Khorasan Province, Iran. According to the results, the values of the roofs’ runoff coefficient and average rainfall were 0.9 and 154 mm, respectively. The results of the tank volume sensitivity analysis showed that the average peak 24-hour rainfall is the best rainfall index to calculate the tank volume. The total harvested amount of rainwater was 5,606 m3 considering the total surface of the roofs and the annual rainfall in the study area. Applying this procedure in other areas of Torbat-e Jam, the harvested rainwater was estimated as 772,806 m3. This amount of harvest resulted in 15.5% water saving.

An analysis of the quality of educational services provided for rural administrators (A case study of Dehyars in Nasrabad District, Torbat Jam County)

An analysis of the quality of educational services provided for rural administrators (A case study of Dehyars in Nasrabad District, Torbat Jam County)

Risk assessment of frost damage to sugar beet simulated under cold and semi-arid environments.

In the semi-arid climatic conditions, water shortage is a key factor to generate crop production. Planting in autumn and winter and using precipitation can help cope with the problem. But in the semi-arid areas with cold winter, frost is another limited factor affecting crop production. For this purpose, in the present study, a simple and universal crop growth simulator (SUCROS) model was used to estimate the potential yield of sugar beets and frost damage from 1993 to 2009 for four autumn sowing dates (2 October, 17 October, 1 November, and 16 November) and two spring dates (6 March and 6 May) in eight locations (Birjand, Bojnord, Ghaen, Mashhad, Torbat-e Heydarieh, Neyshabor, Torbat-e Jam, and Ghochan) of the Khorasan province in northeastern Iran as a semi-arid and cold area. There was a large variability between locations and years in terms of frost damage. The crop failure from frost for the autumn sowing dates ranged from 62.5 to 100% at Neyshabor and Ghochan, respectively. Although autumn sowing dates performed better than spring sowing dates in terms of fresh storage organ yield (~ 109.9tha-1 vs. ~ 78.4tha-1), the risk of frost stress under autumn sowing dates was high at all studied locations. To maximize potential yield and minimize frost risk, sugar beet farmers under semi-arid and frost-prone conditions in the world such as Khorasan province should choose optimum sowing dates outside the high frost risk period to avoid crop damage. The last frost day under these areas normally happened between the 15th and 28th of February, after which no frost events occurred. Accordingly, it is recommended to farmers to sow sugar beet after the period during which no frost risk for sugar beet occurred.

Mineralization and fluid evolution during mineralization of Sefidkouh Fluorite deposit, north west of Torbate Jam

Mineralization and fluid evolution during mineralization of Sefidkouh Fluorite deposit, north west of Torbate Jam

Assessment of health care waste management in sajjadieh hospital in Torbat Jam and addressing the improving procedures

Aims: Health-care waste is one of the most crucial issues in solid waste management due to its adverse effects on human health and the environment. The aim of this study was to investigate the present situation of health-care waste management in Sajadieh Hospital in Torbat-e Jam to find the major challenges and offer the best practice regarding this issue. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Sajadieh hospital in Torbat-e Jam in 2017. The total amount of waste produced in hospital was measured for 3 months. Waste management pattern was carried out based on a checklist obtained from the Ministry of Health (MOH) of Iran. Excel software was employed for data analysis. Results: In total, the mean amount of wastes generated in studied hospital was 658.9 kg/day, including domestic waste (397.6 kg/day) and hazardous waste (261.4 kg/day). The highest amount of hazardous wastes was generated in operating room with 32.9 kg/day. Quantity analysis of total waste showed that food wastes (25%) comprise the highest fraction. Based on MOH checklist, the status of the waste management practices was determined as fair. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that despite the segregation of hospital wastes, the amount of hazardous wastes were higher than recommended guidelines. Therefore, more attention of the authorities and the correction of hospital waste management are required.

Identification of Cow-related Health Disorders Affecting the Culling in Torbat-e Jam Dairy Farms

An experiment was conducted to assess characterization of cow-related health disorders affecting the culling in Torbat-e Jam dairy farms. In total, the data of 5874 lactating cows have been used in this study (1997 to 2017). The logistic regression was applied to investigate the associations between the response variable, the risk of culling, and predictor variables including the parity, calving ease, birth type, calving season, and age at the first calving. The risk of culling increased with parity and twinning (P&lt; 0.001). The odds ratio (OR) of a cow leaving the herd were 1, 1.17, 1.35, 2.06, 2.95 and 3.55 for parities 1 to 6, respectively, 1 and 1.14 for twinning. The OR increased with increasing in calving difficulty score (P&lt; 0.001). The OR were 1, 1.21, 1.26 and 2.30 for calving difficulty score 1 to 4, respectively. Calving in hot season increased the risk of culling (P&lt; 0.001). The OR were 1, 1.59, 1.46 and 1.06 for spring, summer, fall and winter respectively. Cows that calved first at about 24 months of age had a lower risk of culling (P&lt; 0.001). These findings help farmers reduce their involuntary culling rates in dairy herds by improving the management of dairy cows in Torbat-e Jam.

Sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) fruit: Essential oil variability in Iranian populations

Sumac (Rhus coriaria L.), recognized in Iran and other areas of the Middle East as a very popular flavoring spice, contains a wide range of medicinally active components including organic acids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, hydrolyzable tannins and terpenoids. In the present study, for the first time the variation of the essential oil compositions in R. coriaria fruits, collected from fourteen different locations in Iran, was assessed. A significant variability in the essential oil content was observed among the investigated populations (ranging from 0.04 to 0.19% (v/w)). GC-FID and GC–MS analyses of the essential oils identified a total of fifty-seven components. (E)-Caryophyllene (5.9–50.3%), n-nonanal (1.8–23.3%), cembrene (1.9–21.7%), α-pinene (0.0–19.7%), (2E,4E)-decadienal (2.4–16.5%) and nonanoic acid (0.0–15.8%) were identified as the main constituents of the essential oils, depending on the populations. The highest amounts of the mentioned components were identified in the essential oil of Tovrivar, Torbat jam, Qom, Kashmar, Torbat jam and Yazd populations, respectively. According to principal component (PCA) and cluster analyses (CA) the studied populations grouped into five different chemotypes: i.e., chemotype I ((E)-caryophyllene), chemotype II ((E)-caryophyllene/α-pinene), chemotype III ((E)-caryophyllene/cembrene), chemotype IV (nonanoic acid/cembrene), chemotype V (n-nonanal/(2E,4E)-decadienal). Such variability in essential oil compositions of Iranian sumac provides possibility to select populations with specific aroma profiles for domestication, breeding and industrial applications and suggests the effective in situ and ex situ conservation strategies for all populations and chemotypes of R. coriaria.

The Impact of Multimodal Texts on Reading Achievement: A Study of Iranian Secondary School Learners

This study was designed to investigate the impact of multimodal text on reading comprehension test performance of Iranian intermediate learners. A total of 80 students participated in this study. All of them were Iranian female EFL learners with the age ranging from 16 to 18. They were selected from a boarding high school in Nasr Abad, Torbat Jam in Khorasan e Razavi, Iran. The students were randomly settled in four groups, who received different instructional approaches through using linear texts, multimodal printed texts, non-printed multimodal texts, and both multimodal printed and non-printed texts. A pre-test and post-test were used to find out the differences before and after the experimental treatment. The results reflected that the printed and non-printed multimodal texts had significant impact on reading comprehension test performance. In contrast, applying linear texts or traditional texts did not exert significant influence on reading comprehension ability of the participants. The findings provide useful hints for language instructors to improve effectiveness of instructional reading curriculums and reading ability of language learners. The participants who learned reading comprehension through using multimodal printed and non-printed texts enjoy reading programs and develop their intrinsic and extrinsic motivation for improving reading ability.

Effect of different chemical fertilizers on chicory (Cichorium intybus L.)

Chicory is a medicinal plant; its flowers and especially leaves and roots are used because of their pharmaceutical characteristics such as blood filtration, lenitive and antipyretic. This experiment was conducted in 2008 to study the effects of different chemical fertilizer in dry and semi dry climate of Torbat Jam, Iran, in the form of complete randomized design with three replications. Treatments of the experiment included control, urea (150 kg/ha), NPK as 12-6-40, NPK as 20-20-20, NPK as 28-14-14 and the complete fertilizer at two stages. Results showed that all traits were significantly affected at P≤0.01. The highest total fresh and dried weight of plant and dried weight of root were achieved when urea was applied (2050, 416 and 138 kg/ha, respectively); this treatment was most effective.