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Purpose: To examine the factor structure and measurement invariance of the Körperkoordinations Test Für Kinder (KTK) and covariates of motor competence in a sample of Iranian children aged 5-14 years. Methods: Participants were children aged 5-14 years (N = 432, 61% boys). Age, sex, and body mass index were collected. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to investigate the factorial structure of KTK and multigroup CFA carried out to test measurement invariance across sexes and age groups. In addition, we calculated a model with covariates to identify the association between KTK items with age, sex, and body mass index z score. Results: CFA supported the construct validity of a one-factor model with an appropriate fit indices that the four subtests loaded on the same factor namely motor competence. Furthermore, according to the magnitude of changes in root mean square error of approximation and comparative fit index between nested models, the assumption of KTK measurement invariance across age-groups and sex were valid. Finally, adequate fit indices were found for the multigroup CFA path model of KTK with the covariates sex, age, and body mass index z score. Conclusion: The KTK is a valid, reliable, and valuable instrument for assessing motor competence of Iranian children and adolescents

The core of self-assessment (CSA) and critical thinking (CT) empower learners to observe and evaluate themselves. Although the literature on CSA and CT reflects a long history, little is known about their contributions to the learners' academic engagement (AE) and self-esteem (SE), particularly in the EFL context. Therefore, the present investigation intended to explore a structural model of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) university students' CSA, CT, and SE. Accordingly, the Core of Self-assessment Questionnaire (CSAQ), Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal-form A (WGCTA), The SInAPSi Academic Engagement Scale (SAES), and The Foreign Language Learning Self-esteem Scale (FLLSES), were administered to 427 Iranian EFL university learners. The results of Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) indicated that EFL university students with high levels of CSA were more engaged and could build up high SE. Moreover, the effective role of CT in boosting AE and SE was also confirmed. The implications of this study may unveil new prospects for implementing learning-oriented assessment in the classroom and CT practices in language learning instruction and assessment.

Assessment is an inseparable part of teaching and learning, and it helps teachers and students to modify their teaching and learning processes. One type of assessment is peer assessment (PA), and its effects were examined on developing Iranian EFL learners' reading comprehension (RC), reading motivation (RM) and vocabulary learning (VL) in this research. To achieve this goal, 60 Iranian EFL students at the intermediate level and with the age range of 18 to 26 years were selected based on a convenience sampling method and divided into two groups: the control group (CG) and experimental group (EG). After that, the groups took the pre-tests of RC, RM, and VL. The EG then was divided into six sub-groups of five, and PA was applied to evaluate their reading and vocabulary performances. The learners in the EG checked their classmates' performances in peers with the teacher's help. In the CG class, the participants themselves assessed their own performances after each test with the help of the teacher. After a 15-session treatment, the post-tests of vocabulary, RM, and RC were carried out on both groups. The outcomes of the one-way ANCOVA tests demonstrated that the EG outflanked the CG on the three post-tests of RC, RM, and VL. In fact, the results indicated that using PA generated positive effects on Iranian EFL learners' RC, RM, and VL. It can be claimed that the PA is a practical technique to improve EFL learners' language learning. The implications of this research can reduce students' dependency on teachers and increase their independence in the evaluation process.

This study investigated the impact of spaced and massed instruction on foreign language reading motivation and reading attitude among Iranian pre-intermediate EFL learners. To fulfil this objective, 60 Iranian participants were chosen among 120 students based on the results of Oxford Quick Placement Test (OQPT). The selected pre-intermediate participants were then divided into two equal experimental groups: spaced group and massed group. Afterwards, the researcher measured the participants' reading motivation and reading attitude by administering a reading motivation questionnaire and a reading attitude survey as a pre-test. Then, both groups received the treatment. During the treatment phase of the study, the massed group was taught the reading comprehension in an intensive 60-minute session, while the spaced group was taught in three short sessions (twenty-minute session). After the instruction, a reading motivation questionnaire and a reading attitude survey as a post-test were carried out to both groups and finally the data were analyzed by running paired and independent sample t-tests. The outcomes demonstrated that there was a significant difference between the post-tests of spaced and massed groups. The findings indicated that the spaced group significantly out performed the massed group (p < 0.05) on the reading motivation and reading attitude post-test. The implications of this study make teachers know that teaching through spaced periods can produce better outcomes than teaching through one massed session.

Studying explicit vocabulary instruction effects on improving L2 learners' writing skill and their short and long-term retention is the purpose of the present study. To achieve the mentioned goal, a fill-in-the-blank test including 36 single words and 60 lexical phrases were administrated to 30 female upper-intermediate EFL learners. The EFL participants were asked to write a composition titled "A Cruel Sport" after a reading activity on "Bull Fighting". Comparing this writing to the one written after target vocabulary instruction, it caused a significant increase in the number of vocabularies used productively in learners' writing. The statistical analysis revealed that in delayed writing, the participant retained the newly-learned vocabularies even sometimes after the instruction. Based on the obtained results, this research offers below suggestions for L2 instructors: (1) productive use of words is not guaranteed by word comprehension per se; (2) learners are not only able to increase the active vocabulary under their control but also use the words they just learned; and (3) in a writing task which was immediately fulfilled through explicit vocabulary instruction, vocabulary recognition is converted into a productive one, improving retention and leading to productive use of newly learned vocabulary at the same time. This productiveness, however, is loss prone and more practice is needed in producing newly learned vocabulary.

Numerous studies have been published heralding the benefits of physical education in school education. Sport and physical activities form the major content in learning and the arrangement serves as the major source of development in students. This paper identifies "quality" as an internationally concerned issue and within the concept, the perceptual framework in learning is then placed with focus. To conduct this study, a sample of N = 799 ("11 Asian cities") physical education professionals working in different levels were invited to participate in a questionnaire survey with 37 items designed to forge the conceptualization of quality learning in physical education. Results from statistical analysis showed 24 items grouped in 3 subfactors being retained after EFA, of 37 items that were framed through content analysis to assess the quality physical education learning among the PE professionals. The retained three factors from the EFA were further assessed with robust confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The 3-factor model demonstrated a good fit with the data (CMIN/DF = 7.367, NFI = 0.888, CFI = 0.901, PCFI = 0.748, RMSEA = 0.089). In this sample, the QPEL demonstrated an acceptable three-factor structure, internal consistency and inter-factor correlation. These items were appropriate to provide the necessary understanding of the diversified practice in the learning of quality physical education.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of fundamental movement skill (FMS) proficiency among a sample of Iranian children.Design: Cross sectional, representative sample of 2200 children aged 2.5-14 years (50% girls), living in Tehran in 2018.Methods: Trained field staff assessed 7 locomotor and 4 object control skills in educational settings using the Ohio State University Scale of Intra-Gross Motor Assessment (OSU-SIGMA). Scores for levels 1-3 represent immature performance and level 4 represents proficiency. Data were analyzed by age and sex.Results: Overall, proficiency prevalences were higher in boys than girls. Proficiency in walking and running emerged in children from age 2.5 years, and proficiency in more complex locomotor skills (i.e., jumping, skipping, hopping, ladder-climbing) and object control skills emerged at age 6 years. The prevalence of proficiency in hopping, jumping, skipping and all object control skills were low in children aged <9 years. All children aged ≥9 years were proficient in all locomotor skills. At age 9 years, the prevalence of object control proficiency were high for throwing (boys 100%, girls 89%), catching (boys 89%, girls 65%), striking (boys 69%, girls 53%) and low for kicking (boys 45%, girls 41%). All children ≥11 years were proficient in all FMS except kicking (boys 61%, girls 55%).Conclusions: FMS proficiency were age and sex related with proficiency in most skills emerging around age 6 years. All children aged ≥11 years were proficient in all FMS, except kicking. The findings may be useful to guide the development of intervention programs in Iranian children aged 2.5-10 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obesity and overweight are among the most common and serious health issues in many countries, leading to numerous medical consequences such as heart disease, hypertension, fatty liver etc. This review article addressed the prevalence of obesity and overweight in Iranian students by using meta-analysis. Methods: A number of domestic and international databases were searched, including IranMedex, Magiran, SID, Scopus, PubMed, IranDoc, Web of Science and Google Scholar. Eligible publications were 160 articles that addressed the prevalence of obesity or overweight. Data were combined using random effects model. Heterogeneity of the studies was examined by Q statistics and the I2 index. Data were analyzed using STATA version 11.1. Results: In the 160 reviewed studies, a total of 481,070 individuals (6–20 years) were included. The prevalence of obesity among Iranian students based on body mass index (BMI) was 11% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 10%–12%) (in girls 8% [95% CI: 7%–10%] and in boys 11% [95% CI: 10%–13%]). The prevalence of overweight in students based on BMI was 12% (95% CI: 12%–13%) (in girls 13% [95% CI: 11%–14%] and in boys 11% [95% CI: 18%–30%]). The rate of obesity was 13% (95% CI: 11%–16%) in elementary school students, 10% (95% CI: 7%–14%) in secondary school students and 7% (95% CI: 6%–9%) in high school students. Conclusions: The prevalence rate of overweight was more than that of obesity with a 1% difference. The prevalence of obesity was higher in boys, while the prevalence of overweight was higher in girls. The prevalence of obesity was higher in primary school students than in secondary school students. This prevalence was higher in secondary school students than in high school students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urinary tract infection is one of the most common diseases in childhood, and can lead to severe complications such as renal scarring in case of lack of diagnosis and timely treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of kidney scarring caused by urinary tract infection in Iranian children by meta-analysis. English -language databases including Science Direct, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Springer, and Persian -language sites including SID, Magiran, Iranmedex, and Medlib, and the Google Scholar search engine were searched by in March 2018 using MeSH keywords. The heterogeneity of studies was studied using the I2 index. Data were analyzed using STATA software, version 15.1. In 18 studies, the prevalence of kidney scarring from urinary tract infections in Iranian children was 31% (95% confidence intervalCI: 22%–39%), (which was 14% in girls and 23% in boys. Also, the prevalence of kidney scar in children with urinary reflux was 47% and in children without urinary reflux was 12%. The most common symptom of the renal scar was fever in 61%, followed by urinary reflux in 45% (unilateral in 42% and bilateral in 30%). Also, the prevalence of mild, moderate, and severe reflux, respectively, was 31%, 27%, and 13%. Meta-regression also showed that the prevalence of kidney scar due to urinary tract infections had no significant relationship with the number of samples and years of research (P > 0.05). About one-third of Iranian children suffering from urinary tract infections had kidney scarring, so that the prevalence is lower in girls than in boys. Also, the prevalence of renal scarring in children with urinary reflux is about four times higher than that in children without urinary reflux. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To determine the prevalence of Anaplasma marginale ( A. marginale ) and Anaplasma ovis from sheep and goat in different highland pasture in west of Iran. Methods From July 2015 to October 2015, 370 blood samples of sheep and goat were collected from different regions in Hamedan province, Iran. The DNA extracted from blood and subsequently, 16S rRNA and MSP4 genes were analyzed by nested-PCR, semi nested-PCR and RFLP methods. Results In the PCR assessment, overall 27.5% (102/370) of sheep and goat were positive for Anaplasma ovis and A. marginale infection, which was lower than reports from tropical and subtropical regions of Iran. Statistical analysis (the Chi -square test) did not show any significant relation between infection and variables such as location, tick infestation age and sex ( P > 0.05). No significant correlation between the altitude and the Anaplasma species infection was found (Mann–Whitney test: P > 0.05). However, Anaplasma infection in goat significantly is more than the sheep ( P = 0.008). Conclusions The ecological changes affect the frequency and distribution of Anaplasma species. Furthermore, our results indicate that sheep as potential reservoirs of A. marginale . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim: One group of patients who are at risk of pressure ulcer development is trauma patients. The present study aimed to examine trauma nurses’ knowledge about pressure ulcer prevention, classification and management. Methods: In a cross sectional exploratory study all qualified registered nurses working with trauma patients in the emergency department (ED) of Kashani and Bahonar hospitals, Iran were invited to participate. To assess the nurses’ knowledge about pressure ulcer prevention classification and management Pieper’s Pressure Ulcer Knowledge Test (PPUKT) was used. Results: Of 185 eligible nurses, 159 participated in the study (response rate of 86%). Of these, 80.5% (n =128) were women and 19.5% (n =31) were men. The mean years of nurses’ experience was 10.3±7.2years. The percentage of correctly answered questions was 64.6%. Nurses had the highest level of knowledge in the section about wound characteristics (77.3%) and the lowest level in the section about pressure ulcer onset (57%). Conclusion: This is the first study that specifically examines trauma nurses knowledge about pressure ulcer prevention, classification and management. According to the results, nurses did not have sufficient knowledge about pressure ulcer prevention, classification and management. There is a need to improve their knowledge with educational programs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background and study aims: Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and dyspepsia are common digestive disorders that inflict serious harm, burden and economic consequences on individuals worldwide. The aim of this study was to estimate the direct and indirect economic burden of GERD and dyspepsia in the whole population of Tehran, the capital of Iran. Patients and methods: The study was performed on a total of 18,180 adult subjects (age>18years) taken as a random sample in Tehran province, Iran (2006–2007). A valid and reliable questionnaire was used to enquire about the symptoms of GERD, dyspepsia and the frequency of the utilization of health services including physician visits, hospitalisations and productivity loss due to GERD/dyspepsia symptoms in the preceding 6months. Results: GERD was found in 518 (41.9% males) patients and dyspepsia in 404 patients (38.9% males). Further 1007 subjects had both GERD and dyspepsia. The total direct costs of disease per patient for GERD, dyspepsia and their overlap were PPP$97.70, PPP$108.10 and PPP$101.30, respectively (PPP, purchasing power parity dollars). The total indirect cost of disease per patient was PPP$13.7, PPP$12.1 and PPP$32.7, for GERD, dyspepsia and their overlap, respectively. Conclusion: According to our results, hospitalisation and physician visits were the main cost of disease that could be minimised by revision of the insurance business in Iran. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper argues that Iran needs to base its national information and communication technology strategy on a much greater consideration of local cultural and social issues. The government has a major role to play if the country wants to stand in the information arena. It is believed that hard technological determinism can only be countered by very real and well thought out national strategies. The national IT strategy will need to address the issues of resistance to change due to cultural, personal and infrastructural factors. These are viewed as culturally sensitive and will need to be constructed as evolving, and learning system. It is important for every developing country to have a national IT strategy as a foundation whereby the great potential of IT can be realized, promote development, exploit technology and alleviate communication problems. The government must play an important role, not only as a major user, but also through its other role as regulator, promoter and diffuser. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background and study aims: The aim of this study is to present the mortality trends of oesophageal cancer (EC) in the Iranian population, to provide updated information regarding time trends for this cancer. Patients and methods: We analysed the national death statistics reported by the Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education from 1995 to 2004. EC [International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9); C15] were expressed as the annual mortality rates/100000, overall, by sex and by age group (<15, 15–49 and ⩾50years of age) and age standardised rate (ASR). Results: The age standardised mortality rate of EC increased dramatically during the study period. EC mortality was higher for males and the mortality rate also increased with age. Conclusion: This study provides a comprehensive projection for the burden of death due to EC, indicating that the trend of EC mortality dramatically increased in the recent decade. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To evaluate the entomological impact of chlorpyrifos-methyl, Bacillus thuringiensis, and Gambusia affinis on mosquitoes control in artificial breeding places. Methods: A Latin square design with 4 replicates was performed in order to evaluate the efficacy of chlorpyrifosmethyl, Bacillus thuringiensis, and Gambusia affinis on larva. The larvicide was applied at the dosage of 100 mg a.h/ha, Bacillus thuringiensis at the recommended dosage and 10 fishes per m2 were applied at 1×1 m2 artificial breeding sites. The larval densities for both anopheline and culicine were counted according to larvae /10 dippers prior and 24 h after application. Results: All three control agents are effective for mosquito density reduction, and the difference between the three agents and the control is significant (P<0.05). There is also significant difference among chlorpyrifos-methyl, Bacillus thuringiensis and Gambusia affinis. Bacillus thuringiensis exhibited more reduction on mosquito larval density than fish and larvicide (P<0.05). Conclusions: Bacillus thuringiensis in comparison with two other agents is the appropriate method for larviciding in the breeding places. Although long term assessing for biological activities as well as monitoring and mapping of resistance is required. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]